Inspired by White Lotus and Seychelles: The colorful home of dog Trainer and broker

The integration of pet-friendly amenities into high-end custom home design is a growing trend, reflecting a change in how pets are perceived, from mere animals to cherished family members. This shift is driving demand for luxury residences that seamlessly blend pet life with daily living, focusing on both style and functionality. Gina Borge, senior interior designer at Blue Heron Design/Build, estimates that approximately 80 percent of her clients seek pet amenities, with almost every home incorporating some form of pet-centric comfort. This highlights a significant market for specialized pet features in luxury real estate. Custom pet washing stations are a prime example of this trend. Blue Heron Design/Build is a leader in this area, designing pet spaces often located in laundry rooms or dedicated pet rooms. These stations are equipped with high-end, durable materials like ceramic or porcelain tiles for a clean aesthetic, and feature high-quality handheld faucets for convenient bathing. Beyond grooming, Borge notes that dedicated pet rooms often include mini kitchens with microwaves, refrigerator drawers, pot fillers with purified water, and built-in doggie bowls. These rooms are also frequently connected to outdoor dog runs or parks, providing pets with both indoor and outdoor access. Built-in pet beds are another popular amenity, carefully designed to blend seamlessly with the home's overall decor. These beds are typically found in primary suites or laundry rooms, with fabric selections chosen to harmonize with the existing aesthetics. One homeowner, Jack Meyer, integrated these trends into his custom estate in the Ascaya community, dedicating an entire room to his Maltese, Yori. This space features a pot filler for easy water access, a washing station with towel hooks, and custom storage for food and toys, underscoring the idea of pets as integral family members. Wellness amenities are also being extended to pets. Borge has observed clients incorporating their pets into wellness rooms, such as one instance where a dog used a red-light therapy device alongside its owners, after ensuring its safety. This indicates a desire for pets to share in the health and well-being practices of their human companions. Safety and security are paramount for luxury pet owners, leading to the adoption of high-tech monitoring systems. These include high-definition cameras and smart pet-safe doors, some of which activate with a dog's collar, allowing access to outdoor pet parks and runs. In areas surrounded by wildlife, such as those near Bureau of Land Management land, protective measures like enclosed areas with netted tops are being implemented to safeguard pets from predators like coyotes and bobcats. Amenities for felines are also gaining traction, moving beyond basic scratching posts to more elaborate and creative designs. Borge detailed two unique cat amenities: one featured an expansive catwalk starting in the laundry room, leading to an upper-level walkway and an outdoor enclosed sanctuary with climbing trees and toys. Another home included an interior glass-enclosed courtyard with a skylight, serving as an indoor playhouse for cats and their feline visitors. The demand for custom spaces extends to exotic animals as well, with one estate under construction featuring an oversized outdoor courtyard specifically designed for reptiles, complete with statues, waterfalls, and a mix of turf and pavers. This trend signifies a comprehensive approach to pet care and luxury living, where every animal, regardless of species, is catered to with bespoke amenities. #LuxuryHomeDesign #PetFriendlyAmenities #CustomHomes #InteriorDesign #PetCare #RealEstate #SmartHomeTech #WellnessTrends

This article explores a Washington, D.C., home designed by Zoe Feldman, which showcases a maximalist yet restrained approach to interior design. The residence, owned by a young, fashion-forward couple with an affinity for British style, particularly House of Hackney, challenges conventional design norms by seamlessly integrating bold patterns, vibrant colors, and diverse textures. Feldman emphasizes that despite the eclectic mix of elements, the home maintains a cohesive and surprisingly neutral feel. The dining room, for instance, features a large, square layout adorned with striped Farrow & Ball wallpaper. This bold pattern, rather than being overwhelming, is described as soothing. The space offers a view into a floral-covered foyer, which in turn leads to a chartreuse-colored living room where various animal prints are harmoniously incorporated. Feldman explains that the striped wallpaper in the dining room naturally complements the William Morris Pimpernel print found in the stairwell, with both areas utilizing tame color palettes that subtly prepare visitors for the vibrant chartreuse living room. A key design philosophy employed by Feldman is balancing quirky and traditional elements, ensuring that "everything can’t be the star." This approach is evident in the inclusion of a vintage landscape tapestry in one corner and a human hand-shaped catchall for keys, a signature touch in Feldman’s projects. She stresses the importance of natural relationships between design elements, rejecting the idea of simply throwing disparate items together. The leopard stair runner is highlighted as an example of a seemingly bold choice that functions as a neutral, according to Feldman, who believes animal prints are inherently neutral and can coexist in nearly any space. The living room further exemplifies this adventurous design, featuring nude sketches by a team designer, antique glass mirror panels, and a 1970s tiger-print daybed. The striking chartreuse walls and window trim, painted in a Benjamin Moore hue matched by Fine Paints of Europe’s Hollandlac finish, create the illusion of lacquer without the associated cost and labor. In contrast to the vibrant communal spaces, the kitchen acts as a palette cleanser with its gradient blue cabinetry. Feldman applied various shades of Farrow & Ball paint—Pale Powder for the walls, Light Blue for medium door fronts, and De Nimes for pantry cupboards—to create a calming, smudged effect. The Donatello marble countertops, integrated sink, and backsplash, with their subtle blue veining, enhance this optical illusion. The adjacent family room, described as the "heartbeat of the house," is designed for both the couple and their young children. A TV is concealed behind bifold cabinet doors, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Stone Blue to match the walls and baseboards, allowing for a versatile space that can be active during the day and serene at night. Feldman’s use of antique brass grilling to disguise lower cabinet panels, a technique often used for radiators and AC returns, adds a functional yet decorative touch. The primary bedroom features an upholstered bed frame that is complemented by speckled Matouk Margot print pillows and duvet, chosen to play up the pattern rather than mute it. Feldman argues that small-scale prints can complement larger ones in ways solids cannot. The children’s bedroom incorporates playful pink dinosaur wallpaper from House of Hackney, with the border painted in an icy blue-green, a tone present in the motif, to ensure a cohesive and impactful design. This careful consideration of trim, doors, and ceiling colors maximizes the effect of the wallpaper, avoiding a stark white that would feel out of place. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #MaximalistDesign #PatternMixing #ColorPalette #ZoeFeldmanDesign #WashingtonDCHome #TextileTrends #EclecticStyle

The "PETS & HUMAN - Positive House" project, designed by Studio ruizvelazquez, was completed in 2023 in Madrid, Spain. This architectural endeavor, featured in Casa Decor 2023, aimed to create a harmonious living space that caters to both human and animal residents, emphasizing biophilia and positive interaction between species. The design concept revolves around integrating nature and natural elements into the urban context, transforming a domestic interior into a vibrant ecosystem. The project is specifically a single-family home with a focus on organic and sustainable architecture, adopting a tiny-house approach. The core philosophy behind the "Positive House" is rooted in biophilic design, which seeks to connect occupants more closely with nature. This is achieved through a deliberate selection of natural materials, forms, and sensory experiences. The objective was to enhance the well-being of both humans and pets by fostering a calming, stimulating, and healthy environment. The design promotes a sense of peace and natural beauty, moving away from traditional static interior design towards a dynamic, evolving space that mirrors the outdoors. Sustainability is a key aspect of the project, with a strong emphasis on ecological responsibility. The house incorporates sustainable materials and construction techniques, contributing to a reduced environmental footprint. This aligns with the broader trend in architecture towards eco-conscious building and living. The tiny-house typology further supports this by optimizing space and resources, promoting a more minimalist and efficient lifestyle. The project utilized a range of manufacturers and materials to achieve its vision. Notable brands involved include Geberit, Saloni, ABB, Axor Design, BANG & OLUFSEN, Cement Design, Drypets, Ecoclay, Ecoplen, and Estufamania. These choices reflect a blend of functionality, aesthetics, and often, sustainability. The interior design, managed by Marta García Ríos, and technical engineering by Almudena de Toledo Congosto, under the leadership of Héctor Ruiz Velázquez, ensured that every detail contributed to the overall biophilic and pet-friendly design. The "Positive House" exemplifies an innovative approach to residential architecture, where the needs and sensory experiences of all inhabitants, including pets, are meticulously considered. It represents a forward-thinking model for urban living that prioritizes well-being, sustainability, and a deep connection with the natural world, even within a compact footprint. #BiophilicDesign #SustainableArchitecture #PetFriendlyDesign #TinyHouse #MadridArchitecture #ResidentialInteriors #OrganicArchitecture #StudioRuizvelazquez #CasaDecor

This article offers a glimpse into the home of Joa Studholme, the colour curator for Farrow & Ball, located in a 19th-century converted schoolhouse in Somerset. Studholme, responsible for many of Farrow & Ball's popular paint colours and their whimsical names, discusses how her home serves as both a personal canvas and an inspiration for new shades. The house, which she shares with her husband and their dog, Tufnell, features distinctive elements such as huge arched windows overlooking rolling hills. Studholme details the colour choices throughout her home, starting with the entrance hall painted in 'Bancha,' a Japanese green tea-inspired hue she created to extend the feeling of the garden indoors and evoke protection. Her journey with Farrow & Ball began in 1996, and she is slated to appear in a TV show about the company's 75-year history. The hall transitions into a library area with bookshelves painted in 'Railings' to create a cozy atmosphere, contrasting with the main living area's vaulted double-height ceilings, a former classroom, which is painted in 'School House White,' a soft white created by Studholme to harmonize with exposed limestone and reflect light. She explains her creative process for developing colours and names, noting that sometimes the colour comes first, as with 'Bancha,' and other times the name, like 'Stiffkey Blue,' inspired by childhood memories, or 'Cromarty,' derived from a shipping forecast. 'Nancy’s Blushes' was named after her daughter’s teething cheeks. The article highlights unique features of the schoolhouse, such as an elevated floor in the living area, originally designed to prevent children from looking out windows during lessons. Studholme and her husband frequently debate whether to lower this floor for more space, weighing it against losing the views. Practicality also influences her choices, as seen in the floor of the living area, which she painted in 'Mouse’s Back,' an earthy, forgiving shade chosen for its ability to merge with garden mud and create warmth. Studholme advocates for painting walls, ceilings, and woodwork in the same colour, arguing that white ceilings do not necessarily make spaces appear larger and that painting window frames the same colour as walls directs focus to the view rather than the frame. The sitting room features concealed up-lighting that highlights the rafters and Tom Dixon silver globes for a contemporary touch. The home's decor emphasizes sustainability, with furniture sourced from previous homes, family inheritances, antique fairs, and flea markets. Studholme describes her approach as 'not overthinking things.' The kitchen incorporates a 'Babouche' yellow accent around a window reveal, chosen simply for fun, and features colourful bistro chairs as recent additions. The interior of the floor-to-ceiling kitchen cupboards is adorned with Farrow & Ball wallpaper samples, a lockdown project she suggests for those hesitant to use bold colours. She also mentions 'Jitney,' a colour she created to mark the end of 'grey mania,' inspired by a bus from the TV show Gossip Girl. Studholme observes a growing preference for earthy colours due to increased connection with nature during lockdown. The article concludes with her clever decor tips, including painting a stained lampshade, using wallpaper samples in an apothecary cabinet, and creating an illusion of light in a narrow corridor with a two-tone paint scheme. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #FarrowAndBall #ColourCurator #ConvertedSchoolhouse #PaintChoices #SustainableDecor #HomeRenovation #JoaStudholme

Many dog owners face a common dilemma: how to integrate necessary pet products into their homes without compromising their existing interior design aesthetic. Traditional pet accessories, often characterized by bright colors, harsh materials, and clunky designs, can clash with a carefully curated living space. This article addresses this challenge by showcasing a selection of dog products that successfully blend fun and functionality with stylish design, allowing pet owners to maintain a cohesive and elegant home environment. The piece highlights several categories of dog essentials, demonstrating how each can be reimagined with a focus on sophisticated design. For instance, instead of standard wire crates, the article introduces a wooden crate from Fable that ingeniously doubles as a side table, offering both a functional space for a dog and a piece of furniture that complements the room's decor. Similarly, the concept of a dog bed is elevated beyond simple padding, with a Jenni Kayne option presented as a chic floor pillow, designed to blend seamlessly with other soft furnishings rather than stand out as a utilitarian item. Even everyday items like dog bowls are given a design-conscious update, exemplified by a muted ceramic bowl crafted by Brooklyn artisan Nicholas Newcomb, which transforms a practical necessity into an attractive ceramic piece. Beyond these larger items, the article also explores smaller accessories that adhere to the same principles of style and utility. It emphasizes that while these products are aesthetically pleasing, they do not compromise on their primary function or on providing enjoyment for pets. The inclusion of playful wool balls and various toys demonstrates that fun and engagement for dogs can be achieved with items that are also visually appealing. Additionally, the article suggests incorporating stylish storage solutions, such as an elegant jar for treats, ensuring that even the most routine aspects of pet care contribute to the home's overall design. The products featured in the article are curated to offer alternatives to typical pet supplies, catering to individuals who value both their dog's well-being and their home's appearance. The emphasis is on items that are well-designed, durable, and integrate harmoniously into an interior design scheme, moving away from the notion that pet products must be visually disruptive. By choosing these types of products, pet owners can celebrate their furry companions without sacrificing their personal style or the aesthetic integrity of their living spaces. This approach to pet product selection allows for a balanced lifestyle where pets and sophisticated home design coexist gracefully. #DogProducts #HomeDecor #PetAccessories #InteriorDesign #StylishPets #FunctionalDesign #PetFriendlyHome #LuxuryPetSupplies #ModernPetGear

The world is home to an incredible array of diverse buildings, with some standing out for their vibrant hues. This article explores 38 of the most colourful homes across the globe, showcasing how cultural, architectural, and social circumstances contribute to their striking appearances. From candy-striped huts in Portugal to hillside neighbourhoods in Mexico transformed with murals, these properties demonstrate that personality can be expressed boldly on the exterior of a home, not just within its interiors. Key examples include Zhengbin Fishing Port in Keelung, Taiwan, where 16 vibrantly-hued houses line the river bank, and Rainbow Row in Oklahoma City, USA, featuring six three-storey, candy-coloured homes designed by architect Sam Day. Indonesia's Kalisari Rainbow Village, or Kampung Pelangi, received a government-funded glow-up in 2017 to attract tourists, transforming buildings and bridges into multi-coloured murals. In New York, USA, artist Katwise and her partner transformed a rundown farm into a psychedelic wonderland with every colour imaginable, funding their renovations by making patchwork coats from old sweaters. The Bo-Kaap neighbourhood in Cape Town, South Africa, is known for its brightly painted houses, a tradition that began when freed enslaved people painted their homes in celebration after being allowed to purchase them. Jodhpur, India, is nicknamed the 'Blue City' due to its many blue homes, a colour believed to help keep interiors cool and deter termites. Italy’s Cinque Terre region features vividly decorated houses cascading down steep hillsides, where fishermen reportedly painted their homes in bright tones to spot them from sea. Las Palmitas in Pachuca, Mexico, saw a community project by the 'German Crew' transform a downtrodden area into a living art mural with rainbow-hued homes. Yves Saint Laurent’s Villa Oasis in Marrakesh, Morocco, is a vivid celebration of colour, Art Deco, and Moorish design. Poznań, Poland’s Old Market Square boasts Renaissance-style merchant houses, each unique with mismatched colours and patterns, rebuilt after World War II. Venezuela features old, traditional houses resembling abstract paintings, with strong colour pairings and bold lines. In Pattaya, Thailand, the Xanadu Beach Resort showcases elaborately painted accommodations. Burano, Italy, one of Venice's islands, is known for its rainbow-painted homes, a tradition thought to help fishermen locate their houses in the fog. Valparaíso, Chile, has houses painted with leftover ship paints, creating a vibrant, colourful town. Vienna, Austria, features the Hundertwasserhaus, an unusual apartment building designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, with an art-like quality and colourful exterior. Portland, Oregon’s Nob Hill neighbourhood is filled with historic Victorian and Craftsman homes painted in pretty hues. Singapore's Little India district is home to many bold structures, including a multicoloured, century-old Chinese villa. Ilulissat, Greenland, features brightly painted buildings where colours historically indicated function, and now serve as decoration. Guatapé, Colombia, is dubbed the world's most colourful town, with everything from doorways to balconies painted in eye-catching colours. London’s Primrose Hill and Notting Hill boast pastel-hued and brightly coloured terraced houses, respectively, with trends starting in the 1960s. Muizenberg, South Africa, has colourful bathing boxes along its beach. Caminito in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a street museum revitalized by artist Benito Quinquela Martín, featuring brightly hued houses. Varanasi, India, has chaotically structured, radiant houses on the Ganges, with colours reflecting Hindu symbolism. Tenerife, Spain, shows coastal houses painted in bold colours, likely to help fishermen see them from afar. Bristol, UK, is known for its vibrant buildings, with theories ranging from sailors' navigation aids to a mayor's influence. Innsbruck, Austria, features buildings painted in every imaginable shade against its mountain scenery. Stockholm, Sweden’s Stortorget public square showcases Renaissance-style buildings with uniquely painted façades. Getsemani in Cartagena, Colombia, highlights colourful colonial homes, reflecting its diverse cultural history. Diessenhofen, Switzerland, has adorable painted houses in its main street, thought to welcome visitors. Stykkisholmur, Iceland, and St. John's, Canada, feature unique, bright structures, with traditions rooted in individual expression and making homes visible in fog, respectively. Lüderitz, Namibia, displays colourful Art Nouveau buildings in a Bavarian style, a relic of its German colonial past. Finally, Istanbul, Turkey’s Balat district is recognized for its vibrant, historic wooden homes, and Costa Nova, Portugal, is famous for its candy-striped huts, originally built to shelter fishermen and later painted to attract tourists. #ColorfulHomes #Architecture #GlobalDesign #HomeExterior #TravelInspiration #CulturalHeritage #UrbanArt #VibrantCities #CoastalHomes

Celeste Jones, owner of Oditto Gallery and an interior designer, discusses her journey into entrepreneurship, driven by a belief in autonomy and the rewards of passion-driven work. She emphasizes that when one invests heart and soul into their passions, work ceases to feel like a chore, and success naturally follows. This philosophy underpins her business ventures, where she combines her love for art and design with her professional life. Oditto Gallery offers a unique and accessible experience for art enthusiasts worldwide. The gallery can be explored virtually through a metaverse platform, an online gallery, or via Zoom for private viewings in a client's residence. Additionally, a physical location is available in Palm Beach, Florida. Oditto, in conjunction with Celeste Jones Interiors, provides comprehensive art and interior design services, including the creation of virtual renditions to help clients visualize how art pieces will look within their specific spaces. This innovative approach integrates technology to enhance the client experience and broaden the gallery's reach. For a hypothetical week-long visit to the area with a best friend, Celeste outlines an itinerary focused on luxury and local culture. The day would start with a boat trip on the intercoastal waters, followed by oceanfront golf. Dinner options include Imoto or Buccan, leading to an evening at HMF at The Breakers and dancing at Cucina. The following day would involve cultural exploration, starting with the historic Flagler Museum, a stroll along Worth Avenue, and a visit to The Royal Poinciana, with a stop at San Ambrose. A classic breakfast at Green's Pharmacy would complete the experience, showcasing a blend of leisure, fine dining, and cultural landmarks. Celeste Jones is also deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly with Big Dog Ranch Rescue. This organization holds a significant place in her heart due to her strong affection for animals. She actively uses her platform and gallery events to raise funds and awareness for the rescue, which is recognized as the largest no-kill facility in the country. Her involvement aims to promote animal kindness and foster a more compassionate society, spreading Big Dog Ranch Rescue's message across her social media platforms and YouTube channel. #CelesteJones #OdittoGallery #InteriorDesign #Entrepreneurship #ArtGallery #VirtualReality #PalmBeach #BigDogRanchRescue

This article showcases a collection of luxurious equestrian estates from around the world, highlighting properties that offer both high-end residential living and extensive facilities for horses and outdoor activities. Each featured estate presents a unique blend of architectural styles, natural settings, and equestrian amenities, appealing to horse enthusiasts and those seeking a grand outdoor lifestyle. The tour begins with Hana Ranch in Hawaii, USA, a 3,547-acre property on Maui known for its panoramic ocean and mountain views. This ranch features an 1,800-square-foot ranch house, numerous farm buildings, 1,000 acres of forest, rotational grazing fields, and tropical orchards. Equestrian facilities include a rodeo arena, a stable block, and miles of riding trails, alongside an active calf operation. Next, a sprawling country house in Kent, UK, spanning 15 acres, offers a charming traditional residence behind electric gates. The 4,213-square-foot house includes an open-plan family room, five bedrooms, and farmhouse-style interiors. Its grounds feature seven paddocks with shelters, mature woodlands, and three stable blocks, one with a groom's residence, a small horse arena, and extensive trails. In Wellington, Florida, USA, a tailor-made farm designed for horse enthusiasts sits on nearly six acres. A modern, ranch-style home provides 3,639 square feet of interior space with four bedrooms, contemporary amenities, and a guest house. The equestrian facilities are state-of-the-art, including a barn with 24 padded stalls, a vet stall, two tack rooms, an office, laundry facilities, a medical room, a large covered arena, and 11 paddocks. Perl-Borg, Germany, is home to Gestüt Peterhof, a prestigious 74-acre estate and world-renowned dressage stable. Valued at €65 million, it features Olympic-standard dressage and indoor arenas, a lunging ring, all-weather gallops, and an equine wellness center with an aqua-trainer and infrared heat cabin. The Baroque-inspired main residence, seven guest houses, and a two-story clubhouse with an 80-seat restaurant cater to human comfort. A modern farmhouse estate in Milton, Georgia, USA, built in 2023, showcases 8,947 square feet of exquisite interior space with dramatic floating staircases, a huge kitchen, six bedrooms, and an infinity-edge pool. Its expansive grounds include a barn-like stable block with a soaring cathedral ceiling, an outdoor arena, tack room, and fenced pastures. Briallyn Estate in Queensland, Australia, a 190-acre rural property, combines natural beauty with timeless craftsmanship. It features a main house built with Gympie limestone, chapel-like ceilings, and a rustic gatekeeper's cottage. The estate includes eight dams, 13 fenced paddocks for cattle, a stable, tack room, foaling pen, sick bay, wash bay, and exercise arena. Red Fox Stables in Schoharie, New York, USA, covers 106 acres, offering a four-bedroom stone house, a two-bedroom apartment, an indoor pool, spa, games room, and movie theatre. Equestrian amenities comprise indoor and outdoor arenas, a 14-stall barn, heated tack rooms, six fenced pastures, and scenic riding trails. Rancho el Arco Valle de Bravo, Mexico, is a 65-acre rural property on Lake Avándaro, featuring rivers, lakes, forests, and waterfalls. The Tuscan-inspired main house has rustic stonework, natural wood floors, and seven bedrooms. The ranch also boasts a 'Palapa' social area, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, soccer field, paddle court, a nine-hole golf green, two paddocks, a riding arena, and stables for 10 horses. Finally, Gisele Bündchen’s 7.5-acre equestrian property in Southwest Ranches, Florida, USA, purchased for $9.1 million, includes a 5,200-square-foot modern home with nine bedrooms, a floating glass staircase, and a gourmet kitchen. The magical grounds feature soccer facilities, tennis courts, an infinity pool, outdoor kitchen, a 10-stall horse barn, a dressage arena, and extensive paddocks. Ardbraccan House in County Meath, Ireland, is a 250-acre stately home with an 18th-century Georgian mansion spanning 23,142 square feet. It includes a four-bedroom guest wing, a two-bedroom staff apartment, and four guest lodges, all featuring perfectly preserved original details. The grounds contain pleasure grounds, landscaped gardens, rolling pastures, and a historic renovated stable block, coach house, and stud farm. The article concludes with an equestrian paradise in Waikato, New Zealand, a 32-acre compound. It features a meticulously restored 1,959-square-foot villa with four bedrooms and 360-degree views. The estate's world-class equestrian facilities include a stable block with seven boxes, a wash-down area, a tack room, a large sand arena, a round pen, and 33 fenced paddocks. These properties represent the pinnacle of equestrian living, combining luxurious residences with comprehensive facilities designed for the care, training, and enjoyment of horses, set against stunning natural backdrops worldwide. #EquestrianProperties #LuxuryHomes #HorseRiding #CountryEstates #GlobalRealEstate #OutdoorLiving #FarmLife #ArchitecturalDesign

Lizzie Fortunato, a jewelry designer, and her husband, Peter Asbill, endured a year-long wait to finalize the purchase of their 1924 shingled home in Bellport, New York. Despite the delay and other properties appearing on the market, the couple remained committed to this particular house, which is located just 55 miles from their Brooklyn apartment and offers a manifestation of their desired lifestyle. The home's potential for transformation, unlike their city rental, was a significant draw. Upon acquiring the property, Fortunato collaborated with her childhood friend, Kate Towill of Basic Projects, on renovations. Key changes included converting the kitchen into a mudroom and a porch into the primary bedroom. The most substantial alteration involved removing a wall to create an open-concept first floor, a process that necessitated adding a structural header. This renovation aimed to create a more fluid and interconnected living space. The decorating process was deliberate and personal, avoiding big-box stores in favor of unique, meaningful pieces. For instance, Fortunato sought a vintage draper's table at counter height to serve as a kitchen island. After an extensive search, she discovered an 1800s-era French model on Jayson Home. Its delivery during COVID-19 required coordination with her contractor to move it from the lawn into the house. This island has since become a central gathering spot for the family, including their toddler daughter. Another custom piece is the patchwork chair and ottoman in the sitting room, designed by Studio Sam Klemick. This involved a 10-month collaboration, featuring vintage kantha cloth sourced by Fortunato during a trip to India. The floral chandelier in the dining room was an Etsy find, though its delivery was delayed due to pandemic-related shipping restrictions, arriving only after most of the house was decorated. Some design elements were immediate additions, such as the Alexander Calder bicentennial tapestry, inherited from Fortunato's maternal grandparents. This piece, previously stored in their Brooklyn home, was among the first items hung and influenced the selection of red and blue textiles throughout the house, creating an Americana aesthetic without being overtly patriotic. The style aims for a beachy feel while avoiding common coastal clichés. Fortunato made some spontaneous design decisions, like installing Moroccan tiles in the primary bathroom backsplash, originally intended for a future pool. The vanity cabinet in the bathroom was repurposed from a removed kitchen cabinet. Upstairs, the three bedrooms were furnished with family hand-me-downs, and Etsy headboards were primed and painted to add character. The focus was on creating inviting gathering spaces, reflecting the home's role as a social hub for family and friends. Despite its smaller size compared to properties owned by nearby relatives, Fortunato's home is frequently the preferred spot for gatherings, a testament to its carefully curated and welcoming atmosphere. #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #Renovation #VintageDecor #CustomFurniture #BellportNY #LizzieFortunato #DesignInspiration

The article delves into the unique and eclectic home of Giorgio Taroni, a 77-year-old collector and chatelain, located in a 9,000-square-foot lakeside villa overlooking Lake Como, Italy. Built in the early 1900s by his grandfather, silk industrialist Ettore Taroni, the eight-bedroom, three-story house is designed to maximize views, featuring a buff-colored brick exterior and a gray stone tile roof, surrounded by a half-acre of gardens. Inside, the villa is described as a private museum, meticulously organized and filled with Giorgio Taroni's vast collections, spanning entomology, textile design, illustration, rationalist art, ancient coins, and local history. The narrative also incorporates the perspective of Giorgio's son, Guido Taroni, 35, a photographer residing in Milan. Guido recounts his childhood, spent commuting between his parents' distinct homes. His mother, Anna Gastel, 70, a descendant of two prominent Italian families (Visconti di Modrone and Erba), lived across the lake in a converted 12th-century Benedictine convent, a 40-room yellow stucco villa with Empire-style trompe l'oeil frescoes. Guido describes an idyllic childhood, often navigating Lake Como by ferry, which his parents allowed him to steer, transporting himself, his sister, and cousins between the two residences. The article highlights Giorgio Taroni's past as the chief designer of Taroni Disegni, a firm producing extravagantly patterned silks for fashion brands like Versace and Valentino. His passion for collecting led to nearly every surface of his home being adorned with his possessions. The entry hall features porcelain parrots and ceramic animals, while a two-story salon, once repainted yearly in vivid hues, now showcases over 300 oil paintings of the Como environs against Ferrari red walls with saffron trim. The furniture is upholstered in fabrics from Taroni Disegni's archives, and the floor is a mosaic of multihued cotto lombardo shards. A smaller ground-floor salon, painted peacock blue, displays canvases by abstractionist Manlio Rho, and the dining room walls are covered with drawings of vintage French seed packets. The garden house, formerly the textile design team's workspace, has been converted into a climate-controlled library, housing thousands of first-edition design books, silk-screens, and original fabric paintings. This library also contains an 18th-century series of watercolors used as tapestry patterns by Aubusson weavers, a collection rare enough to be compared to those in the Victoria and Albert Museum. The second floor of the villa is where Taroni's entomological collection reaches its peak: over 30,000 stag beetles, ranging in size and iridescent colors, meticulously mounted and hand-labeled, are stored in custom-made wooden flat files. Alongside these are pre-Napoleonic coins and various ephemera, including 19th and early 20th-century advertising, vintage postcards, and nearly 20,000 paper cigar bands. Guido Taroni, inspired by his father's collecting habits, has cultivated his own collections in his Milan apartment, including vintage ceramic jars by Piero Fornasetti, ceramic dishware designed by Gio Ponti, and framed photographs of couture gowns from his maternal great-grandmother's trunk. He is also undertaking the revival of Gi.Vi.Emme, a historical fragrance brand founded by his great-grandfather, actively collecting vintage perfume bottles, gift boxes, and advertisements for the line. This endeavor mirrors his father's meticulous collecting, demonstrating a generational continuation of an deep appreciation for history and design. #ItalianVilla #LakeComo #EclecticDecor #ArtCollection #EntomologyCollection #TextileDesign #FamilyLegacy #HistoricHomes #InteriorDesign #Collecting

The Yehs, a couple with backgrounds in graphic design and fashion, collaborated with Taipei-based KC Design Studio to create a unique three-story seaside holiday home in Miaoli County, Taiwan. This 1,550-square-foot residence deviates from their previous eclectic city apartment design, focusing instead on two primary themes: a dominant pink color palette, reflecting Ms. Yeh’s favorite color, and an interior specifically designed to be feline-friendly for their three cats. The design process involved using pink mineral paint for walls and ceilings to establish a pure pink base, complemented by natural-colored materials to achieve a mixed style. The ground floor of the home, dubbed ‘Cats’ Pink House,’ is configured for entertaining, featuring an open-plan layout that integrates the dining area, living room, and kitchen. A powder room is discreetly placed to the side. This space is characterized by warm timber surfaces, a variety of textures, materials, and shapes, all accented with shades of pink. Ascending to the first floor, pink takes center stage, housing the master bedroom, master bath, and a versatile work and play area specifically designed for the cats. This ‘cats’ room’ incorporates feline-friendly features such as cat stairs and furry cat beds. The designers meticulously considered details for the cats' comfort and engagement, including a desk with integrated stairs for climbing, and custom-made staircases positioned to offer the cats outdoor views. Scratch-proof wooden flooring and pink Pandomo surfaces contribute to the warmth of the ‘cats’ room’ while also offering practical benefits. The wall coating in this area is designed to absorb odors and regulate humidity. Smart glass panels separate the cats’ room from the master bedroom, allowing for adjustable opacity. The top floor features a multipurpose room that opens onto an outdoor terrace, providing views of wind turbines. In contrast to the predominantly pink lower floors, this space adopts a more subdued, masculine aesthetic with gray Pandomo walls and black steel shelves. The design in this area also focuses on preserving the natural textures of iron, cement, and wood to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. A small bathroom on this floor, lined with pink tiles, visually links it to the rest of the home’s color scheme. The leftover outdoor space on this level has been creatively transformed into a mini basketball court for Mr. Yeh, incorporating geometric patterns and saturated color blocks that echo the interior design themes. Throughout the project, KC Design Studio aimed to strike a balance between an expressive, playful design and maintaining a sense of purity and style. The use of geometric elements and pink shades forms the core aesthetic, while other materials and thoughtful details contribute to a harmonious and functional living space for both the human residents and their feline companions. #PinkInteriors #CatFriendlyDesign #TaiwaneseArchitecture #HolidayHome #ModernDesign #SeasideLiving #FelineFurniture #KCDesignStudio #CustomHome

This article offers a detailed tour of Blue Stallion Farm, the South Florida home of Gany and Jimmie Lalo, CEO of Invicta Watch Group. Situated on 10 acres at the eastern edge of the Everglades, the property serves as both a vibrant family residence for their four children and a sprawling habitat for their extensive animal collection, which includes eight horses and over 80 chickens, totaling 95 animals. The design philosophy of the home emphasizes warmth, incorporating thoughtful pops of color and casual natural textures throughout its various spaces. The couple transitioned from a beachside home to this farm over a decade ago, seeking a wide-open environment for their family and animals. The tour begins with the porch, which has been transformed from a red hue to an airy setting, adorned with both fresh and artificial floral arrangements, such as ranunculus and aster blooms in a green watering can, and an embroidered tablecloth from Israel. The kitchen is designed to counteract its darker elements—wood cabinetry, terra-cotta tiles, and a concrete sink—with retro-inspired Jadite green appliances, including a refrigerator and dishwasher. Additional colorful accents in the kitchen include cobalt blue shelf brackets, a vintage red ruler stool, and fresh produce from the garden. In the living room, despite the necessity of tile floors due to South Florida's heat, Gany layers various colorful rugs, including Kilim, Oushak, rag, and dhurrie styles. One notable rug features navy, pink, yellow, and coral, with its colors mirrored in the decorative items like vases, bowls, typewriters, and luggage displayed on open shelving. The bedroom features an Indonesian bed made more cheerful by a vintage Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt. Gany, an avid collector, has amassed a vast collection of bed coverings, including suzanis, kanthas, caftans, crochets, patchworks, and chenilles. The barn, a central element of the farm, showcases a vibrant green trim both indoors and out, inspired by Gany Lalo’s travels to Mykonos, Greece. Inside the barn, a beer garden set with a bright orange repainted tabletop provides a fun and casual dining area, capable of folding flat for storage. The barn patio features lively seating with furniture upholstered in peppy fabrics, a tropical-patterned chair, a leather sofa transformed with paint, striped pillows, and an indigo rag rug. The chicken coops, affectionately termed "chicken condos," resemble guest cottages and provide ample space for the numerous chickens. The property also boasts a garden with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, kale, and broccoli, flowering blue potato bushes, and banyan trees, offering shade and contributing to the farm's lively atmosphere. Gany expresses her contentment with the farm, viewing it as a playground where she can embrace a more natural, barefoot lifestyle despite her executive role. #HomeTour #FarmhouseDesign #ColorfulInteriors #EquestrianLifestyle #FloridaHome #CountryLiving #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #AnimalFarm

Designer Ashley Hanley undertook the renovation of a 1939 Richmond Colonial Revival home, aiming to create an environment that evokes the feeling of a boutique hotel for guests, complemented by thoughtful touches and amenities. The client had considered this project prior to COVID-19, but the pandemic underscored the necessity for additional living space. Hanley ensured the new areas served as a true extension of the home, featuring vibrant colors and an outdoor living space. The design heavily incorporates color and pattern to reflect the client's energetic personality, alongside dog-friendly textiles and furnishings for her dog, Mimi, including an indoor/outdoor rug from Dash & Albert. The living room, the first space seen upon entering, subtly introduces the home's color palette. Although the homeowner had existing large furniture, Hanley enhanced the room with new fabrics for pillows, window treatments, and accent seating to achieve a cohesive look. She also introduced new lighting, a lighter wall color, and a collection of new artwork. Key elements in the living room include a Worlds Away ceiling light, artwork from Liza Pruitt, walls painted in Farrow & Ball's Wimborne White, GP&J Baker and Schumacher sofa pillows, and a Dash & Albert rug. Since the home lacks a formal dining room, the breakfast room was designed to function both as a casual everyday space and an inviting area for entertaining. This was achieved with floral window treatments and a matching tablecloth in Schumacher’s Pomegranate Botanical fabric, paired with white bamboo-inspired chairs from Williams Sonoma Home. Notable features include a Visual Comfort light fixture, Ballard Designs lampshades, Perennials Fabrics’ Jake Stripe for chair fabric, and York Wallcoverings wallpaper. The home office became an essential space during the pandemic, requiring more functionality for the homeowner, who previously traveled frequently. Hanley designed a custom desk with built-in shelves and a window seat that cleverly conceals a printer and file storage. To visually expand the room, she painted the existing slate floors white and coated the walls, built-in shelves, trim, and ceiling in Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground. The valance features Sister Parish’s Mayfields Fabric in Pink Stripe, and the cushion is made from Fabricut’s Soft Spot. The home features two guest bedrooms, designed to provide a boutique hotel experience. The first guest bedroom, the smallest in the house, presented a challenge in fitting a full-size bed for two guests. Hanley concealed an old door leading to the primary closet to accommodate the bed. A highlight of this room is the floral wallpaper from York Wallcoverings, complemented by a custom Kravet headboard and Biscuit Home bedding. The ceiling is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Rose Rococo, and draperies are from Schumacher’s Zanzibar Trellis Matte. The second guest bedroom serves as an eclectic retreat for the dog sitter and Mimi. Hanley prioritized durability and style, using an indoor/outdoor rug from Dash & Albert (Samson), a velvet-covered bench with Crypton fabric, and budget-friendly bedding from Pottery Barn Teen. Draperies feature Schumacher’s Salisbury Chintz, wallpaper is York Wallcoverings’ Garden Lattice, and the bed was customized with O’verlays finials and fretwork. The ceiling is painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Window Pane, contributing to the room's distinct character. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecoration #BoutiqueHotelVibes #RichmondHome #AshleyHanley #ColorAndPattern #DogFriendlyDesign #WorkFromHomeSpace #GuestRooms

This article highlights the design philosophy and personal home of Katie Kath, an interior designer and partner at Jkath Design Build + Reinvent. Kath embarked on building her dream home with her husband, Jesse, on a double-wide lot along Minnehaha Creek, aiming to create a space that prioritizes timeless interiors, exceptional quality, and impeccable craftsmanship, moving away from a standard builder-grade aesthetic. The vision for their 4,000-square-foot home was to incorporate customized features tailored to their family of five, ensuring every detail was intentional and thoughtfully chosen. The construction of the home, which commenced during the pandemic, was completed in a swift eight months. Despite the rapid timeline, design decisions were meticulously made, with Katie acting as both the manager and client. This dual role necessitated careful attention to both major and minor details to ensure the home's enduring appeal. Key design elements on the main floor include reclaimed wood beams from Manomin Resawn Timbers and alder accents in the cabinetry, island, and built-in banquette, which together create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cast stone fireplace surround, matching the kitchen cabinetry, serves as a contemporary focal point in the living room, with white oak flooring extending up to its base for a seamless look. The home's modern design is enhanced by black-frame windows, which are balanced with gold tones to maintain a comfortable and clean feel. The baseboards and millwork are intentionally taller than standard, adding a traditional touch. Unlacquered brass cabinet hardware from Armac Martin in London provides a desired contrast in the kitchen. Beyond the physical design, the article emphasizes that the true essence of Kath's home lies in the traditions she shares with her family, especially during the holiday season. These traditions transform the house into a cozy, safe, warm, and inviting home, fulfilling her original vision of a timeless, traditional abode with festive flair. Kath also shares practical tips for incorporating seasonal spirit into home decor without overwhelming the space or compromising on timelessness. She advises decorating for the season rather than specific holidays to allow decor to remain relevant for longer periods. Sticking to neutral earth tones for the main color scheme, with bright accents, is another recommendation. Kath suggests focusing decorating efforts on main entertaining areas, like the ground floor, and involving family in the decorating process to make it an enjoyable event. Finally, she advocates for investing in high-quality, reusable decor pieces, such as garland, and taking advantage of end-of-season sales to build a collection of timeless decorations that can be cherished year after year. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #TimelessInteriors #HolidayDecor #CustomHome #JkathDesignBuild #Renovation #FamilyHome #SeasonalDecor

This article details the transformation of a 5,000-square-foot new-build house in southwest London, where interior designers James Arkoulis and Saskia Howard of Howark Design created a vibrant and family-friendly home. The homeowners, particularly their three children aged 7 to 11, drew inspiration from the whimsical interior of the kids' film Paddington Bear. This unconventional reference led to a design ethos focused on fun, color, and practicality for an active family life, moving away from the previous developer-grade finishes like glossy gray kitchen units and marble floors. The design process involved a deliberate shift towards a more colorful and energetic aesthetic. The designers had to navigate the homeowners' desire for brightness, sometimes even pushing for bolder hues than initially suggested. A key element was the extensive use of color, exemplified by the kitchen's bright yellow cabinets, painted with Farrow & Ball’s Babouche. This choice, while requiring convincing, ultimately achieved the desired warm and balanced effect. The kitchen, a large 30-foot space, was ingeniously divided into three distinct zones—an island, a dining setup, and a lounge area—using a bespoke glazed partition and strategic furniture placement, preventing it from feeling overly long and ensuring each section served a real purpose. Storage was a high priority and a significant investment. Bespoke solutions were implemented throughout the house, including a large media unit and library shelves in the basement playroom. This area, spanning the entire footprint beneath the kitchen, was designed with bold colors for the media unit to house board games and art supplies, while a ladder rail provided access to an expanding book collection. The designers also made clever cost-saving decisions, such as retaining the existing wardrobe boxes and updating them with new fronts to create a uniform, custom look. Artisan craftsmanship was incorporated, particularly in the principal en suite, where space was reallocated to expand the dressing room. This expansion included a unique upholstered niche for the children to relax in while their mother prepared. Hepzabeth from the Textile Wall Company created this cozy space, fully upholstered with batons for a soft and enveloping feel. Other impactful, albeit smaller, details included replacing harsh chrome hardware with antique brass in the bathrooms to align with the house’s classical proportions and swapping recessed lighting for softer wall sconces and flush mounts. Several design decisions, like the boldly colored stair runner spanning four levels, were considered risks at the time but ultimately contributed to the home's distinctive character. The project showcases how a creative and playful inspiration, combined with thoughtful design and material choices, can transform a standard new-build into a personalized, functional, and joyful living space tailored to a family's unique dynamics and aesthetic preferences. #HomeTour #LondonHome #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #FamilyHome #KidsInspiredDesign #BespokeFurniture #KitchenDesign #PlayroomDesign #StorageSolutions #TextileWall #Renovation

Actress and farmer Isabella Rossellini, in collaboration with architect Pietro Cicognani, has transformed a dilapidated 1830s barn in Bellport, Long Island, into a highly original rural home that defies conventional design norms. Rossellini's home is one of 18 projects featured in Cicognani's new book, 'Pietro Cicognani Architecture and Design,' highlighting their unique and playful approach to architecture and interior design. The property, originally a series of three barns, centers around a grassy 'piazza,' a feature designed by Cicognani that evokes an Italian feel while also reminding Rossellini of her Swedish heritage due to the buildings' red color. This unconventional layout was born from Rossellini's desire for a home that prioritized space and lifestyle over traditional room allocations, drawing inspiration from her previous experience living in a loft. The collaboration between Rossellini and Cicognani is characterized by their shared willingness to make daring and creative choices, moving away from rigid architectural conventions. The interior of the barn reflects Rossellini's eclectic personality and passion for the animal kingdom and circus themes. The expansive 35-foot-long barn's lower floor functions as a living area, filled with a quixotic collection of art and curios. Among family photographs and film stills, items such as a large banner depicting a snake charmer and a rearing horse from a movie set serve as focal points. The floor in this area is innovatively painted plywood, designed to mimic a rug, further illustrating the home's playful and original aesthetic. A low wooden shelving unit informally displays a collection of books and framed photographs. The sleeping quarters are located in the hayloft, accessible via vintage airplane steps sourced by Cicognani. This rustic bedroom features large windows that offer ample natural light and verdant views, with simple muslin curtains providing privacy. The largest barn space serves as a creative laboratory for Rossellini's movie and theater pieces, functioning as both a workshop and a sleeping area. The cottage on the property has been converted into a kitchen, dining room, and guest bedroom with a bathroom, while a third barn was specifically designed by Pietro to house a pool and sauna. Rossellini, a graduate in animal behavior and operator of a 30-acre farm, integrates the needs of her animals into her daily life, rising early to care for them and teaching about the value of wool. The home is a direct manifestation of her lifelong dream of living a rustic, animal-centric life, characterized by spontaneous interactions with her farm animals, such as sheep occasionally stampeding into the house. The design narrative of Rossellini's home is one of thoughtful unconventionality, where every element contributes to a deeply personal and vibrant living space. #CelebrityHome #BarnConversion #LongIslandDesign #PietroCicognani #EclecticInteriors #RusticModern #AnimalThemedDecor #UniqueArchitecture #CreativeLiving