vaulted ceilings and arabic tiles shape ripolltizon's island house in mallorca

Casa Buscatell, a four-bedroom Ibizan holiday home, embodies a masterclass in rustic minimalism, drawing inspiration from Ibiza's natural landscape. The property presents as a classic Ibicenco finca from its exterior, characterized by white rendered walls and letterbox windows. However, a comprehensive renovation has transformed its 280 sq m interior into a series of serene, minimalist spaces that forge a connection with the surrounding sky and sea. The interior design of Casa Buscatell thoughtfully incorporates sand-coloured plaster walls, exposed timber beams, and raftered ceilings, which collectively introduce a rich variety of patina, grain, and texture. These elements are complemented by rustic details integrated around window ledges and a selection of midcentury-style furniture crafted from teak and walnut, adding to the home's organic aesthetic. The renovation notably features new steel-framed windows and roof lights, strategically placed to create dramatic visual effects within the free-flowing interior spaces. These additions allow shafts of natural light to streak across tiled floors and walls, thereby amplifying the sense of volume and infusing the finca with a tangible warmth. Windows throughout the property are designed to frame specific views, capturing glimpses of blue skies, rugged stone formations, and lush vegetation. This thoughtful placement culminates in undulating panoramic vistas from the terrace, further connecting the indoors with the breathtaking outdoor environment. The property is situated on a vast 12,000 sq m plot, and its landscaping is currently undergoing enhancements. The owner and developer are in the process of adding a lake-style pool and designing stepped gardens that gently fall away from the main house, promising an even more integrated and luxurious outdoor living experience. Casa Buscatell's location offers convenience, with the town of San Rafael nearby, and Ibiza Town along with the airport just a 20-minute drive away, making it an accessible yet secluded island hideaway. Izabela Swiecicka of Fantastic Frank is managing the listing, with the price available upon application. This property exemplifies a harmonious blend of traditional Ibizan architecture with modern minimalist sensibilities, creating a unique living space that respects its heritage while offering contemporary comfort and design. #IbizanFinca #RusticMinimalism #HolidayHome #IbizaProperty #ArchitecturalRenovation #InteriorDesign #MediterraneanArchitecture #FantasticFrank #PropertyForSale

This article details the renovation and interior design of a 1920s Spanish Colonial style home in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, owned by Australian designer and photographer James Houston and his Scottish husband, Brian McGrory. The couple, having relocated from New York, sought a property that offered more space, especially for their daughter, Dylan. Their chosen residence, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, underwent extensive restoration and thoughtful enhancements to blend its original Spanish charm with Moroccan-inspired elements. The renovation began with exterior improvements, including stripping the original stucco for a smoother finish and adding a round tile roof to the entry tower, which was previously missing. James Houston also designed a drought-tolerant garden, replacing a mature palm tree with cypress trees to frame the newly renovated tower. The turquoise front door, featuring gleaming brass hardware, opens into an entryway with a restored original terrazzo floor. Inside, the 5.5-meter-high living room was furnished with a palette inspired by an original fireplace tile. The fireplace, initially constructed from wood, was rebuilt to adhere to the period's authenticity. The room features a walnut coffee table designed by James and mid-century Italian wingback chairs, reupholstered in blue velvet, sourced from 1stdibs. A gallery wall showcases a mix of artworks, including three of James's photographs, an Annie Leibovitz nude, and vintage paintings from a Paris flea market. The kitchen, created from a series of smaller rooms, now boasts a pitched roof with white oak beams, giving it an airy feel. The cabinets are painted in Farrow & Ball 'Hague Blue', complemented by Calacatta marble benchtops and a glossy black La Cornue 'CornuFé 90' stove. The kitchen also incorporates a custom daybed and Moroccan-inspired geometric tile flooring with underfloor heating. The adjacent dining room extends the kitchen's aesthetic with Italian marble tiles, vintage French bistro chairs, and handmade lighting from Apparatus Studio. The home’s design emphasizes an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, with new sliding doors leading to a courtyard and a wooden deck featuring a vintage Belgian table under an olive tree. Steps descend to a large swimming pool, cleaned with an ionic system, and a 3.5-meter daybed flanked by Moroccan lanterns from Pottery Barn. The master bedroom features a raised ceiling and a new window offering views of the Griffith Park Observatory, leading to a 1930s-style master bathroom and dressing room. A mezzanine balcony overlooks the living room, adorned with a large photograph by James. #SpanishColonial #HomeRenovation #LosAngelesArchitecture #InteriorDesign #MoroccanInfluence #DroughtTolerantGarden #LuxuryInteriors #VintageFurniture #ArtCollection

The article details the transformation of Torre del Falco, an ancient tower and 19th-century farmhouse located in Italy’s Tuscia region north of Rome, into a unique residence. The property is part of Villa Lina, an estate owned by writer and filmmaker Paola Igliori. Initially left untouched due to its dilapidated state, the tower became a passion project for Igliori's son, Filippo Chia, in 2004 when he was 21 years old and studying photography. Despite being uninhabited since the 1950s and covered in brambles with a collapsed roof, the structure retained traces of its original pastel-colored interiors, sparking Chia's desire to salvage it. The restoration process involved architect Pietro Belei and was guided by old photographs to accurately reconstruct the volume of the main house, the old tower, and an adjacent pavilion. Chia aimed to create a space that reflected the eclectic spirit of the other houses on the Villa Lina estate, drawing inspiration from the region's rich history, which blends the elegance of Renaissance villas with the rustic charm of medieval farmhouses. The facade of Torre del Falco, for instance, was finished with a stone-colored plaster, echoing the Villa Lante della Rovere in nearby Bagnaia, a Renaissance landmark once belonging to Igliori’s maternal family. Interior design choices also paid homage to local traditions and Chia's personal interests. In the main living room, triangular pigeonholes, a common feature in regional rural architecture, were incorporated. Chia also drew inspiration from other Italian locales, including Naples and Capri. He salvaged hand-painted tiles for the kitchen and bathrooms from Villa Quattro Venti in Capri, a historic home partially owned by his family. The minimalist open staircase in Torre del Falco is a nod to Capri's modernist Villa Malaparte. Chia's interest in Roman archaeology is evident in the ground-floor library, which features an Etruscan-style vase and murals inspired by Pompeii and Herculaneum. The guest rooms showcase further historical references, such as a Louis XV caned bed, a 19th-century faux-marble nightstand, and natural ocher stucco walls. The Neapolitan tile floor, hand-painted to resemble parquet, reflects 19th-century artistry. The house is adorned with art from friends, including an engraved print by Lola Schnabel. Chia also learned an ancient Roman method for laying terra-cotta floors from civil engineer and art collector Giorgio Franchetti, employing a checkerboard pattern with seams filled with a mixture of marble dust, white cement, and water. Torre del Falco is characterized as a 'capriccio' or 'folly'—a structure driven by creative expression and a desire to revive lost worlds, making it an experimental yet timeless home. #ItalianCountryside #TowerRenovation #HistoricHome #ArchitecturalRestoration #InteriorDesign #TusciaRegion #FilippoChia #VillaLina #CapriccioArchitecture

David and Monica embarked on a renovation project for their first-floor flat in Valencia, Spain, situated in the historic seaside neighborhood of El Cabanyal. This area is renowned for its traditional fisherman's houses, often characterized by vibrant tiled facades. The couple, with Monica originally from Madrid and David from Valencia, had been searching for a property in the city for some time, seeking a home by the sea. They ultimately purchased a 1927 fisherman's home in December 2021. Upon their initial viewing, the flat presented a kaleidoscope of tiles, with different colors and patterns adorning each room—green and black in the hallway, pink in a bedroom, and a rust-mint check in the living room. Monica initially found the abundance of patterns overwhelming, but the couple ultimately decided to embrace and integrate the existing vintage tilework into their design. Their primary goal was to preserve as much of the home's historic character as possible, consciously avoiding a complete gut renovation that is often seen in such properties. Valencia's El Cabanyal neighborhood holds particular significance for David, not only for its proximity to the beach but also for its unique architectural heritage. He notes that while much of the Spanish Mediterranean coast has undergone extensive redevelopment since the 1960s and 70s, El Cabanyal has largely remained untouched. The neighborhood's traditional houses, however, faced threats due to political disagreements and speculative interests in recent years. A significant development in 2023 was the approval of a city plan, the "Plan Especial del Cabanyal-Canyamelar," which aims to protect the essential character of the area, offering renewed hope for its preservation. In their renovation, David and Monica made a concerted effort to retain original elements. They preserved the old wood doors throughout the flat and maintained the tile wainscot on most walls. Even during demolition, care was taken to salvage existing tiles, which were later reused to repair openings around new door frames. This approach allowed them to modernize the living space while honoring the building's historical integrity and the distinct aesthetic of El Cabanyal. #VintageTile #HomeRemodel #SpanishArchitecture #ElCabanyal #HistoricPreservation #InteriorDesign #Valencia #BeforeAndAfter #FishermansFlat

Valencia-based studio Paloma Bau recently completed the renovation of a 55-square-metre beachfront apartment in Dénia, Spain, which now serves as a holiday home for its owner. The project, named Mediterrasian, aimed to blend East Asian and Mediterranean design influences while addressing inherent structural shortcomings of the original 2008 construction. The renovation focused on correcting common issues such as awkward ceiling drops for technical installations, poorly integrated pillars, unnecessary structural build-ups, and unresolved material junctions. Paloma Bau meticulously considered architectural detailing to achieve a coherent and streamlined aesthetic throughout the apartment. This approach prioritized functionality and visual harmony, ensuring that every element contributed to the overall design. Key to the Mediterranean influence is the incorporation of built-in elements, which serve to soften the interior and enhance practicality. For instance, bathrooms feature shelving integrated into curved corners, effectively zoning the shower area while providing discreet storage. Similarly, the living room and bedrooms benefit from recessed shelving and smooth-fronted, integrated cabinets, offering ample storage without introducing visual clutter. The material and color palette is intentionally neutral, creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. Light-colored oak cabinetry and shelving are consistently used across multiple rooms, providing a unifying element amidst varied textures. This choice of wood brings warmth and tactile richness, characteristic of Mediterranean design. East Asian influences are evident in several bespoke design elements. A floor-to-ceiling sliding door, separating the communal and private spaces, is a prominent example. Crafted from translucent, dappled glass with arc-shaped tracery, this door draws inspiration from traditional Japanese wooden-and-paper panels. The studio reimagined these materials in metal and cathedral glass, aiming to evoke the gentle movement of ocean waves. This artistic interpretation serves as a focal point and a functional divider. Further East Asian touches include rice paper lampshades and sheer linen curtains, which contribute to a light and airy ambiance. These delicate elements are thoughtfully contrasted with dark hardware on doors, adding a subtle touch of modernity and definition. The combination of these stylistic elements—the earthy warmth of Mediterranean design with the refined restraint of Asian aesthetics—defines the apartment's unique character. Custom-built volumes in the living space double as bases for the sofa and steps leading to the terrace, showcasing a smart integration of form and function. An archway gracefully connects the living area to the kitchen, repeating an architectural motif seen elsewhere. The design ethos prioritizes spatial mindfulness and clarity, ensuring that the relatively compact 55-square-metre space feels open and uncluttered. The project successfully marries the artisanal qualities often found in traditional Mediterranean homes with sophisticated architectural precision, resulting in a design that is both visually appealing and highly functional for a holiday residence. The renovation highlights how thoughtful design can transform a standard apartment into a unique space that reflects a nuanced blend of cultural aesthetics. #ApartmentRenovation #MediterraneanDesign #EastAsianInfluence #CoastalLiving #InteriorArchitecture #HolidayHome #NeutralPalette #PalomaBau #CustomMillwork

This article details the sensitive restoration of a 17th-century baroque building, known as a 'palazzotto,' in Soleto, Italy, by Andrew Trotter and Marcelo Martínez. The property, which includes a chapel, had been untouched for two decades when Trotter, a self-proclaimed house restoration enthusiast, discovered it. His goal, alongside Martínez, was to create a home that felt inviting and lived-in, while maintaining its historical integrity. The designers, both with backgrounds in interior design and a shared appreciation for Mediterranean aesthetics, aimed to integrate modern comforts subtly. Upon first viewing, the house presented a nostalgic atmosphere with untouched furniture, books, and photographs left by previous occupants. Key architectural features included domed ceilings and striking details, all of which the designers sought to preserve and highlight. Their approach was to blend the old with the new, creating a transitional style that didn't overtly announce its modernity. The original layout was complex, described as a labyrinth. The building featured a decorative frontage, a courtyard, a garden, and two chapels—one at the rear and a newer addition at the front. The initial configuration included bedrooms accessible via an external staircase and only one bathroom serving them. The restoration involved thoughtful modifications rather than drastic changes. The dining and sitting rooms were swapped, new cloakrooms were added, and the older chapel was transformed into a media room. The first floor was reconfigured to provide an en-suite bathroom for each bedroom, while the external staircase was kept. The 1960s kitchen was also retained, embracing the existing patina and age of the structure. A central tenet of the design philosophy was the use of earthy neutrals, which permeate the interiors. Colors range from mushroom to forest green, complemented by sage or stone linens, walnut furniture, and sandy jute rugs. Texture played a crucial role in achieving the desired ambiance, with walls finished in chalky Belgian lime plaster, imparting a monastic feel. The designers sourced antique pieces, including an 18th-century walnut dining table from an Abruzzo monastery and a 19th-century red wardrobe from Lombardy. Additionally, many original treasures found within the house, such as a wooden kitchen table, a wrought-iron single bed, and a glass-fronted antique bookcase, were restored. Interior doors were refurbished, and exterior doors were faithfully reproduced. The decision to restore elements like terrazzo floors and rusty metal furniture stemmed from a belief that the benefit of fresh eyes allows one to see beauty in everyday objects that others might discard. The local community has shown curiosity and appreciation for the restoration, with residents, including the local priest and mayor, expressing interest. Trotter and Martínez cherish the authentic Italian town experience, where sounds of neighbors, church bells, and cooking create a vibrant atmosphere. Their design philosophy emphasizes simplicity, cleanliness, and texture, drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean lifestyle, which prioritizes outdoor living and communal activities. They believe that mellow lime washes or plasters significantly impact a space's atmosphere and favor natural stone for flooring, sinks, and worktops. #RusticItalian #ChapelHouse #RestorationProject #MediterraneanStyle #NeutralDecor #AntiqueFurniture #LimePlaster #HouseDesign #PugliaArchitecture

Spanish-style homes are renowned for their warm and inviting aesthetics, seamlessly blending traditional design elements with modern sensibilities. Key features of this architectural style include stucco walls, red terracotta roofs, decorative wrought iron accents, and arched windows or doorways. Dark wood beams and tiled designs are also common, contributing to their distinctive character. These homes, whether single-story or multi-level, often incorporate detailed landscaping and feature courtyards or other outdoor areas, fostering a strong connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. This integration enhances opportunities for entertaining and relaxation. Designers emphasize that Spanish-style homes often feature thoughtful architectural details. Laura Roberts, a designer, notes that stucco walls, terracotta roof tiles, and inner courtyards were originally designed for natural cooling. She also highlights the presence of wooden support beams on ceilings, decorative doors and windows, and ornamental ironwork as quintessential elements. The exterior design of these homes is adaptable, even for existing structures. Roberts suggests that neutral white or beige stucco, accented with terracotta or patterned tiles around windows, on stair risers, or walkways, can effectively introduce a Spanish flair. Color plays a significant role in Spanish-style homes. Raymond Jimenez, another designer, points out that experimenting with colors like terracottas, blues, yellows, white, black, and green can elevate the home's appearance, embodying a rich and timeless aesthetic. The emphasis on indoor-outdoor living is a defining characteristic, with the design aiming to create a laid-back, vacation-like atmosphere that promotes warmth and calm. Iron accents are commonly found on exteriors, used for gates, stair railings, or light fixtures. Allison Knizek suggests that while wrought iron is typically black, painting it a glossy color can provide an updated look. For interiors, Roberts explains that smooth plaster walls, arched cutouts between rooms, vibrant accents, and the use of linen in furniture and window treatments contribute to an authentic Spanish look. Lush landscaping is also crucial, with Jimenez emphasizing that thick, rich greenery creates a personal paradise feel. Terracotta, beyond roof tiles, can be incorporated through collections of terracotta pots against a bright white stucco wall, especially when paired with vibrant bougainvillea, to evoke a sun-kissed Spanish hacienda appearance. Decorative tiles are another fundamental element, used on outdoor benches or indoors, available in various styles and price points. Curves and arches are recurrent motifs, often incorporated into doorways as a standalone feature or painted an accent color to complement the room. Some Spanish-style homes also feature Mediterranean-style pools, which blend seamlessly with the architecture and are often surrounded by lush lawns and landscaping. While sharing similarities, Spanish-style and Mediterranean-style homes have distinct differences, particularly in their exteriors; Spanish homes feature stucco walls and tile roofs, while Mediterranean homes typically have plaster walls and red clay roof tiles, often with more than two stories and balconies. Spanish-style homes originated in 16th-century Spain and became prevalent in the 17th century, especially in regions with similar climates to Spain, such as modern-day Florida, California, Arizona, Texas, and Nevada. Different styles include Spanish Colonial Revival, Mission Revival (common in California and the Southwest, emulating Spanish missions), Pueblo Revival (also known as Santa Fe Style, adapting Adobe-style with modern materials), and Spanish Eclectic (a blanket term for modern mashups of various Spanish elements). Modernizing these homes can involve focusing on organic materials, incorporating textures, adding metal accents, and using earthy tones. The typical roof is made of barrel terracotta clay tiles. Benefits include striking architectural elements, natural cooling in warmer climates, and durable, low-maintenance exteriors. #SpanishStyleHomes #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #ArchitecturalDetails #OutdoorLiving #Terracotta #WroughtIron #TileDesign #LushLandscaping #MediterraneanInfluence

This Malibu home, constructed in 2014 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, prioritizes indoor-outdoor living, reflecting the coastal Southern California lifestyle. The design and build were a collaborative effort between Evens Architects, Alana Homesley Interior Design, and the homeowners. The property is situated on a gently sloping site overlooking Santa Monica Bay. Central to the home's design is the loggia, an outdoor room equipped with a fireplace and underfloor heating, offering comfort on cooler days and evenings while providing shelter from the sun and ocean breeze. The loggia features an exquisite vaulted ceiling, a prominent design element. The entry foyer sets the aesthetic tone with a blend of casual sophistication and an old-world vibe. Glazed Moroccan zellige tile risers on the staircase pay homage to traditional Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, and integral colored plaster walls contribute to an organic and earthy feel. Furnishings in the foyer include a hand-carved frame, an antiqued mirror, and a Spanish console table, complemented by sconces from Revival Antiques and an antique Khotan rug. The gallery, serving as a transitional space, connects the entry to the loggia. It features broad steel French doors, emphasizing the indoor-outdoor theme. Light-colored stone floors and walls balance the visual weight of dark wood beams and ceilings, with walls in a warm cream-colored integral plaster and French limestone floors from Exquisite Surfaces. The kitchen is designed with a European farmhouse aesthetic, characterized by an earthy and casual sensibility. The interior designer balanced the heavy hand-carved beams by painting upper cabinets in a creamy color to match the plaster walls, incorporating glass fronts and limestone counters to visually lighten the space. Design details include a small window under the range hood for full backsplash tiling, vintage kilim-covered barstools, a farmhouse-style upper island, a soapstone-topped lower island, and walnut lower cabinets. The kitchen's direct access to the loggia integrates it into the family's daily outdoor living. The primary bedroom suite is oriented to maximize ocean views, featuring a chaise and chair facing the Pacific Ocean and a window seat for reading. A rounded corner fireplace with an intricately carved stone surround serves as a focal point. An early 19th-century French cherrywood armoire complements the rich wood tones of the ceiling beams and oak flooring, while pale plaster walls and upholstery lighten the room. The primary bathroom draws inspiration from Moroccan riads, employing a warm, monotone palette. A freestanding copper bathtub is a key feature, framed by a chamfered niche with French doors opening to the ocean view. Limestone floors and plaster walls continue the home's cohesive design, and the doorway alcove is tiled with Moroccan zellige field tiles. Dark wood vanities are designed to appear visually light with open shelves, and gently rounded mirrors complement carved plaster niches. A vintage rug introduces soft color. The exterior features a pleasingly symmetrical approach with a hand-hewn wooden gate, an allée of olive trees, and decorative bronze gates leading to a lushly planted entry courtyard. The courtyard walls are constructed from Santa Barbara sandstone rubble. Terraces cascade down the gently sloping site beyond the loggia, providing spaces for dining, lounging, and swimming in a resort-like Mediterranean landscape. A large lap pool is positioned at the edge of the slope, drawing the eye towards the bay view. The design reflects the homeowners' preference for an outdoor lifestyle, creating a blueprint for comfortable and gracious indoor-outdoor living in Southern California. #MalibuHome #SpanishColonialRevival #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #Loggia #KitchenDesign #BedroomDesign #BathroomDesign #OutdoorLivingSpaces

Architects Marià Castelló and José Antonio Molina have designed a family home in Port de la Selva, a small Spanish town in Costa Brava. This dwelling is embedded into a steep, rocky site that slopes towards the seafront and features dark volcanic rock outcrops. The design strategy balances openness and privacy by integrating a lower level into the ground with projecting volumes that offer sea views. This approach also minimizes the house's visual impact, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the landscape and creating various patios with distinct lighting conditions. The house consists of two concrete volumes connected by a glazed corridor. The lower level, close to street level, establishes intimate connections with the outdoors through patios. These patios are framed by the natural rock formations of the site. In contrast, the upper level's two volumes are oriented to provide frontal views of the landscape and the sea horizon. This dual strategy of embedding and volumetric division reduces the apparent size of the intervention and enhances its integration with the surrounding environment. On the ground floor, a spacious main bedroom, a bathroom, and a living area open onto private patios. These private outdoor spaces are sheltered by the steep rock surfaces. The eastern volume on the upper level accommodates the children's bedrooms and a small swimming pool, while the western volume houses a kitchen, dining area, and an additional sleeping space. The glazed corridor, which also contains the vertical circulation, connects these two volumes. It offers expansive sea views on one side and a sheltered courtyard on the other, protected by the slope of the site. This glass nexus creates a wind-protected exterior space that maintains visual transparency towards the sea. The exterior of the house features a concrete finish, chosen to harmonize with the natural characteristics of the site. Gravel excavated from the site was used to finish the building's roof, further integrating it into its surroundings. Inside, the rooms are characterized by white walls complemented by oak detailing and custom-made wooden furniture. This material palette was selected to introduce warmth and harmony, offsetting the inherent qualities of the concrete. The exterior carpentry and certain interior claddings are also crafted from oak wood. Both Marià Castelló and José Antonio Molina lead their own architectural practices, Marià Castelló Architecture and José Antonio Molina Saiz, respectively. Their previous works include a geometric three-volume home on Formentera and an Ibizan retreat featuring glass corridors, open patios, and a pool. The construction management for this project was overseen by José Antonio Molina, Lorena Ruzafa, and Marià Castelló, with Joan Noguer as the building engineer, Think Enginyeria for structure engineering, and QS Enginyeria i Associats for facilities engineering. The design team included Lorena Ruzafa and Marga Ferrer, and Construccions Pòrfit served as the builder. The photography was conducted by Castelló, highlighting the architectural details and the house's relationship with its coastal setting. #ResidentialArchitecture #ConcreteHouse #CoastalDesign #SpanishArchitecture #GlazedCorridor #IntegratedLandscape #ModernHome #PortDeLaSelva

This article showcases a newly constructed Tuscan-style villa in Valley Village, Los Angeles, designed by Shlomi Sfadia of SLS Properties. Completed in 2024, the five-bedroom home integrates contemporary Italian style with relaxed California living, drawing inspiration from Sfadia's travels in Italy to create a unique blend of rustic, organic, and modern aesthetics. The designer aimed to infuse the brand-new property with character and warmth, transforming it into a space that transports its inhabitants. The design focuses on creating a sense of 'La Dolce Vita' in California. The kitchen, situated at the heart of an open-plan family room, features white oak cabinetry, natural plaster walls, and a large island with a white countertop and built-in stovetop. It also incorporates classic modern farmhouse elements like open shelves with rustic pegs and a farmhouse sink. The living room, adjacent to the kitchen, is defined by a Mediterranean-revival arched fireplace and natural lime plaster walls, which soften the new construction and provide a rustic, organic backdrop. Reclaimed wood alcove shelves add a touch of patina and character. Spaciousness is a key design element, with natural wood flooring and a wall of sliding glass doors in the living area opening to a landscaped backyard. The outdoor space is designed as a continuation of the Tuscan theme, featuring plants commonly found in Italian villas such as olive trees, cypress, rosemary, and lavender, ensuring a cohesive design from inside out. The downstairs area, while open-plan, maintains distinct zones, including a cozy dining alcove with an elegant arched window. A classic Mediterranean-style arch also frames the staircase. One of the home's highlights is the upstairs landing, treated as a room in its own right, complete with a rustic lime plaster fireplace and a built-in bench seat, aligning with current staircase trends. The primary bedroom combines rustic and textural details, featuring a contemporary paneled accent wall that bridges the gap between the lime plaster and modern villa aesthetics. Steel-framed glass doors and a balcony connect the bedroom to the outdoors. The seven bathrooms in the house feature clean, minimal plaster finishes, inspired by historic Moroccan designs, and the primary bathroom strategically positions a freestanding tub to maximize exterior views. The pool house offers a bolder color palette, deviating from the neutral tones of the main house with rich wine-colored lime plaster walls and limestone flagstone flooring from Eco-Outdoor, extending to the patio. Custom white oak cabinets and vaulted ceilings with reclaimed wood beams complete this space, which Sfadia considers his favorite part of the project due to its unique and expressive design. #LosAngelesHome #ItalianStyle #CaliforniaLiving #ModernRustic #TuscanVilla #InteriorDesign #HomeTour #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalDesign

Es Pujol de Sera is an island holiday home located on Formentera, the smallest of Spain's Balearic islands, known for its quiet and sleepy pace. Designed by architect Mariá Castelló Martínez, the residence is situated within 33,000 square meters of wheat and barley fields. The design of Es Pujol de Sera is characterized by its ultra-minimalist aesthetic, which creates a striking contrast with the rugged, spiky natural landscape of the island's hinterland. The home is configured as a single, rectangular volume, distinguished by clean lines that visually bisect the surrounding scrubby terrain. One end of the structure is fully glazed, allowing for expansive views of the outdoors, and is equipped with sliding wooden shutters for privacy and sun control. Martínez drew inspiration from the traditional dry stone walls prevalent in the area and the flat expanses of the agricultural fields, contributing to the building's austere yet integrated appearance. Inside, the minimalism continues with sparse furnishings. Wood chairs, tables, and panelled walls are incorporated to introduce warmth into the contemporary interior spaces. This design approach maintains a harmonious balance between modern simplicity and a connection to natural elements. A covered front terrace extends the living space outdoors, providing a shaded area for relaxation and an ideal spot for observing the sunset over the island. Es Pujol de Sera serves multiple functions, available for rent as a holiday home through The Sibarist. It also functions as an event space and a film location, catering to various needs with its distinctive design and picturesque setting. The property’s unique blend of architectural purity and its wild island context offers a secluded and sophisticated retreat, offering a different experience from the more bustling neighboring island of Ibiza. #minimalistArchitecture #Formentera #islandHome #holidayRental #MariáCastellóMartínez #BalearicIslands #modernDesign #eventSpace #filmLocation

Michelle Kelchak, after finding a 1935 Cape Cod house in Playa del Rey with captivating water views, adjusted her initial plan to construct a modern Moroccan residence. Despite the change in architectural style for the main house, she integrated elements of Moroccan design into her master bathroom. This article details the specific choices Kelchak made to achieve this distinctive style within her bathroom. Kelchak's design approach for the master bathroom centered on bold color, intricate tile work, and strategic lighting and fixtures. She deliberately chose a prominent red hue for the bathroom's walls, acknowledging its unconventional nature for a bathing space. She explained that the high ceilings and abundant natural light from the windows prevented the color from making the room feel enclosed or 'cave-ish.' This bold color choice also served to complement a free-standing Moroccan mirror, crafted from coral and bone, which was a key decorative element in the space. The mirror's reflection in another mirror further amplified its visual impact. The application of Italian glass mosaic tiles was crucial to achieving the desired aesthetic. Kelchak used 1-inch square tiles in a mix of orange, gold, and red around the mirrors and light fixtures, creating a vibrant and detailed border. For the tub enclosure, she opted for larger 4-inch gold tiles. She highlighted the reflective quality of these tiles, noting how the light bouncing off them imparted a 'beautiful glow' to the skin, enhancing the overall ambiance of the bathroom. For lighting, Kelchak selected fixtures from Artemide, a choice that likely contributed to the modern yet exotic feel of the space. The sinks and faucets were sourced from Snyder Diamond, suggesting an emphasis on quality and design in her fixture choices. A significant feature of the bathroom is the Grohe spa bathtub, strategically placed under a Moroccan lantern in a corner of the room. This placement allows bathers to enjoy expansive views through windows to both the right and left. To further enhance this connection to the outdoors and the water view, Kelchak and her husband installed an additional window that aligns with the staircase, providing a vista through a landing window overlooking the water. This design decision, while necessitating the sacrifice of a large shower, was deemed worthwhile for the immersive outdoor experience it offered when the windows were open. Ultimately, Kelchak successfully blended her appreciation for Moroccan aesthetics with the existing Cape Cod structure, particularly within the master bathroom. Her choices in color, tile, lighting, and fixtures, alongside the strategic placement of the bathtub to maximize natural light and views, created a unique and personalized space that reflects a 'Moroccan holdover' within her home. #HomeDesign #MoroccanInterior #BathroomDesign #TileWork #InteriorDecor #PlayaDelReyHome #DesignInspiration #CapeCodStyle

The Patio House, located in Avola, Sicily, is a coastal residence designed by the Italian architecture firm Solum. Situated on a long, narrow plot that extends towards the sea and culminates in a rocky cliff, the house was conceived to harmonise sweeping coastal views with the secluded ambiance of an “introverted oasis.” Solum, founded in 2019 by Lorenzo Campagna, Mattia Agates, Filippo Gismondi, and Alessandro Loda, addressed the site's unique characteristics by breaking the home into individual, cubic volumes and private patios. These distinct sections are interconnected by a winding, narrow alleyway, described by the studio as “labyrinthine,” aiming to create a sense of discovery and transition throughout the property. The central design challenge involved establishing a cohesive connection between the home’s entrance and its circulation path, ultimately leading to the living area that faces the sea. The resulting promenade facilitates this journey, guiding inhabitants through the residence while strategically distributing more private spaces along its course. This alleyway generates a series of transitional zones and two small courtyards that provide access to the bedrooms. The continuous gesture of the walls reinforces the labyrinthine effect, which is particularly evident from the rooftop terrace, offering a unique perspective of the architectural integration. Upon entering the property, visitors pass through a landscaped parking area. A front bedroom, positioned beyond this entrance, is subtly screened by a perforated brick wall and lush greenery, providing both privacy and a natural aesthetic. The open-air alleyway then extends further into the house, connecting four additional bedrooms. Each of these bedrooms is enclosed by rendered walls featuring minimal openings, with glass doors offering direct access to individual, private patios. This design ensures that each private space maintains a secluded atmosphere while still being part of the larger architectural narrative. The journey through the house culminates at the rear, where the main living, dining, and kitchen areas are situated. These communal spaces open onto an external patio through full-height sliding glass doors, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. A staircase from this area leads to a rooftop terrace, offering expansive views of the surrounding coastal landscape. The architectural forms of the Patio House, characterised by monolithic masonry walls and a pale rendered finish, consciously draw inspiration from the natural colours and textures of the local soil and cliffs, aiming to minimise the building's visual impact on its environment. Internally, the design continues this thematic consistency with the use of exposed concrete ceilings and a palette of natural materials and earthy tones for the bedroom furnishings. This approach reinforces the connection between the architecture and its natural setting. Lorenzo Campagna emphasised the intention to integrate the structure discreetly into the landscape, stating that the house is built entirely of masonry, aligning with the colours of the earth and concealing glazed openings from external view. The neutral palette of walls, ceilings, and concrete floors is complemented by dark-stained okoumé wood or marine plywood inserts, which are used to define elements such as doors, wardrobes, and kitchen cabinetry, adding warmth and texture to the minimalist interiors. The exterior features an outdoor dining area sheltered by a canopy, leading to a swimming pool surrounded by a lava stone terrace, and an expansive lawn that extends towards the coastal cliffs, completing the immersive coastal living experience. #ResidentialArchitecture #ItalianHouses #Sicily #CoastalHome #ModernArchitecture #PatioHouse #SolumArchitects #MediterraneanDesign

The article details a vacation home in Palm Springs designed by Michelle Boudreau, which draws inspiration from Moroccan aesthetics, particularly the vibrant style of Yves Saint Laurent's Marrakech residence. The Canadian owners, who frequently visit Morocco, sought to recreate the country's rich cultural ambiance in their winter home. Boudreau, having traveled extensively in Morocco, channeled the "Majorelle blue" color palette associated with Saint Laurent's former home and infused the interiors with diverse textures, Moorish motifs, intricate tilework, and flamboyant filigree. The home, a modern new build in Vista Las Palmas, provides a neutral white backdrop that allows the predominant blue palette to make a significant impact. While the color scheme is reminiscent of Saint Laurent's Marrakech house and its original owner, French painter Jacques Majorelle, the design also incorporates aquatic themes, reflecting the clients' interest in watersports. This influence is evident in elements like shibori upholstery on Pierre Jeanneret re-edition dining chairs, creating a watery dimension, and wallpaper by A–Street Prints with a blurred trompe-l’oeil ikat textile effect, reminiscent of North African textiles brought via the Silk Roads. A diamond pattern in the wallpaper further evokes the glint of water in sunlight. Key design features emphasize movement and dimension. Filigree-inspired pendant lamps in the dining room project scattered light, while a taxidermy marlin with teal streaking contributes to the aquatic motif and adds a sense of motion. The media lounge, or "casbah," is designed with low cushions and high-pile rugs, echoing the tent culture of North African nomads. Custom wallpaper in this space features a tonal-blue arabesque pattern, mimicking the complex designs of handcrafted zellige tile, a signature element of Moroccan design rooted in Islamic heritage. Boudreau applied a modern interpretation of this ancient art form using three-dimensional turquoise tiles on the living room hearth, creating an oceanic, barnacle-like effect. In the kitchen, Clé tiles with kinetic geometry add energy. The design also incorporates midcentury materials like cane and brass. Cane-frame club chairs in the living room offer a light contrast to brass accessories, such as tea sets and side tables. Serena & Lily rattan barstools at the kitchen island complement Tom Dixon brass lamps, which are shaped like tagines, traditional North African cooking vessels, adding a touch of glamour. The primary bedroom serves as a serene contrast to the vibrant colors elsewhere, utilizing an ecru palette. Moroccan textiles, including imported blankets and rugs from Soukie Modern, provide tactile interest through varying piles and pompoms. Moroccan poufs contribute to the dune-like aesthetic, offering casual seating. A dramatic beaded chandelier is suspended through the frame of the four-poster bed, an intentional design choice to prevent the neutral palette from appearing flat. This design effectively merges Moroccan inspiration with the Palm Springs setting, creating a unique and sophisticated vacation home.

Designers Tyson Strang and Tatiana Baibabaeva transformed a dilapidated shepherd's hut in Majorca into an off-grid, monastic retreat. Located among ancient olive groves outside Sóller, the 376-square-foot stone-and-earth structure, estimated to be two to three centuries old, was meticulously restored using only locally sourced wood and rock. The couple, founders of the ceramics line Terra Coll Home, relocated from New York City to Majorca in 2020, seeking to integrate their lives and creative work with the island's landscape. Their design philosophy, which they term 'rustic design,' emphasizes unifying interior spaces with their natural surroundings by utilizing raw, local materials in construction and design. This project, a smaller and more personal endeavor following the renovation of their own 300-year-old Majorcan finca and several client residences, serves as the epitome of their aesthetic. The renovation of the olivars, as these shepherd’s sheds are colloquially known, involved reorienting the single room to capture wide views of the Balearic Sea. A low, linen-covered bed is centrally placed, facing an arched window, creating a focal point that connects the interior with the expansive outdoor scenery. The functional spaces extend outdoors, with an open-air pavilion designed to serve as a living room, kitchen, and washroom. This outdoor area features built-in lounging spaces with umber-colored cushions, a makeshift countertop with cast-iron burners for cooking, and a unique outdoor shower system comprising a curved copper pipe suspended from a boulder. Inside, the minimalist design continues with a toilet discreetly tucked into a corner and a sink carved from a local boulder, mounted into one of the lime-washed earthen walls. Rudimentary olive-wood lintels and cabinets crafted from antique oak flooring complement the rustic aesthetic. The flooring itself is salvaged limestone, brought slab by slab from a centuries-old Spanish church up the dirt pathway to the mountaintop, reflecting Strang and Baibabaeva's commitment to using traditional, manual methods that honor the land's history. Despite its elemental appearance, the cabin is highly functional, designed for temporary stays and as a base for their broader project of revitalizing a four-and-a-half-acre fallow olive orchard. The couple is actively pruning the orchard with the goal of harvesting olives for oil production within three years. Their efforts in olive cultivation reflect a deeper engagement with Majorca's agricultural heritage. They note that historically, human intervention in Majorcan olive groves has often enhanced the natural beauty and productivity of the land. However, with the decline of traditional cultivation, pine and oak trees have begun to encroach, shading the olive trees and threatening the ancient terraces. Strang and Baibabaeva's work not only restores a historical structure but also contributes to the preservation and continuation of Majorca's unique agricultural landscape, demonstrating a harmonious relationship between human design and the natural environment. #Majorca #HomeDesign #RusticDesign #OffGridLiving #ShepherdsHut #StoneArchitecture #LocalMaterials #OliveGrove #ArchitecturalRestoration

This article highlights five distinct properties from 'The Block' 2024 season, each offering unique architectural styles and luxurious features, now available on the market in Cowes, Phillip Island. Each house is presented with a detailed description of its design, amenities, and overall ambiance, showcasing the efforts of the couples who renovated them. House 1, renovated by Maddy and Charlotte, is a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with a double garage, designed for both permanent living and holiday retreats. Its interior features a warm living zone with soft furnishings, subtle pendant lighting, feature panelling, and herringbone flooring, complemented by a solid fuel heater. The kitchen boasts timber-look cabinetry, a natural stone island and splashback, and ebony Smeg appliances including two ovens, an induction cooktop, a coffee machine, and a wine fridge. Notable features include a spacious master suite with a walk-in robe and an ensuite, two additional bedrooms, a second bathroom with a freestanding tub, and a laundry. The upstairs offers a self-contained guest retreat (bedroom 4) with a third bathroom and an office space. Deluxe skylights, filtered water, three-zone split system heating and cooling, solar panels, and a 7-star energy rating enhance the home's functionality, while the exterior features a north-facing deck and a private plunge pool. House 2, by Courtney and Grant, presents an Artfully Crafted Modern Mediterranean Retreat with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. This home emphasizes quality and comfort through a high-end kitchen with an Asko appliance suite, Dekton Patagonia porcelain surfaces, and a 200-bottle Vintec wine fridge. The bathrooms feature viola marble, brushed gold tapware, twin rainfall showers, and seamless floating vanities. The design incorporates soft curves, north-facing light, Velux skylights, and high raked ceilings. Energy-efficient insulation, underfloor heating, air conditioning, and two fireplaces ensure comfort. It also offers two master bedrooms, oak herringbone floors, luxury wool carpets, automated blinds, a mezzanine study, and a luxurious Venetian plaster finish. The outdoor space is designed for entertaining with a wood-fired pizza oven, a private plunge pool, and a fire pit area, all expertly landscaped. House 3, renovated by Ricky and Haydn, exemplifies Modern Coastal Luxury Resort Style Living. This mid-century inspired home, designed by Julian Brenchley, spans 1116 sqm. The expansive living and dining area is illuminated by six custom Velux skylights and features a custom timber dining table, Cungelella artwork, a 5m Dekton stone plinth, and a Stoke Escea TFS1000 fireplace. The kitchen is a centerpiece with a 3.8m Morpheus Dekton island bench, Kinsman cabinetry, Cosentino surfaces, ABI Interiors fixtures, and Bosch & NEFF appliances. A versatile rumpus room includes a convertible pool/air hockey table and arcade machines, while the main bedroom boasts a resort-like ambiance with a Grafico palm tree wall and a luxurious ensuite with peach subway tiles and travertine floors. Additional features include a modern coastal bathroom, a stylish teen bedroom, and a serene guest room. The property also comes with a Barcrusher 615c boat and trailer. House 4, by Kylie and Brad, offers Luxurious Family Living in a Resort-Style Coastal Setting. This contemporary residence features an expansive living and dining area with Velux skylights, a wood-burning fireplace framed by Cosentino's Dekton Laurent stone, and a grand 10-seater dining table. The kitchen is equipped with Dekton Laurent stone, Hettich Furn Spin corner cabinets, LED-lit drawers, and premium Miele appliances. A stylish office space on the mezzanine overlooks the main living area, leading into a rumpus room. The main bedroom includes a Shou Sugi Ban feature wall, a coffered ceiling, and a walk-in robe, with an ensuite featuring a floating timber vanity and a freestanding bathtub. Three additional bedrooms, including a playful children's retreat, and a central bathroom complete this sophisticated home. House 5, by Kristian and Mimi, is described as Calming, Contemporary & Coastal, and is the largest home on 'The Block' 2024 season. Its interior design focuses on earthy tones and a coastal ambiance. The minimalist kitchen includes integrated appliances, an olive green Smeg Portofino cooker, Chevron flooring, and a three-layer Dekton benchtop, illuminated by a triple Velux skylight and a window splashback overlooking the backyard and pool. The main bedroom features an earthy palette, a raked ceiling, timber panelling, and an open walk-in wardrobe. The expansive master ensuite includes a double walk-in shower, heated towel rails, underfloor heating, and double vanity. A lavish downstairs bathroom boasts a large freestanding bath and twin vanities. The resort guest bedroom features an upholstered bedhead and timber panelling, with an ensuite. A cozy rumpus room and an imaginative children's bedroom complete the home, offering both luxury and functionality. #TheBlock #HouseDesign #LuxuryHomes #CoastalLiving #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #RealEstate #PhillipIsland #ModernArchitecture

This article details the interior design of a one-storey holiday home in Grosseto, Tuscany, by architects Emanuela Frattini Magnusson and Pietro Todeschini. The home, situated on a hillside overlooking vineyards and olive groves, was purchased by a US-based couple with two teenage children, with its floor slab, overhanging roof, and retaining walls already in place. The architects were tasked with transforming it into a comfortable summer retreat, focusing on the use of local Italian materials and accurate detailing. The design philosophy centered on integrating local resources. The exterior features a “thick skin” created from different-hued chunks of Alberese stone, sourced from a nearby town. The facade is also equipped with full-height black shutters, which allow for natural ventilation and cooling breezes. This thoughtful integration of local materials and climate-responsive features contributes to the home's connection with its Tuscan surroundings. Inside, a long corridor leads to an open-plan living area, where the flooring is a notable design element. Hand-cut terracotta tiles are inlaid in alternating sizes, emulating seminato, a traditional Italian composite flooring technique that involves setting chips of glass, granite, quartz, or marble into concrete. In this case, the use of terracotta provides a warm and earthy aesthetic that complements the natural setting. In the kitchen, oak wood forms the cabinetry and the base of the breakfast island. The countertops and splashback are crafted from pale Carrara marble, quarried in the Tuscan city of Carrara, further emphasizing the use of high-quality local Italian materials. This material palette extends into the home's three bedrooms, each with en-suite wash facilities, creating a cohesive and luxurious feel throughout the residence. The bedrooms feature wardrobes, chest of drawers, and vanity units made from oak wood, while Carrara marble is used to line the sink basins and the lower half of the bathroom walls. A subtle but impactful touch of color is introduced through teal blue door frames, which are matched by the curtains in the living area. The living space also includes a floor-to-ceiling bookcase designed in the 1950s by Italian architect Gianfranco Frattini for Poltrona Frau, adding a historical design element. Emanuela Frattini Magnusson, from Milan, and Pietro Todeschini, from Verona, collaborate on various projects, showcasing their commitment to utilizing local materials. This approach is mirrored in other architectural projects mentioned, such as Escobedo Soliz's house in Mexico City, which used volcanic stone found on-site, and Rafael Freyre's dwelling in Azpitia, Peru, constructed with stones from a nearby mountain bed and locally fired bricks. The project highlights a broader trend in architecture towards incorporating regional materials and traditional craftsmanship. #HolidayHome #TuscanDesign #ItalianInteriors #LocalMaterials #StoneArchitecture #MarbleAccents #TerracottaFlooring #OakWoodwork #ResidentialArchitecture

This article showcases a sophisticated Mediterranean-style home in South Tampa, designed by Michelle Miller Design. The homeowners, successful business owners, desired a residence that mirrored the elegance and style of a luxury resort, drawing inspiration from establishments like The Breakers Hotel. The resulting 8,977 square-foot property features six bedrooms and five bathrooms, exuding a timeless and refined aesthetic tailored to the clients' preferences and lifestyle. A central focus of the design was the kitchen area, given the homeowners' frequent entertaining for both business and leisure. Michelle Miller integrated two interior kitchens—one for primary use and a second prep kitchen specifically designed for private chefs—along with an additional outdoor kitchen. This multi-kitchen setup underscores the home's emphasis on hosting and culinary functionality. Miller notes the collaborative and enjoyable nature of the project, attributing it to the clients' discerning taste, warmth, and openness to innovative design concepts. Beyond the extensive kitchen facilities, the home boasts several other notable features. These include a four-car garage, three indoor fireplaces, and a separate fireplace located in the outdoor cabana, enhancing both comfort and ambiance. For recreation, the residence incorporates a dedicated game room equipped with a bourbon bar, providing a distinct space for entertainment. A highlight of the master bathroom is a free-standing copper tub, which Miller describes as a "show-stopper," serving as a luxurious focal point. The interior details further elaborate on the home's sophisticated design. The family room features blue ottomans and chairs from Four Hands, introducing a vibrant pop of color against neutral backdrops. A fireplace wall anchors this space, complemented by fashionable and functional ceiling lights from Visual Comfort, clear Vanguard side tables, and Surya table lamps. The main kitchen distinguishes itself with a black Bluestar range and a black and gold Vent-A-Hood, chosen for their classic European appeal and enduring style rather than fleeting trends. The prep kitchen continues the color theme with blue cabinets and wallcoverings, creating an inviting and functional space. The primary bathroom's free-standing copper tub is set against SICIS tile and Kalista plumbing fixtures, highlighting bespoke luxury. The master bedroom incorporates creamy neutral tones with ivory wallcovering from Arte, subtly accented with touches of purple in the York wallcovering, orchid, and headboard. The recreational room showcases Elysium Shell Blue Subway tile from Ceramic Matrix and jewel-toned lounge chairs from Caracole, creating an attractive and inviting atmosphere. The game room, intended purely for entertainment, includes a pool table, a bar, and a seating area with a linear fireplace. Additionally, one of the bathrooms features an artistic combination of Artistic Tile Jazz Glass in Ombre Blue Fan and Seneca Blue Subway Tile from Ceramic Matrix, adding to the home's distinctive charm. The outdoor area is completed with a pool by Garry Delisi of TrendSetters and landscaping by Mike VanCoulter of Earthscapes, ensuring a cohesive and luxurious living experience both indoors and out.