Home Interior Design

Rabu, 15 Januari 2014

Watercolour Wednesday's: Shiny Floors

Last term my entire rendering class was done using watercolour, so I have a lot to show you! This week, I'm sharing a practice exercise we did based on page 21 of "Interior Design Illustrated: Marker and Watercolor Techniques" by Christina M. Scalise. This is one of my favourite books that I've had to buy for school.

I love the way this painting turned out and I really feel that the floors look successfully shiny (maybe even a little slippery!). Happy Wednesday.
xox

‘Laudonie’, a fabulous holiday retreat in France

If you plan to spend this year’s holidays in France, you absolutely should stop nearby the village of Rouffignac–Saint-Cernin de Reilhac (Dordogne) and spend a few days at the fabulous Château Laudonie!

Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

‘Laudonie, nestling between woods and hills, is located 4 km to the east of Rouffignac–Saint-Cernin de Reilhac. The estate comprises 53 hectares that are partly in the commune of Plazac and partly in the commune of Rouffignac–Saint-Cernin de Reilhac. A little communal no-through-road leads to the property. The buildings will impress you as soon as you arrive. They are perched on a ridge offering a stunning view over the surrounding valleys and hills.
The inner courtyard is the heart of the estate. It is bordered by the Manor House, the four towers and the barn.’ (text Laudonie website)

Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

The old accountancy books reveal that Laudonie had been bequeathed to Sieur Debord, Lieutenant of the Port of Bordeaux, sometime around 1500 AD. This family took the name of the Laudonie locality for the family.

Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

The Laudonie estate has been sold and re-sold on several occasions. In the late 1990’s, this ‘castle’ was bought by Pierre Caron who fell in love with the property. With a huge enthusiasm and dedication he started the renovation of the historical estate to share it with family and friends.

After Pierre Caron passed away in 2005, his wife Fanny Van Herzeele, continued the restoration and completed the work of her husband with the help of the Belgian architect Stephane Boens.

Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

The Manor House can easily accommodate twelve people.

Manor House hall first floor Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

Manor House salon Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

Manor House kitchen Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

Manor House one of the bedrooms Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

Manor House terrace Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

In the North Tower, there is an apartment of about 100m² (1000ft2) that is ideal for two people.

North Tower living room Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

North Tower kitchen Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

North Tower terrace Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

The West Tower is similar to the North Tower, in terms of accommodation. However, it does not have a private terrace.

West Tower living room Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

West Tower Bedroom Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

The South Tower is the smallest of the four and serves as an extension to the Manor or Tower North. It has four beds (bunk beds) and is equipped with a bathroom but with no kitchen. It is ideal for a group of youngsters.

South Tower seating area Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

South Tower bedroom Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

Laudonie offers his visitors an extended recreation area, where you will find a swimming pool, a sauna, a tennis court and a petanque pitch. In addition, Laudonie is located in close proximity to a golf course.

Swimming pool Image source website Laudonie – Photo credit Dirk Goethals

I would love to recommend you to visit the gorgeous website of LAUDONIE, where you will find much more to read about the history of the estate and were you will find more information together with an extended photo gallery of the property.

http://laudonie.fr

Lieu dit Laudonie - 24580 Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de Reilhac - France
Fanny Van Herzeele
E-mail : info@laudonie.fr
Telnr : +32 476 41 88 81

You can find Laudonie on FB HERE.

I am curious to know your thoughts about this French ‘jewel’.

Greet

Selasa, 14 Januari 2014

A Golden Pouf

Christmas has come and gone and my room got a mini makeover to make room for all my new golden accessories that I received as gifts over the holidays. There is just one thing left my room is really missing...


Margaret Elizabeth via The Everygirl


via Stephanie Sterjovski

via The Lishes

via Style Me Pretty

A golden pouf! While I'm on a no spending spree right now, these pictures will tide me over.
Perfect as a footstool, extra seating or side table, it's a great multi-use piece!

Will the gold madness ever end? I hope not.
xo

Senin, 13 Januari 2014

My Girly Gallery Wall

What bachelorette pad would be complete without a girly gallery wall? Over the past year or so, I've been collecting prints and art pieces without much thought to how they would all coordinate together or how exactly I was going to hang them. I'll admit, I totally wung (winged?) this gallery wall (as evidenced by the MANY nail holes hiding behind each piece as I inched everything up, down, over and back again until I was satisfied...don't tell my landlord!). But now that it's up I have to admit the colours in each piece look perfect together...almost like I planned it!

I really like how the art is framed by the doors flanking each side of the bookshelf (one leads to my walk in closet and the other to my bathroom) and I kept the highest piece in line with the moulding around the door to emphasize this. I purposely positioned the pictures around the TV to take the eye away from this big, blank, black rectangle.

Like my prints? Shop them below:

YSL Leopard Loafers (I scored the original watercolor, but you can get the print!): The Aestate
Gold T: (Gift from my big bro!) Chapters/Indigo
OUI graphic print: The Aestate
Lips Print: The Aestate (now available on Made by Girl)
Audrey Hepburn: Gift from my mama purchased from a vendor in NYC
Landscape: Flea Market Find!
Small Lamp Watercolor: Painted by yours truly! See it up close here
Butterfly Taxidermy: HomeSense (read about it here!)
Audrey Hepburn Triptych: Gift from my boyfriend, oddly enough also purchased in NYC!

Do you have a gallery wall in your home?
xox

You might also like: Gallery Wall Planning / DIY Large Abstract Canvas

Jumat, 10 Januari 2014

Pretty in Pink: A Soft Pink Coat

Lately I've been completely obsessed with the idea of a menswear-inspired jacket, but done in an overly feminine shade of soft pink. I already have a hot pink peacoat, but I think pale pink is just so perfect, delicate and classically elegant. I'm a girly girl at heart, and I think this would be a perfect investment.

via Suburban Faux-Pas

A light pink coat is perfect for adding a touch of vintage glamour and softness to any outfit. Not to mention Valentine's Day is right around the corner and this would make for the sweetest of looks.
Have I convinced you yet?
xox

Kamis, 09 Januari 2014

Introducing Belgian designer Natascha Persoone

A few months ago, I had the pleasure to meet the Belgian interior designer Natascha Persoone.

Belgian interior designer Natascha Persoone

We had a long and interesting conversation about architecture, interior design and craftsmanship which is the backbone of our Belgian design.

I was impressed by Natascha’s sense of style and her approach to interior design.

Image source website Natascha Persoone

For more than two decades Natascha Persoone is active as an interior designer.

Her work includes many private residences, commercial offices and medical practices.

Without doubt, Natascha gained a lot of experience and is always looking for new challenges. Running her projects, she is determined to collaborate with professionals and she loves to be surrounded by the best Belgian craftsmen.

In this living room the designer used beautiful fabrics including Belgian linen for the stores and the sofa upholstery. Image source website Natascha Persoone

French oak library Image source website Natascha Persoone

Creating high-end interior design, requires expertise and know-how and are of paramount importance to the interior designer. Selecting the best skilled joiners, cabinet-makers, painters, window treatment manufacturers,… means choosing for quality without a single concession.

Handmade oak table Image source website Natascha Persoone

I love the beige-brown-gold color scheme Natascha has chosen for this living room.Image source website Natascha Persoone

Natascha aimes to design new houses or redesign existing residences in a timeless way, respecting proportions, materials and light, depending on everyone's possibilities.

Image source website Natascha Persoone

Ancient art or a valuable object can be the starting point, evolving into the theme of the entire design of a space or a home.

‘In this way you create a personalized interior, fully tailored to the customer's wishes. A good design is independent of trends and budgets. Whether it's a traditional, classic, country, eclectic or modern styled design.’ , explains Natascha on her website.

Art as the starting point of the design of a space Image source website Natascha Persoone