Bedroom Design Ideas
Beach House Pictures
Showing posts with label Beach House. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beach House. Show all posts
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
A Coastal Dream by Catalano Architects
Houses by the ocean always seem to draw me in.
I love the shingle style architecture - and no one does it better than our friends at Catalano Architects. This particular house has incorporated a lighthouse theme.
Notice the "lighthouse" in this closer up photo. As usual, no detail was overlooked inside or out. You enter the home via a gorgeous cobblestone edged driveway.
The back of the home is breathtaking - designed to take in the equally breathtaking views.
Notice the wavy clapboard in the peaks. It would have been easier (and less expensive) to put straight clapboard, but its these small details that add to the character and personality of the home.
This is the main entry hall - You can see the view through those spectacular windows out toward the ocean.
Here is the entry hall with your back to ocean and facing the front door. Notice the tile is set on the diagonal.
The staircase includes beautiful custom detailing - the moulding, wainscoting and railing. Notice all the window shapes. I also like the stair runner.
Here the back staircase has a lattice inspired wall. Much more interesting than a solid wall.
The family room evokes a feeling of being on a luxury yacht. The wood paneled walls are amazing.
A close up of the bar. Just stunning!
The kitchen and breakfast room move us back in the a more traditional coastal decor - white cabinets and beadboard ceilings.
Every coastal home needs a pool house/guest house. Again Catalano Architects continues the lighthouse theme and creates a charming oasis.
Here is a closer shot. Take a moment and study the outside - the attention to detail is really amazing. Notice the curved shape of the roof, wavy clapboard, railings, columns - This guest house is truly a gem.
The inside is also outstanding. I especially love the retractable doors which immediately transform an indoor room into an outdoor room.
The interior detailing again astounds you - the curved staircase above is a work of art.
And when the view and the pool aren't enough - you can enjoy time in the game room, equipped with pool table and two lane bowling alley. Isn't this so much fun??!!
Or find an quiet niche in the house to curl up with a good book. Clearly this home has it all!
A special thanks to Tom Catalano of Catalano Architects for sharing this outstanding dream home with us! For more inspiration visit Catalano Architects here.
(all photos Catalano Architects by Warren Patterson-not to be copied without permission)
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Decorating with Giant Clam Shells
(Julia Cumes for the Boston Globe)
We just returned from a wonderful trip to Sanibel Island in Florida. Like so many visitors to Sanibel our family got bitten by the "Shell Collecting" bug and we spent much of our time roaming the beautiful beaches hunting for shells. I am a big fan of using natural materials in decorating, especially shells, and one of my favorites items is the giant clam shell.
When I returned home I looked through my files and found that over the years I had several images of the giant clam shell. I wanted to share with you a few of my favorites. The photo above is vignette from the John Derian's summer home on Cape Cod. I love the unexpected texture the shell brings to this simple, rustic antique table.
(designingdna)
Perhaps the most obvious way to use a giant clam shell is on a table top. It lends itself well as a vessel for planting or housing a collection of fruit or decorative balls. I really love the example above. I find the contrast of the soft, willowy arrangement very striking against the rough coarseness of the exterior of the shell.
(Elle Decor)
Above is lovely living room of Ali Wentworth and George Stephanopoulos. You can see the giant clam shell in the fireplace.
(Elle Decor)
Here the shot is restyled and you can see a better view of the shell. I especially like the bold color of the back of the bookcases. It provides a wonderful contrast for the other shells which are displayed.
(coastal style living)
These next two bathrooms are designed by Barry Dixon and they are fabulous of examples of using the giant clam shell in the bath. The glass shower creates almost a terrarium like display for the shell and provides a fabulous natural element.
(coastal style living)
Barry Dixon again uses a giant clam shell and fills it with natural sea sponges. I love how the placement of the shell softens the lines of the tub. The chandelier and screen are also beautiful additions.
(Jupiter Granite)
I love to see the shells used in more unique ways like the sink above. I adore this!! Someday I hope to add a bathroom at the beach house with a giant clam shell as a sink. This particular one was beautifully executed.
(House Beautiful)
Here is a more opulent example of using a giant clam shell as a sink. This bathroom, with it's mother of pearl tiles, is located in Southampton, NY. You can read more about this amazing home here.
Finally here is wonderful vignette located on the back wall of the pool house of Antiquarian, Michael Trapp, via Joni at Cote de Texas. The giant shell adds a wonderful burst of white against the spectacular stone walls. This home is really extraordinary. You can read more about it here.
Our Sanibel vacation inspired me add more shells to our beach home decor. We came home with a suitcase filled with our beautiful finds. I am anxious to get them sorted and displayed. More to come!! Hope you all are enjoying the summer!!!
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