Tag: Architecture

The Architect Daniel Romualdez is among the most celebrated Interior Designers due to his extraordinary talent of creating consistent stunning interiors.  After studying economics at Yale University, Romualdez decided to follow his heart and pursued a career in Interior Design.

Daniel Romualdez library via belle vivir blog

After completing a master in Architecture from Columbia’s School of Architecture, he worked for two internationally recognized Architectural Firm, Thierry Despont and Robert A.M.  Recently, Romualdez was in charge of designing the interiors and the 46 units of 70 Vestry in Tribeca, a luxury waterfront condominium by architect Robert A.M. Stern.  Romualdez’s ability to conceive sophisticated interiors in multitudinous of styles, from traditional to modern has granted him an A-list of clients such as Daphne Ghinnes, Ina Garten, Tory Burch, Aerin Lauder and many others.

tory burch home daniel romualdez via belle vivir blog

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steel casement windows, steel windows

Alfredo Paredes Manhattan home with stunning arched steel casement doors which make this space so spectacular.

I get so smitten every time I see a room with steel casement windows or doors, gladly they are getting more and more popular as we can see their beautiful presence in almost every design magazine issue lately.  I like to see them in all their different uses from windows to doors to kitchen cabinets to shower enclosure although, I have to say that they reign more when used as French patio doors.   After all, there are wood French patio doors and there are steel casement French patio doors with the last one being within its simplicity, extremely elegant and restrained.  Steel doors and windows look their best when used against clean concrete walls in more industrial or country settings but they can also look pretty seamless when used against stone walls.

Steel windows and doors are somewhat a kind of a design import from France where it has been used abundantly from Paris to the country side.

steel casement window, black-white-bathroom-with-shower-steel-enclosure

Steel shower enclosure brakes with the all white theme in this bathroom.

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Today we are going to discuss The Characteristics of Georgian Homes.  But, first, I have the great pleasure of introduce you to Vyna St. Phard the mind behind High End Weekly, a blog dedicated to the highest standards of luxury lifestyle.  Vyna is a New York-based interior designer who draws her inspiration from culture, fashion, art, travel and nature.  Her aesthetic style is greatly influenced by the Art Deco style and Bauhaus movement.  Her daily posts cover everything from, of course, Art Deco, the luxury market, and lifestyle blogging.  Raised between Paris and New York she speaks perfect French and what I love more about Vyna is her bonne vivante personality and how easy going she is.  I asked Vyna to contribute to Belle Vivir and share with my lovely readers some of her extended knowledge.  Thank you Vyna for accepting.
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When my friend and fellow designer Julie asked me to do a blog post on Belle Vivir, I was thrilled to accept and be part of all the excitements and inspirations she create every day on this blog. I hope you too get inspired by these beautiful Georgian homes because they have long been cherished, and stand as exemplary homes of long ago and a perfect standard for progressive architecture of the future.  It’s all in the details
Characteristics of Georgian Homes via belle vivir blog

Here’s a quick rundown of the history of Georgian Houses. They were built in a style that was popular in England from roughly 1715 to 1830, during the reigns of the four King George. The Georgian style homes are noteworthy for their distinctive appearances and for the influence they still have on modern building styles which is why I’m especially fond of them.
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Every time I walk by this iconic building in New York City with its Renaissance Revival architecture and its cobblestone gated courtyard/driveway I feel like I’ve been transported to France or Italy.  After many years of dispute (rents-stabilized-lawsuits-new building owners; if you want to know more about it go here) the building has been restored and its creative director Stephen Sills have created an exclusive model unit for me and you to just dream and look on. Enjoy


The impressive courtyard

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part of the Kitchen. Notice the liquid leather on the banquette.

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french creole architecture
I know this house is not in the Caribbean hence it doesn’t apply to my Caribbean
getaways.  But I loved the tropical atmosphere so much that I couldn’t hold myself from posting it and adding it to my list as well.  French Creole Architecture is a combination of French and Caribbean style, specially designed for the hot, wet climate mostly found in the West Indies. Therefore the use of brick walls, wooden pillars, long and sometimes wide roofed porches or verandas that usually connect all the bedrooms. The bedrooms are located on the second floor with doors that open to the corridor.  This French Creole architecture began with the French colonial period (1699-1762).  Below is a description from the website of this pretty house.

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