16Jul

Beautiful Bathtubs

Photo above via Lonny.

When I think of customizing or designing a bathroom the first thought that comes to my mind after functionality is of relaxation and pampering. A bathroom is the most private room in the house and it’s also the place we need to rely on in the mornings to helps us start the day efficiently and happy. One of my favorite things in our bathrooms is Lucas’s bathtub because it’s perfect for all our needs. I personally prefer a pedestal tub, the kind that do not have legs, but whether you prefer one with legs or not, Quality Bath has all the options for you. Below are a few of my favorites from their great selection.

This copper tub reminds me of Frederique Mechiche’s beautiful bathroom.

Always loved this bathroom!

Image above via Elle Decor.

I would love one tub like this one. It looks comfortable and stylish.

12Jul

One of my favorite homes: Marie Chantal Miller House

Marie Chantal Miller House entry way François Catroux via belle vivir blog

In Marie Chantal Millers’s house, an amazing Herve van der Straeten chandelier and an English convex mirror glam the Vienne bench. I love this entrance so much so that I have it in my inspirational board since 2006, as an Interior Designer myself, I keep my inspirations close. The London townhouse of Princess Marie-Chantal Miller of Greece and her family, designed by François Catroux, has been one of my favorite homes ever since I saw it. Marie Chantal Miller’s house was published in House and Garden magazine in 2006 and it still feels so up-to-date. The neutral, warm palette throughout is revived with contemporary art. The incredible art collection mingles with Herve van der Straeten exquisite pieces and custom furniture by the Francois Catroux. Many people would think that this house is too formal but, besides being the house of a royal family, it is a house that’s also located in London which would call for a more formal environment than a house in the country or in the beach.

Marie Chantal Miller house living room François Catroux via belle vivir

Marie-Chantal poses in front of a Donald Baechler. If anyone out there wants to give me a gift, please make it a Donal Baechler painting. Thank u 🙂

04Jul

Bungalow Home and Garden: Rustic American Style

Last year when I went to Columbus, OH I went into this beautiful little shop called Bungalow Home and Garden in the downtown area and took a few pictures, which I misplaced. Yes, it could happen within a computer. At the time they were working in their website so there was no way to post pictures of their beautiful inventory until now. Happy Holiday! I’ll be back on Monday.

03Jul

Michael Smith: Modern with grand style

Michael Smith living room via belle vivir interior design blog

Michael Smith is well known for his very traditional style. I was happy to see in Wall St Journal Magazine this weekend the marvelous work Smith did with his new home. This home showcases a mixture of modern architecture with transitional and classic furniture with a few modern pieces in a more spare but still warm ambiance. I especially love the old paintings contrasting with modern floors and white plain walls. This is a stunner!

Michael Smith entryway via belle vivir interior design blog

14Jun

A Home Grand on Drama and Elegance by Thomas Britt

Waiting for paint at Lowe’s yesterday while flipping the pages of Veranda, I was splashed with a freshness of color and drama from a Water Mill, NY home designed by Thomas Britt and Valentino Samsonadze. The global chic and collected feel of the house is breathtaking and unique. I think the incredible size of the house lends itself to the feel of drama and grandeur. Enjoy!

13Jun

Modern Classic Furniture: Modern Furniture rooted in the Classic

As a designer I appreciate all kinds of furniture from very traditional to modern and contemporary ones. An Interior designer should be able to create all different kinds of style for their clients. From contemporary design to traditional, from glamorous to unpretentious ones. My lovely mother-in-law, whose taste is more contemporary, once told me “you don’t like modern” and my response was “I like modern furniture with classical reference.” We find comfort in what we know and/or we can relate to, so these types iconic furniture which are modern but have been around for over half a century are the kinds that offer an incredible balance between tradition and modern. Here are some of my favorite Modern classic furniture.