Tag: Interior Design

18Mar

A Stunning Bathroom by Luis Puerta

Luis Puerta, Design bathroom belle vivir

I posted about Interior Designer Luis Puerta almost three years ago where I expressed my admiration for his minimal yet very elegant Interior Design.  This bathroom he designed shows one more time his use of strong elements such as ornate wood, herringbone floor and ornate crown moldings to bring personality into more modern interiors with nude walls.  I love the whitewashed herringbone floors, the floor-to-ceiling French doors with inside shutters.  The use of antique furniture and indoor plants in the bathroom makes the space warmer besides the walls being bare.  The bathroom seems to project a Greek influence with the Greek statues displaying in the room.  I could really use a bathroom like this one.

Luis Puerta, Design bathroom belle vivir

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17Mar

Decorating with Metal Trees

decorating with metal/gilt palm trees
 A Palm-Tree Floor Lamp in a Beatriz Silveira design.

With an aura that reckons the glamorous decor of The Hollywood Regency era these brass trees make their way into today’s interiors bringing prestige to any type of home decor style.  Sometimes these gilt trees are floor lamps as in the case of Daphne Guinness’s home where a 1950’s Jansen palm-tree floor lamp graces the entry.  In other cases however they are simply decorating pieces as in the Hell’s Kitchen apartment of Cathy Lerebours, which I helped decorate.  She found the gilt palm-tree at an auction.  Take a look below at some homes with metal trees as decorating objects.

decorating with metal/gilt palm trees by julie paulino design

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13Mar

A Black and White Barcelona Triplex by Bruno Reymond

While yesterday perusing Nuevo Estilo I came across this chic triplex in Barcelona designed by Bruno Reymond.  The modern/midcentury-ish design style may not appeal to everyone but the execution of the modern space and how it’s warmed up with big and modern furniture with strong lines may do.  My favorite space in this triplex apartment is the entryway with that unusual oversize faux elephant head welcoming visitors, how unique and chic is that?  It’s youthful and stimulating.

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04Mar

Every home should have: A Cozy and Functional Home Library

functional and beautiful home library via belle vivir blog

If the kitchen is the heart of the house then the library is the brain.  Cliche, but true.  A Home library that is both cozy and functional will secure its place in the house as the room where everyone will want to be.  Regardless of your decor style, weather classic or modern, libraries should provide a restful and inspiring atmosphere to the user.  In order to be functional I think it’s a good idea to organize the books first by categories and then by color.  I’m not a big fan of covering books to make them look the same color I prefer the more realistic appeal of a library full of non-covered books.  Rolling or wheel ladder for high ceiling libraries is a great idea.

functional and beautiful home library via belle vivir blog
Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady home library

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27Feb

Not so feminine Crystal Chandelier

Crystal chandeliers

Crystal Chandeliers have always been considered feminine and girly hence often the first
choice of a traditional woman when looking for overhead lighting options.  They can make a room look instantly elegant and sophisticated but in most cases can also make a room very feminine and glamorous.  If that’s not the road you want to take, because you share your home with a partner or have a family, don’t panic, you can still have your fabulous crystal chandelier without making the boys in the family feel like they don’t have a saying.  Here is what I would look for if I were in the hunt for a crystal chandelier.  Go for dark metal chandeliers, such as antique black metal, black wrought iron and so on.  Get a chandelier without light bulb shades.  Pair it with a neutral color palette or rustic elements as wood or concrete.  Don’t worry you can still put your peonies on the table.  You both live there.

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