Top Decoration

This home was designed and influenced by renaissance architecture. If you look beyond the gorgeous furniture and notice the architecture itself, the room is quite grand. I love the fireplace and the french doors. But what really caught my attention was the ceilings - every room in this estate has interesting ceilings. The wood ceiling above really warms up the opulent space.

The kitchen ceiling was also an interesting work of art. I loved the wood design and the way it was white washed and distressed. Of course the zinc hood made me swoon.

I really like the relaxed feeling of this guest room. It is has the classic wood/tropical ambiance. Another room with spectacular ceilings.

Overall the home is a bit too opulent for me but they seemed to get the bedrooms right! Here the view in the master bedroom takes center stage - and the coffered ceiling is nice too.

This is the lovely view off the master bedroom terrace - beautiful iron work on the railings. Again notice the ceiling, clearly no detail was overlooked.

Of course I could get used to cocktails by the pool...but its back to reality for me. If you want to dream a little, check out the rest of this estate here. End of the year school activities with kids are keeping me busy since I returned, but it was a wonderful anniversary trip!!

Formerly a boat house, the 1,100 square foot renovation opened up the space and provided a wonderful ocean escape for the family. Built right over the water, it's almost as if you are on a boat.
Upon entering the neutral decor lets the water views take center stage. You will notice that the trim, walls and ceiling are all painted the same color. This is an old decorating trick. If the trim was a painted a whiter shade than the walls your eye would stop (even for the briefest second) at each opening. By keeping the color uniform your eye stops only when it sees the view or into the next room. I find this trick really opens up a room.
The family room has plenty of seating and the ottoman coffee table is a wonderful addition which adds a nice textural element and a few extra seats. Again a neutral sofa is key and the pillows add the dash of color. Notice the beamed ceiling and beadboard above.
This kitchen is perfect! It has all the amenities you need in a carefully designed space. Green soapstone and rattan stools compliment the family room decor. I really like the different rugs. Not matching the rugs, but choosing complimentary colors adds another layer of interest.
Who would guess that this small area could seat 8 adults? A good trick in a limited area is to add a banquette. I am sure you can even fit more if they were children! Pale blue dominates this area, but notice it compliments the ocean and because it is so subtle it does not compete with the view. Every ocean retreat needs a hideaway spot and this one is lovely. Built in drawers provide much needed extra storage. I like the addition of arched opening - it is a wonderful way to frame the spectacular view.
Finally the porch - what a beautiful spot to relax. For more photos click here.
Enjoy the the weekend!!

He shared with me this wonderful cottage renovation on the New England coast. As you can see the home is located out on a peninsula. At high tide it becomes an ocean oasis. Though small, it is filled with everything you need to relax. The main room above features a kitchen nook and desk area.