Do Tell: What type of home elevation is your favorite?

{I have been obsessed with designer, Yael Aflalo’s Commune-designed Hollywood home since I first laid eyes on it in Domino a few years ago.}

When thinking about my dream home, I often ponder the exterior as much as I do the interior. I like so many different styles of architecture that I’m not always sure what I would build or buy given the opportunity and means to purchase the home of my dreams. The more that I think about it, though, I tend to gravitate for homes with classic, traditional elevations with a twist of some sort. Yael Aflalo’s home (pictured directly above and below) is pretty much the embodiment of my style in a home elevation. I love darker colors, crisp, clean lines, and traditional touches with a dose of glamour. This home has it all in spades. While this particular home may be at the top of my list, I am always coming across homes that I find beautiful. And let’s be honest, I wouldn’t turn any of the houses in this post down. I’d love to hear more about the types of architecture you love most. Do tell, what type of home elevation is your favorite?

{I love every detail of this home. It’s perfectly manicured.}

{Miles Redd’s New York Townhouse stands out from the crowd in this lovely, pale blue hue. I love that the home seems to have a sense of humor.}

{This historic, classic home gets a bit of an update with a bright, lime green door.}

{This home is absolutely classic and elegant. This type of architecture lends itself to so many types of design for the interior. Plus, it looks like the walls would have some really great stories to tell if only they could talk.}

{Next to the very first house in this post, this would be my absolute dream home. I love the idea of a formal, traditional exterior with a glamorous, modern interior.}

{This home is magnificent! Ok, add this one to my list and I have my official Top 3.}

{Palm Springs Mid Century Modern Architecture}

{Clean Lines and Modern Grandeur in Ibiza}

{Serene Setting}

{Tia Zoldan’s Charming, English-Style Cottage}

{I get the feeling this home could just as likely be in the French countryside as it could be in Atlanta’s tony Buckhead neighborhood.}

{I do love Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean-style homes when they’re done well and look authentic. I am not a fan of the loosely interpreted, faux Mediterranean McMansions that run rampant nowadays.}

{This Nantucket home looks so warm and welcoming!}

{A Classic Dutch Colonial with Dark Shingle Siding}

{I’m guessing this one is near a Southern coastline. I love the porch!}

 

I am by no means an expert in architecture, so if I’ve classified anything as the wrong style, please let me know. I generally used terms for overall styles rather than using specific, architectural terminology, but I welcome the opportunity to learn something new. While you’re at it, be sure to let me know what your favorite style is or if any of these particular houses strike your fancy.

 

{Images via Pinterest}

Dream Home: Small Shop Studio

Today, the fabulous Erika of Small Shop is sharing her “Dream Home” with us. You may recall that I shared a tour of Erika’s gorgeous actual home earlier this summer, so you’re definitely in for a treat. Erika has amazing, glamorous style. Enjoy!

So honored to be included in this fun series! But I must admit I was surprised how difficult it was for me to nail down the look and feel of a house T.B.D. in all forms - the location, the shape, and all the countless goodies to fill it in. The possibilities are endless!

One thing I do know for sure: since my husband is an architect, we will one day build our own home, most likely here in Southern California. Another certainty: it will take on a contemporary shell of glass, concrete and wood (his style). The trick for me will be to soften up the interiors with sophisticated chic furnishings, accessories and art (my style).

First up, the exterior. Obviously lots of windows and light. A view would be ideal. (A head start, my husband worked on the house below left and right.) Right at the entry, I'd like to glam up the husband's modern leanings while retaining the open, clean feeling of the architecture. Definitely need a pivot door. Rich materials, and key pieces of furniture and lighting will be the starting point for my scheme. A James Nares painting or two will bring in a few accents of color. Nothing is more sophisticated than carrera marble in the kitchen. But to keep it from looking cold, I'd add in some wood and a design statement like a Dixon copper pendant or a Goyard-patterned backsplash. Also a definite must: dining on sleek chairs (preferably Milo Baughman, although the Fendi-upholstered pieces below right aren't too shabby). Just need the Billy Cotton pick-up chandelier to top it off. By sexy I mean fire and fur; by chic I mean Missoni and Hermès. (Can you tell how much I really want a Dixon copper pendant?) Give me a place I can retreat to -- travertine or marble, gold and glass. And I'd love to have a dressing room with natural lighting, if I were to be picky about it.

My daughter will definitely require a room that is pink. I will require that it is filled with patterns and pieces that surround her with a chicness she is already growing into. My office, easy: Kelly Wearstler-esque, no question. Here I get to be as colorful and creative as I want, to be visually inspired each and every day. Lastly, our house would not be complete without an outdoor area for family fun and entertaining. Thanks for taking my little tour with me! And although I realize my style's not for everyone, I hope you were able to get an idea or two out of it! All photo sources are available via my Pinterest board.

Jet Set: Hotel Don Gregorio in Salamanca

My thirtieth birthday trip is shaping up quite nicely and we’ve decided that instead of going to London, we’re heading back to Spain! I love everything about Spain and have loved every city I have ever visited in that lovely country. Fabian visited Spain for the first time when we went to Barcelona for our fifth wedding anniversary last summer and he fell in love with every aspect of the country and culture, just as I predicted he would. This time around, we’ll be heading to Madrid, but we’ll spend a couple of days in the nearby town of Salamanca. Salamanca is a gorgeous, historic city, which I’ve visited once before on my first trip to Spain. It’s a beautiful, magical place. The buildings are all made of limestone from the Castilla y Leon region which makes them appear to glow in the sun or moonlight. It’s just stunning! Madrid has a fast-paced, exciting energy similar to New York while Salamanca is the complete opposite, so I am very much looking forward to experiencing the contrast of these two cities with my husband since he was not there the first time around.

Salamanca is home to one of Spain’s oldest and most prestigious universities along with a treasure trove of medieval architecture and what may be the most beautiful plaza in all of Spain. It also has some fabulous shopping and is completely walkable. We’ve decided on a hotel for our stay in Madrid, but I am scoping out a few options in Salamanca. While researching hotels, I came across the beautiful Hotel Don Gregorio which is housed in a former palace from the fifteenth century. Most hotels in Spain, even in the four and five star range, tend to leave a little to be desired in terms of design. Many are extremely traditional, while others are starkly modern so it was nice to come across such a lovely hotel within an historic setting.

{The lobby at Hotel Don Gregorio is warm and lovely, yet the modern furnishings fit perfectly within the historic building.}

{Hotel Don Gregorio Lobby}

{A Tastefully Designed Guestroom}

{This room features a terrace overlooking the beautiful city.}

{The hotel features thoroughly modern and well-appointed bathrooms.}

{Notice the original stone wall on the right along with the beautiful, wide-plank wood floors. I love it when hotel rooms have wood floors rather than carpet. It feels so much cleaner. By the way, whoever designed the hotel chose a fabulous selection of chairs!}

{I believe this room is part of a suite. I love the juxtaposition of the gilded mirror in the bathroom with the modern sink.}

{Lovely Seating Area Featuring Rich Hues of Purple}

{A Lovely Courtyard for Enjoying the Salamanca Sun}

 

Here are a couple of photos from my first trip to Salamanca in June of 2008:

{The University}

{Salamanca’s Beautiful Plaza}

{The “Casa de las Conchas” is named after the conchas, or seashells that adorn its façade. It now serves as Salamanca’s library.}

{Salamanca’s Cathedral- I promise to share lots of photos and details of our trip once we get back in November!}

This Week’s Quote

{Image via Pinterest}