Modern interiors in ancient homes

I LOVE old, historic homes. The character, the charm, the history, and the quality of craftsmanship far surpass the cookie cutter houses most of us have to settle for. What I also love is to see how people of today integrate modern technologies and furnishings into houses built long before those technologies were ever dreamed up.

PS - click on each image for a larger version



A home in Sri Lanka - I like that so many of the original architectural elements haven't been tampered with.



Love this bathroom and bedroom - check out the nooks above the desk

the 3 images above are from another Sri Lanka home.


2 images above from a farmhouse in Santiago, Chile

This kitchen is one of my favorites. I love exposed beams, and these have been painted yellow to brighten up the place.

2 images above from a home in Provence, France


2 above from a home in Mantova, Italy

LOVE the stone with a modern take on a classic chair. Gorgeous. From another Provence home.

What do you think? Do you live in an old home? What do you love about it? If you don't, would you like to live in one?

all images © Richard Powers.

Two lovely portfolios - one a designer, one a photographer

Two talented artists for you today!

The work of Suzy Hoodless, who runs a design consultancy and styles residential interiors to advertising campaigns.





I like the tapestry, and I like the console...I'm just not so sure about what's going on with the legs...



I love her wallpaper designs, especially the top one.
via Suzy Hoodless

And... the elegant and eclectic photography of photographer Simon Upton.


I've always liked art in the bathroom.



via Simon Upton

I'll be back soon! I'm going to visit a place like this...

I'm off to Florida you guys! I'm taking a much needed long weekend to visit one of my sisters and relax on the beach. So, I'm leaving you with ways to add some light-hearted, tropical air to your space.

oh...this is so me... natural wood tones and white

via the beautiful blog, this is glamorous




West Elm(top)/Pottery Barn ( 2 bottom) via Material Girls

Material Girls gave some really good advice on achieving this look:

• Rattan or wicker furniture
• Wood flooring
• Natural area rug- seagrass or sisal
• Mixing lots of texture and pattern is a must!
• Comfort is key- large upholstered furniture in preferably white or off white will give it a fresh, clean, and crisp look
• Animal prints!!!!
• A few leather pieces
• Try to stick with these colors- pale yellows, browns, golds, beiges, natural greens that have more yellow in them, soothing blues, whites, and splashes of red, black, and chocolate brown
• Wood furniture
• Lanterns
• Bamboo shades for your windows
• Table setting- they have these great round textured placemats at Crate and Barrel/ C&B Outlet or you could do wooden bowls
• Large floor vase with bamboo sticks
• A candle in a glass container with water rocks/stones
• Wood bowl with real fruit

But if you want more of a beach/nautical look, here are some of my favorite accessories:

• Faux coral- I can't say enough about it, I have a piece of it in my Living Room that I bought at Crate and Barrell and it just makes my coffee table.
• Extra large clam shells- I know we have done a high low feature on this before, but you can find them everywhere these days- they are very in style!
• Anything dark blue and white
• Stripes are always nice for this
• How about putting starfish in a bowl or in a jar?
• Shells on a stand or in a glass bowl
• A glass apothecary jar filled with sand...my mom (who inspires me every day!) has been collecting sand from the different beaches she has visisted while on vacation for the past I don't know how many years- she then puts the sand in different glass jars and labels them where they came from. It makes a really cute display and a great conversation starter about all of your travels!

Tips via Material Girls (more great info to be had)

via Home Decorating Reviews






Tropical island architectural genius! I love the use of stone! It must make the home feel so cool when coming in from the beach.

viazlgdesign