Drooling Over New Zealand Architecture.

I have a super duper special place in my heart for New Zealand. It is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and I am just dreaming of the day I can return. When we were traveling in New Zealand I would always say, I just can't quite comprehend at this time how beautiful things are. Everyday I was seeing the most gorgeous and unique natural landscapes and environments that I'd ever seen before. My head was constantly whipping around, with jaw dropped, and all I could say was "oh my gosh, look over there! wow! wow! look over there! wow!" I am feeling the same way as I drool over the work of New Zealand based Fearon Hay Architects. The Sandy Bay Farmhouse makes my heart skip a beat. I would gladly stay here on my next holiday;-)

Just imagine the night sky filled with star light. Oh so gorgeous!

The countertop is stunning wish I knew what material it was. Such a gorgeous matte finish which makes me think it may be sandstone or concrete. Any ideas?

What a great connection with the outdoors. Just thinking this would be the perfect place for a wedding:-)

wow...that's all I need to say!

I can't help, but sharing with you another project by Fearon Hay Architects. The Mountain Retreat located in Central Otago blends in perfectly with the natural landscape and environment in the region without being too raw.

This home is completely hidden upon entry from the road. You must climb down the roof to enter into the front door. How cool is that!

This view takes my breathe away! And look at how stunning that fireplace and log holder are!

I love this combination of materials.

Check out that bathtub you know there is such a killer view!
I WILL return to New Zealand one day and for now I am going to continue to dream about staying in one of these stunning holiday homes on my return!

Read the entire article over at Arch Daily

First Inspiration of the Year!

Well hello there! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year! I am really looking forward to 2010 and am excited about what's to come. I have been preparing these inspiration boards for a project in Beverly Hills. The client thinks she "knows exactly what she wants", but then again has absolutely no idea! We are really hoping that at our meeting next week we can really create some clarity and a solid vision in her mind so she can feel comfortable moving forward to the next step...demo! Crossing my fingers because we are very excited about this project! Here are the inspiration boards for the Modern, French Normandy with a touch of Versace interior the client is looking for.

The chandeliers over the island are going to be a main focal point in this kitchen. She loves a very traditional white washed door style for the kitchen. The kitchen is very expansive so I really think a contrasting island with a more modern feel will look so rich in the light filled space. I like the idea of wide plank dark floors throughout the house with light non color, colors on the wall.

The living room and family room are both very open with high ceiling, molding, and large windows. I love how the flowing window treatments filter in just the right amount of light and create such a softness in the space. The neutral palette looks so fresh and the reflective qualities in the chandeliers and the mirrors add those pops of Versace the client is looking for.

The bedroom is long and narrow, so I really think we need to keep it light and fresh. I want this room to feel very feminine and be rich with texture and flooded with light. (the first image is for layout reference.)

This bathroom needs to be her sanctuary. A gorgeous room where she can relax and pamper herself for hours. She also has a very large powder room that I think she just be glammed up like the picture on the upper right.

image sources via decorpad, houzz, and unknown sources