Living in a beautiful home provides rejuvenation from stressful pursuits and comfort from attractive personal objects that are carefully put into order.
After graduating from design school, I pondered the significance of being an interior designer. At times it felt like a shallow profession. Carefully deliberating high end furnishings is a wealthy person’s pastime. Yet living in a beautiful home is important for all people to uplift their soul and heal wounds from the day. People who take great pride in their home’s decoration, cleanliness, or creativity inspire me. They often prove that living in a beautiful home doesn’t require extravagance. Simple items placed with care and tidiness can create elegance.
This week hearing the sad news of two talented people losing their lives by their own hand has me thinking of beautiful homes even more than usual. In memory of the beauty that Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain created, I am posting images of alluring environments. Some are grand, some are simple. Most of all they portray love by the owner for those they care about, even if that is just themselves.
An exuberance of ivy is like the outstretched arms of a loved one welcoming you back home.
Jean Cocteau in front of his abundantly charming abode in Milly-la-Forêt.
The lovely Sag Harbor store, Bloom, is all charm inside and out. (Photo: Habitually Chic)
Inside Bloom, Astier de Villatte products are lined up for purchasing. (Photo: Habitually Chic)
Dallas is a city that cares about appearances.
As a result, the women present themselves well on a daily basis and houses and gardens are treated lavishly. Hospitality is important and leans toward the formal. I knew nothing different so I thought this was standard practice everywhere. On the contrary, Dallas is a special place that prioritizes a well-appointed home.
The living room of a passionately renovated old Spanish-style home by Cathy Kincaid, Highland Park, Dallas. (Photo: James Merrell for Veranda)
Manicured loveliness in Highland Park, Dallas. (Photo: James Merrell for Veranda)
A pattern-filled family room by Cathy Kincaid. (Photo: Miguel Flores-Vianna for House Beautiful)
The always welcoming foyer of Cristina and Harry Lynch’s Dallas house usually includes a mariachi band, a waiting glass of champagne, and papel picado hanging above in the tall cupola.
Trasierra is a lovely home turned guest house in Southern Spain. The Scott Family has masterly created an embracing environment that feels as if one were visiting a friend’s home. The estate exudes subtle charm at every turn, and I mean every turn.
The mantel is dressed with local Spanish bowls and citrus from the orchards.
A charming tablescape in the living room.
A view from the breakfast room.
A lovely alfresco table set up for my family.
Color, pattern, or the lack there of can successfully achieve an aesthetic interior.
Beautiful shades of green in an alcove under the stairs, Vizcaya, Miami.
The Ibiza home of Daniel Romauldez. (Photo: Miguel Flores-Vianna for Architectural Digest)
The tidy and somewhat somber kitchen of Casa No Name, San Miguel de Allende.
The relaxed summer home of Kate and Andy Spade. (Photo: Matchbook Magazine / StevenSclaroff.com)
Casa V can help you to start living in a beautiful home.