( Kitchen Love - Black, White & Gold )

Well... this my friends is what I can only describe as my perfect Kitchen. I am a little lost for works with this post as I don't want to rant on about detail detail detail, hehehe. Everywhere I look in this Kitchen, my design senses go into overdrive... OK, here I go...
Look at the clean edge and smooth detail on the fitted black units and how they work so beautifully with the contrasting free-standing antique island unit (heaven). look at those black and white patterned floor tiles and how they sit so comfortably in the space. The thin blackened steel windows are so elegant and balanced against the white wall. The thin stools have been chosen so not to distract from the gorgeous turning of the island unit legs, but are slick and sexy in their own right.
Ok, I'm going to stop there... I'm getting far too excited, hahaha. What do you think of this Kitchen?
The Kitchen was designed by the fabulous Jessica Helgerson, who I have been a huge fan of for a long time.

Images by: Lincoln Barbour

( Today I'm Loving... Black Walls )

I'm currently designing a beautiful hotel in the gorgeous York, UK and I'm at that all exciting concept stage where I get to spend hours looking at lush images to aid me in my design process. So whilst doing this I just thought I share some lovely finds with you... No reasoning for my choice of black walls but it started becoming a theme so I thought I'd stick with that for this post as I'm actually really loving the dark wall look at the moment... Theres actually something really therapeutic about these interiors. Enjoy! Happy hump day everyone :)

Images via:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

( City Home with a Contemporary Country Feel )

I would describe myself as a bit of a city, but I love the cosiness of country living. This home below is a wonderful example of how to achieve a comfortable yet contemporary, country style in the middle of the hustle and bustle of city life. 
Lucky for somebody, this Swedish two-story penthouse in the middle of Sweden, is for sale... I wish I was the lucky buyer!!! Renovated by Marianne Aaron Architect this stunning home boasts a glamorous, elegant, yet rustic style. The dark timber feature are timelessly fused with very contemporary furnishes and clean lines. 
The large living room is perfect, especially with the fireplace niche in the sidewall for storage of firewood. The painted black windows are a great contrast with the brown floor, and beautiful in wide boards.

I was charmed by the kitchen, with marble table and bench with cushions in rustic linen.
In the attic the roof structure was kept exposed, with brick walls were painted white and the floor, unlike the lower floor was coated with beautiful ceramic tiles.
I like the harmony in decorating, neutrality, lighting and cosy result. I would actually go as far as saying that this home is just perfect... When can I move in? ;)

Images via: Skeppsholmen

( Perfect Rustic Alpine Retreat )

The snow fell all weekend here in London, which was so exciting. I always feel like such a kid when it snows; snow ball fights, snow man building, and amazing photography opportunities. 

As Winter is still well and truly here and here to stay for a while, I thought this post would be very appropriate. 
As soon as I saw this Colorado home I fell in love with it. Designed by Studio Sofield, this Aspen getaway 'raises alpine style to a whole new level'. 

The beautiful design of this contemporary home sits seamlessly into its natural mountainous surroundings with ease whilst still meeting the design brief of a modern / traditional home set out by the clients. (The clients being a husband and wife with very different design views).
 
“I think of myself as a behaviorist,” Sofield says. “My design for this home or any home, really emerges from an understanding of who the clients are and how they prefer to live. Because I’ve worked with this couple for more than two decades, we had a pretty good head start on the process.” 
I feel the design team at Studio Sofield have blended the clients wishes for both modern and traditional, perfectly through the modern structural detailing i.e. the large double height living space, and stunning traditional materials and finishes i.e. tone walls, natural timber panelling and beautiful patterned carpets etc. 

“The goal is always balance, in weight, mass, texture, colour, everything,” Sofield notes. “It’s the same for the architecture and the interiors. I tend to judge furniture more on shape than pedigree. The casual, collaged feel of the mix here seems right for this kind of house.” 
I couldn't agree more... Design is all about balance and this is one of those perfect examples.

Images via: Architectural Digest