FEATURES
Al Fresco Dining
Here we are looking at various ways and styles of outdoor dining - taking full advantege of the gorgeous mediterranean sun! Things to consider when designing an outdoor dining space should definitely include proper location - we want the Guests to be able to enjoy a great view over the course of the meal. Another one to keep in mind is shading, whether its complete shade or dappled by the slats of the pergola or foliage overhead. We can consider an option of retractable covers to provide more flexibility. And we must not forget about the practicality - the dining area should be in reasonable proximity to the food preparation area!
Bedroom
Imagine being woken up by morning sun filtering through leaves, with a subtle smell of sea breeze. You open you eyes to the view of the sea framed by lush greenery hearing the subtle trickle of water feature and the sea waves in the background. Sounds good...it sure does to me! As designers this is part of our responsibility - create a little piece of personal heaven.
Indoor Pool
Indoor Pool can be the ultimate sanctuary of relaxation, regardless of weather. Its best to make sure that it is filled with abundance of natural light so big windows and skylights are definitely recommended - especially since they give the opportunity to add more planting to enhance the relxing vibe. For this week we include a number of options in different styles and aesthetics.
Main Entrance
First impressions are important - this statement hardly needs defending. When designing any space it is very important to appropriately emphasize the entrance. It should be the culminating moment of the front facade both for compostional and practical reasons. A couple things to consider here:
1. Is the access going to be direct or would we weave and undulate the access for additional interest and enhanced experience
2. Do we want to add water feature to welcome the visitor (or ourselves!) with a pleasant sound of flowing water
3. How are we going to frame the access - it can be a pair of beautiful trees, a portal, overhang, the options are endless
4. How will the actual entrance look like - will it be oversized door or a feature wall with the actual door accessible on the side
Planting Pots
Planting pots can come in all different shapes and sizes and are an excellent element to enrich a space, regardless of use and style.
Either with planting or on their own, pots can be used to provide framing, rhythm, dress an empty corner or even become a standalone feature.
Including a veriety of examples in different styles and in a variety of contexts.
Steps
My personal favourite sites are those with significant elevation changes. By providing the extra dimension they open so many possibilities to create interest in landscape design. Landscape steps are one of the most interesting elements because they offer endless design opportunities.
They can be combined with water features, staggered, rounded, made to look like they merge with the surrounding rocks, etc etc
Terrace Paving
Today we look down and focus on what is below our feet. We explore different materials, patterns, finishes and colours. There are endless possibilities here and the ultimate design will be dependent on the design objectives. I personally really like when the paving responds to the individual functions and hierarchies of spaces. I would be making the pattern more interesting around entrances, destinations and architectural features - through this the paving can become somewhat of a wayfinding tool.
Green Wall
I like to think about 'Green Walls' more as Vertical Gardens. This makes me think of these elements in context of a full range of material uses and special features. Aside from the plants a vertical garden can include waterfalls, water cascades, 3D panels, mirrors and various other decorative elements thus creating a real art composition on the wall.
Indoor Gym
Staying healthy is always in style so it is worth considering adding a gym to any villa design. A good design should include abundance of natural light, coming through a window wall and/or a skylight as well as a large mirror. The choice of equipment material could be in metal or wood, depending on style. Addition of plants is always welcome, especially since we already have a lot of sunlight coming in.
Indoor Water Feature
I personally consider water features an essential element to any luxurious space. It has a potential to be a true feast for the senses - aside from providing visual and auditory interest it gives a fresh quality to the air which I love. For this Feature Friday we are looking at a little more unusual designs, focusing on ideas for an entry foyer. What a perfect welcome to any luxury home! Which one is your favourite?
Staircase
Practical purposes aside having a multi-level space introduces to us the wonderful opportunity to excercise our design muscle. There are endless possibilities in resolving a staricase, depending on the house aesthetic, preferred shape and choice of materials.
