Dear friends of ours recently bought a piece of land in the California wine country and we began chatting and day dreaming about the house they hope to build there one day. I love the endless possibilities and natural beauty of empty land! And when I happened upon this amazing modern farmhouse by Nick Noyes Architecture, I thought it was just perfect. I like the contrast of the clean, modern architecture with plenty of organic textures and a few traditional elements (like the pitched roof and the shiplaps ceiling).  The whole design beautifully integrates indoors and outdoors, with light filled rooms, open walkways and a gorgous backyard. It is at one time both so simple and so warm. I wonder what they will build in the end . . . happy day dreaming! 

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Singapore Style: Sentosa's Fish House

Sometimes the heat in Singapore is just oppressive but as today was breezy and lovely I thought it was the perfect day to share the incredible Fish House built by Guz Architects. Situated on Sentosa Island, the architecture and finishes of the home work to bring nature in and act as a link to amazing sea just a few meters away. My favorite features include the unique indoor-outdoor pool, lush rooftop garden and the soft undulating form of the interior ceilings {meant to mirror the waves just beyond!}. I also love the the use of abundant landscaping and lots of natural wood surfaces to create a space that is chic and modern but still so welcoming. Any details you love? Happy daydreaming!

For those of you in the US experiencing the intense cold snap - I'd say this house is the perfect inspiration to come visit us here in sunny Sing! 

XOXO

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Singapore Style: Shophouse Beauty

This week we had visitors and we loved showing my lovely sister in law and her friends around Singapore! It is always so wonderful to see everyone's reaction to the modernity here but also the beauty of what traditional architecture still remains. My favorite buildings are certainly the classic Singaporean shophouses built mostly in the 18th century during British colonial rule. These homes have an eclectic mix of European Neo-Classical and traditional Chinese design details. They are are also known for their lively color schemes! Today most are still used as homes or as cozy restaurants or stores. I did a mini design history of shophouses here for those interested in more info. 

Here are a few of my favorite instagramed snapshots . . . please come visit us and we will show you around too! 

With love from SGP!

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Gracious Graphics: I Love NY

I adore the architecture of New York City and especially loved all the different facades and town homes in the West Village, where my husband and I were lucky enough to live for a year. So I could not help but smile when I came across a lovely graphics site, Windows Of New York. Artist Jose Guizar's designs are so simple but still so charming and so representative of each neighborhood. These would be so fun as a set of framed prints!

 I love you NYC!

House Tour: An Urban Hideout in Seattle

Growing up in Seattle, I always loved to see old architecture of the Smith Tower in the midst of the modern skyline. And I was completely intrigued to find out that there is actually one special apartment at the very top! Built in 1914, the tower was instantly famous as being the tallest building on the West Coast, and though it is now it is dwarfed by the surrounding sky scrapers, it is just as charming. The birds eye apartment was originally for the building's caretaker but eventually was home to a series of artists and writers who passed the it from friend to friend and now is rented out by a very lucky young Seattle family. I love the artistic, rustic, and hidden feel of the interiors! 

So cool! I especially love that large electric blue glass chandelier by Seattle artist Dale Chihuly! 

{via the New York Times and via} 

Architectural Beauties

I love when the architectural details of a building lead the way for the interior decoration. Whether the furnishings contrast or mirror their surroundings, the interaction of the two is always so interesting. Here are some architectural details I find extra inspiring!  

Happy Weekend! 

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