Design Tips

My design tips are by no means groundbreaking,

these are just some of the design principals I like to follow.

After visiting Europe, UK and USA late last year

I am all inspired to build again!

Keep it Simple (my favourite)

This is one of the many amazing houses on the Island of

Panarea which is part of the Aeolian Islands in Sicily

and home of the best Granita in the world!

This simple structure at Isola Bella in Taormina, Sicily

was a cafe by day and a restaurant/cocktail bar by night.

This type of structure is inexpensive and easy to build.

Drape fabric, click-clack decking and voila!

Go Organic

You all know I'm a huge fan of organic finishes.

They are in Croatia too!

This was the indoor pool at our hotel in Dubrovnik

Stone, Timber, and organic shape make a very calming space.

Lighting

Lighting is so important,

especially when you have a beautiful wall (hundreds of years old) 

like this to show off!

This was the living room in our hotel in Split, Croatia

It is an old palace. The interior has a mix of old & new (which I love)

Mix Old & New

 This is a restaurant 'Dracone' in the old town of

Vieste in Puglia, Italy

These restaurants are enoteca built in old caves.

Amazing food & Vino!!!

I love how they keep the old caves untouched and add simple furniture

and amazing lighting. That Chandelier is stunning against the old stone.

And in an amazing location like Positano

where the view is the hero, the lighting should be kept simple.

Ikea?

I love the Yellow and White awnings.

Embrace the Overgrown

 This was our pool on the island of Lipari, Sicily

Aussies would rip all of that beautiful Ivy down!

I love it. A. has heart palpitations 

whenever I suggest planting it at the House.

Why do our husbands love their whipper-snippers

so much?

Some people like to see a perfectly manicured garden,

but I'm not one of them.

I think Ivy looks great on this new building (in Dubrovnik) too.

This is a restaurant in Lipari.

Very simple. Incredible food. 

White Furniture and Ivy everywhere.

This beauty is in Taormina

Use Colour

The buildings in the old town of Vieste, Italy are white

with varying shades of blue & green shutters & doors.

I love how the rendering on the house above is perfect 

and the paint on the shutters is weathered

This house has imperfect render and perfect door and shutters.

You know I'm Mrs Neutral,

but do as I say, and not as I do and use colour (in moderation). 

We all know that colour looks better 

on a neutral base regardless.

Love Ceramics

There's something very special about hand made ceramics.

Next time I'm sending a container back!

I fell in love with this one in Taormina.

Look at the colour! 

Bellissimo!!

It was only 20 euros (and about $200 to post home)[sob]

This was hand painted in Pescichi, Italy.

There were cafes there with ceramics covering the walls

and ceiling. 

Make the Most of a View

Another amazing part of the world.. Capri

I can taste the Prosecco now!

If you have a view, enjoy it

and if you don't have a view, create one.

Pergola, fabric, plants......

Consider plants carefully

Never plant Cacti at your front door

like they did in Capo Vaticano!

Have a great week!

Ciao Ciao

J

xx