Archive for the 'House Elements' Category

Most of us would be hard-put to define the ideal lifestyle. For some, it is the peace and space of the country, for others the convenience and excitement of life in a trendy city. Very often, however, such answers are to a large part dependent on the lifestyle of the person in question. Those who are no longer bound by the requirements of a career may opt for life in village, while young professionals will put a premium on being close to work and all manner of amenities. City chic

Giorgio Armani has extended his design brilliance to interior decorating with tremendous success. The mastermind of modern fashion started his journey in 1975 in Milan and has conquered the world since then, not only with one of the most desired brands of clothing available, but also with restaurants, bars, libraries and florists that display the distinctive Armani touch and carry the Armani name worldwide. In 2000 the talented stylist opened Armani Casa, a branch specialised in the designing of sophisticated furniture, with products ranging from cutlery and decorative details to complete kitchens and bathrooms. Armani house enters decoration sector

Sometimes it seems like a classic ‘either-or’ choice. Do you opt for life in a historic building in a rural area and sacrifice your desire for modern conveniences, or is it better to buy a glossy new city apartment and enjoy the odd weekend in the country?

It’s summertime and, in the picturesque province of Cádiz, the living is easy. Less than 60 kilometres from this delightful area’s eponymous capital lies the beautiful town of Medina Sidonia, a picture perfect location which, in the fifteenth century, was one of Spain’s most important ducal seats. The town has retained its cobbled streets, medieval walls and therefore much of its ancient charm.

When history goes hi-tech

For some time the Jacuzzi has been the ultimate symbol of fine living, whether as a final touch of luxury on an exterior terrace or a high quality replacement for a traditional bathtub. A hard day at the office can be almost enjoyable if one can return home and sink into a deep, bubbly bath with a glass of wine or champagne.

The Joy of Jacuzzis

“Books are never far from a scholar’s hands, just as songs are never far from a singer’s lips.”
Chinese proverb.

Being a bibliophile can be an overwhelming experience. Many sufferers of this most intellectual of afflictions find themselves quickly swamped by the evidence of their addiction. Finding it impossible to jettison their vast collections of children’s and teenage classics, unable to stop themselves from adding to their groaning shelves every time they pass a bookshop, the first to arrive and the last to leave any local book sale, these over-enthusiastic enthusiasts soon develop a storage problem.
A Novel Idea – Properties with libraries

A master of form and function, Starck is like an alchemist. With the mind of an alchemist, he sees what others cannot – conjuring up images, shapes and dimensions that dazzle the senses.

For over 30 years, Philippe Starck has been defying the boundaries of imagination and creativity, redefining shapes, textures, materials and the way we use space. A leading figure of the New Design movement, his name ranks along the likes of Raymond Loewy, Henry Dreyfus and Christian Dior of influential designers who helped shape the post-war era. But Starck’s influence continues into the 21^st century, where he stands amongst Jean-Paul Gaultier and Damien Hirst as the pioneer of a new era.
Philippe Starck – The world re-imagined

The Giorgetti Company is an exclusive manufacturer of finely crafted furniture in the finest of Italian tradition. Founded in 1898 in the little northern Italian town of Meda, this family business is in many ways typical of its genre, with much emphasis placed on the workmanship, design, quality and tradition that has brought forth a well-respected name, and that typifies furniture houses in this segment of the market.

Such descriptions create a picture of painstakingly made classical antiques and decorative pieces by a company whose spirit seems to belong to another era, but while Giorgetti qualifies on all traditional scores for bespoke quality, design, craftsmanship and the tradition that comes with a longstanding name in top quality furniture, this is a company very much at the forefront of design and technology.

A look at Giorgetti’s broad range of products confirms this more strongly than any description could, for this is most definitely a stylish designer collection of our times. Modern quality and style ooze off the lush sofas, tables, chairs, desks and cabinets that form the backbone of the company’s product range, solid in their dimensions and strength yet sensual and light in their design.

Giorgetti – When architects design furniture