Ahh Sweet Italy!!

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-scbhAN-NWwk/TgvN2d31ZVI/AAAAAAAAG8U/vNvtvi8eK5E/s1600-h/villa-borghese-rome-ir1806%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="villa-borghese-rome-ir1806" border="0" height="339" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RNALDOn-3C8/TgvN2pQZ0oI/AAAAAAAAG8Y/n86zOW55tlk/villa-borghese-rome-ir1806_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="villa-borghese-rome-ir1806" width="504" /></a></span></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Back from a fabulous trip with lots of inspiration and a bit of travel info to share! </span></p><br /><p align="center"><a><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mEmhsOdrYRo/TgvN3eiy4RI/AAAAAAAAG8c/RFlE6nDarDE/s1600-h/Villa%252520Cimbrone%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Villa Cimbrone" border="0" height="404" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IKykgdsZUtU/TgvN3xvP2bI/AAAAAAAAG8g/agau2N71JsQ/Villa%252520Cimbrone_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Villa Cimbrone" width="504" /></a></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Almafi Coast was spectacular and a favorite excursion was to the lovely hilltop village of Ravello. We had an extraordinary time exploring the two main villas in town, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. (above)</span></p><br /><p align="center"><a><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3eWoYNt9M_c/TgvN4gE8IAI/AAAAAAAAG8k/v_3HKVI-Or4/s1600-h/Villa%252520Cimbrone%252520Infintiy%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Villa Cimbrone Infintiy" border="0" height="314" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--VWZMSpUmK4/TgvN4-LVo8I/AAAAAAAAG8o/urSY7uUXLm0/Villa%252520Cimbrone%252520Infintiy_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Villa Cimbrone Infintiy" width="504" /></a></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">As you can see the gardens and the views were breathtaking!</span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Eg_QwU7_uak/TgvN5mf-KJI/AAAAAAAAG8s/CRNbV1KZbGw/s1600-h/Rome%252520Forum%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Rome Forum" border="0" height="319" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oJ7XS9h1IUo/TgvN6NuS4XI/AAAAAAAAG8w/5JXWUHiwljY/Rome%252520Forum_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Rome Forum" width="504" /></a></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">First, I want to let you know that I have been to Rome three times. Above is a photo of Ancient Roman Forum. The history is overwhelming - so this trip we decided to finally hire a private guide to take us around. What a difference a guide makes!! We all learned so much and really the cost was very reasonable. David Lown is an art historian and he was fabulous! If you are heading to Rome this summer do contact him <a href="http://www.roma-antica.co.uk/">HERE</a> and enjoy learning all about this fabulous city.</span></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AOGo04gAYnc/TgvN6Z-Q6wI/AAAAAAAAG80/Zm_rxZcI_5g/s1600-h/Uffico%252520Scavi%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="Uffico Scavi" border="0" height="375" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O3T2jrVLHuQ/TgvN67avErI/AAAAAAAAG84/ZI8kdpGxDVU/Uffico%252520Scavi_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Uffico Scavi" width="454" /></span></a></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The greatest highlight of our trip to Rome was our excursion 35 feet UNDER St. Peter’s Basilica called “The Ufficio Scavi Tour” (Tour by Office of Excavations). Only a lucky 120 people are taken down each day, an incredible privilege, as St. Peters has over 20,000 visitors per day! We were taken down in small groups of 12, two levels below St. Peter’s to what was Vatican Hill over 1900 years ago. We saw St. Peters final resting place (and bones) as well as the tombs of the previous Popes. I could go on and on but click this link </span><a href="http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/rome/scavi_tour.htm"><span style="font-size:130%;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> to learn more and the link </span><a href="http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/institutions_connected/uffscavi/documents/rc_ic_uffscavi_doc_gen-information_20040112_en.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> to make a request for a tour. You will not be disappointed!!</span></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F3x72-WfEj4/TgvN7dD0KtI/AAAAAAAAG88/bLVt5-6-u7k/s1600-h/Villa_Borghese_2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Villa_Borghese_2" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XjtoXe35ZS4/TgvN7oa7laI/AAAAAAAAG9A/jxULzM98tUc/Villa_Borghese_2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Villa_Borghese_2" width="504" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">A special area of Rome which enchanted us was the Villa Borghese Park. The first photo of this post and this photo are just a small sampling of what you will see. We spent a wonderful Sunday touring the Villa Borghese (filled with gorgeous Bernini sculptures) and the surrounding gardens. Do not miss this!</span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oXZo5TiE7ps/TgvN8aS_qLI/AAAAAAAAG9E/bhk8Po_8dYk/s1600-h/Pompeii-fresco-of-a-garden5%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="Pompeii-fresco-of-a-garden5" border="0" height="302" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fMd9UVDd-sA/TgvN8n03JPI/AAAAAAAAG9I/bXVc_WFfLFA/Pompeii-fresco-of-a-garden5_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Pompeii-fresco-of-a-garden5" width="604" /></span></a></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Another highlight was Pompeii – Words just can’t describe how we felt walking along the streets of this ancient buried city. I was incredibly taken by the Frescos, like this one above, that are still intact. We also decided to hire a personal guide in Pompeii. Lucia was wonderful and again I couldn’t recommend her more highly. You can contact her <a href="http://www.luciapompeiiguide.com/">HERE</a>.</span></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gq0IoXRr_KY/TgvN9S-1WHI/AAAAAAAAG9M/PQm54LXCh7Q/s1600-h/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-16%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-16" border="0" height="389" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LMHB944OgNY/TgvN94WjhKI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/afgVCSFWC7I/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-16_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-16" width="504" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Finally, remember my previous post about the fabulous Villa Torre Gentile? You can read about it <a href="http://willowdecor.blogspot.com/2011/06/amazing-tuscan-stone-villas.html">HERE</a>. The owner was kind enough to contact me and let me know that her spectacular villa is available for rent. So if you want to stay in an extraordinary, gorgeous stone villa in Italy do give her call. You can find out more about Villa Torre Gentile, also known as Villanova <a href="http://www.umbriana.com/index.html">HERE</a></span></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LYnAc1ftn6g/TgvN-bpaa0I/AAAAAAAAG9U/HF3D7jn5Eb0/s1600-h/Wall%252520fountain%252520rome%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Wall fountain rome" border="0" height="490" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RV1A-x6LftU/TgvN-7_UzDI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/N2hyZDaVqw8/Wall%252520fountain%252520rome_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Wall fountain rome" width="454" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I have been so inspired by the architecture, beauty, color and gardens – well I could go on and on. My mind has been reeling since I’ve been back. I am not sure where it will take me, but I am excited to share my journey with you.</span></p><br /><p align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;font-size:130%;"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 18px;font-size:14;" class="Apple-style-span" ><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underlinefont-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16;" class="Apple-style-span" ><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623819878096119538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXELSFhGnjLLVCIpIVflNq3Zn3ivd_zsWR_vFMt5eVGW6f-XkxVl_DWTUPDigYjMn3c-xTWrPn1ZnG5cV3-q7UY9Ue8jQLwXQHpVBJ8cHYM9t-F0ifEw2ObMB6m3L_Jw5zUi9-XNueh-5u/s400/firecrest-pictures-12th-century-norman-architecture-cathedral-cloisters-monreale-sicily-italy-europe.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span></span></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">(If you do happen to contact our tour guides, do tell them Gina and her family said Hi! I am always so thrilled to pass on a good a contact!!) </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(all post copyrighted by Willow Décor and not to be published with out permission)</span></p>

Ahh Sweet Italy!!

Back from a fabulous trip with lots of inspiration and a bit of travel info to share! The Almafi Coast was spectacular and a favorite excursion was to the lovely hilltop village of Ravello. We had an extraordinary time exploring the two main villas in town, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. (above)As…

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THE POWDER ROOM: SMALL SPACES WITH BIG IMPACT

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />It's not a very large room</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />but it's one your visitors are sure to see</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />and you know what that means...<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/10494/interior-design-by-Norman-Design-Group--Phil-Norman--ASID-CID---Bathroom-traditional-powder-room-los-angeles" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="interior design by Norman Design Group: Phil Norman, ASID CID - Bathroom traditional powder room" border="0" height="608" nbsp="nbsp" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/10494_0_8-3839-traditional-powder-room.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">it needs to look great</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/06/powder-room-small-spaces-with-big.html#more">Read more »</a>

THE POWDER ROOM: SMALL SPACES WITH BIG IMPACT

It's not a very large roombut it's one your visitors are sure to seeand you know what that means...it needs to look greatRead more »…

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Transformed Small space

This summary is not available. Please <a href="http://inthegardenofnurgle.blogspot.com/2011/06/transformed-small-space.html"> click here </a> to view the post.

Transformed Small space

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Enjoying Italy!

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XakRfdYxTIM/TfDHenUr7RI/AAAAAAAAG6o/vYBPcDGjJ5c/s1600-h/Italy%252520Views%252520Minchilli%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="Italy Views Minchilli" border="0" height="389" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LV9oYWbFbJw/TfDHfQehenI/AAAAAAAAG6s/c9F5BnqMA64/Italy%252520Views%252520Minchilli_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Italy Views Minchilli" width="504" /></span></a></p><div><p align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">We are settling in to life Italian style! And I must say they really know how to live- the pace is slower and you really stop to enjoy life!</span></p><p align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ckkCz9IjaiM/TfDHfsrBD8I/AAAAAAAAG6w/PFsPCEIcAv4/s1600-h/ravello1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="ravello1" border="0" height="379" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TVXU84JR73M/TfDHfy_qlAI/AAAAAAAAG60/_cGhL4kxYEU/ravello1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="ravello1" width="504" /></a></span></p><p align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">How could we quickly rush thru the fantastic gardens of the Villa Rufolo in Ravello?</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0hOkvXFTlC4/TfDHgOupZ_I/AAAAAAAAG68/qoLvZ6-5RKU/s1600-h/positano%252520Steps%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="positano Steps" border="0" height="379" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L8DrSd60VQk/TfDHg6leYZI/AAAAAAAAG7A/Lv8oG0phrvg/positano%252520Steps_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="positano Steps" width="504" /></span></a></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Or not slow down and admire the beauty</span></span></div><p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LcHdYKm_y7c/TfDHmYDw7sI/AAAAAAAAG7E/Cc9hYE5buXQ/s1600-h/Positanto%252520steps%25255B7%25255D.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LcHdYKm_y7c/TfDHmYDw7sI/AAAAAAAAG7I/E25U7r8L_W4/s1600-h/Positanto%252520steps%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="Positanto steps" border="0" height="671" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jZGzE3IjMD0/TfDH31PkM2I/AAAAAAAAG7M/7rcgucOgrig/Positanto%252520steps_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Positanto steps" width="504" /></span></a></p><p align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">while we climb up and down the steps of Positano.</span></p><p align="center"><img alt="Walk of the Gods" border="0" height="379" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f_iBMb9ptB8/TfDH4yETa-I/AAAAAAAAG7Y/F9hgfv6bup0/Walk%252520of%252520the%252520Gods_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Walk of the Gods" width="504" /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Or hike along a trail the locals call</span></div><p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JU6asd6YlqM/TfDH-elRgAI/AAAAAAAAG7g/brQicRfMv_o/s1600-h/Walk%252520of%252520the%252520Gods2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="Walk of the Gods2" border="0" height="759" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GKFaMJOXHg0/TfDH_L-MRiI/AAAAAAAAG7k/C0ytJdz3xKA/Walk%252520of%252520the%252520Gods2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Walk of the Gods2" width="504" /></span></a></p><p align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">“The Walk of the Gods” and not stop to smell the flowers. Magnificent!!</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gWuIQcCFPyY/TfDH_pFLpeI/AAAAAAAAG7s/j5PlKpgdNwY/s1600-h/800px-Pompei-fresco%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="800px-Pompei-fresco" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iZjgJn0pLPY/TfDIAcLLuII/AAAAAAAAG7w/TlSphcG37lQ/800px-Pompei-fresco_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="800px-Pompei-fresco" width="504" /></span></a></p><p align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I took hundreds of photos of the frescos of Pompeii to share with you when I return.</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1N8YzUvd7lw/TfDIA_6w_kI/AAAAAAAAG70/eDkWKDUpAKU/s1600-h/wine%25255B3%25255D.png"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="wine" border="0" height="564" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4G6AAKRXSxw/TfDIBtrxS3I/AAAAAAAAG74/Pc0axB3c2Tk/wine_thumb%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="wine" width="454" /></span></a></p><p align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">But its back to wine and gelato for me, see you next week!! Ciao!!</span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616229300315934786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQ5_KZ7H3ffrJdIq9L6eoFx2GKEAeb0OCEVheIqVtvtED2ntUW10WEkfqiaL0dsSXtIn74sGuOCba4igWv_2OD3rcAlUUHrUBB_NbCxgUQtvtf9L6UEbEgVQRpvYFijoHTIYKr8m4zXNX/s400/orvieto-05.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 308px; " /></span><p align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(photo credit – Simon McBride for Domenico Minchilli, Google Images and Laura Taylor)</span></p></div>

Enjoying Italy!

We are settling in to life Italian style! And I must say they really know how to live- the pace is slower and you really stop to enjoy life!How could we quickly rush thru the fantastic gardens of the Villa Rufolo in Ravello?Or not slow down and admire the beautywhile we climb up and down the steps o…

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FIREPLACE DESIGN

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Our family vacation destination of choice over the last couple of decades </strong></span><br><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>has been this breathtaking spot</strong></span></div><br /><br><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HmY1pmbjYXnHhS5WhRdPlPSb2JASE1sjFVteH61D5SHsb842uQD_fX3SQNGJJ_c30VuUV5NZOCMp3wwpogieQ322YSNbSY9wa-ivogQ0VHs0LKpJ4ymz2l49v39WKsAX9TJlMXIfw59M/s1600/Yosemite-National-Park1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-HmY1pmbjYXnHhS5WhRdPlPSb2JASE1sjFVteH61D5SHsb842uQD_fX3SQNGJJ_c30VuUV5NZOCMp3wwpogieQ322YSNbSY9wa-ivogQ0VHs0LKpJ4ymz2l49v39WKsAX9TJlMXIfw59M/s640/Yosemite-National-Park1.jpg" t8="true" width="640"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />With only a very few exceptions, we have come here every year<br><br /></div></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/06/fireplace-design.html#more">Read more »</a>

FIREPLACE DESIGN

Our family vacation destination of choice over the last couple of decades has been this breathtaking spotYosemite Valley, Yosemite National ParkWith only a very few exceptions, we have come here every yearRead more »…

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Decor ideas

<span class="Apple-style-span">There has to be no real reason for decoration.You decorate because you want to decorate.I browsed through some intelligent make overs,some arrangements which are artistic,some space management ideas which i thought will be useful for my readers as well.hope you will find these ideas useful<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/5829308767_4848f7f89d_z.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/5829308767_4848f7f89d_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 605px;" /></a><br /></span><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/5829857362_3b025e5a80_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 388px; height: 640px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span">an old door being used in avery stylish way.</span><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5320/5829309827_460973451c_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 559px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span">perk up an old cupboard.it may serve another purpose.</span><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/5829310241_5cdf3b14d5_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 464px; height: 640px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span">Time stands still ,says artist Brinda Miller.She perked up the old clock with the collection of clock parts her father in law had with him.</span><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5829310773_5cbc177ba3_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 499px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span">Revitalise an old cabinet creatively.<a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5034/5829309383_b80162d430_z.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5034/5829309383_b80162d430_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 427px; height: 640px;" /></a><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">mobile bar to life with adiscarded piece of furniture..</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/5829859674_99b87f04de_z.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/5829859674_99b87f04de_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 459px; height: 640px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/5829859362_50829d613d_z.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/5829859362_50829d613d_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 608px;" /></a>a radiogram piece used as aside table and being painted by sachin sagare,it has got anew life.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/5829860098_402960ac18_z.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/5829860098_402960ac18_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 396px; height: 640px;" /></a>tribal beats on walls of collectors home.the enclosed balcony of NAvjot Altaf is peppered with carved wooden sculptures from tribal areas,terracotta wall frames and brass vessels and so on..</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5829860798_0f35169267_z.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 616px; height: 640px;" /></span><div>image courtesy:Indian design and Interiors,oct 2007<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div><br /></div></div></div>

Decor ideas

There has to be no real reason for decoration.You decorate because you want to decorate.I browsed through some intelligent make overs,some arrangements which are artistic,some space management ideas which i thought will be useful for my readers as well.hope you will find these ideas usefulan old doo…

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Living with craft

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The compilation of my Magazine Inspired "home tours",series coming to full form this monsoon.Magazines are always a source of inspiration for me ,by breaking the creativity block,by opening the doors of art and design of homes. Some homes can remain simple ,while some remain beautiful works of art and some maintain their unique space and style.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Now that I am at my native,discovering old magazines,from 80's which have been stashed,safely in shelves,finding a way into my blog..</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Hope you will all enjoy these tours...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">In Gita Ram's,enchanted forest of ferns,that fills a sun splashed pergola at the entrance of her Madras residence there lurks a rich diversity of forms.For Gita Ram,Secretary of The Crafts Council of India,who has been actively associated with the Crafts Council for the last ten years is a firm believer in the idea that if crafts and craftsmen have to survive their existence depends on crafts becoming an integral part of our everyday lives.Very true isnt it?</span></div><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/5820809546_509cb82739_z.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 490px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 640px;" /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2235/5820247459_54b4fdbab4_z.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 640px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 599px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span">the inner courtyard with the traditional tulsi plant and the madhubani is by the artist Paswan.</span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5231/5820247273_a87697daf3_z.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 459px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 640px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span">the family looks out into the verandah and into the courtyard and the rug is from Tilonia and the plamyrah stools are still in the prototype stage and the diwan is form Kerala</span><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/5820246883_317f2cc1c4_z.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 418px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 640px;" /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/5820808418_e8b77d741e_z.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 435px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 640px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span">the main living room with furniture from Taaru .the hanging lamp is from Bangladesh derived from reed skull caps and the kilm is from afghanistan.</span></div><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5039/5820808820_48a2d96cce_z.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 640px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 540px;" /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span">staircase is paraqueted with teak and the good luck symbols are from sikkim</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/5820807946_be06f94e00_z.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 533px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 640px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span">the dining room is dominated by a large round table with a richly polished brown marble top.A collage by the name "Bird"by Thotta Tharini,presides over a low table holding a number of interestingly crafted utensils of everyday use.</span><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2376/5820807800_5a3f9f26c2_z.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 526px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 640px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span">study divan has ceramic tiles on to its backrest.a teak medicine chest with bras inlay.the drawing is by "Devadoss"<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2344/5820807526_33863cd3f9_z.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2344/5820807526_33863cd3f9_z.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 521px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 640px;" /></a></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/5820807638_a396fd4975_z.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/5820807638_a396fd4975_z.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 640px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 477px;" /></span></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Gitas craft collections</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Image courtesy:Inside Outside,IssueFeb Mar,1989</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Text:Meera Rajgopal,Photographs:G.Karthik</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div>

Living with craft

The compilation of my Magazine Inspired "home tours",series coming to full form this monsoon.Magazines are always a source of inspiration for me ,by breaking the creativity block,by opening the doors of art and design of homes. Some homes can remain simple ,while some remain beautiful works of art …

Read more »

Amazing Tuscan Stone Villas

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:19;" class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pt90ZXWD9KY/TfCxhyJ6MjI/AAAAAAAAG34/e0Zb3BvOeAg/s1600-h/tuscan%252520stone%252520villa%252520outside%252520lavendar.jpg"><img alt="tuscan stone villa outside lavendar" border="0" height="389" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gO7RJkh02Ck/TfCxpBilD_I/AAAAAAAAG38/D2vDByVFzzg/tuscan%252520stone%252520villa%252520outside%252520lavendar_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="tuscan stone villa outside lavendar" width="504" /></a></span></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">In researching my trip to Italy this summer I came across the most amazing and talented architect, Domenico Minchilli. I love architects who respect the integrity of the original home and restore and enhance the property. Domenico Minchilli is a master!</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S2ppktPGl_8/TfCxpcRLwwI/AAAAAAAAG4A/_i7KoIc5YjA/s1600-h/Italian_Rustic_final8.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S2ppktPGl_8/TfCxpcRLwwI/AAAAAAAAG4E/QCCJOfEtpWk/s1600-h/Italian_Rustic_final.jpg"><img alt="Italian_Rustic_final" border="0" height="520" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Kch_3TqOHxs/TfCxqfNmooI/AAAAAAAAG4I/wOZSqJyClaM/Italian_Rustic_final_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Italian_Rustic_final" width="404" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">He and his equally talented wife, Elizabeth have restored their own Tuscan stone villa and penned several wonderful books about Italian Stone, Villa and Farmhouse renovations. Their most recent is <em>Italian Rustic.</em> a marvelous book which outlines building in the Tuscan style. </span></p><h3 align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-97QkLNt5Ls0/TfCxqkYbRfI/AAAAAAAAG4M/n4bFnBspxN8/s1600-h/minchilli%252520pergolaccio%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="minchilli pergolaccio" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zqEaictq3zA/TfCxrfGTinI/AAAAAAAAG4Q/nJhoEnPBwdg/minchilli%252520pergolaccio_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="minchilli pergolaccio" width="454" /></a></h3><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Their own home, Pergolaccio, is also the subject of a book and has been in many, many national and international magazines. </span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kUndi7mdf2o/TfCxr6j0xBI/AAAAAAAAG4U/ToQESuHlOXI/s1600-h/pergalaccio%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pergalaccio" border="0" height="325" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wL3Pr0G1jmk/TfCxsJqNw6I/AAAAAAAAG4Y/dF5bTP9UXCc/pergalaccio_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="pergalaccio" width="454" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The interiors of Pergolaccio are equally beautiful. I adore the </span><span style="font-size:130%;">amazing Dining area! </span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YOdvW7gAviw/TfCxssWmpCI/AAAAAAAAG4c/55GhSuqLKPk/s1600-h/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-01%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-01" border="0" height="351" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-80dVwlG4D5A/TfCxswTQ-_I/AAAAAAAAG4g/kIerrPsYNy4/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-01_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-01" width="454" /></a></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">But one of my favorites it their restoration of Torre Gentile. </span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p_a59DZ2L9M/TfCxwRnLODI/AAAAAAAAG4k/1wBThUpqCrY/s1600-h/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-02%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-02" border="0" height="351" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f5HU6omNMks/TfCxwrv8umI/AAAAAAAAG4o/c4OvLEKJhSI/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-02_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-02" width="454" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The outside areas are as spectacular as the inside</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aE6Y89bCgqE/TfCxxf9WFLI/AAAAAAAAG4s/WIdOF5BSHeI/s1600-h/domenic%252520minchilli%252520torre-gentile-03%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="domenic minchilli torre-gentile-03" border="0" height="351" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X6XNx4y-rz0/TfCxxhuATtI/AAAAAAAAG4w/CTZUpNX_YSE/domenic%252520minchilli%252520torre-gentile-03_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="domenic minchilli torre-gentile-03" width="454" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Crumbling walls were repaired to create beautiful vignettes</span></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y28Tb_cwoDs/TfCxyMyOXtI/AAAAAAAAG40/cm4eht6RLIg/s1600-h/Domenic%252520Minchill%252520torre-gentile-09%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y28Tb_cwoDs/TfCxyMyOXtI/AAAAAAAAG44/TdKcLWUfaYA/s1600-h/Domenic%252520Minchill%252520torre-gentile-09%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Domenic Minchill torre-gentile-09" border="0" height="607" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PCTP2RBMrVk/TfCxy_zRJRI/AAAAAAAAG48/0lGdJhAf6qM/Domenic%252520Minchill%252520torre-gentile-09_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Domenic Minchill torre-gentile-09" width="454" /></a></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The heart of the home is the family room – Notice the beamed ceilings and tiled pass thru</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DYb9mLNc7TI/TfCxzGrnbAI/AAAAAAAAG5A/UcGnO0T3AaI/s1600-h/torre-gentile-14%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="torre-gentile-14" border="0" height="351" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_tCXCANRcS8/TfCx2a_YY_I/AAAAAAAAG5E/RkvmZFxJsN0/torre-gentile-14_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="torre-gentile-14" width="454" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The fireplace is such a stunning focal point. Also notice the texture and depth of the plaster. </span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wbs-lXJNhLc/TfCyAG5oQbI/AAAAAAAAG5I/bT_R6dV8R7M/s1600-h/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-10%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-10" border="0" height="594" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SbqIM__U9IA/TfCyAzafHNI/AAAAAAAAG5M/W_faaOPi7n8/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-10_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-10" width="454" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The house is filled with wonderful nooks and crannies like this stone shelf that turns a into a desk and chair into a a unique office area.</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tGook4mJMRk/TfCyEsUG_II/AAAAAAAAG5Q/VFUGBrhTj_I/s1600-h/domenic%252520minchilli%252520torre-gentile-05%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="domenic minchilli torre-gentile-05" border="0" height="351" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lsIXeUzGQCQ/TfCyFOCnpEI/AAAAAAAAG5U/P7uB_FuIKTQ/domenic%252520minchilli%252520torre-gentile-05_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="domenic minchilli torre-gentile-05" width="454" /></span></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I adore the way the old Tuscan stone peeks out from the plaster walls. The wall is so beautiful no headboard is needed. Look thru the doorway into the lovely bath.</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3OLx_YfmPfE/TfCyFXwBPGI/AAAAAAAAG5Y/WI66EP6xm04/s1600-h/domenic%252520minchilli%252520torre-gentile-04%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3OLx_YfmPfE/TfCyFXwBPGI/AAAAAAAAG5c/WwrS0Kjt6Vs/s1600-h/domenic%252520minchilli%252520torre-gentile-04%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="domenic minchilli torre-gentile-04" border="0" height="351" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7HMhdo5g0eQ/TfCyLOOKmYI/AAAAAAAAG5g/g-pTiVNTmlw/domenic%252520minchilli%252520torre-gentile-04_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="domenic minchilli torre-gentile-04" width="454" /></a></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here is close up the bath vanity. Notice the lovely Italian tile and skirted vanity</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bj28ieC-wR8/TfCyLnSD8AI/AAAAAAAAG5k/avPrcduuQ3M/s1600-h/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-06%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bj28ieC-wR8/TfCyLnSD8AI/AAAAAAAAG5k/avPrcduuQ3M/s1600-h/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-06%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bj28ieC-wR8/TfCyLnSD8AI/AAAAAAAAG5o/k3XEltBhiEM/s1600-h/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-06%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-06" border="0" height="351" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mQ2NfXPsiM8/TfCyNUsliBI/AAAAAAAAG5s/rZH3xN386UE/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-06_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-06" width="454" /></a></span></span></p><p align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This bedroom has a more ethereal feeling. The ceiling beams have been pained and sheers dress the windows – the shape and patina of the iron bed is to die for.</span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Hz772oEQoGI/TfCyO0oF5JI/AAAAAAAAG50/R0RUp7bP8SY/s1600-h/torre-gentile-18%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="torre-gentile-18" border="0" height="351" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jJKTsYqxth8/TfCyPobLiRI/AAAAAAAAG54/UXeehpK58Lg/torre-gentile-18_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="torre-gentile-18" width="454" /></a></span></p><p align="center">Here an arched window adds additional interest to an already pretty bath.</p></span><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qYfPIODUzgs/TfCyQMf7wJI/AAAAAAAAG6A/5j43QERd-h4/s1600-h/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-07%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-07" border="0" height="351" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B3FCKQ5sb70/TfCyQ_8rUJI/AAAAAAAAG6E/DaUYNmn-q9U/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-07_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-07" width="454" /></a></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Another fireplace is found in the kitchen area. Likely the original cooking hearth.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0KmSt_EwzGg/TfCySyJR11I/AAAAAAAAG6M/6DeJRJH7VJw/s1600-h/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-12%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-12" border="0" height="351" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--T5nEuu68qQ/TfCyTtb9XFI/AAAAAAAAG6Q/nyn_zRixWfU/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-12_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-12" width="454" /></a></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The kitchen is a mix of new appliance with antiques. I love the contrast of the old, worn beams with shiny, stainless steel pendant. Floors are gorgeous!</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UtfIneuTQfo/TfCyTyzHK7I/AAAAAAAAG6U/ebFIa6MOfzQ/s1600-h/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-16%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UtfIneuTQfo/TfCyTyzHK7I/AAAAAAAAG6Y/BUFxl4DjYzg/s1600-h/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-16%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-16" border="0" height="351" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y_uJ2HCojn8/TfCyU4yhAcI/AAAAAAAAG6c/CboJBwnBYzk/Domenic%252520Minchilli%252520torre-gentile-16_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-16" width="454" /></a></span></p><p align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The outdoor patio takes my breath away! Truly a stunning renovation.</span></p><p align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Elizabeth also writes a wonderful blog about her Italian life, travel and her love of Italian cuisine called Elizabeth Minchilli in Rome. It is a wonderful mini-trip to Italy with fabulous tips, recipes and restaurant recommendations. You can visit her blog </span><a href="http://www.elizabethminchilliinrome.com/"><span style="color:#0000ff;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></strong></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></p><h3 align="center"><blockquote><p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can visit Domenico Minchilli’s website </span></span><a href="http://www.domenicominchilli.com/about.html"><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></span></a><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal;color:#0000ff;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> to see many other spectacular homes. </span></span></p><p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can order many books penned by the Minchilli’s </span><span style="color:#4f81bd;"><strong><a href="http://domenicominchilli.com/books.html"><span style="color:#0000ff;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></span></a></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> A special thank you the Elizabeth and Domenico Minchilli for allowing me to share these images with you.</span></span></p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underlinefont-size:16;" class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616187108556743842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfKpbr733a6A49Ik2t-VA1BM6CqP0b32KRC_lKkeurOxxW_505yEVvcVgO_jnxfEHNNGOZt1uqAQqtaR3kTHCie509KUEEyu30jUABNtEVHB76HIzLI6y2Jitzj_rEDmY6-dBZGw6a2he/s400/torre-gentile-03.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 308px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span></span><p><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal;font-size:78%;">(Photos by Simon McBride. Images copyrighted by Domenico and Elizabeth Minchelli not to be used with out permission – all content property of Willow Décor and not be used with out permission)</span></p></blockquote></h3>

Amazing Tuscan Stone Villas

In researching my trip to Italy this summer I came across the most amazing and talented architect, Domenico Minchilli. I love architects who respect the integrity of the original home and restore and enhance the property. Domenico Minchilli is a master!He and his equally talented wife, Elizabeth hav…

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