100th Post!!!

I noticed this morning that this is my hundredth post! What a wonderful ride this has been- new friends, information and ideas flowing through cyberspace. I have been blessed to make incredible personal connections both near and far, which I have come to value and treasure. I am excited to keep posting about all the things that inspire me in home decor and design both here in the US, and internationally. I hope Willow Decor continues to evolve and change as I continue to grow and learn. I know exciting things are just around the bend!

I thank you for reading and commenting, and sharing this journey with me. It has been a gift beyond my greatest imagination.

xxx-Gina

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Photos: 1, 2 - Shannon Bowers/Veranda, 4- Real Gustavian

Cape Cod in Blue and White

I am having trouble downloading my pictures from my trip so until I can figure it out I wanted to share a beautiful home on Cape Cod designed by Catalano Architects (do they ever sleep?!)

Look at the entry to this home! The gate provides a perfect framing for the home. I love the brick driveway with the herringbone pattern and edging in cobblestones. Perhaps my favorite feature is the grass down the center to soften the hard lines.

Here is the back yard. Notice the shingle style feeling. Some features which stand out are the covered porches, I especially like how the round porch balances the round section of the house itself. The chimneys also have some wonderful decorative detailing.
A beautiful entryway with incredible light. Notice the moulding details on the staircase and around the windows.
The blue and white color scheme of the kitchen gives you a classic beach feeling with marble counters and white cabinets. The rounded breakfast nook is lovely with its built in seating and
interesting ceiling design.

Here is the view from the family room. It is important to notice the use of interior windows in this home. The walls entering the kitchen are thick and wide which give the home a feeling of substance and in my opinion the richness of a bygone era. The internal windows then give the spaces a more light and open feeling. Also notice the internal transom windows over the doorways in the kitchen.

The family room from the other direction. Notice the ceiling detail. Touches of blue keep the room soft with out feeling kitschy. The chandelier, anchor andirons and framed flag add a folk-art/Americana feel to this room.

The formal living room is awash in pale pinks. I imagine this room is really pretty in the evenings by lamplight. The pink chairs have interesting upholstered arms.

Perhaps my favorite room is the bedroom. The aqua silk curtains and interesting mirror, along with the white upholstery and bedding make this room very Veranda -esque.

No beach house is complete with out a bunk room! Four bunks each with their own lighting and bookshelf - I like the varnished floors and sliding ladders - it really evokes a nautical yacht like feeling.

Let me know your favorite aspect of this wonderful home on Cape Cod!

The Wedding and Wengen

What a spectacular wedding my sister had last night at Mielcke & Hurtigkarl. This gourmet restaurant is located in the beautiful Frederiksberg Have of Copenhagen. The location and restaurant were as impressive as the outstanding gourmet food.Here is the entrance to the restaurant and the lovely outdoor gardens. The gardens were spectacular and we had our cocktails there when we arrived. The children enjoyed playing with the peacocks which roamed the grounds. But the gardens were the most beautiful under the stars. We were warmed by the outdoor fireplaces while we had after dinner drinks
And here is the room where we had such a wonderful time. The chairs were Gustavian and in two styles. I loved the white rubbed paint and chippy gold accenting. I think I took fifty pictures of the chairs. The ceiling was enchanting. Between the crystal chandeliers were hundreds of individual crystals hanging down catching the candlelight; and later they were illuminated by blue lights when the dancing began. Really quite stunning. It was a beautiful start to what should be a beautiful life together for her and my new brother in law.


We were up way too early this morning to head to Wengen in the Switzerland. We finally arrived and here is just one of the beautiful chalets I see while looking out at the alps. So much inspiration at every turn. Can't wait to share more when I return!


Auf Wiedersehen!!

Indian Architecture and Art-The Decor of Bygone Era..Part II

Padmanabhapuram Palace complex continue to be the best example of traditional Kerala architecture, and some portions of the sprawling complex are also the hall mark of traditional Kerala style building art. As a follow up to my earlier blog article, let me take you all, into a journey through the palace complex way different from the usual route which discusses the decor and the interiors.

This journey is enriched by the spatial variations in the built and open spaces of the palace complex emerging through the sense of enclosure and intensity of light.

The Padmanabhapuram Palace which I have seen is a Design ensemble in itself,each item being a Decor element,carefully picked and placed.

Here what caught my attantion the most was the syntax of Spaces. One space leading into the other and into another beautifully.....the merging almost seamless....

The modern term used for designing of ‘Spaces’ is spatial design. This term encompasses both interior and exterior design as integral parts of this 3-dimensional design activity.

“Space” is a notional phenomena which shapes and exists by the context. Space making is a sum total of the time and space combination. Space over time is not the same. Similarly time over different space is also not the same.

This constant juxtaposition of time over space is the essential premise of Indian Architecture.

The developed elements l found in this built work: a configuration of space as discrete volumes, complex ambient light and shadow, a celebration of mass and structure, the use of materials which have both modernist and archaic qualities, monumental openings uncompromised by frames, courtyards wrapped around buildings.” 

1.Built-Unbuilt space configuration:

Transcending time and space, good architecture remains communicative and interactive all

the while through its spatial qualities. These spaces possess the qualities to establish rapport

with the on looker and condition his perception, independent of their cultural background.

Timeless, ever pervading architecture rely on more fundamental attributes of space making

ranging from

• approach and movement,
• scale and proportion,
• quality of light and shade or
• the relationship of the built with the unbuilt.

The visual proportioning of spaces and skilful arrangement of elements provide everchanging

frames of visual compositions through perspectival effects and their strategic visual alignments while one moes through them.

The courtyards of the palace complex are masterpieces in their own right with the buildings enveloping it. The movement through the complex involves one to step out into the open,and then enter the built volume and then again step out and move through the courtyard.

This is a pattern of configuration of spaces one finds in almost all traditional built complexes of Kerala.

2.The Play of Light and Shadows: Light and shadows play a game of Yin and Yang in this serene place almost giving its inner rooms a magical aura. The contrast between the harsh tropical sunlight outside and the soothing light that penetrates into the inner

 spaces through the ubiquitous palisade windows is used to create this almost theatrical effect.

This play of light through integration of unbuilt spaces with the built volumes become mutual counterpoints which help in defining the spatial hierarchies and territories in terms of personal and public realms. The perception of enclosure is further reinforced by the decreasing intensity of light.

The brightness of light subdues asone progresses further deeper into space making the space progressively vertical, cosier and confined. The timelessness is attributed to its freshness offered by the variations of visual frames as well as the integration of light/nature where the sun is the constant variable as it changes position and intensity from morning to evening and from summer to winter.

The conditions of outdoors inherently not remaining same changes consistently making the same space appear different and fresh all times. This makes the static object change with changing outdoor conditions through sun. This inherent dynamism in the character of the spaces is something to learn from. Don't know how many of our modern edifices really deal with such a simple yet powerful tool- manipulating natural light to create a dynamic space.

                 Light through the dormer and palisade windows into the durbar hall
                       The natural light filtering throught he windows in the dining hall
                                   Natural light in the Kitchen
                                   Natural light in the inner rooms,notice,they make a pattern
    The Shadows of the jaalis,its interesting to see them,they add ambience to the decor and style

3.The Transitional spaces:

Transitional spaces that are neither inside nor out but flows in between the two,such as a verandah, a covered terrace or a corridor are important connectors between the open spaces and the built spaces. The bands of windows,verandhas,corridors,pillared connectors between buildings, spaces close to the house are all a part of the experience before it merges into the open space of the courtyard. These enable the air to freely circulate in the building,offer views through and the past the building.

                    The Long balcony in the summer palace and guest house
                                      Closed walkway to the other side of the palace                                                 Open verandah with pillars
                                                   Open courtyard in the house
           Long walkway,balcony in front of the rooms or to the side of it

4.The simplicity vs complexity in the layout: The covered walkway within which the end is not at first seen where “you are always surprised, keep observing new things”. It is this simplicity in the layout which translates into the beauty of the complex. But however simple it may look in plan, moving through the spaces and retracing one's way is not so easy as it thinks

                                                    Open walkways and pillars
                                   Courtyard surrounding the houses
                                   One open courtyard opens to the other
                                    Open window  from the side of the kitchen overlooking the pond
                               Back view of the palace,walkway,lawn,pond ,way to the summer palace

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5. The 'Vernacular character

The vernacular character is reflected in the architecture of the complex.The sloping tiled roofs arranged and carefully placed at angles reflect the mountain scapes which surround the palace.

                                                      Front view of the palace

                                                Side view of the Palace

6.Materials: Locally available raw materials are the ingredients and when clubbed with exotic 'recipies' for the detailing.

                                                          Main Durbar Hall

Seasoned wood for the ceiling and pillars,Mangalore tiles for the roofs,Wood for the furniture,Black shiny floors made from a combination of egg white,jaggery lime,charcoal and river sand,carved mahogany ceilings,colored mica windows.

Four poster Medicinal Bed for the Maharaja,Side table to keep the sword and a chair in wood.

Big Serving Vessels in the dining hall.Found in the Dining hall,where the curries are made from the kitchen and poured before serving,made of raw cut granite stone and polished accordingly.
                                        A distant view of the Giant serving Vessels.

6.Climatological response:

The architecture language is a response to the climate of the region.

                                           Dormer windows around courtyard
Rainfall-Sloping Roofs,The windows overlooks a courtyard ,courtyard allows natural ventilation and the womenfolk to feel the fresh air.
                                                Jaalis on Windows to allow circulation of air
                         Big Doors to allow ventilation,since the region is quite humid.

I think I have truly taken all into the decor of an era,the Ancient Kerala Decor style,which is at present in trend.

 I do hope at one time of my life I will be able to reciprocate the finest in decor and construction which I have noticed 

Hope you all did enjoy the time in that era...

Will bring lots more later....

All pictures are protected and copyrighted ones.PL dont steal images.If found is punishable.If you need images pl.contact .All copyrighted images of Lakshmi Arvind and self clicked.

While I'm Away - Rewind to Last Summer

While I am away here is one of my most popular posts from last summer! Enjoy!

Here is a spectacular house in Cotuit, Massachusetts on Cape Cod that is listed for sale. Cotuit is a small village in located on a peninsula on the south side of Barnstable about midway between Falmouth and Hyannis. The house was designed by the renowned designer Fritz Kreiger. For three years craftsmen worked on his vision to create this spectacular residence. He incorporated many antique elements such as doors, columns, and windows into the design. The home is being sold fully furnished with the finest collection of antiques and appointments. All photos are from Sotheby's. The main house has 12 rooms, 4 bedrooms, 6 full baths and 2 half baths with over 7,928 sq. ft. It sits on over 7 and a half acres. It also has a guest house on the property.

Notice the main house with it sweeping lawn, lovely porches and cedar shingle roof. The quintessential beach house!

The living room and dining room have many antique architectural elements incorporated in their design. Notice the columns. The chandeliers were all imported from Paris.
The kitchen features a professional eight burner Parisian stove and a two story breakfast area with a dramatic wall of whitewashed Boston brick. Notice the post and beams built in with the whitewashed brick. It is difficult to tell for sure, but it looks like a slate or soapstone counter. I love the antique mirror over the fireplace and vintage wooden doors. These rooms also include chandeliers from Paris. I love the whitewashed wooden ceiling and railings in the top photo.
The spectacular Library features unparallelled craftsmanship. Notice the work over the fireplace and again the chandelier from Paris.
The Master bedroom has an incredible arched ceiling, wood paneling and built in bed. The effect is similar to the main sleeping cabin of a luxury yacht. The wood has been slightly distressed and whitwashed. Chandeliers again from Paris. Here is a close up picture of the French doors.
The master bath is magnificent with glass etched doors reminiscent of Lalique styling. Notice the white marble floors with the dark wood. Stunning!
Architectural splendor! The circular staircase with hand forged iron railing brings you up the turret to the guest house.
The Guest House is a charming retreat. Whitewashed beams, painted furniture , iron beds and a blue and white color scheme are lovely.

No beach house is complete with out a pool area. This seems to be an area with out the same level of thought and planing. I do not care for the fence.

The final view through a small window in the upstairs of the house shows the water and the pool perched above. It is hard to believe this house is new construction. Makes me hopeful that wonderful building craftsmen still exist in America.