Update

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Hello Everyone,

this blog is a bit on hold because of Chinese internet censorship. As most of you know, we are temporarly living in China. And although blogger and blogspot is blocked and unblocked here all the time, I never faced difficulties to find a way around the Firewall. This time, it was a bit different.

When you read this here, it is because I found free proxy servers like blogspotproxy.com or websurf.cn - that not only allow me to access blogs that are hosted by blogger, blogspot or typepad, but also to sign in my blog and publish a post. I am online, I am writing, but I cannot upload images.

But there are no attractive images to share at the moment anyway. The restauration of the main facade has started and continues. Angelo, my father-in-law and chief rennovation inspector has got a more attractive assignment and has left the site for now. However, he is still supervising the work via photo-report by emails sent by the architect.

I hope to be back soon with some colourful pictures.
Thanks for not giving up on this blog!
** I will be back!! **

"Beach Style"

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Can a palazzo wear "beach style"?

Y e s !

Look at the JK Place in Capri
- wow - what an elegant example.

The JK Place in Capri and its terrace

One of the bedrooms of the hotel in Capri

Grey painted walls and eye catching cushions (right after the giant vase)

White painted wooden ceiling - and I love the elegant blue walls

Terry cloth upholstery! (zoom in!)


Thanks to the comments made about my last post I was not only remembered of the stylish hotel in Capri but also of the famous beach house in the Hamptons that was the set for the movie "Something’s Gotta Give" (with Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson and handsome Keanu Reeves).

The living room with the famous white sofa.

Blue and white striped cushions



And thanks to your comments I am more focused:
- it will not be a too relaxed beach style (no fishermen net), but I want to feel Southern seaside (sea shells, local pottery)
- I love an eclectic mix of old and new (antique and modern) as well as East and West (moving back and forward between Asia and Europe is part of our life) for the interior
- I love blue and white (plain or striped) for cushions and upholstery
- I love terracotta, local ceramic tiles, wooden panels (even white, or brushed white) for the flooring

For more beach style inspiration visit interior designer Anna Spiro's blog Absolutely Beautiful Things (ABT) in Brisbane, Australia (beach, beach, beach). One of her projects reminds me of JK Place indeed (fabric for cushions).

And today last but not least on the beach style list: The locations agency The Beach Studios, that provides hip "beach style" shoot spaces for the film and photography industry.

Links:
JK Place, Capri
Architectural Digest about the set design of "Something's gotta give"
ABT label "Blue"
ABT label Beach Style
The Beach Studios

Interior Design Ideas for Beach Houses

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It is quiet easy to decorate a beach house, if you want the outside nature be reflected inside your home.

Think of white beaches, turquoise sea, blue sky, green beach grass and palm trees, pinkish sunsets, beige sand, colourful parasols, blue and red stripes on boats and flags, shells, corals and fishes, pastel ice cream, sailing gear, anchors and marine wear... continue the brainstorm, and you will find lots of colors, textures, forms and objects that create an immediate sea side feeling.
For a beach house, even if it is used only during the summer months, keep in mind to use durable fabrics and material that can stand the humidity - the sandy feet and sometimes oily skins. Floor plan and furniture should be practical and functional as a beach house usually hosts many guests and often lots of kids.

COLORS
Choose you favorite colours that reflect the sky, sea, sand, boats and sunlight found at the shore. Bright sunny yellow and all shades of white will bring light into your rooms. All shades of blues and greens mirror the changing hues of the water. Grey, ecru, and shades of beige from sand, stones and pepples complement these colors. Beach house design should be light and airy, creating a relaxing oasis away from city life. Colours can be arranged in geometrical forms, as often to be found in nautical flags. Stripes are probably most common, blue and white is the well known marine look. Think about colours and stripes not only for fabrics - maybe you want to try it out on a large white wall?

TEXTURES
Usually, beach getaways are more casual than their city counterparts.  Rough and sturdy textured fabrics and carpets help to add the natural touch - that is also country style.

FURNISHINGS
Furniture in a beach home should be durable and functional. Often, too, the furnishings must play dual roles, such as a coffee table with storage underneath or a sofa that becomes a bed for overnight guests.

ACCESSORIES
Nautical items, such as lighthouses, fishing nets, boat robes, anchors and ships' wheels are all well suited for a beach home. Seashells and corals, too, can be introduced in jars, under glass, or in bathrooms on sinks and shelves.

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For more beach house feeling watch this video from last spring:
Hither Hill Studio by Ralph Lauren Home

Daybed Upholstery

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My Chinese daybed before ...

... and after upholstery.
I am very happy with the result - Chinese style mattress and rectangular cushions - very comfortable!

This is the floor of the 'soggiorno', the room the daybed goes. To check on the colours of the tiles I spread a bucket of water over the floor (last summer), and surprise!

The tiles are well-preserved and will get a nice polishing treatment.

Since fabric and labour for upholstery is so affordable here in China, I wonder if I should do a second cover for my daybed? Matching the floor?

We do not know yet what else will go in this room. It might be a "Chinese Room". But one that meets the West. That's why I have not chosen Chinese silk or Dragon patterns...

So far the mattress and cushions are realised in a nice blue cotton - no idea, how to name the colour appropriately - maybe medium dark blue with a touch of petroleum.
The candy-striped fabric was chosen by my husband, it fits the blue well.
Now, the spare cover I could do in a warm ox red velvet for winter time.
Or maybe I just pick another cotton. Neutral creme white ? Or light blue ? Any idea ?