Como Shambhala Estate: Yet Another Stunning Bali Retreat

It is not unusual to hear the phrase, “I need a holiday luxury hotel design to recover from my holiday!” There are obviously many alternatives to a whirlwind tour that spans continents and takes in as many sights as possible, but the Como Shambhala Estate in Bali offers more than superficial rest and relaxation: it offers a very real opportunity to change a life. Assisted by a Yogi, Nutritionist and Ayurvedic Doctor, guests are invited to learn what it means to truly unwind and reconnect with their bodies through the use of a state-of-the-art gym and exploration of their stunning surroundings by means of various engaging outdoor activities.

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Wherever possible, the estate remains an example of traditional Indonesian architecture with its predominantly hardwood construction, breeze-capturing elevation, thatched roofing and open plan pavilion style interiors- often ornately carved in the famed Balinese fashion. As is also the Indonesian way, the estate is not one large construction but a series of buildings linked by tree-lined walkways and meandering stone steps, which in turn, grow out of and descend into the lush tropical landscape.

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Though fundamentally organic, the interiors offer a dramatic wooden contrast to the green of their surroundings that can be appreciated from almost any set of indoor co-ordinates. Thatching (usually made up of coconut or sugar palm leaves) and exposed beams are softened by a liberal use of white in both bedding and soft furnishings, and guests are romanced by the addition of mosquito netting which hangs in tandem with neutral window treatments in each of the suites.

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Luxury Villa in Qatar

When looking at this opulent, breathtaking Villa, visualized by architect Muhammad Taher, it is nearly inconceivable that it could be located in Qatar, the once poorest among all the Arab states. It stands as a testament to Qatar’s now immense wealth and rise to be the richest among its fellow states. The Villa is accessed by way of the grand entry with its soaring domed ceiling and sensuously curving staircase. Just as in the entry, touches of gold can be found throughout the Villa on practically every surface conceivable. The richest of exotic woods and finest European fabrics grace each and every room.  The Villa’s fine art collections are vast as are the decorative wall friezes with their detailed carvings and decadent reliefs. Get lost for a moment in this palace-worthy Villa fit for royalty.

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The Villa’s breathtaking entry is opulent beyond words with its soaring ceilings, decorative wall friezes, marble interior design idea columns and gold accented finishes.

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The Villa’s main dining room boasts an ornately carved and finished dining table surrounded by 12 plushly upholstered dining chairs covered in velvet.

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A view of the vast domed ceiling highlighted by milky stain glass windows. A massive chandelier hangs at its center as the stair case gently curves around the perimeter of the entry.

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The grand parlour presents itself in the most formal of ways yet it seems quite inviting and warm. It is filled with a treasure trove of period and contemporary furnishings covered in the finest fabrics and finishes.

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While the Villa’s lounge is luxuriously appointed it feels more causal than the other rooms with leather and suede club chairs, stone block walls and contemporary barstools.

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This view of the lounge recaptures some of the opulence found in the rest of the Villa. Period paintings in ornate gold frames are highlighted in decorative wall panels.

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Indoor Decor: Ways to make your home festive during the holidays

Decorating for the holidays is a fun family tradition that often denotes the start of the season. While some of us love the familiarity of using the same free decoration ideas year after year, others like to mix it up a bit and decorate with a fresh palette every season. For those of you who fall into the latter group, we’ve shared below some terrific festive holiday décor ideas for your home’s interior.

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• Source: The Willows Home and Garden

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• Source: Alice Lane Home

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• Source: Style at Home

We don’t often see flocked Christmas trees any longer, but when we do we fall instantly in love all over again.

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• Source: Pottery Barn

This vase of colorful bulbs shows a clever way to repurpose old Christmas decorations.

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• Source: Alpha Idea

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• Source: Pottery Barn

Sometimes it’s best to let Mother Nature speak for herself. These lovely little potted pines are as decorative as they are eco-friendly.

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• Source: Pottery Barn

“Peace” A straightforward message said in an effortless way. Mistletoe makes a lovely greenery for a wreath.

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• Visualizer: Galina Yershova

Modern decors don’t have to be cold and unwelcoming during the holidays. Adding a Christmas tree, candles and a few festive Christmas baubles can amp up the welcome factor in a contemporary setting.

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• Source: Trendzona

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• Photographer: Nicole Hill Gerulat
• Source: Alice Lane Home

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• Source: Pottery Barn

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• Photographer: Rikki Snyder

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• Source: Pottery Barn

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• Source: Trendzona

Lots of little Christmas décor ideas can be found in this picture; from flannel stockings to modern angel nightlights.

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• Source: Alice Lane Home

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• Source: Pottery Barn

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• Photographer: Rikki Snyder

Floral Arrangments You Could Try This Spring

Flowers soften any room and make soft room interior designs positively dreamy, but they can also add unexpected dimensions to modern, even industrial spaces. Feminine selections are often reduced to a combination of, or a choice between: Lisianthus, Peonies, Roses, Dahlias or Tulips and being the most fashionable of the season, are the first to be featured.

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Just as English Tea-Roses owe their name to the Motherland, long understood is the association of the Orchid, Lilly and Cherry Blossom with Oriental styling and the addition of a single one of these species to an Asian influenced room can solidify its theme.

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Floral displays are as much about the choice of flower as they are about the choice of vessel. This can largely dictate whether the display will exude an antique or modern feel. The recycling of jars and bottles is not only good for the planet, but great for making a floral statement. Leaving the container, whatever it may be, in its original commercial state will work well in a modern industrial space, but if a vintage look is desired then a rustic paint job will give an old glass jar or bottle a new stylish purpose.

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A curiosity such as this display of miniature succulents, gives a room an intellectual quality. Interior design, is at the moment, seeing a resurgence in styling worthy of a natural history museum. Specimens from the natural world are being encased in glass in the form of domes, cloches and antique display cases, making for intriguing interiors and stimulating conversation.

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Foliage, in its various textural forms works well in minimalist and masculine spaces, as do other forms of greenery such as palm fronds, grasses and even branches, but be careful not to gloss over the still life appeal fruit and even vegetables, can have. In this same vein, pine cones are also a popular, however unlikely, styling tool in modern and natural spaces.

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Flowers, like many another decorative element, make their greatest impact on mass. Venturing into the back garden or leaning over window boxes to collect flowers takes preference over a trip to the florist as flowers have one of the highest mark-ups of all consumer products. Even a bunch from the local grocer can fetch a high price so deconstructing a single bunch and displaying it like these roses will have a big impact at a small cost.

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Bonsai In Interior Settings

Adding a plant is a great way to lift a room design idea scheme, but if you are looking for something just a little bit different, then why not try a Bonsai tree? Bonsai can bring an air of calm and class to many interior design schemes, and can provide a relaxing hobby too as you carefully trim the miniature branches to resemble the outstretched silhouette of its larger cousins.

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Via Poetic Home

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Above 3 via Poorna Jayasinghe

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A singular bonsai commands attention and looks great in a minimalist space like this contemporary bathroom. Be sure to keep them out of reach if your have children or pets in the home though, not only will your precious plant be ruined by curious hands and paws but many plants are toxic.

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Via Studio EOS

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Via 79ideas

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Via Blackbird Style

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Above 2 via Tresde

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Via Zigshot82
This autumnal scheme is set off beautifully by the colored leaves of this little tree that takes pride of place.

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Above 2 via Farshiddd

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We love this concept planter table, it provides the perfect social spot for your leafy companion, and the tray pops out for easy pruning.

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Above 2, concept by Sebastiano Ercoli

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Via 3ddd
Bonsai trees are eye-catching enough to stand alone, but also look great in small groups of three; you may find your passion takes off for the tiny trees though and you could end up with a little forest!

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Via Capitan

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Above 3 via Origami Design

Geeky Wall design idea Decals

Blik, brings a new collection of geeky wall design idea decals inspired by video games. Pictures below are taken from the online t-shirt company Threadless’, where in each year people vote to select the t-shirt designs they would like to see on wall decals. One amongst the chosen one is ‘the great animal hunt’, which is a crossword puzzle. It’s good news for retro gaming geeks as gaming giant Nintendo has got on with the act, by getting its very popular video game characters – Super-Mario as wall-size stickers. There are also invaders from space for you to watch out for. Don’t miss the giant robot sticker which is anything but giant.

The stickers are self adhesive, re-usable and way cheaper than paint if you’re looking to give your room a facelift.

Blik also has other categories as well. Check out the following wall graphics.

Home Visualizations Take You Back to Nature

Much of modern house design focuses largely on interior spaces, perfectly molded to a simple, clean lifestyle. However, in these visualizations from the Israeli designers at Ando Studio, the modern aesthetic meets the unpredictability of nature. By incorporating the green, natural surroundings into these home designs, the spaces become unique, shady, and comfortable while still maintaining impeccable style.

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  The boxy shape of this house is certainly modern, but it rises to two stories for ample interior space. The back patio has curtains and a canopy so that the outdoor area can be enjoyed in any weather while an in-ground pool shimmers with beautiful blue tiles.

  

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  The main living area of this house utilizes an open floor plan with a gourmet kitchen opening out into a full dining room and living room. Large sliding glass doors can let in both sun and fresh air when the climate allows.

  

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  Another interpretation of the home’s back deck features an outdoor dining area for truly tasteful entertaining. The awning along with the surrounding trees provide a shady respite from bright sun.

  

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  Although the private pond feature is manmade it brings nature literally up to the doorstep of the home.

  

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  In this design, nature is once again not forgotten. An elevated walkway, made with wood planks, leaves space for trees to grow up and through it, giving shade to the house and offering a spectacular view of the grounds and surrounding areas.

  

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  A personal firepit in the sunken outdoor space means entertaining and relaxing are easy and luxurious.

  

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  An oversized, ornately carved outdoor chair give the patio a comforting feel as residents can easily relax in the shade of their home. At every turn, this space offers an opportunity to enjoy the surrounding forest without giving up modern conveniences or privacy.

  

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Playfully Colorful Interiors

While we love the look of a modern interior design with its cool grays and bright whites, it would be difficult to argue that the look is playful. Luckily, designers from Portico Design Group have taken the basic tenets of the mid-century aesthetic and added entirely contemporary blasts of fun color where you would least expect it. The results are rooms full of personality without feeling cluttered or forced.

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  When home has an open floor plan, it is important that rooms are divided but still have a unifying design feel. Here, a bright orange backsplash is a dramatic focal point in the kitchen, while accent pillows on the couch tie everything together without being cartoonish.

  

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    Tucking barstools under one side of a kitchen island is a classic space-saving technique. Tiny turquoise accents bring the rest of the room to life.

    

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    Having a new addition to the family does not have to mean sacrificing style. This nursery is modern but carefully accented with playful colors and different textures and materials to keep the attention of baby and parents alike.

    

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    The right use of color can affect all the senses. Here, tiny bits of lemon yellow seem to drift up into the air, scenting this bath with citrusy goodness while still letting black and white tile create an easy, cleanable, transformable room.

    

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    Urban living does not always lend itself to expansive living rooms and huge furniture. This living room is narrow, so the designer uses pieces that aren’t as deep and heavy as they might be: a slender coffee table, and slim sofa especially. The lighting is gentle, making the room cozier than cramped.

    

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    Straying away from the bright and feminine colors of some of the other rooms, the burnt orange accents here are much more neutral, but still add a certain pop that brings dimension to the interior.

    

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25 Modern Style Living Rooms

With modern technology moving at near light speed, we’re constantly upgrading our phones, internet devices, computers and televisions with the newest “smartest” model. We are hyper-connected, always plugged-in to a global, digital world. Doesn’t it make sense, that we would the living spaces that we use to network these devices to be equally as smart? German furniture company, Musterring, creates digitally-inspired modern media furniture that is created specifically with the “digital natives” who were born connected and for those who have embraced  digital connectivity fully. Their modern media centers are equipped with the latest electric capabilities, cord cutouts, compartments and drawers to intelligently accommodate the smartest devices. Alongside the media collections, they offer cleverly designed furniture for the whole modern home. Below we’ve presented a collection of Musterring’s modern living rooms that display all of their clever cutting edge furniture offerings.

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Grey and burgandy is often a tough combination to pull off in an open naturally lit space as it tends to be visually heavy. This space, however, does it quite well with the burgandy furniture being offset between two walls and the light sofa lifting up the third wall.

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  This Asian-inspired ivory space lends itself toward an elegant feminine style with lacy wallpaper, rounded accessories and daphenous window treatments. The media center offers a polarizing effect with its hard edges and cut-out features.

  

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15 Beautiful Living Rooms That We Came Across Recently

From a penthouse luxury  living room to a cozy scandinavian corner, these living rooms span a variety of styles. Enjoy!

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