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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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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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.

Bridge House: Home Across A Stream

For some people, the ultimate vacation retreat is a family home design in a balmy climate. But for true nature lovers, nothing compares to a cabin deep in the mountains where a whole family can relax next to a roaring fire while snow falls outside. This North Carolina cabin, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains and designed by the team at Platt Architecture certainly fits the bill.

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The cabin itself actually spans a river, balancing atop heavy stone columns and giving unparalleled views of the surrounding forest. 

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  The house is situated high enough so as to accommodate the frozen winter trickle as well as the rushing springtime rapids. 

  

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  The architects have carved out room for the occupants to see, with windows at every opportunity, but some older tress are right up against the building, giving it a truly rustic feel. 

  

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  The interior is delightfully woodsy and welcoming. From exposed ceiling beams to hardwood floors and even wooden chandeliers, the outside forest is never far away. 

  

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  Of course, no cabin would be complete without a central fireplace for those cold winter nights. Ample, plush seating ensures every member of the family – or hunting party – has a comfortable place to rest. 

  

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    A sweeping spiral staircase in beautifully polished wood takes guests from the entrance on the ground floor to the upstairs living area and kitchen. 

    

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    Despite its remote location, the cabin’s kitchen has all the modern accouterments any gourmet chef could want and can serve as its own informal gathering place with a long breakfast bar area. 

    

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    Overall, this cabin offers the conveniences of a beautiful modern home all in a rustic, natural setting. It is a perfect place to forget the fast pace of modern life without giving up any comfort.