Turkey’s Mediterranean shore called the Turquoise Coast, is nearly 1600 km (994 miles) long, scattered with fine-sand beaches and sprinkled abundantly with classical cities turned to picturesque ruins. From Marmaris to Antalya the coastline is gorgeous and the weather is excellent.
This is where East and West meet, an exceptional blend of modernistic influences and Islamic tradition. The Ottoman empire had definitely left marks on the Turkish living style – fusion of oriental and modern elements.
Turkish homes frequently have plenty of mats, a divan, and small tables heavily inlaid with Arabic designs, plenty of arches, bead curtains, potted palms, and heavily sprung ottomans. Turkish carpets and rugs are another prominent characteristic of the typical Turkish home. They have strong, precise, stylized geometric or floral patterns in bold colors—red, yellow, green and blue—found usually portrayed the local mosques.
Also, Turkish ceramics are among the finest in the Mediterranean. The Turkish tradition of making pottery stretches thousands of years and reached its creative pinnacle in the 16th and 17th centuries under the rule of the Ottoman empire.
Bottom line: all you need to do is mix and match oriental and modern pieces to create your own unique style.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Magical Turkey
Posted by Gerry at 12:37 PM 2 comments
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Sun-kissed Southeastern France…Cannes, Nice, Monaco, Cote d’Azur (French Riviera)–an epitome of style
Irresistible beaches, lots of sun, a splash of Mediterranean charm, simplicity, luxury, romantic sensibility…and those unforgettable hot summer night rendezvous.
Basically, to create a typical French Mediterranean style at your home or garden, you have to mix and match with romantic, oriental or modern pieces.
Provence (a region in southern France) style is a mixture of rustic simplicity and timeless elegance. Terra cotta tiles, bright colored pottery, usually hand painted with Mediterranean fruits or flowers, rustic urns, 18th century floral designs, lace, antique baskets, mixing and matching fabrics (florals, stripes and plaids), intense color scheme: reds, blues, greens, beige and deep mustard create an inviting, cozy and joyful atmosphere.
French Riviera, fun, style and French romantica!
http://www.accentsofsalado.com/FRENCH_BATHROOM_DECORATING_DESIGN.html
Posted by Gerry at 12:34 PM 0 comments
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Tuscany - La dolce vita
Tuscany, the birthplace of the Renaissance movement, Dante Alighieri, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli, Chianti and olive oil…
Tuscan homes are usually of stucco and natural stone in light colors, dark hardwood furniture, and wrought iron accessories, open, airy, with many arched windows and gorgeous gardens. In other words, we can’ help but admire the peaceful, yet festive feeling that those Mediterranean dwellings exude.
We can’t get enough inspiration from that old world charm, simplicity and beauty. Infuse your life with some Tuscan appeal – comfort, warmth and style!
Use fabrics that are warm and close to nature, yet sophisticated and luxurious, calming, inviting colors: terracotta, olive greens, brick, yellows, blues, gold. Venetian or stucco plaster effects are used on new walls to add some texture and create that worn, aged Tuscan feel. Bring into play plenty of terracotta pots in the garden (different shapes), outdoor iron chandeliers and pillows, stone firepits, stone ovens (for those unforgettable homemade pizzas! Mama mia!) and you could easily recreate a Tuscan getaway.
by designer David Stimmel
Posted by Gerry at 7:24 PM 1 comments
Monday, February 18, 2008
Mediterranean Spain
The Spanish mainland is bordered to the south and east almost entirely by the Mediterranean Sea. Spanish style is influenced by many cultures: Christian, Jewish, Moorish, but basically is a combination of Spanish and Arabic styles. The result is a quite unique mixture in decorative design. Simply splendid!
Impressive wall decor: Castile Chargers/Trays (http://www.accentsofsalado.com/LG_CastileIronChargersTrays.html)
One of my fav websites for Mediterranean theme furniture, wall hangings, iron wall decor, kitchen, bath and wine accessories for a Tuscun, Mediterranean Old World casual home decor is Accents of Salado. If you are fond of the bold, sophisticated, yet simple Mediterranean style of living, you should definitely check it out!
http://www.accentsofsalado.com/index.html
Spectacular Malaga Tall Glazed Earthenware Vases http://www.accentsofsalado.com/item_06leather.html
Another authentic Spanish Mediterranean living room by HGTV designer Lauren Jacobsen
Posted by Gerry at 5:15 PM 2 comments