Vivez Bien * Live Well

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Divine in the Desert




 
This beautiful home by Oz Architects is set in the Arizona desert in the United States. There are so many elements that really appeal to me, but the most appealing is that the house looks as though it would be a lovely cool and inviting space in which to take refuge from the hot desert days. It also blends so perfectly into its desert environment ... if the lights weren't on, you would hardly notice it.


 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
I can relate to this environment as I grew up in a semi-desert area of South Africa called the Karoo. It has a very unique beauty and a home like this would have been perfect. My parents home was very different to this... a Cape Dutch style house full of Persian carpets and dark wood English antique furniture. It was beautiful, but perhaps not the best fit for the environment. The photo below is of the Karoo in South Africa.... very similar to the desert setting above.
 
 
 
..... and this is my childhood home.... see what I mean.
 


But... I digress .... back to the Arizona home...I love the muted colour scheme, the spaciousness, the beautiful rustic ceiling beams, the flagstone floors, I could go on and on.

Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.

Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.

Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.

Stone interior walls feature regularly, the perfect material to keep a home cool.

Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
 The plants look like they are all water-wise choices and there is no lawn to be seen - perfect for a desert setting.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
One of the reasons why I find this home so appealing is because, as much as it suits its Arizona setting, it would look equally at home in the Provincal countryside and I'm a complete sucker for anything French.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
Silverleaf private residence-hillside custom home-Scottsdale Arizona-architect Oz Architects, Inc.-Don Ziebell architect -Silverleaf clubhouse-Gene Kniaz-rural Mediterranean-antique reclaimed building materials imported from Europe-family compound-outdoor living loggia-sustainable-certified Green Building City of Scottsdale Green Building program-built to last-petanque court-island pool-plunge pool-antique reclaimed roof tile beams-antique limestone fireplace-antique reclaimed doors from Europe-Covered bridge to master bedroom-entry courtyard with antique fountains-cutting garden-outdoor shower-covered screened sleeping loggia-antique cobble drive-antique reclaimed oak beams-antique Bourgogne limestone floor, antique terra cotta-terrace hillside village-photography WS Photo -all rights reserved-copyright Oz architects, Inc. 2012.
 
 
I wonder how you feel about living in the desert? I think I could if it was in a home like this.
 
 
 Till next time
 
 
Sharon x
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Palladian perfection

 
Classical_Villa_Near_La_Mairena_afflante_com_0
 
Palladian architecture is a style of  architecture derived from and inspired by the designs of the 16th century Venetian architect,  Andrea Palladio.  Palladio's work was strongly based on the symmetry, perspective and values of the formal classical temple architecture of the  Ancient Greeks and Romans.
 
This villa in Marbella is a wonderful example.  Beautiful proportions and symmetry are evident in this classical masterpiece.
 
 
The home is elegantly furnished with beautiful antiques and muted soft furnishings. The interiors perfectly reflect the symmetry of the façade of the home.
 
 
 
The symmetrical placement of furniture is evident in all the rooms. The seagrass matting lends a more casual air to an otherwise formal room.
 
 
The wooden stools are an unexpected element, but the symmetry remains.
 
 
The muted colours with accents of blue create a very soothing bedroom.
 
 
 
The study / library is a cosy and inviting room. The wooden stool looks like it might be African or Indonesian.
 
 
 
I think this might be a pantry area, leading through into the kitchen. Love the floor!
 
 
The blue appears again in the kitchen.
 
 
 
The dressing room which mirrors the pantry, on the opposite side of the house.
 
 
The bathroom area is so spacious. Lovely wooden floors again.
 
 
 
 
Another bedroom where blues predominate again.
 
 
 
 
 
The garden with its beautiful views, is a mixture of formal and informal areas.
 
 
 
 
Hope you enjoyed this visit to a beautiful Spanish home.
 
Till next time
 
Sharon x
 
 
 
 
Source:  via
 
 

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Dad's Day



Wishing all the Dads in the world a wonderful Father's Day!


Normal posting will resume tomorrow.

x Sharon







Monday, June 10, 2013

Some Beautiful Blondes



Blond chairs....



...blond pup....



...blond server...


.... blond boots....


....blond boy...




....blond island...



....blond bunny...




...blond table....



....blond bun...





....blond wicker...




....blond coat...




...blond windows...


....and blond doors...




...blond cats...




....blond stone....




....blond wood....



.....blond handbag....





....blond cupboard....




....blond (and handsome) hound....




...blond panelling...




... and blond books....




According to the movies "Gentlemen prefer Blondes" ....what about you ?

Till next time

Sharon x


Image source: 1. P1nterest, 2. Crush cul de Sac 3. Charming Spaces, 4. The Paper Mulberry 5. Crush cul de Sac 6. Charming Spaces 7. Crush cul de Sac 8. Belgian Pearls 9. Crush Cul de Sac 10. Verandah 11. Crush cul de Sac 12. Pinterest 13. Velvet and Linen 14. Tumblr 15. Unknown, 16. Tumblr 17 Prada 18. House and Leisure 19. Crush cul de Sac 20. Casa Decorada 21. Tumblr 22 Velvet and Linen