A villa near Vicenza: Aldo Cibic

Modern design master Aldo Cibic's Italian villa is set among hills and lemon groves near Vicenza, in the northeastern part of Italy. While the decor seems a mixture of his trademark more modern styles, the structure is quite classic, and even rustic (as in the kitchen). My favorite thing about this home, other than the heavenly setting in the lush Italian hills, is those fantastic windows! (from August 2009 Il Meglio di Ville Giardini; photos by Mads Mogensen; styling by the photographer's wife, Martina Hunglinger)

Beautiful windows: a visual treat

After a move, followed by couple of weeks of no internet service, I'm so happy to be up and running again. Wow, who knew that it would take so long to get internet service at our new flat? (Just one of the differences in the way things work in London...)

Today, just a little visual delight. I love looking at gorgeous windows and the way sunlight coming into a room transforms everything! (from top: James Tse photography; Ina Garten's NYC home via Things that Inspire; skona hem; Elle Decor June 2009, via Rosenow floral design; unknown; unknown)

It's interesting that (in my opinion) one thing that gives away an American interior as opposed to a European interior is the windows. As soon as I see photos of certain types of windows, I immediately can tell that it's European (or even old-world South American). For some reason, American homes don't seem to ever use the same window sizes and shapes, which just gives a different look.
These look quintessentially American to me (as well as the windows in the very top photograph of this post), with their three-across rectangle pane design (I'm sure there's an official name for it but I don't know what it is.) photo from Southern Accents

While these look unmistakeably French:

Marie Claire Maison

Sunlit spaces

The past few autumn days here in London have been heavenly: crisp and cool with brilliant blue skies. It would be a shame to sit inside on days like this unless you have a room in your house that lets the sunlight stream in. Like these. (photos from Domino, Cote Sud)