Decorate a Dreamhouse - Mallorca Island (Cont'd.)

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My dreamhouse location requires a roomy beach bag, a straw topper and a major tan; my whimsical place will be on the beautiful Island of Mallorca! 

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My notes for this Dreamhouse state create a design scheme consisting of white walls with much natural materials and color. This is the journey of adorning the interiors of my imaginary seaside abode.


Bit of Background: 

Mallorca is the largest island in the Balearic Islands archipelago, in Spain, with a population of 869,067 covering 1,405 square miles.

People choose the Island of Mallorca (as we call it; the Spaniards call it Majorca) to find their own oasis of calmness, to escape from their otherwise hum-drum of everyday life.

But one must understand, it is with the native people of Mallorca where the real magic resides, the native people's unchanging, traditional values. Oh to be able to fit that lil' piece of sanity into a world gone crazy. If you're an expat in Mallorca, you've chosen to exchange a hectic, pressurized life for a free, alternatively-happy one in the Mediterranean.


Now, Full Steam Ahead, Join Me As I Go About Decorating My Dreamhouse On Mallorca Island 

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My Mallorca Island Dreamhouse Living Room:







Left, the artwork, "Full Hands, Full Heart," a giclee print of an original acrylic painting was a nice color starting point for fulfilling my design scheme. This piece is by Katharina Magdalena Short and is still available, but has a limited edition of 150. Design tip: giclee signed, numbered and titled limited edition prints are a great way to start an excellent art collection.

Below, left is one-of-a-kind, original oil painting, "Midway I Faltered," by Amy Cheng. Below right, is  "Serenade," a giclee print (more affordable, more available) also by Katharina Magdalena Short. Serenade so reminds me of my lovely Mallorca house. What joy!



My family lives in this room, my beautiful entertaining room. Its art pieces are significantly strong; they surround my living room, setting the stage for my necessary, functional pieces, which pieces I choose and how they are displayed.


This table is prodigious here with its hand forged metal base, oversized, industrial casters and shaved oak top and shelf, it is the Boho Cocktail Table.  The generously-sized table has room for the set of three Barkley Candlesticks, magazines, an enticing coffee table book - or if you're hosting a party, a tray of  Tuna Apple Mini Melts recipe follows.

The Kensington Chandelier measures 29.75" high x 27" in diameter; I like its simple but strong curves.This slipcovered sofa from Ballards is beautiful but I switched out its throw pillows shown here, with the more colorful, decor pillows. All three are from Pier One, green Daisy Pillow, the blue and green Suzani Pillow, and Petals Pillow In Teal.  Design tip: it's all in the accessorizing! 































My chaise lounge by Ballards Design is the favorite spot in my living room (as I suspected it would be).  Inari Table Lamp is subtly perfect when seeking a practical and comfortable, reading spot. The Winslow Nesting Tables, kinna' like hearty tv trays, become the 'go-to' pieces; one or the other is always being moved for one need or another. The chaise lounge is further accessorized by adding two decorative beach themed pillows both available from By The Sea Decor.

Seeking texture I couldn't pass up this whimsical, muted-iron Bird Chair. It's so delightful, I might buy two. (You gotta' love the small, perched bird atop of the chair!) Design tip: Side chairs, sometimes called, occasional chairs, that you can move around your home for various uses are just radically expeditious in any home.

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My Mallorca Island Dreamhouse Dining Room:

 I love this white walled dining room with flagstone fireplace built into the niche. It is earthy - much texture. The Benchwright Dining Room set made of reclaimed wood is quietly dominant. This is beautiful, this is green, this is a distinct, natural design style setting for my Mallorca Island home. From Pottery Barn I selected the Gridley Metal Caged Storage Cabinet.  Like the mix of materials of this industrial looking metal piece with the reclaimed wood, hearty dining room table.
Women Carrying Houses by American contemporary artist Brian Kershisnik, this giclee print is still available and is on my dining room wall.

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My Mallorca Island Dreamhouse Master Bedroom


With amazing views from this room of the turqoise blue Mediterranean Sea, my master bedroom is a mere backdrop to Mallorca's beauty.

This space is where I curl up with a book, where I gather my thoughts . . . it's just simply the best place in the whole of Mallorca.

These items would make for a serene master bedroom - they're a nice fit.

At right, Brian Kershisnik artwork, "Eating Peaches," original artwork and all signed and numbered prints unfortunately are sold out.  Design tip:   Brian Kershisnik's artwork is hot and only getting hotter, a go to article about building your art collection is "Artwork On A Budget."

Below, beautiful in the room is the Kensington Chandelier. Bed and bedding (Nightingale Duvet) are from Anthropologie, the duvet and bedding is Nightingale, bed is Autumn Filigree. An adept choice also for my Mallorca home is the set of three Yuma Trunks.




Below is "Large Horse, Small Riders," from figurative contemporary artist Brian Kershisnik. It is also unfortunately sold out, only available through private sale. You can view currently available original artwork, one of a kind pieces at the Santa Fe, Mexico Meyer East Gallery. Click here to see more affordable and still available Kershisnik giclee prints.

Below, left is my lovely master bedroom sitting area, Priscilla Tufted Settee and Walter Spring Floor Lamp are both from Anthropologie.

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My Mallorca Island Dreamhouse Rear Yard/Balcony




Just off of my master bedroom we created a small balcony. I'm thinkin' if you're ever gonna' build a balcony with a view, it's in Mallorca, of the Mediterranean Sea.

Mallorca is number one* when it comes to choosing a place for your second home. For me and my family, we chose this Island as number one for our primary home.

I could so live here in this Dreamhouse in Mallorca, couldn't you?

*Go to article, "Why Mallorca Is Number One / All About Mallorca"

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Tuna Apple Mini Melts Appetizers 

Yield: Makes 45 tartlets

Total: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup diced Pink Lady apple*

1/3 cup finely chopped celery

2 tablespoons minced red onion

1 hard-cooked egg, peeled and chopped

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

2 12-oz. cans solid white tuna in spring water, drained and flaked

3 1.9-oz. packages frozen mini-phyllo pastry shells, thawed

12 deli Havarti cheese slices, cut into 4 pieces each

Garnish: thin Pink Lady slices

Preparation:

1. Stir together first 8 ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir in tuna. Cover and chill 1 hour.
2. Divice mixture among phyllo shells (about 1 tablespoon each), and place on a 15" x 10" jelly-roll pan. Top with cheese pieces.
3. Preheat broiler with oven rack 5-1/2" from heat. Broil tartlets 1 - 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately. Garnish, if desired.

*Gala apple may be substituted.
This recipe is from "My Recipes."

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Want More? Click to read other Decorate A Dreamhouse Articles:

See also My Decorate A Dreamhouse - Mallorca Island Pinterest Board

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This is so much fun!! If decorating isn't easy for you or if you are in need of some particular interior design assistance, our designers at the Something Beautiful Shoppe will be happy to work with you - working with professional helps assure you get the look you deserve while helping eliminate costly mistakes.

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Beautiful Things - Beautiful Together

This antique clock is beautiful.

The porcelain case painted delicately in pink - a very pink, pink - and the black trim are good accents, the black tones down what could otherwise be a 'too-sweet' pink color. The gilt details add a delicious richness.

Design Tip: This clock could stand on its own on a quaint table in an entryway. Or, it can be part of an great grouping. On a fireplace mantel, for instance, this piece is placed in the center and serves as the focal point. Place two matching objects on the left and right of the clock, cachepots filled with ivy or paperweights, etc. Finally on the far left and right, place matching candlesticks , lamps or vases.This special 19th-century timepiece made by English clock maker John J. Peters & Co. is offered by Coleen & Company, whom also carry their own decor pieces as well as vintage and antique goods. Click here for more info on this one-of-a-kind 'Pretty In Pink' clock.

The curvy gold-framing adds a soupcon of French style to the Petite Palais Mirror, and is available from the Something Beautiful Shoppe.  By repeating the gilt gold and curlyques, the mirror is simply perfect with the clock.

Design Tip: When hanging a mirror always consider what it is reflecting. A mirror that echos a beautiful reflection is most pleasing.

For more information about the Petite Palais Mirror, click here.




Finally ..... check out this over-the-top chandelier, by Nella Vetrina. Is it awesome, or what?

I would place the antique pink clock and the Petite Palais Mirror in the same room as this Nella Vetrina chandelier.

Design Tip: These colorways work well. The black details on the pink clock - which we've established as a focal point on the fireplace mantle - tie in wonderfully with the strength of this particular chandelier. The Nella Vetrina Chandelier, in black, has an extremely strong 'visual' presence, which greatly attracts the eye, optically causing it to have 'weight' - despite that it is made of glass. Moreover this chandelier's curves, circle shapes, etc. are a repetition of those in the antique clock and the Petit Palais Mirror. These are spectacular when brought together.

For more information on the Murano Hand Blown Glass Chandelier, click here. It is also available in other colors.

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If decorating isn't easy for you or if you are in need of some particular interior design assistance, our designers at the Something Beautiful Shoppe will be happy to work with you - working with professional helps assure you get the look you deserve while helping eliminate costly mistakes.

Decorating A Dreamhouse - A German Equestrian Estate (Cont'd.) + Ham And Potato Bake

This article is continued from main post, click here to return.





Written By: Patricia Lynne
Editor: Sarahjoy Crain

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In my current SB Journal entry I'm imagining I'm "Decorating A Dream House" A German Equestrian Estate.

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My Dreamhouse is a generous two stories including a third level attic with two dormer rooms. Ground level has room for parking three automobiles, almost unheard of in Germany.

My Germany Dream House also includes horse breeding and training facilities.

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About Hamburg, My Dreamhouse City:


My Dreamhouse is located in Hamburg Germany, the second largest City in Germany, a City which bursts pride. Something new can be discovered, experienced and marveled at everyday. Arts and Culture are at its finest. Worldwide successful musicals, superior and entertaining theatres, a great variety of hotels and excellent restaurants. Historical landmarks from 1200 years of City history. The list goes on. Exquisite shopping possibilities and exciting nightlife.


The Dreamhouse is located near Lake Alster, which has a a circumference of 7.6 km. It makes for a great bike ride and is the hub for meeting friends for a lager shandy draft at one of the many cafes. I've been known to announce: "I'm in paradise," while watching the yachtsmen, oarsmen and paddlers enjoying Alster Lake.

If you visit this Lake which dates from the 13th century be sure to plan a ride on an Alsterboat. Providing tours of the lake including the canals and the bridges, these boatrides offer unparalleled sights of the city.

Lake Alster is surrounded by some of the best residences in Hamburg as well as by many, many landmark buildings, such as the well-known Atlantic hotel and St. Michaelis Church. This Church hosts a 132 meter high baroque spire covered with copper. The spire is a prominent feature of Hamburg’s skyline and has always been a landmark for ships sailing up the river Elbe.



Lake Alster, known as the‘German Venice’ as it runs through the center of the city, competes with Venice, Italy for its number of bridges and canals.

Also at Lake Alster is the Port of Hamburg. Named Germany's "Gateway to the World" it's the largest port in Germany. It is the second-largest port of Europe and is experiencing major advancements in commercial and residential growth, cultivating multifarious layers of enriching diversity.


My City of Hamburg, Germany is bursting with such creativity. You'll see it in its contemporary architecture, art, fashion, events and design.

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We're going inside now. Please join me in my SB Journal on Decorating A Dreamhouse My German Equestrian Estate

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Decorating My Germany Equestrian Estate Dreamhouse Formal Entry


Borrowing a French look with the Louis XVI Style Chairs, these are upholstered in Pierre Frey's "Les Camees."  Les Camees (French transl., the cameos) is a beautiful cotton/linen upholstery fabric with a 59" repeat, making it ideal to position your favorite cameo illustration on these arm chairs. The small table is a petrified tree trunk.  It is the photograph we are drawn to and it is of an Andalusian horse in Susan Friedman's Equus Collection.

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Decorating My Germany Equestrian Estate Dreamhouse Living Room:

I love the slight pink paired with deep brown upholstered furnishings. Pink by itself can be considered too feminine, but it's what you pair it with that makes it work - consider a man in a black suit with a pink shirt and tie - it's a dynamic combination.

The horse photograph above mantle again is by Susan Friedman, the marble horse head from The Well Appointed House.

For our family this room feels soft and warm; it is instantly inviting, something necessary as we work hard outside with the horses, this ethereal space is for us.

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Decorating My Germany Equestrian Estate Dreamhouse Dining Room
I love this dining room presentation.The simple fireplace and decor are fabulous, but most of all I love the 'borrowed' view of the stellar staircase. If it is just the two of us for dinner, we often use the small table and chairs grouped near the fireplace. This gives us the feeling we've got the best seat in the house. Photograph is from Motif Designs and the Something Beautiful Shoppe can help you access some items in the picture.

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Decorating My Germany Equestrian Estate Dreamhouse Kitchen

In addition to working hard, we also entertain a lot. Friends and family from the States as well as newly-made "freundes" (German transl. friends) visit and as a consequence, I love this spacious kitchen. Whether it is in entertaining friends and family, or having coffee with a fellow equine enthusiast, I wanted an area that was easy and efficient. I always work with the best, and here I chose Nancy Thornett Associates.

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Decorating My Germany Equestrian Estate Dreamhouse Daughter's Room


This room reflects my daughter's personality. Mature, feminine, romantic and orderly. Everyone who visits loves this room, as does my daughter.

The pairing of the soft pink with whites and greys creates an inviting feeling. No harshness here.

Susan Friedman's "Tempest 1" is on display here; Sherwin-Williams' Paint White Dogwood SW6315 was used when originally featured in House Beautiful.

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Decorating My Germany Equestrian Estate Dreamhouse Master Bedroom And Bathroom



This room is perfect for us. It's tranquil. We've got bedding that's like sleeping on a cloud. This master bedroom is from Motif Designs and you can access it through the Something Beautiful Shoppe.  


Freestanding Oval tub by Waterworks has clean, sculptural lines. I also like the simple 'table' next to it. It is literally a soaking tub, you can have water up to your shoulders . . . every home should have one. These are all part of the things that make our home dreamily beautiful.

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My Dreamhouse German Equestrian Estate - I could so live here. Couldn't you? 

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Ham And Potato Bake Bonus Recipe


Layers of potato, ham and cheese are bound together by a quiche-like egg and cream mixture. This potato bake cuts well and can be served hot or cold, as a side dish or with a salad as a light meal.

Ingredients:

3 large potatos
1 cup grated tasty cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups shaved ham, finely chopped
1/2 medium onion, grated
4 large eggs
1 cup cream
Salt and pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Thoroughly grease a 7" or 8" pan or bowl.

Line the base of the pan with baking paper. If your pan isn't non-stick, line the side of the pan also.

Peel and halve potatos. Boil potatos until tender, drain. Allow potatos to cool, then cut into 1/3" thick slices.

Combine cheeses in a bowl.

Cover the base of the prepared pan with a layer of potato slices. Season with salt and pepper.

Top with half the ham and onion. Sprinkle with about one third of the combined cheeses. Continue layering ingredients (seasoning each layer of potatoes), finishing with a layer of cheese.

Use a whisk or fork to beat the eggs and cream until well combined. Gently pour the mixture over ingredients in pan.

Bake for about 50 - 60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture has set. Cover the bake with aluminium foil if the top begins to over brown before the egg mixture has set.

Remove from oven and set aside for 5 - 10 minutes before removing from pan. Cut into wedges to serve.

This recipe is from Exclusively Food.

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Want More? Read Other "Decorate A Dreamhouse Articles":

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If decorating isn't easy for you or if you are in need of some particular interior design assistance, our designers at the Something Beautiful Shoppe will be happy to work with you - working with professional helps assure you get the look you deserve while helping eliminate costly mistakes.

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Bathroom Vanity Photograph: Julian Ross
Foyer, Living Room photograph from House Beautiful, January 2009
Research Source: Hamburg Germany Tourism, Hamburg Travel Guide
Research Source: http://www.cometogermany.com/
Research Source: http://www.hafen-hamburg.de/en
Research Source Climate: http://www.wordtravels.com/Cities/Germany/Hamburg/Climate

Posters As Art

I can feel my own hair being tossed by the wind and it is my face embracing the sun as I enjoy this vignette. The French poster from Phillip Williams Posters is perfect. It accomplishes the goal of creating a beautiful room through selective placement of decorative art, furniture and accessories.

Decorating a room with posters can be both cost-effective and an engaging way to create beauty. Posters come in all shapes and sizes, themes and styles; and be assured, they can be introduced in a room with original artworks, oil paintings, etc.

Here are some suggestions on turning your dull space into an instant gallery.

Think about a feel or a theme you want for your room.

Example: the room above conveys light and airiness - a magical moment - on a beautiful day.

Another Example: an earlier article I wrote Decorate A Dreamhouse In Beverly Hills (click here to read it) is another good example, perhaps you could call it a charming example.

In that article I wanted to contrast in a big way the elaborate and over-the-top Georgian architectural style exteriors of the house - symmetrical, conservative, orderly with its interiors.

This helped me establish my theme or feel. I wanted drama . . . fun - and I wanted to flaunt it.


So there it was and who best to help me than Ms. Audrey Hepburn, that is, one particular poster of her. Wearing a tiara, a formal gown and long, silk, black gloves, Ms. Hepburn flirts with a long-stem cigarette holder. This poster I chose to anchor my varied but engaging grouping of black- and-white photographs.

Reading the rest of the article and appreciating my selection of flamboyant furnishings - perhaps you'll agree: who else but Ms. Audrey Hepburn to welcome visitors to this particular home.

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Right, poster of
"Pablo Picasso's "Head Of A Woman," from Art.Com.

So, posters . . . . . Envision what you want your artwork and decor to do for your room.

* Posters can add color (coordinating or accent)
* Pull together a theme (marine life in a bathroom, sports in a den or child's room)
* Or stand in for a more expensive art collection (you too can own a Monet or a Picasso). Be creative.

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You can bring a magical ocean view to any room with a wide-angle photographic oceanscape, such as the one above, by Marine Hugonnier. (More of this art can be seen at MarineHugonnier.com).

Recipe posters can double as cookbooks in a tiny kitchen. Reproduction movie posters from classic films can turn your family room into a home theatre.

Browse. Shop for posters online, at craft supply and decorating stores, in museum gift shops and at flea markets. You may start looking with one idea in mind, and be captivated by something completely different.

Frame your posters once you've chosen them. You can also find simple, classic, inexpensive poster frames at art supply stores and discount department stores. But posters can be more classically framed also; again, it is all what is within your theme. If you are grouping posters on the same wall, choosing identical frames is a great look.

Using posters as art can be an adventure - enjoy!

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If decorating isn't easy for you or if you are in need of some particular interior design assistance, our designers at the Something Beautiful Shoppe will be happy to work with you - working with professional helps assure you get the look you deserve while helping eliminate costly mistakes.

If decorating isn't easy for you or if you are in need of some particular interior design assistance, our designers at the Something Beautiful Shoppe will be happy to work with you - working with professional helps assure you get the look you deserve while helping eliminate costly mistakes.

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Adrian Swinstead Practices Green Design - Reclamation

The table at left is a bog oak and glass circular dining table,

- the oak is 5,000 years old -

and was originally found in Wereham Fen, Norfolk.  Artist Adrian Swinstead secured the bog oak pieces, allowed them to air dry for four years and crafted - reclaimed - them into this circular dining table.

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Bog Oaks Are Prehistoric Trees

They date from a time when the world was emerging from the last Ice Age.

It was a time of rapidly rising temperature, retreating Ice Cap and rising sea levels. The vegetation across southern Britain contained many areas of oak forest. As the temperatures rose, storms felled whole forests and in the more temperate climate a vegetation of sphagnum mosses and ferns became predominant. This growth entombed the fallen oaks, eventually compacting to form peat and preserving the trees in an acidic and anaerobic environment. These trees have survived millennia due to extraordinary circumstances.

These ancient oaks are a direct link with a time when the people of Britain were just starting to develop agriculture and expressing their connections to the universe through the erection of standing stones.

Over time the colour of the trees has deepened, sometimes achieving a dense black.

Bog Oaks have a profound history.

Swinstead Bog Oak Bowl, above, is made from 5,000 year old bog oak.

The two photographs here left and right show Adrian Swinstead's Sycamore Arch Table, cut from a concave section of tree, Sycamore from Geddington, Northamptonshire, fortified acrylic toughened glass. 

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This last piece is actually a bench - Sycamore Arch Bench - cut from a concave section of tree, sycamore from Geddington, Northamptonshire with 50 mm plexiglass.

Adrian Swinstead says about his endeavors,

"Cherishing a piece of ancient bog oak to become a thing of beauty after its five thousand years underground is my work, my art and a privilege."

For more information about Adrian Swinstead's work, click to visit his website.

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If decorating isn't easy for you or if you are in need of some particular interior design assistance, our designers at the Something Beautiful Shoppe will be happy to work with you - working with professional helps assure you get the look you deserve while helping eliminate costly mistakes.