A home for the Greek Gods

This unusal house nestled in a couple natural caves is located on the beautiful and chic Greek island of Santorini. There was probably already some kind of human abode here for at least a 1000 years. It reminds me of the ice hotels I posted about - a southern version of it.

 The owner, a photographer, left the house as simple and natural as he could with traditional whitewashed walls and sparse furnishing.

I've been to a natural cave house (not this one unfortunately) and the climate inside is amazing - you never want to go back to airconditioning (which is bad for the enviroment anyway).

Isn't this a place fit for an ancient greek God?

All photos: At Casa

Terrific rooms for children

I have gathered some inspirational childrens rooms for two of my blogger friends, N. from Scotland who is expecting her first child and J. from Australia who just moved and has to decorate three kids rooms.

I had a similar antique bed to the one shown in the first image when I was young. Oh, the day when the bed became too small...

Which image do you like best? How much input should children give when it comes to decorating their own spaces?

All photos: MILK France except for photos No. 3 VTWonen Netherlands and the last one: Homes & Gardens UK

British Impressions I

A few snapshots from my recent trip to the UK. I went to different places so I start off with a few rural photos. The first two photos are from Hertfordshire (where Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is set!), the next two are from Richmond, and the last two from (country-esk) London. More photos from London will follow soon.

All photos: European Chic

European Chic goes to .... Los Angeles, California

It has become a bit of a tradition to look across the Atlantic on the 4th of July. Remember, last year, I went to Brooklyn, New York. This year I am going to Los Angeles, California to show stylist Emily Henderson's bohemian new world style. She uses the combination of royal blue and wood a lot to balance the cold blue with warm wood hues. For me this style is fun and fearless, budget friendly (!) and very L.A..

What do you think? Could you see this style in Europe?

Let me also complain of how unfair it is that we cannot watch HGTV (and hence Emily's show) here in France! Why?

All photos: Emily Henderson

What is your style?

Photo: VTWonen

Which style do you like best? I like the combination of the chic Louis Ghost chairs with the rustic wooden table and the cast iron bed, of course.

Book review: The Meghan Method

 The office

I've finished reading The Meghan Method and, oh boy, am I inspired to start redecorating my abode straight away. The author, Meghan Carter, explains step-by-step how to become your very own interior designer and she manages to break down the process in her charming laid back style so that everybody can confidently become a bona fide interior designer. If you already know how to decorate the book still offers tons of useful decorating advice (that was at least how I felt).

There are lots of worksheets available to figure everything out including on how to find your muse, evaluating your room, how to stay on budget and how to find a contractor. I am smitten by her cute layout drawings (below) and her styling.

In case Meghan reads this: I am certain that I can be even more productive if I could move into the green office and blog from there! I'll take the desk on the left.

The breakfast room and parlour

 Some of the many worksheets 

 The guest bedroom

...and here is the Lady herself surrounded by her 'muses'!

All Photos: Brent Walter/Gem Multimedia