Nestled into the quiet middle of a block in the historic center of the beautiful colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, this 4,500 square foot courtyard home is accessed through lush gardens with trickling fountains and a luminous lap-pool. The living, dining, kitchen, library and master suite on the ground floor open onto a series of plant filled patios that flood each space with light that changes throughout the day. Elliptical domes and hewn wooden beams sculpt the ceilings, reflecting soft colors onto curving walls. A long, narrow stairway wrapped with windows and skylights is a serene connection to the second floor ''Moroccan' inspired suite with domed fireplace and hand-sculpted tub, and "French Country" inspired suite with a sunny balcony and oval shower. A curving bridge flies through the high living room with sparkling glass railings and overlooks onto sensuously shaped built in sofas. At the third floor windows wrap every space with balconies, light and views, linking indoors to the distant mountains, the morning sun and the bubbling jacuzzi. At the rooftop terrace domes and chimneys join the cozy seating for intimate gatherings.
Chelsea McGraw Storybook Murals That dramatic yellow wall could be a beautiful ground for an abstract mural of transparent floating geometric shapes, clustering at the ceiling and moving across and down the wall to the bench below. Use a palette of golds and rust with accents of the orange in the upholstery and just a flash here and there of red.
The floors in this main living space are a beautiful travertine marble acid-washed to open the crystals. From the dome to the railings and curved built-ins, it's clear circular shapes are a common theme in this house. Cathi discovered this architectural solution serendipitously while playing with templates. "I'm probably the only architect alive that still draws by hand," she jokes.
You may prefer a more toned-down mixture, like this example. Yellow walls imitate sunlight: use them either in dark basements to create a brighter appeal or in window-heavy spaces to enhance the natural light. Furnishing this space with orange pieces results in a fresh, citrusy feel that is as contemporary as the architecture.
The floors in this main living space are a beautiful travertine marble acid-washed to open the crystals. From the dome to the railings and curved built-ins, it's clear circular shapes are a common theme in this house. Cathi discovered this architectural solution serendipitously while playing with templates. "I'm probably the only architect alive that still draws by hand," she jokes.