Shapes. They seem like a concept fit for Kindergarten, but they are a crucial element in the world of design. Shapes add dimension, depth, and intrigue to a home.  While straight lines are playing it safe, sometimes it is nice to add a circular component. Circular entries are a personal favorite of mine, whether it is a circular shape or a circular table in the foyer. There is no better shape when making an entrance into a home.

Not everything in life is a straight shoot, so enjoy these images that add a circular sentiment to any piece of design. Trust me, it is the right answer.

 

An aerial view of a circular entry surrounded by a circular staircase in the Hamptons by Alex Papachristdis. Via AD

A circular rug adds a great bit of warmth to this dark stained foyer. Via Veranda

Ellen DeGeneres has a worldly circular element in her home. I think the shelves add such a nice casual ambience. Via AD

This home encompasses gorgeous display art and such a deep and intriguing wall color. Via Elle Decor.

 

Laura Hunt designed this entry for the residences at the Ritz Carlton Dallas. I love the striped wallpaper. Via Glampad

 

A black and white floor is very effective in this circular foyer. I love how each offshoot in circular rooms adds a sense of direction and purpose. Via AD.

 

Of course, my always favorite entry is Tory Burch’s apartment in New York City. You can’t beat the flooring, the gracie, and the beautiful blue lamps.

I love a good real estate listing. How rare of an opportunity it is to take a glimpse inside homes you have driven past time and again, or homes that you would never be able to see if it weren’t for a lovely listing. On the flip side, I often find myself getting very disappointed every time I click on a listing of a luxuriously landscaped home and then find that the inside is hideously appointed and horrifically staged.

I recently happened upon this listing of a home that has passed many celebrity hands. Lonny magazine reported that Jennifer Lawrence recently purchased this LA home from Jessica Simpson, that also once belonged to Ellen Degeneres and other Hollywood moguls. Right way, I could see the magical charm this home possesses. While the interiors are very bare and clearly staged, they are adorned with details and easy potential for picturesque design.

Here is a little bit of listing love. Enjoy your Wednesday!

 

  

Jeffrey Alan Marks is a Los Angeles based interior designer who I have been following on Instagram for quite some time, and also seen on Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators. His style encompasses an effortless California lifestyle, with exquisite attention to timeless details. His rooms have a luxe, yet livable warmth that could easily translate into a backdrop of a Nancy Meyers movie.

The ambience of his design is pleasing to the eyes, with seamless neutrals and delicate hints of color. Marks has refined the current and casual chic atmosphere that so many strive to achieve. Enjoy these marvelous images of his strikingly focused and livable interiors.

 

A fantastic bathroom of large industrial windows and shower doors. How fresh! Via JAM Website

Beautiful potted boxwoods welcome you to this charming home. This is so perfect in so many ways.  Via JAM Website

A matted gray room with a pop of pink lined shelves. Notice how high the fireplace and molding are on the wall. Via One Kings Lane

Like I said, it is the exquisite attention to detail that Marks presents in his interiors that sets him apart.

My ideal kitchen. Tall ceilings, but perfectly scaled. Open shelving is quite the rage these days. What are your thoughts? Personally, I think you can only have white dishes to get away with it! Via Savvy Home Blog

Okay. This is everything. Classic Georgian, magical, and layered with boxwood charm.

Eclectic and current. A relaxed and casual living area full of California cool.

 

A lush outdoor sitting area that doesn’t take away from the beauty of the landscape. Via JAM Website

Pantries are not normally photo worthy, but this one is beyond pretty. What a great idea to make the outside area of the pantry shelving, and have a french door entry and chandelier a focal point. I also adore the etched glass above the door. Via My Design Chic

A dining room that is inviting, fresh, and full of great light. Via Design To Inspire

Blues and greens with collective patterns and prints. How chic! Via Domaine Home

An elegant and traditionally played entry. So very timeless. Via Interior Canvas

A fresh and bold living space. A great mix of white and black. Via Rue Mag

Nothing better than white walls, a dark wood floor, a fabulous piece of porcelain, and lots of texture. All in one vignette. I adore that small print on the wall. Via The Meaning of Home

An uncluttered closet with stunning stained wood and a lovely tufted bench. Via Elle Decor

A shiny show of subway tile and clean lines in this unpretentious kitchen designed by Marks. Via La Dolce Vita

A dark and moody library with a ceiling of dimension with light and shape. Via JAM Website

An elegant kitchen with beautifully patterned chairs. Via JAM Website

I would never think to have such a small mirror above the fireplace, yet it balances so wonderfully with the sconces and porcelain pots. The zebra pattern adds white a punch. Via Amazon

The Potted Boxwood is back! After a much needed break in Florida, I am ready to share more design fabulousness with all of you!  My break was full of warm weather and sleeping in, and soaking up all that the sunshine state has to offer. It is rare to find true Floridians. Chances are, most people you find who live in Florida are originally from somewhere else. This leads to an eclectic mix of architecture and design- some good, lots not very good.

Of course, when one thinks of Florida architecture, there is one true master of the craft that comes to mind, Addison Mizner. Mr. Mizner created the ultimate genre of Mediterranian Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival homes. He is the master of the resort style in South Florida. The Kennedys vacationed in his homes and John Lennon purchased one of his homes. His style is everlasting, unique, and classically refined.

So while you are getting back in the grind today and most likely dealing with non-resort temperatures, let me take you back to Florida.

 

David Easton expanded upon this Mizner estate that is tropically classic and timeless. Via AD.

More Mizer magic in Palm Beach. The architectural details in his homes are so unique, from the arched windows and doors to the twisted columns.

A grand and refined home by Mizner, elegant simplicity where the details speak for themselves. Via Design File.

Stunning dimension from the roof line to arch ways. Via Sotheby’s.

Speaking of arches…More of the fabulous loggia of the David Easton home originally designed by Mizner. Via AD.

Brick and stucco elements make a simple window an architectural delight.

A Mizner home in Naples with an exceptional pool area. Via Naples News.

The Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia was originally designed by Addison Mizner. The ideal backdrop for Lilly Pulitzer and a resort-syle game of bingo.

The lush entrance of El Mirasol by Mizner. Via New York Social Diary.

The Everglades Club is a prominent social club designed by Mizner. Fun Fact: It was originally a hospital developed by The Singers (of the sewing machine).  This club was the reason that many wealthy people used Mizner to design their homes.

  ‘

The Fred C. Aiken house in this Boca Raton home is a definite reflection of Mizner’s Spanish Colonial Revival style.

Picturesque backyard landscaping. I adore a backyard fountain. Via Design File.

Mizner’s home in Palm Beach. Later purchased by John Lennon.

A long fountain and Spanish inspired window arches at this home on Camino Real in Boca Raton.

Stunning poolside landscape. His homes are always a perfect backdrop for entertaining. Via AD.

A Mizner home where the stairs blend beautifully and the ceiling adds a moody ambience. Via Sotheby’s.