Shambala Luxury Villas is probably the most important residential resort property development to happen in Koh Samui, Thailand. Its idea goes beyond constructing a new home but expands in a vision that aims to provide an exquisite residential community, an exclusive village and a private sanctuary in resort style.
The word Shambala originates from the Thais and Malays. In the olden times, the aristocrats of various communities along with their entourage would travel and seek refuge in private and exclusive places. There, they would build a Shambala where their aristocrat leader will reside in this vacation-style retreat. Generations after, Shambala pertained to exclusive homes and in modern times is defined as “heaven on earth” and “a unique sanctuary.”
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Some interior designers think of neutrals as comfortable, safe and soothing. Darryl Savage uses them for drop-dead dramatic effect.
“I get tired of color,” he says. “I love white. It’s very crisp. You can always change things up by adding flowers or pillows. Or add a little bit of black for punch.”
A decade ago, Savage’s parents bought a small 1950s rancher on the Severn River to use as a weekend house. They couldn’t have dreamed that when they sold it to their son after his divorce, he would transform the simple structure into a combination art gallery, stage set and rustic lake getaway. (more…)
Sarah Blank of SBD Kitchens isn’t concerned about keeping up with the latest trends. She prefers to design kitchens and other rooms that function well.
Blank, who opened her studio about a month ago, is a follower of “classic design” and believes it’s best to keep custom designs simple so they outlast fads.
Whether Blank is working on a newer or an older kitchen, her overall concept remains consistent.
“The concept when I design a kitchen is not just about a box on a wall. You consider the space and think of the whole room as opposed to just the cabinets,” she said. (more…)
BE A BEACH BUM AT HOME
Even if you can’t make it to sunny shores this summer, enjoy the look and feel of the beach right at home. T.J. Maxx offers several ways to add a beach decor to the rooms where you pull off your sandals.
Shells on wooden pedestals provide a touch of nautical whimsy to any room. Place them on tables and shelves for a focal point, cluster them in a group or let them stand alone, use them with shell motifs in napkins, plates and cups for a cookout. Scatter a few shells on the table, or tie them with ribbon and netting for guests to take home; bags of shells can be found at craft stores. $9.99-$14.99.
Throw pillows are one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to “seasonalize” your home. Look for gold and blue combinations – think big blue sea – in neutrals and solid pastels. Fabrics include cotton, velour, corduroy and raw silk. $14.99-$16.99. (more…)
