Friday, November 15, 2013

Historical spots.....



The Pousadas of Portugal...


I have always wanted to visit the Algarve region along the southern coast of Portugal.  I
had read about it, and purchased a nice original painting of a door from an artist who 
visited there.  I love doorss!  I finally was able to cross it off my bucket list when my
husband and I visited there a few years ago.  We actually won this trip.  It was a promotion by the Portugal Tourism and a winery in Ontario.   They were bringing more awareness to the many lovely old buildings that had been converted into up to date resorts with all the modern amenities known as "Pousadas".  We had a car and travelled through the Algarve region which took us through the hilly countryside, sometimes very remote, from the eastern coast of Tavira to the western coast of "Lands End"  in Sagra and then back to Faro.

I loved taking photos of the architecture; some of it grand and then in the tiny villages 
along the way, very rustic.  Our first Stop was a 16th century Convent that had been     
restored and offered fantastic accommodations.  It was somewhat difficult to find this place as the description was that it was a large building on a hill..... there are many large buildings and hills but we finally arrived. It was definitely worth the drive.  

Convento da Graca, Tavira, Portugal - originally an old monastery




 As soon as we arrived we took a dip in the pool



Inside, some of the beautiful architecture




An outdoor area in the centre of the building where you could almost imagine the monks chanting.  A very relaxing spot for a morning coffee.

















A comfy bed up in the hills overlooking the town below












The view from our window





The way down to the pool





















Our 3rd Stop took us to a small village - 
Santa Clara Odemira 


A view of the lovely pool
 A view of the ocean from the patio of the Pousada


A view of Lands End













Entrance to Fortaleza do Beliche
at Cabo
de Sao Vicente, Lands End



















Some of the sitting areas in this Pousada


























After our time in the 4 Pousadas that we had selected, we spent several days at our final destination a lovely resort - Pestana Delfim, Portimao.  There was a nice village where we found some fantastic shopping and restaurants. I was in real need for some Retail Therapy after all this culture and definitely found it here.  The restaurants were filled with locals and so incredibly friendly.  Most of the tourists were dining in the resort on the all inclusive meal plan but we wanted to try the local establishments and we were not disappointed.  Such friendly & welcoming people.   I am not a Port drinker but I had the opportunity of tasting some that was made locally for one of the restaurants we dined in and actually enjoyed it very much.  We purchased some from the restaurant to bring home for future enjoyment.  
 The beautiful waterfront in Lagos.



We  took some shorter day trips between Portimao and Sagras to check out scenery, local flora and spent a day in the village of Lagos.

One of the first places that drew our attention in Lagos, we "The Church of Santa Maria" which retains its Renaissance doorway. At the time of our visit, mass was being held so we couldn't resist stopping in and even though we couldn't understand Portuguese, we felt the peace and enjoyed it.  This church is located overlooking the square where you'll find the statue of Henry the Navigator and the slave market. It's origins can be traced back to the 14th century but most of it dates from the 15th and 16th centuries although it was rebuilt following the 1755 earthquake and a fire in the mid-19th century. Henry the Navigator was buried here in 1460 before his remains were transferred to the Capela do Fundador in Batalha Abbey.

































The entrance looked very plain however once inside the vestibule we saw this created from mosaics







Love the cobblestone streets but I would suggest no heels....



 If I remember correctly this is the local jail 

 A nice street scape













































Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Another week.....

I haven't been doing much posting these last weeks as I have been a little under the weather and then playing catch up.  Busy with client projects and my most recent project is Decorating a Home in Oakville for t he Annual St. Andrews Christmas House Tour.  It is a lovely historic home designed by Shevawn Adams of
Inner Dimension Design Associates.  Shevawn has kept true to the period of the home when undertaking her renovations and has created a wonderful mix of the original features & character with some updated additions to make this truely a comfortable family residence.  I am so excited to be the person to do the decorating, especially since Christmas Decorating is my favourite.  Shevawn has given me free reign and is happy to leave it to me.  As a designer she is more into the structural elements and I, being a decorator love the finishing parts.  It will be a nice surprise for her when completed.
Keep checking and I will be sharing some photos of the finished decorating.  To see all of the homes why not come to this House Tour on December 6 & 7. What a fun way to check out the different ideas you can use in your own decorating this holiday season.




Trends from Highpoint Furniture Market, Fall 2013

I always look forward to seeing what comes out of the Highpoint Furniture Market.




I was not there this past fall, however I have done a little research below are some of the trends

Glamour seems to be a strong message.  

We are also seeing a lot of Bright, Saturated, Complementary Color Palettes.  Big, Bold, Geometric Prints in Bright Colors.  We have had neutrals for so long it is now time to brighten up our spaces. 
 
Blue is once again popular.  Blue is evident in any photos I have seen from this market.  


 
Lacquered Furniture – lacquer on a traditional piece of furniture gives an entirely new look.  Adding a bright pop of colour is even more unique.
   


 Mid Century Modern – This has been more popular lately and even more right now.  If you grew up with it, you probably are not into it, however there are many who find it refreshing and fun.


Brass & Gold & Black - Very popular last year and continuing even more so this fall.  It adds a touch of warmth to our decor as well as a little luxe.





Metallic – Always a welcome addition and seen in accessories, tables, mirrors in the past but now we are seeing Metallic Leather 
Fretwork in cabinetry
Wallpaper is gaining in popularity as people see the new fresh designs and texture
   
Hide Rugs in Innovative Colors and Patterns


























Natural Branches, reclaimed and live edge woods