La Fiorentina is such a beautiful place, we couldn’t resist giving you a few more shots this absolutely gorgeous place.
At the request of the villa’s owner Therese de Beauchamp, circa 1917, writer/architect-landscape gardener Ferdinand Bac sought to better distinguish the entrance with a kind of monumental pillar enclosure.
When interior decorator Billy Baldwin designed the interior for Mr. and Mrs. Harding Lawrence in the 1960’s, he used every imaginable shade of blue – from the sofa pillows to the checkerboard floor.
What are your thoughts on Baldwin’s vision (below)?
"There's a deep respect for good design whether it be of man or nature, old or new, indigenous or imported. It's all a part of the young vibrant American lifestyle the Lawrences have brought to La Fiorentina. And La Fiorentina, with reason, is absolutely delighted." - Billy Baldwin
Whether discussing garden design, interior design or even fashion – great style is great style, and it is usually unique.
When it comes to great style, Elizabeth Taylor was one of the top icons of her day. Recently, Vogue Magazine released a few photos of her at La Fiorentina in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat France taken in 1967.
Taylor was a regular guest at the Palladian-style villa which, as noted on Habitually Chic, had a very interesting design history.
An Alexandra Lloyd Properties website states that it was built in 1917 by the countess Therese de Beauchamp on a vast piece of land which occupies the extreme end of the Saint Hospice point of the Saint Jean Cap Ferrat peninsula.In 1969, La Fiorentina was decorated by interior designer Billy Baldwin for his clients, Harding and Mary Lawrence.
When you take a vacation to a new destination — be it exotic or simply different from where you live your daily life — there are plenty of adventures waiting to transpire. Maybe you take pleasure in seeing the architecture, savoring new foods, or hearing a different language. Maybe you just like the experience of a different culture and the feeling you get when listening to music and entertainment that is completely different from your own. Or maybe for you, the best part of traveling just might be the fact that it provides heaps of decorating inspiration! If so, voyage cautiously — there are definitely some common mistakes you’ll want to steer clear of.
Home Envy has put together a great DOs and DON’Ts list for travel-inspired decorating for those of you hoping to recreate that dream destination atmosphere right at home.
Inspiring design from the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild during our trip to France
A few of our favorites are:
DO make room for furnishings that look well-traveled or well-loved. A Turkish table with inlaid mother-of-pearl and ivory suggests a trip to Morocco or Turkey, while a vintage trunk may have traveled on the Queen Mary.
DON’T copy any regional style literally or you run the risk of developing “Epcot Syndrome”. Santa Fe style looks perfectly appropriate in New Mexico and works very well in Arizona and Los Angeles, but it may fall somewhat short in eastern Canada where geography and light are vastly different. Terracotta tiles, Navajo rugs, and religious iconography can however mix well (and look appropriate) when combined with other classic American-style furnishings.
La Fiorentina is such a beautiful place, we couldn’t resist giving you a few more shots this absolutely gorgeous place.
