Loving Oka!

The OKA newsletter arrived in my inbox today - full of lots of inspiration for 2011.  I love this beach house collection (see here) using the blue/white stripes and the natural theme.  I must look out for a similar rug. 

Dining - beach style

The bedroom (with a view like mine!!) uses the wonderful Otomi fabric on the bedcover and headboard.  This pattern originates from the indigenous ethnic group inhabiting the plains of Mexico.  Although I suspect this cover will be very expensive, I certainly would like to find some similar fabric for this year (perhaps a cushion?).

Superb renovated villa just footsteps from the Old Town

Yesterday I was asked by friends to view a villa to write the english text for future rental.  Wow! I did not expect to see a fabulous 200 year old property, fully renovated and top quality throughout.

Living room with original French, Italian and Austrian antiques

Bedroom with original Biedermeir furniture, Murano glass chandelier

Professional appliances in the kitchen, fully equipped

Gorgeous 100 yr old furniture, replicas of the French style

Windows kept clear of curtains in order to maximise the views and light

The villa at night time has excellent lighting in the grounds and around the Jacuzzi

A French screen sits well with the Swedish Biedermeir bedroom furniture

Spacious bedroom, giving a hint of the contemporary en suite bathroom

Cherry wood suite painted white

Elegant bedroom suite

Villeroy & Boch bathroom suite

Huge gilded mirror at the top of the stairs, made in Germany and given as a gift to the Archbishop of Zagreb.

Attic suite with huge circular bed.  Views to die for over the Old Town

Breakfast on the balcony overlooking the sea and the Old Town

Roof top views

Balcony with stunning Adriatic views

Circular bath (echoing the shape of the bed) with ambient lighting, changing according to your mood

The villa and outside terrace for luncheon

Glimpse of the attic bedroom with Villeroy and Boch suite

Jacuzzi with a spectacular view!

200 year old renovated villa with Jacuzzi on the terrace

The villa for six is truly stunning, having taken the best part of 5 years to renovate with local artisans, even the shutters are individually handcrafted.  Brimming with gorgeous antiques, many from faraway lands,sitting alongside modern appliances, the villa exudes glamour and classic lines.  Located footsteps from the Old Town entrance and the sea, this luxury villa certainly deserves to be at the top of its range.

Ligne Roset

The company I continue to love is Ligne Roset.  Their newsletter dropped into my inbox today with their new 2011 ad campaign and made me smile ... as my husband had seen this sofa style call Confluences, several months ago, and commented that he loved it .... so I was very pleased!   Although difficult to get this product in Dalmatia, one day I am sure we will buy something from this quality company.  See more here

Taking the Biscuit

I came across a motoryacht called "Biscuit" launched this summer and the interior grabbed my eye! Aubergine deck chairs! Fabulous. Yacht interiors are as attractive to me as house interiors even more so, as every minute detail has to be thought about.

Sleek and stylish as all Italian-built yachts are, this 29 metre (95') yacht was built by the Filippetti Yard.
The custom made interior has been designed by Milan based Hot Lab Studio with attention to detail throughout. Great music on the website if you click on the link.





The yacht is on two levels and boasts 2 twin staterooms, a VIP suite and a master cabin. There are comfortable crew quarters for 4 crew.

Precious leather flooring

Looking forward to seeing this yacht (perhaps) gracing our Adriatic shores here in Croatia next year.

Adriatic Idyll - Distinctive Fireplace

Browsing through the Architectural Digest website of designers favourite fireplaces, I was delighted to see this photo again, and in lead position too. It's of the distinctive fireplace in the living room of a renovated 15th century village house on the island of Lopud, one of Dubrovnik's Elafiti Islands and an island I look at every day. I posted this property July last year with more interior photos (click)

Beautifully restored 18th century villa

Love the turquoise shutters!

Grey in the bathroom is fabulous

Traditional wooden flooring

Modern mixed with traditional

Clear uncluttered bedroom, and double doors

Spacious attic room with en suite bathroom

Here's the grey bathroom again

Peaceful patio

Interesting artwork on the landing to create interest

Attractive courtyard surrounded by lavendar ...

I know several people who read Azure Croatia have an interest in interiors (all my other favourite blogs have the interior theme). Although my blog is to air my ideas/views/ surroundings I couldn't help but post this today. I have been working on some properties in the Istrian area - north of Croatia. Properties are quite different in Istria to the ones in Dubrovnik as it is usual in the north to always have fireplaces, central heating, and all insulation from the cold. They always get snow whereas Dubrovnik gets snow once every 45 years (once being Feb 2008). This property is a beautifully restored 18th century villa in Motovun, a fashionable town, famous for its annual film festival. Three bedrooms, and very stylish, the property caught my attention. source.