An Italian style Villa in Greece

Of course a Greek bathroom has to be marble

Today I thought I'd whisk you away to the blue skies and azure seas of Greece, where a short stroll away from the port of hydra, lies a stunning, 18th Century, stone mansion. Originally designed by Genovese architects, hence its likeness to an Italian villa, the mansion perches on a hillside with country and coastal views.

'Bramasole' From Under The Tuscan Sun - A Peek Inside This Pretty Tuscan Villa now known as Villa Laura

Some years ago Frances Mayes began a new life moving from the USA to restore an abandoned villa in the beautiful, Tuscan countryside. If you have seen the movie 'Under The Tuscan Sun',  you will be all too familiar with her story about 'Bramasole''. In 2006 Bramasole was sold and further restored and is now one of the most beautiful villas available to rent in Cortona. With three buildings, the Villa, Farmhouse and Limonaia, I thought today you may enjoy a little tour.

A Tuscan Farmhouse In Suburbia USA - Inside Interior Designer Lisa Gabrielson's Home

Above: The welcoming entrance to Lisa's  Italian style, farmhouse retreat

When it comes down to great design, no matter the style, the difference between a good designer and a 'great' designer is the overall ambiance a room or home exudes. Something so special that when someone walks in they not only instantly admire it but they immediately feel relaxed, happy and want to spend time in the room/house. Designing a space is not about creating a 'show home' atmosphere it is about respecting the client's brief but giving them a home to be loved and lived in -  a retreat from the frantic world outside our front doors. And, this is exactly what Interior Designer, Lisa Gabrielson achieved when she turned a suburban American home, into a Tuscan, farmhouse retreat for herself and her family.