Interiors: A Modern Bachelor Pad From Down Under

Here's another one for the fellas (or anyone who loves sexy, modern design). This space comes courtesy of designer Greg Natale and sits just off Sydney Harbor in Australia. I love pretty much anything Greg designs and this project is no exception. It uses a dramatically dark palette including charcoal stucco walls and grey stone floors. A prominent feature is the black oak cabinetry used to delineate living areas and provide storage. Form meets function! It's the perfect pad for any stylish gent.

Images: Anson Smart

Interiors: Moments at the Cathedral Antiques Show House

Moments may be short-lived but they certainly can be memorable. Moments are also the foundation of great interior design photography. Perfectly styled and cleverly cropped, each vignette can tell its own story. Here are four such moments from the 2012 Cathedral Antiques Show Inspiration House. Which is your favorite?

1. Crisp and clean in the living room

"I chose the palette—grounded by walls in a pure, bright white—to place emphasis on the forms of the individual elements of the room, as well as the composition and utilization of the space." - Rick Anthony Bonner, Bonner, LLC

2. Mulberry, inkblots and high shine in the library

"I love the unexpected, and I wanted to take your typical library and turn it on its head. It’s okay to push the envelope and go a bit modern in a traditional space." - Lindsey Coral Harper, Lindsey Coral Harper Interiors

3. Starbursts and velvet in the Lady’s Retreat

"I wanted [visitors] to appreciate the attention to detail, from the framed antique jade pieces to the custom drape tables to the layering of textures in the fabrics and trims on the upholstery and pillows." - Elisabeth Jordan, Elisabeth Jordan Interiors

4. Modern serenity in the spa-like master bath

"The materials were chosen for their clean, modern lines—in shades of soft white, gray and espresso—as well as for their purity, softness, contrast and subtle drama." - Jenny Rothman, Designer, Hammersmith

Images: Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

Interiors: Masculine Manhattan Apartment

In the wake of the manly celebration known as Father's Day, I've decided to highlight an equally manly interior. In fact, I plan to post more masculine design for all of my gentlemen readers (Thanks for your support!). This Manhattan apartment was designed by Ron Marvin and is the epitome of manly glam.

To achieve this Art Deco-inspired look, Ron used luxe materials like velvet, lucite, chrome, and mirror alongside retro accessories and art. He recommends layering to give a room character: "I like to use trays, stacks of books, boxes, bowls, vases, sculpture, art, and lamps to create interesting layered vignettes."

Overall, a very chic space, don't ya think?

Images: Lonny Magazine

Interiors: A Touch of Honey

So many goodies in the latest issue of Rue! Favorites include this redo of a 1920's Mediterranean-style home by designer Tamara Honey. Tamara anchors many of the rooms with glorious ebonized floors – a look I’m yearning to implement on a project at some point. I love it! Other design choices are just as bold and brilliant. For example, the breakfast nook's coral furniture stands in sharp contrast to the dark blue walls (Can you say "drama?").

Overall, this home reminds me to simply go for it. Have some guts! You can always change it up later.

Images: Rue Magazine

Interiors: Nicole Hanley Mellon's Eclectic APT

So lately, I’ve been into all things mismatched and hodgepodged. I guess I’m railing against the establishment in search of warmer, more personal environments. Attempts can be hit or miss, but in each case, I try to understand the designer’s perspective.

Enters the eclectic home of Nicole Henley Mellon - the latest to be featured on Vogue’s APT with LSD. Oozing with personality, this place is all about hand-me-downs and vintage finds. Oh, and art! Can’t forget the art.

I don’t discriminate between new and old, expensive and inexpensive - NHM

(Amen, sister!)

What are your thoughts on Nicole's eclectic APT? Hit or miss?

Images: Vogue.com