My favorite architectural element would have to be columns. Out of the three types; Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian, the later is the most detailed and sublime. This image is taken from the Lantern Slides of Classical Antiquity from Bryn Maur College. This capital detail shows the volute (the scroll) and acanthus leaves that generally indicate a Corinthian column. This particular capital is from the Forum of Augustus, Temple of Mars the Avenger. It is certainly impressive how the artisans sculpted this so intricately out of stone.

The best examples of these original columns are from well preserved sites like The Treasury (Al Khazneh) in Petra, Jordan. Over the years however, most originals are battered emblems of old grandeur. The well kept Fontana di Trevi (pictured above) was commissioned in the 18th Century and shows us what the ruins would have looked like in their better days.

The Temple of Neptune has few intact sculpted freizes and columns, but the ones that are left look fantastic. See the two addorsed dolphins on either side of the shell? We will talk a bit more about those in the next article......

The Petit Palais (Small palace) in Paris, France is a museum with a staircase that is as sculptural and awe inspiring as some of the pieces themselves. Just look at the railing return at the base of the staircase, the metal scrollwork is quite elaborate.

Here is a view looking down as the stairs descend to the main level. The smooth lines on the stone steps and overall oval shape of the sweeping staircase create a very elegant focal point.

Here are some details of the metal work.

As light and breath-like were the steps in Paris, this interesting grand staircase in Lello Bookshope in Portugal stands ominous and heavy.

The steps are like two channels pouring and swirling to a single point. You can see a video of the staircase if you click here.

This side view gives you a closer idea of the immense curves and giddy sinking feeling to each step.

How does this translate to your home? Generally speaking, most homes do not offer a 20' x 20' location for the grand foyer staircase you may see in a luxury home. However, with attention to detail and selecting certain materials, your set of stairs can be inspirational. This staircase designed by Julie Charbonneau is beautiful; all that is required is a handsome metal railing, and paneling detail moldings.

Elusive scenery and interesting architecture are the advantages to building a house on a sloped property.  Take this tiered home by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris in Spain for example. A stepped house design allows each level a grand view of the sea.

House Ocho is built in the oak forests and steep meadows of the Santa Lucia Mountains. The top level is the main entry point to the home.

The bottom level boasts a large pavilion for entertaining and lounging.

Full sized windows line the back walls that face the nature preserve.

The stairs have open treads and non-obstructing railing that follow the theme of the open feeling throughout the rest of the home.

There are fantastic floor to ceiling windows in the bedroom. Don't you love how all the wood in the home is the same but it doesn't feel too"matchy"? This is achieved by breaking up wood with other materials like concrete, and minimalistic white painted walls.

The kitchen can be viewed from the upper level.

While daydreaming about cottage properties and looking for house plans, I stumbled upon another great house designed by Dan Tyree.  It is called 15 Degrees.

The side view shows the overall scope of the proposed buildings. From top to bottom, the regression is a garage, then steps and gardens leading down to the main living quarters (see plan below), and a pavilion and steps leading down further to a garden and small infinity pool. Perfect for a sloping narrow lot.

Is there anyone else out there that likes to look at home plans just for fun? It is one of my hobbies, I will envision myself walking through the front door and follow the home plan like a map to get a feel of the space. This plan is simplistic and open, and I love the central stair well open to the spacious two bedrooms and glass walkway below.  Now, just to find a property sloping down to touch its toes into a cool lake. That would be perfect.

Who wouldn't love the ultimate privacy of an interior courtyard in their home? Usually completely enclosed, an interior courtyard offers seclusion from the outside world without the eyesores of a fence or need for well thought out large scale landscaping.  A celeb who agrees is none other than Miss Britney Spears; she has purchased this beautiful home in California which happens to feature a private courtyard that offers an outdoor fireplace, and imported limestone fountain. You can see the scale of the courtyard from the aerial view.  Balconies offer wonderful light for each facing room, and no need for blinds, well, depending on who is visiting that is! I just love the weathered patinas on the pavers and stone details.

This courtyard was inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Spain.  The details on the deep-stained wood and glass doors offer a Moorish flare that is echoed in the arches and headers. The monochromatic palette offered in the stucco and cream and grey tones are timeless and create a true oasis appeal. 

Hidden Courtyards don't have to look Tuscan to be hip, a contemporary courtyard like this one would be just as relaxing- with a few more seating and lounge areas of course. This L-shaped home by architect Roger Kurath may only have a partially enclosed courtyard, but it still gives the owners a bit of privacy and opens up some great views from the interior.  Simple and bold glass partition doors that span the entire courtyard-facing walls fold up accordion style to blur the line of inside verses out.  A continuous stretch of sleek railing provides a balcony feel. In the words of the architect, the courtyard provides: “A silent world where in the inhabitants can benefit of privacy and tranquility while living in an urban environment.”