This extraordinary pool in Southern Utah is lovingly referred to as "the Ruins" by homeowners Keeran and Jamie Welch. It seems almost magical at sunset, when torches blaze and the mist rises in this private oasis. 

Another poolside view shows comfortable seating and outdoor dining arrangements.

Here we see directly to the focal point of the pool; a doorway to the grotto.

Once through the waterfall cascade, you enter a domed hidden room flanked by rock and Corinthian columns. Oh, and a Jacuzzi, naturally.

Carved out niches in the rock facade and the illuminated dome above display Romanesque paintings. A picture of serenity.

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.

Designer Julie Charbonneau of de Portier in Montreal features many wonderful wares for her discerning clientele. She show houses many French and Belgian antiques, and reproduction furniture. In the showroom, items are displayed in "rooms", like this functioning kitchen. There are so many things to love about this design.

 I am not sure which I like best, the lovely limestone backsplash tile, or the Lacanche range straight from the Cote d'Or region of Burgundy. But it is certain that cooking in this kitchen would be a pleasure. Isn't it wonderful how each tile has been installed deeper or jutting out ever so slightly, under the lighting it creates a magical texture and attention to the herringbone pattern that would otherwise be unnoticeable had they been set smoothly.

The square paneled island is topped with marble, and decorated with french accessories like this large white ceramic soup tureen. The white painted open shelves do not need black contrast, the cream colored plates and cups suit it very nicely. This retail store is open by appointment only, so book one today!

This darling nursery was designed professionally for the Junior League of Toronto Showhouse this year. A grand showhouse is outfitted quinquennially by top designers and open to the public for viewing and is worth a visit. This year designers like Brian Gluckstein and Kimberley Seldon were part of the envisionaries. The McLean House (this years choice home) is a large scale mansion with equally grand-sized windows and doors with deep molded jambs. So, it is very fitting to see a large patterned wallpaper like this pink and white scrolled design.  The large silk swath of fabric around the oval crib and three-panel dressing mirror do not feel out of place either despite their size. In fact, anything smaller would be dwarfed by the magestic natural allure of the abode.