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......

Can you guess which of these handkerchief vases is a steal at $25.99? How about the one that retails at $950.00? Take a good look then scroll down to see the answers.

Answers: 

A. Clear Handkerchief Vase by Target $25.99

B. Steuben Handkerchief Vase Large by Bergdorf Goodman $950.00

C. Extra-Large Handkerchief Vase £29.50 or $48.81

Either way, the handkerchief vase is a gorgeous curvaceous shape that allows flowers to fall into organically shaped arrangements.

Looking for nautical-themed accessories for your cottage or lake-front home? Here are a couple picks to make your home sea worthy. The Glass Octopus by Plantation Home comes in five different colors, this blue-black inky hued specimen is hand-sculpted by a US artisan.

 This Limited Edition glamorous designer pillow is hand made using genuine natural sea fan flash etch burned made of hand dyed silk and velvet. The Sea Fan Pillow is in ombre and kohl.

For the dining room, here is a great ensemble by Ralph Lauren Home from their Spring '09 Black Sands Collection. The woven placemat and boat cleat napkin ring are very fun.

Other ideas? Paper Affair Inc. carries coral themed invitations for dinner parties, or if you are going all out and using the summer getaway for a wedding reception.  

More thoughts:

Find faux red coral and display them in your unused fireplace.

Install nickel plated boat cleats for curtain tiebacks.

Lay down seagrass or sisal carpet.

*Most of all enjoy- this season of sun does not last too much longer up north.

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.