My personal investigation

I am doing a project at college in my chosen area of interior design. I am researching the history of architecture in the Baroque period and how it influenced modern day styles within the design industry, It is very flambouant and extravagant with lots of elegance and I feel it has strong feminine characteristics but at the same time it has stature and presence and a figure of beauty that is the essence of the surroundings of the place you are in whether its London, Rome, Barcalona, Paris....... the buildings make the place! Who could go to these places and not be inspired or at least be in awe.

I suppose I am a romantic and am totally swept away by the scale of these iconic buildings, and cant help but wonder at all the years before we were here, these were being designed and built by talented craftsmen. No computers and fancy machinery in sight!!!

The Baroque style appeals to me and I've decided to research on this chosen period. This is St Peters Basilica Rome by Michelangelo.

This is St Pauls Cathedral London by Sir Chritopher Wren. Such a beautiful building and a great achievement for a scientist/astronomer/mathematic genius but not a trained architect!

                                     This baroque period style of writing is very artistic and ornate.

designs for floor plans and interiors for my Castle

my kitchen and piano room design for my Dream Home Castle. Both in pastels.

This is the ground floor plans, which I included a swimming pool to the rear of the property.

I designed the shape of the pool from my drawing of an abstract thistle shape which I thought was a subtle way of incorporating a scottish element without it looking too obvious.

This is the first floor plan showing the bedrooms all leading off central staircase and hallway.  The master bedroom has a balcony overlooking beautiful gardens.

This would be my dream location, on the banks of lock Awe or similar. I drew building then kept it obviously out of perspective and added it to the landscape.

My inspiration board for my dream home which shows my love for family life mixed with beautiful scottish scenery and nature. This together with being by the water makes the perfect combination for a peaceful, inspirational, ever changing environment for happy living.

Scottish castles

 Eileen Donan Castle-a beautiful sight any day of the year. I have been inside this castle and it has a magical, mystical feel to it and I felt totally uplifted after my visit. I think it has something to do with the surroundings and the vastness of it all. The walkway bridge approach to the castle adds to the romantic setting and gives it that majestic uniqueness.

Kilchurn Castle on the banks of Loch Awe-one of the most photographed castles worldwide.  This scenery just oozes tranquility and peace. Something which I crave for in this fast, stressful modern way of life.  This would be my dream location, not even the midges or the Scottish wet weather would tempt me away from my permanent abode. I would have to have a sunshine villa to escape to of course!  This would be situated somewhere along the beaches of St Lucia-but hey that could be another project!

Urquart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness-Its the scenery and location that appeals to me but not so much the castle and after a long deliberation I have decided to do a new build as opposed to a restoration.  This will involve sourcing reclaimed building materials and also traditional fixtures and mouldings as I would love to create a new home that looks as if its been there for years. The Interior will  combine traditional styling with up to date comforts.  The result is that although this will be a building of significant stature it will also be a very comfortable home ideally suited for both family living and entertaining on a grand scale.  My inspiration for the interiors will be from Helen Green. Which I think with her approach to simplicity and elegance will give a good balance with the traditional period fixtures without going over the top in medieval castle themed schemes.

Helen Green Interiors