If you’re looking for some design inspiration on how to turn your apartment into an elegant and luxurious living space, have a look at this example from Bristol, England.

Wisemans House, the Victorian former Clifton College boarding house, was converted into apartments in 2006. While outwardly it is still the same imposing building it always was, the inside has been completely reconfigured.

This particular example, currently offered by real estate services provider Savills, is a dual-aspect apartment spanning three floors, but the décor really makes the most of these architectural features. Bleached wide-plank oak flooring is a striking feature of the open-plan living and dining area, which houses a kitchen finished to a very high specification. Samuel Heath hardware, a double Belfast sink, Neff appliances, black granite worktops and a glass splashback are subtle features which give the kitchen a cutting-edge class. If you’re planning a new kitchen, there are many dos and don’ts for getting this feel in your design – particularly with smaller spaces – so start with these tips for a few basic rules.

The high ceilings of the first-floor landing lead to the second bedroom, a room which enjoys plenty of natural light and has been given a high-quality finished with a striking stained-oak wardrobe and complementary book shelves. Also on this level is the luxurious bathroom, with underfloor heating below the beautiful Italian porcelain floor, Duravit sanitary ware and Grohe fixtures.

Up another level using the bespoke spiral staircase and you reach the star of the show, the master bedroom. Again, the design of this room has been created to make the most of the natural light available, while another exquisite feature is the use of the building’s original timber beams, which have been carefully restored. All this is enhanced by a creative use of lighting, illuminating the sloping roof in a striking manner.

The right lighting balance is key to making older buildings feel more modern and luxurious, and this property benefits from design and fittings by John Cullen London. This has to be complemented by the paintwork, and this property utilizes subtle shades of white and gray Farrow and Ball paint to create an understated modern look that is easy to replicate.

Wow did I ever stumble upon a goodie today.  I was visiting the lovely blog Decor Happy and read about a Holiday Gift Guide.  So I clicked over to Emily Henderson’s website and voila, a beautiful and comprehensive Holiday gift guide has been put together.  There are 216 pages to go through and a lot of lovely picks for everyone; women, men, kids, teens, co-eds, pets and of course my favorite, for the home.  It’s really well put together from a collection of well-known bloggers… and best of all I’ve discovered an array of new shops out there!  Looks like a spring issue is in the works too!