Featured Designer: Luchi Bilavio

Luchi bought the Villa di Galli and lovingly created a little paradise with the help of landscape artist Celustus May, shown together here:

Luchi modified the pool area quite a bit, turned the pergola into a portico overlooking the sea and a waterfall, and added a hot tub and seating. Looks fabulous! (Click on any of the pics below to enlarge.)

I talked to Luchi a bit and he had this to say about his decorating:

1) How would you describe your "style"?

A friend of mine described me as having an Italian look about me, which is reflected in the house I live in and the furnishings I've chosen.

Being an artist you could say I have a good eye for these things and for detail too. I always start a painting on a blank canvas and when I came to Harmony the plot of land where I was going to live was just like that. I wanted to incorporate the perfect house, which fitted into the idyllic surroundings. Once I found the perfect house, I then set about creating the perfect landscape to truly appreciate the craftsmanship of the property. I choose these things very carefully. I like to take my time. I'm a perfectionist, so these things have to be just right.

2) How did you become interested in creating beautiful environments?

Well that one actually goes to the very talented creative genius and good friend, Celestus May. She is an inspiration. When I first came to Harmony, I looked around and thought "wow", this is a beautiful place she has created here. I am an artist and I love beautiful things. I treasure and cherish natural beauty, which I believe Celestus has captured here. Everyone who visits Harmony is amazed by it and the residents to live there also love it and stay a long time too.

Designer of the Month: Charmayne Brentley

Charlayne is a longtime La Galleria customer who fell in love with my Villa and made it into a beautiful, comfortable home -- and had too much fun doing it! I asked her how she went about it:

I am happiest in an environment that feels cozy and warm; I love to make a house feel like a home. It's more about color, and the way a room makes me feel, than any certain style. I suppose that an eclectic style describes what i like best -- sometimes it's trial-and-error, and sometimes things just fall into place as if they were meant to go together.

I have always been interested in decorating, but in Second Life I can change my wall color almost as often as my hair color! The possibilities are endless. When I realized the interesting, and realistic, textures and furnishings which are available, I wanted to work with those to create a space which is enjoyable to be in. One big factor has been my partner, Tad Carlucci. His patience, guidance, and knowledge, were big factors helping me to jump in and overcome any hesitation or fears of making a mistake ... and there have been plenty of those! All part of the process of learning...grin.

PANDORA'S WINTER WONDERLAND

Pandora Phillip, whose remodding and decorating of the Rose Cottage is on this blog, has the use of a whole sim for the winter, and has turned it into a Winter Wonderland! Outside, more to see and do than I can include here -- inside, EVERYTHING Christmas! It is fabulous!

Moon Allard

Moon owns a beautiful island with furnished beach cottages, and activities for residents. Strolling around the island, residents can find many interesting things like this romantic Lover's Grotto, featuring the Lover's Table, all dressed up for the holidays.

Ginger Cyberschreiber

No Designer of the Month this month, as I would like to post a variety of pics from anyone who would like to share their work here with others -- I would especially like to see what you have done for the holidays -- so send me a pic or two! I noticed someone new making a lot of trips to La Galleria over a couple of days, picking up some very nice things. When I talked to Ginger, she said her house was gorgeous, so I asked for some pics -- and indeed, she has done a fabulous job! I especially like the way Ginger uses colors and tones. They are subtle, and all complement one another so well.