I recently wrote an article about a Castle I visited in UK for iDiva.com and thought of sharing it with you! I warn you that this is a lengthy post :)
I was swept off my feet by the charm and majesty of Bamburgh
Castle in England. Bamburgh is the
quintessential fairy tale castle. Visiting the castle, I felt as if my
childhood dreams had come alive J I have had the good fortune of
travelling extensively in Europe, so I have seen quite a few castles. However, this one is my favorite. I am
completely besotted by it J
An imposing
setting, this castle sits proudly on a rocky plateau high above the
Northumberland coastline. The vast
expanse of the sea below adds to the drama and beauty of this stunning castle. The beautiful beach below with soft golden
sands looks heavenly and the nearby quaint lighthouse completes the picture
perfect illusion. The gorgeous architecture, the exquisite location, the rich history, and
the glamorous interiors make Bamburgh enchanting and romantic. Bamburgh was
the royal seat of the Kings of Northumbria and a family home since 1894. The
castle is still inhabited by the Armstrong family. Bamburgh is one of the most
important Anglo Saxon archaeological sites in the world today!
For the history buff and the
design enthusiast in me, this castle was a dream come true! Design has
evolved over the years. Today the design world has all the modern technology it
needs to create that perfect look. Yet standing in that castle and admiring the
interiors, I was reminded of Tate Linden’s famous quote “Design is an
opportunity to continue telling the story, not just to sum everything up.”
I could
relive the story. I could visualize the bygone eras. Every piece of artifact in
the castle had a story to tell and I was ready to absorb it all! I believe that well designed interiors should be able to stand the test of time. I really did feel that the
interiors at Bamburgh had a look that appealed to me even in the present day. I have realized
what attracts me to Bamburgh. The secret ingredient is that the interiors have
been furnished so that they are livable. There is a warmth that is
prevalent. Unlike a beautiful sculpture in a museum that needs to be
appreciated from a distance, Bamburgh’s interiors can be experienced from
within. It is easy to imagine living
there, raising a family there, and entertaining there. The key lesson here is to not give your
design a museum like quality. It is easy
to fall into that trap. The objects in
your home should allow for an interactive experience. Incorporate pieces that stimulate all the
senses. Just as a scented candle appeals
to our visual and olfactory sensibilities, the warm caress of a beautiful silk
cushion cover can also augment your experience.
Incorporate multiple dimensions in your design palette.
For me, good design is suggestive. Even when I read books, I really enjoy stories that make you
envision the scene for yourself. I felt the same way at Bamburgh. I felt that I
could make up my own story about each of the rooms and feel very much at home J
I am hosting a fabulous Giveaway to celebrate my blog's four year anniversary. So make sure you enter. You can win a 50 dollar gift card to shop at Pottery Barn, World Market or Pier 1 Imports!!
The exterior of the castle. I scanned this image from a card I bought at the castle store!
Images: My Dream Canvas. Taken by me and Subject to Copyright.
Joining the Party at Homemaker On A Dime.
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