WHEN IN ROME

The first thing that comes to mind when I look at this gorgeous room is that it's the private residence of someone with exquisite taste. Much to my surprise, this loft-like space is a fabulous Osteria and Pizzeria not far from Rome's city center. Noses Architects designed Kook with an eclectic flair that celebrates the old-world Italian aesthetic but with enough contemporary touches to create a special place where you can enjoy delicious Roman fare.

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HONORING THE PAST

Do you have plans of going to Paris any time soon? If you happen to be so lucky, you absolutely have to stop by the recently renovated Café Artcurial by architect and art lover Charles Zana. The revamped look is a hybrid between bold sophistication and that old Parisian flair we've all fallen for. Zana's use of materials is exquisite, creating a modern space that honors the past. If you're totally loving Zana's new vision for this iconic restaurant, you can easily achieve the same vibe for your home with some of the pieces I'm suggesting below.

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AN ALPINE OASIS

A destination that's always been on my short list of places to visit is Salzburg, Austria. I guess I've always been drawn to this Alpine city for its history and my love for Mozart. Just an hour away from Salzburg and set smack in the middle of beautiful rolling hills, the Hotel Wiesergut re-opened its doors after a complex renovation and extension by GOGL Architekten. Their goal was to upgrade the existing traditional structure with purist architecture and transform it into a modern retreat that exudes organic warmth and comfort. By using local wood, natural stone, granite, glass and exposed concrete they created a timeless style putting nature at its center. The furnishings were entirely commissioned to Austrian designers who gave a contemporary twist to classic materials like linen and weather-beaten leather, all of which factor prominently in the hotel’s design concept. I'm really impressed with their attention to detail which gives the the hotel its harmonic and elegant overall impression. No doubt Hotel Wiesergut has become yet another reason for me to cross the pond and visit my beloved Salzburg.

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A BRIGHT IDEA

Please don't think I've abandoned you, but between a load of new projects and a nasty cold that hit me right before I left to help my dear friends with their wedding, I haven't had a moment to fulfill my blogging duties. The good news: I'm feeling better and back in action. So having just arrived from sunny Florida, where color abounds, I felt this bright and happy London apartment was the perfect inspiration for the day. Formerly a carpenter’s studio, this charming rental property was designed by Jack Mama and Nina Tolstrup of Studiomama. All the wood and streamline design gives this pad a wonderful Scandinavian vibe—just with the right amount of color splashes to make any stay quite cozy. It's the ideal lodging alternative for those who want to feel like a local.

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URBAN CHIC

What started as a big dream and a project between two close friends, culminated in the first design hostel in São Paolo, Brazil. The stylish 'We' Hostel is housed in an early 1900s mansion, which adds character to the design of this low-cost inn. The urban chic decor is divine with a relaxed and unexpected mix of styles and restored flea market finds. Every space has an eclectic and interactive atmosphere that offers comfort, style and the refinement of any boutique hotel.

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A HOST LIKE NO OTHER

Warm and inviting with the unmistakable sense of Scandinavian coziness is what makes Copenhagen’s new Nordic restaurant Höst a delicious setting to dine. Norm Architects has created an organic environment in an urban setting by using “materials that age gracefully: recycled wood that has washed up on the west coast, granite in uneven pieces, concrete with clear structures and deviations, old cast iron and dented zinc. All of this is offset by a warm trickling light, soft wool rugs and lambskin”. Norm has even designed an exclusive dinnerware collection for Höst to compliment the raw and minimalist beauty of the space. I'm in love. This place is to dine for.

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COFFEE WITH STYLE

I'm happy to see coffee houses breaking away from the Starbucks model. Don't get me wrong. I love Starbucks and all, but after seeing one in every corner of Manhattan, it's refreshing to find cool and modern versions sprouting around the globe. Newly-opened Café Craft reinterprets the Parisian neighborhood coffee shop experience. Its striking interiors, dominated by the contrast of black and white, were designed by Parisian Studio Pool offering locals a beautiful space where to relax and work while enjoying a delicious cappuccino or a snack. This one is definitely going on my must-visit list for my next trip to Paris.

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CONTEMPORARY PASSION

Behind the facades of four old town houses in the old part of Ljubljana city, Slovenia, lies the modern interiors of the Vander Urbani Resort. The hotel's design, by architects Sadar and Vuga, is based on a kaleidoscopic play of 3D patterns in different materials and reflections. All 16 rooms and suites are designed in soothing colors, soft lines, exquisite materials and custom-designed furniture pieces, creating an intimate atmosphere and a unique living environment for the stylish traveler. One of my favorite features is the mirror-encased bed in one of the suites and the unexpected play of textures and patterns that create a luxurious yet welcoming place to stay.

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