COFFEE WITH A TWIST

We can easily recognize a Starbucks from miles away, especially here in New York where there is one in every corner. But not in this case. I'm loving the new vibe architect Kengo Kuma gave this Starbucks coffee house in Fukuoka, Japan. He definitely did away with the cookie-cutter shops they're known for. With simple wooden beams that extend from wall to ceiling, Kuma created a web-llke structure that gives an intriguing and magical feel to the space. I'm all for extending this far-out concept to other Starbucks around the world. I definitely see myself enjoying my double macchiato in a place like this.

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Sweet Joy

I have to confess I'm one with a sweet tooth, and cupcakes are one of my ultimate weaknesses. There's something luscious and alluring about them that make my mouth water. I'm not surprised Mim Design got inspired by their delicious beauty to create this sweet cupcake store in Melbourne, Australia. “Joy Cupcakes prides itself on using all natural ingredients, and in turn the interior design reflects that ‘natural’ feel using warm timbers, soft colors and hand crafted materials. The product was to take centre stage, with the interior as a complementary backdrop to the product and the ‘Joy Cupcakes’ brand. The store, like the project objective, was to install a sense of joy and happiness,” explains the design firm. To enforce the product and the brand of the decor, they had most of the furnishings custom-made, including the fun cupcake-shaped pendant lamps, stools and tables. What a lovely placee to indulge your eyes and palette.

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A Fresh, New Mentality

Galleries can sometimes be a little unwelcoming and intimidating. That's why the approach for the gorgeous Haaz Design and Art Gallery was to create a cozier and inviting space where you can enjoy and absorb the beauty of their collections. Located in the trendiest shopping district of Istanbul, “Haaz is a source for great refinement and enjoyment, offering a curatorial collection that celebrates the best, brightest and most beautiful in the world of design and art.” I've noticed this new gallery concept is spreading fast, I guess because people feel more comfortable in these kind of environments. It's almost as if they want to take you through someone's home — of course, someone with lots of money and impeccable taste :) All the vignettes are done splendidly, giving the spectators great inspiration and ideas for their own homes. I want EVERYTHING!!

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I Scream For Style

There's nothing better than a delicious gelato cone on a hot summer day. It always brings me back to the days when my parents would take us for this yummy treat every Sunday afternoon, of course, given we were good that week. But things have changed since. Ice cream parlors are no longer what they used to be. Some are now trendy and sophisticated spots like the gorgeous Podka Gelato in London, offering a special gelato experience. The branding company Vonsung was responsible for the ultra minimalist and monochromatic space where all the color and taste comes from the luscious gelato. Isn't this a rather stylish way of bringing these frozen treats back into our lives? I absolutely think so.

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My Cup of Tea

Simplicity is a great thing. There's no need to over decorate a space when you have the right concept in mind. This was true for architect Alan Chu who used color as inspiration for The Gourme Tea, a fun tea room in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This flawless space is basically a stark-white box with just the right punch of colors and very simple furnishings. I love how something as simple as the color of tea canisters can spark an idea to create such a unique place. Everything fits just right, especially the delicious pendant lamps he used to emphasize their product. Tea anyone?

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Please Rewind

One of the things I enjoy the most when I travel is to discover new and unique little shops that offer never-before-seen treasures. In my three short days in Antwerp, Belgium, I found many stores that caught my attention, but one in particular stood out for its approach to green living — it was the perfect marriage between ecology and design. 

Everything in Rewind has been created using recycled goods and materials in a very clever way, and of course without compromising their aesthetics. The store works with sixty designers and artists from across Europe and often organize exhibitions for artists working on recovering materials or re-thinking their surroundings in an ecological manner. I was really amazed how ingeniously some of these materials were transformed in such beautiful and unique pieces, and they have nothing to envy their high-end counterparts.

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Moooi: Amsterdam

In my recent trip to Amsterdam, one of my must-visit places on my list was the famous Moooi store and gallery. To feel like locals, we rented bikes and headed to one of the oldest part of town where this hot spot of interior goodies and unique gifts is located. When you first come in into the building, also housing Dutch designer Marcel Wander's headquarters, you're welcomed by the beautiful Raymond lamp and stunning mosaic tile floors.

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Delicious sophistication

One of my favorite treats in the world is finding a place that sells great macarons. When I came across the pictures of this luscious white gem filled with the multicolored confections, I flipped over two of my fave things: macarons and white interiors, together in one space. What else could I ask for? In the last couple of years, I've noticed a boom of these French delicacies popping up in several stores. Back in 2009, Theurel & Thomas opened its doors in San Pedro, the most affluent suburb in Monterrey, Mexico. It's the first store that specializes in macarons in that country. The flawless bright interior is the absolute best backdrop to showcase these sweet confections. Also, the way they chose to display them is exquisite, and the packaging, impeccable. The whole concept was created and designed by the Mexican Agency Anagrama. The boutique-like store is a contemporary twist of and old French patisserie. Now I have another reason to pay a visit to Mexico.

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