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<!--Generated by Squarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/) on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:57:00 GMT--><rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" version="2.0"><channel><title>TheDesignerPad</title><link>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/</link><description>Your daily dose of design fabulosity</description><lastBuildDate>Fri, 24 Feb 2012 05:03:18 +0000</lastBuildDate><copyright>©TheDesignerPad</copyright><language>en-US</language><generator>Squarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/)</generator><item><title>SMART LUXURY</title><category>Bedrooms</category><category>Boutique hotels</category><category>Decor</category><category>Inspiration</category><category>Interiors</category><category>Places to stay</category><category>Travel</category><category>Wood</category><category>travel</category><dc:creator>Eduardo</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 24 Feb 2012 05:03:16 +0000</pubDate><link>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/2012/2/24/smart-luxury.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">634604:7380212:15165068</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/24-hotel-daniel/hotel-daniel-bed.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1330055519311" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 150%;">The modern traveler is always in search of stylish places</span> where to&nbsp;stay that offer a flexible and comfortable lifestyle without spending much. This is exactly what Vienna's <a href="http://www.hoteldaniel.com/en/vienna/about_the_daniel.html" target="_blank">Hotel Daniel</a> is all about. They've come up with a concept they call "Smart Luxury", or&nbsp;contemporary hospitality with stylish minimalism. The&nbsp;<span>heart and soul of the hotel is in the building it's situated in:</span>&nbsp;the first building in Austria to be constructed using the revolutionary <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtain_wall" target="_blank">Curtain Wall technique</a>&nbsp;(centrally located within walking distance to<span>t he city centre</span>).&nbsp;Their&nbsp;<span>interior design concept is the polar opposite of heavy and sedate. I</span>t's a seductive and effortless mix of styles with a dash of warmth that makes it quite homey. All 115 rooms look super comfy, especially the ones with a delish hammock in the middle of the room to relax in after a long day in town. I'll definitely keep The Daniel in mind if I ever go back to Vienna.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img style="padding-top: 8px;" src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/24-hotel-daniel/hotel-daniel-bakery.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1330055563118" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/24-hotel-daniel/hotel-daniel-dining.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1330055586540" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/24-hotel-daniel/hotel-daniel-details.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1330055779310" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/24-hotel-daniel/hotel-daniel-shop.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1330055615713" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/24-hotel-daniel/hotel-daniel-lamps.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1330055684247" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/24-hotel-daniel/hotel-daniel-hammock.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1330055641047" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/24-hotel-daniel/hotel-daniel-headboard.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1330055666055" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/24-hotel-daniel/hotel-daniel-bath.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1330055711258" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/24-hotel-daniel/hotel-daniel-entrance.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1330055757878" alt="" /></span></p>
<p>Spotted in <a href="http://www.ideastosteal.com/page/2/" target="_blank">Ideas to Steal</a></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-15165068.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>COFFEE WITH A TWIST</title><category>Decor</category><category>Inspiration</category><category>Interiors</category><category>Store</category><category>Wood</category><category>window shopping</category><dc:creator>Eduardo</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 05:00:19 +0000</pubDate><link>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/2012/2/23/coffee-with-a-twist.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">634604:7380212:15152073</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/23-starbucks/kk_starbucks_1.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1329973995671" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 150%;"><span>We can easily recognize a <span>Starbucks</span> from miles away</span></span>, especially here in New York where there is one in every corner. But not in this case. I'm loving the new vibe&nbsp;architect&nbsp;<a href="http://kkaa.co.jp/" target="_blank"><span><span>Kengo</span> <span>Kuma</span></span></a><span>&nbsp;gave this <span>Starbucks</span> coffee house in&nbsp;<span>Fukuoka</span>, Japan. He definitely did away with the&nbsp;cookie-cutter shops they're known for. With simple wooden beams that extend from wall to ceiling, <span>Kuma</span> created a web-<span>llke</span> structure&nbsp;that gives an intriguing and magical feel to the space. I'm all for extending this far-out</span><span>&nbsp;concept to other <span>Starbucks</span> around the world. I&nbsp;definitely see myself enjoying my double <span>macchiato</span> in a place like this.</span></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-15152073.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>MIRROR, MIRROR AGAINST THE WALL</title><category>Accessories</category><category>Decor</category><category>Inspiration</category><category>Wall decor</category><category>instant cool</category><dc:creator>Eduardo</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:00:50 +0000</pubDate><link>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/2012/2/22/mirror-mirror-against-the-wall.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">634604:7380212:15138277</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/22-la-mamba-mirrors/38_circular01600ancho.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1329885245749" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 150%;">Besides being necessary and useful accessories in our homes</span>, mirrors are great pieces that create the illusion of space and can make a wonderful statement in any interior. Whether ornate or minimalist, mirrors are must-have items in any decor. This simplistic collection of standing mirrors, designed by Spain-based&nbsp;<a href="http://lamamba.org/index.php?/mirrors/" target="_blank">La Mamba Design Studio</a>, has everything going for it: great lines and a wonderful presence that will make anyone look good. The&nbsp;<strong>Mirrors</strong> were designed to lean against a wall, supported on long steel tubular legs with cork feet. They are available <a href="http://omeletteed.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">here</a> in black, and three different styles: <span>circular, vertical and horizontal. <span>Which one is the fairest of them all?</span></span></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-15138277.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>A RADIATING JEWEL</title><category>Accessories</category><category>Decor</category><category>Wall art</category><category>Wall decor</category><category>White</category><category>eco chic</category><dc:creator>Eduardo</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:00:11 +0000</pubDate><link>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/2012/2/21/a-radiating-jewel.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">634604:7380212:15121961</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/21-bloom-heater/BLOOM_1.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1329793158781" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 150%;">If you're thinking this is an &uuml;ber cool sculpture</span>, you're only half right. It's a design radiator disguised in a gorgeous, organic form that makes most old-fashioned radiators jealous. Designed by Italian designer Giovanni Tomasini for <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://www.hotech.it/picGrid.asp?area=3" target="_blank">Hotech</a></span>, <a href="http://www.hotech.it/pag.asp?area=3&amp;pagina=278" target="_blank">Bloom</a>&nbsp;is inspired by art and nature&nbsp;with an advanced exclusive technology that ensures high performances and low consumptions. <span>Although their primary goal was &ldquo;to free the aesthetic shape from its function&rdquo;, the technique we developed and applied to allow them to improve the thermal yield.&nbsp;</span>In the hydraulic version, the heating circuit takes an amount of water 20 times lower than a conventional radiator. And&nbsp;in the electric version, a portable radio thermostat gives full control of the temperatures and complete functions programming.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-15121961.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>HOMEMADE LUXURY</title><category>Decor</category><category>Inspiration</category><category>Interiors</category><category>Midcentury Modern</category><category>White</category><category>house of style</category><dc:creator>Eduardo</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:09:42 +0000</pubDate><link>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/2012/2/20/homemade-luxury.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">634604:7380212:15108094</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/20-tanja-janicke-apt/Tanja-Janicke-fire.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1329711797489" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 150%;">With her love for everything white, black and natural materials</span>, interior designer Tanja J&auml;nicke has created this super-functional and modern home in the heart of Helsinki. This spacious 1400 square-feet apartment is filled with unique design solutions and wonderful details, most designed by J&auml;nicke herself. Of course, it helps to have talent and a trained carpenter as a better half&mdash;the perfect team to make a design vision a beautiful reality. The bright and airy rooms have a very fluid design story that makes their love nest rather personal and special.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-15108094.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>HANG IT UP</title><category>Accessories</category><category>Decor</category><category>Wall decor</category><category>sunday fun</category><dc:creator>Eduardo</dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 19 Feb 2012 06:06:14 +0000</pubDate><link>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/2012/2/19/hang-it-up.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">634604:7380212:15096222</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/19-gym-hooks/gym-hooks-2.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1329630558226" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 150%;">These fun wooden&nbsp;loops aren&rsquo;t only a great place to hang </span>your Sunday finest, but they can&nbsp;also become playful installations on any blank wall. The doughnut-like <strong>Gym Hooks</strong> are designed by&nbsp;<span>Swedish designer&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.staffanholm.com/" target="_blank">Staffan Holm</a><span>&nbsp;for Danish<span>&nbsp;furniture and product&nbsp;</span><span>brand&nbsp;</span></span><a href="http://hay.dk/" target="_blank">Hay</a><span>, and they come in seven different colors for you to play with.</span></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-15096222.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>MY GUILTY PLEASURE</title><category>Art</category><category>Entertaining</category><category>Fashion</category><category>Kids</category><category>Love this</category><dc:creator>Eduardo</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 05:48:44 +0000</pubDate><link>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/2012/2/18/my-guilty-pleasure.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">634604:7380212:15084309</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/18-downton-abbey/matthew.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1329542534328" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 150%;">I don't know about you, but <em>Downton Abbey</em></span> is of my favorite TV shows of all times, to the point that it's become my new guilty pleasure.&nbsp;I can't wait for Sunday nights to come to see what the new episode will bring.&nbsp;Unfortunately, tomorrow's episode is the second season finale (nooooooooo!!!), so who knows how long we'll have to wait for season three to come around. I'm telling you, this show is addictive. I<span>t has everybody talking about it so much that it has become the water cooler topic of the month.</span>&nbsp;It's soooo good that it reminds me of the telelenovelas I used to watch back home when I was kid. But thanks to <a href="http://kylehilton.com/">Kyle Hilton</a>, these&nbsp;<span>four sets of&nbsp;</span><em>Downton Abbey</em><span>&nbsp;paper dolls</span>&nbsp;will keep us entertained until the next season starts. Aren't they hilarious?</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-15084309.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>BRIGHT AND FRESH</title><category>Accessories</category><category>Color</category><category>Decor</category><category>Furniture</category><category>Inspiration</category><category>Interiors</category><category>Trends</category><category>Yellow</category><category>what's hot</category><dc:creator>Eduardo</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 05:01:01 +0000</pubDate><link>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/2012/2/17/bright-and-fresh.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">634604:7380212:15067302</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/17-neon-yellow/658767-1_lp.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1329439016475" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 150%;">Neon colors are the talk of the town of late</span>. From home accessories to the top fashion houses, these vivbrant hues are showing up in full swing this Spring. So get ready to put your sunglasses on as bright is the word of the season. But don't worry, just an accent here and there will do the trick. When in doubt, take cue and inspiration from these gorgeous vignettes showcasing neon yellow and green. Have a swell weekend!</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-15067302.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>TO BEAT, OR NOT TO BEAT</title><category>Accessories</category><category>Color</category><category>Kitchens</category><category>Small spaces</category><category>cool ideas</category><dc:creator>Eduardo</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:00:14 +0000</pubDate><link>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/2012/2/16/to-beat-or-not-to-beat.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">634604:7380212:15056577</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/16-beater-whisk/beater-whisk-in-grey-1.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1329365202888" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 150%;">Inspired by a pack of straws</span>, this space-saving <a href="http://www.gretelhome.com/dining-accessories-by-normann-copenhagen/659-beater-whisk-in-grey.html" target="_blank">Beater</a> whisk is a sculpture in its own right. Designed by German company&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ding3000.com/en.html" target="_blank">Ding3000</a> for <a href="http://normann-copenhagen.com/" target="_blank">Normann Copenahagen</a>, the whisk is simple, compact and very chic. It i<span>s gathered in the middle using a ring that functions as both an opening and closing mechanism and a hanging fixture. I get beyond excited when&nbsp;I find everyday utensils designed not just with practicality in mind but also with great looks&mdash;most importantly with so many cool colors to choose from. I'm digging the grey one with the black ring. Which one would you get?</span></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-15056577.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>SHADES OF GREY</title><category>Black</category><category>Decor</category><category>Furniture</category><category>Gray</category><category>Inspiration</category><category>Interiors</category><category>Midcentury Modern</category><category>house of style</category><dc:creator>Eduardo</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:09:56 +0000</pubDate><link>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/2012/2/15/shades-of-grey.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">634604:7380212:15041820</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://thedesignerpad.com/storage/posts/2012/february/15-111-kent/111-kent-sofa.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1329283920501" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 150%;">A few months ago I was hired to stage this spacious</span> 2-bedroom apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The look they were going for was modern, urban and sophisticated. That wasn't hard as the inspiration was right in front of me: the breathtaking views of Manhattan seen from every room in this pad. My mission was&nbsp;bring the urban scape&nbsp;inside and citify the mood of the decor. Hence my restrained color palette of black and soothing shades of gray&mdash;one of my favorite color combinations.&nbsp;My challenge was to make these tones (which many people consider severe) iook inviting and serene. As a matter of fact, this palette automatically makes any room look modern and sleek. The trick is to play with textures, patterns, volumes and the right accessories to add interest and soften the whole look. Ah, and don't forget to add a little touch of metallic to brighent up the space, it works like magic.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://thedesignerpad.com/blog/rss-comments-entry-15041820.xml</wfw:commentRss></item></channel></rss>
