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Recognized as one of the most stylish and influential interior designers today, Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz is known for his seductive and at times whimsical interiors. BNO Design, his New York based design studio, has now come out with these playful and one-of-a-kind lighting creatures made with old upcycled bottles. They're amusing and would make any room in your home sparkle with laughter, especially your kids'.
Who said gray is boring? To the contrary., it is an elegant and versatile color that's making waves in the decorating world. If you find you're intimidated by color, but would like to get away from those generic white walls, gray is an ideal transitional color. However, it can be rather stressful choosing the right shade. It all depends in the kind of mood you're looking to set in the room. A neutral color by nature, gray is the perfect backdrop for any other color pop. Here are some stunning images by Swedish photographer Petra Bindel for inspiration. Have a super duper weekend!!
This beautiful villa in Dalama, Sweden, is a stark black and white treasure filled with auction bargains, crafts from local silversmiths and potters and plenty of industrial charm. Built in the 1930s, the home is decorated with a fun mix of furniture from different eras and styles, and with a simple and clean approach that makes it quite unique. I'm enamored with the unexpected touches of humor, like the quote prints on the living room wall and the splashes of yellow here and there. The spiral staircase that leads to the living space was refurbished from an old church tower from the town. How cool is that? BTW, if you dig the look of this pad and would like to bring it home, check out a few pieces at the end of this post that will help you achieve it.
There is a fine line between fashion and interior design. They're both about proportions, textures, colors and great imagination. Such is the case in Amsterdam's new Hotel The Exchange, where both disciplines meet in the most unexpected and inspiring ways. All of the 61 rooms have been designed and dressed by graduates and alumni of the Amsterdam Fashion Institute, turning ordinary hotel rooms into diverse and inspiring spaces—like the neighborhood the hotel is located in. If you're a romantic at heart, you can stay in a Marie Antoinette-inspired room where a huge dress drapes over the walls and unto the bed. Or if you're more of a minimalist, then opt for a room that is based on the old fairy tale of the Emperor’s New Clothes. Either way, you're guaranteed to have an exceptional stay at The Exchange. Having worked on both fields of the design industry, I would definitely love to experience this place next time I visit the Dutch capital.
I always find myself falling head over heels in love with spaces that are simple yet rich in so many ways without trying too hard. Take for example this divine old farmhouse located close to the beaches of Prado in Marseilles, France. Interior designer Maurice Padovani orchestrated the three-step renovation of the house. he removed the partitions between the rooms to guarantee the freest flow between the spaces, unifying them effortlessly. In this sea of calm neutrals, every piece of furniture and accessory were exquisitely selected and showcased to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The most amazing feature of the house is the staircase leading to the mezzanine, built from a folded, single sheet of raw steel. Bravo to Maurice for a great job designing such a timeless home.
I don't know about you, but I'm already exhausted trying to find the right presents for my loved ones. I find that presents made by people who care about our earth's well being are always a great choice—and a very appreciated one. So I've put together a collection of eco-friendly gifts that will make your Holidays a little greener. Happy shopping!
This airy and spacious ranch is the beautiful result of two creative minds working in sync. Interior designer Charles De Lisle and architect Ian Moller teamed up to revamp this 50s beauty and infuse vitality and modern sophistication into it. The layout of the Summer house is cleverly designed to accommodate welcoming vignettes of furniture in order to make it feel like the ideal family gathering place—and where we can appreciate the dashing blend of old and new. Moller's palette of materials showcases an earthy mix of terrazzo, western red cedar, locally-produced custom tile work and contrasting steel details. By far, the William Wurster Ranch is in its perfection, a great example of “California Cool”.
It wasn't long ago that I was enjoying the countryside in upstate New York. And to tell you the truth I wouldn't mind going back, except this time a little (well, a lot) further way—South Africa. A breathtaking country retreat, the Babylonstoren is one of the best preserved farms in the Cape Dutch tradition. The days are intentionally unscripted there, leaving guests free to do as they please: stroll out onto the 500-acres farm, see fruit being picked in the orchards, vines being pruned or rather sample some of the excellent wines grown on the slopes all around the Simonsberg—possibly the finest land for wine in Africa. What's not to love about this place? I'm already there in spirit.
sunday fun