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.

Click to read more ...

Tastefully Casual

After eighteen days, four cities, four different languages and three currencies, I'm back from my European adventure. Actually, I've been back for a few days, but it has taken me some time to get back into the groove of things. But now, I'm ready to share with you a few treats I discovered. One of the things I enjoy most about traveling is experiencing a city like a native and finding hot and trendy spots frequented by locals. Baldaszti's Grand is one of them: a beautifully styled eatery in Andrássy Avenue, one of Budapest's main tree-lined boulevards where you can find big-name designer shops, the Opera House and several of the city's museums. This lively, cosmopolitan bar and international bistro kitchen is a wonderful place to enjoy an assortment of the world’s leading gourmet products and a wide range of Hungarian specialities with amazingly friendly service. The decor is rather casual with a sophisticated flair. I particularly loved the inventiveness and simplicity of the pendant lights intertwined through branches, and the cozy lounging area on the second floor. It was the perfect spot to spend a quiet Sunday afternoon after hours of walking.

Click to read more ...

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!!

Click to read more ...

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.

Click to read more ...

Lost City Found

If you're a Mid-Century design aficionado, Lost City Arts is a recently found treasure to drool about. Established in 1982, this mod emporium is recognized internationally as a leading source of restored and original 20th century design furniture, lighting and accessories. Its owner, James Elkind, travels around the globe in a hunt for dashing gems to sell in his Manhattan shop. Named “Best Mid-Century Modern Furniture” by New York Magazine, the fabulous “City” is truly the place to discover unique and rare pieces. I really had a blast navigating throughout their fantastic collection. So here's a sampling of what you can expect to find in their impressive showroom.

Click to read more ...

Distorted Percerption

This weekend is quite special since we have the pleasure of having family visiting from out of town. And of course, we've been running around showing them some new cool places. The first spot on the agenda was this über fun coffee shop (that I had heard about) inspired by the nearby New York Public Library at Bryant Park and designed by Nemaworkshop. As we walked in D'Espresso, it felt as if we were in the middle of the set of the movie Inception or Alice in Wonderland as the place gives the impression of being turned on its side. The finish materials were inverted: the herringbone-patterned oak "flooring" becomes a wall, the bookshelf-printed tiles become the floor and ceilings and the lights on the "ceiling" protrude horizontally out from the wall behind the counter. The owner of the 500-square-foot coffee shop is planning to open other locations around Manhattan and other major cities, and the next one will be designed upside down. I can't wait to see how they manage to do that. Stay tuned for other new cool finds in the big city. BTW, the coffee was also worth the visit.

Would you like to win a fab Icelandic sheepsking? Go here.

Click to read more ...

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.

Click to read more ...

Wish You Were Here

Christmas in New York is one of the most especial in the world as the city transforms into a Winter Wonderland every year. Right before Thanksgiving you start feeling the festive air in every corner of town. But for me, one of the staples of the Season is the famous Bergdorf Goodman Christmas Windows on the Fifth Avenue block between 57th and 58th streets . Ever since I moved to Manhattan, I look forward, with anxious anticipation, to the reveal of these magical and inspiring displays. This year, Linda Fargo and David Hoey, heads of the store's presentation team, were inspired by fantasy travel to faraway places. Hoey describes them as as a mix of unexpected arrivals and departures influenced by Roman mythology and the movies — the reason for their name "Wish You Were Here."

Click to read more ...