my kind of darkness

I always have mixed emotions when it comes to Halloween. I’m all for playing dress up and distorting the reality for a day (just a trip to the Grocery store on that day is a treat with all the characters down the isles) but some people need to take it to the NEXT level. The kind of level that makes you want to close you eyes and erase the memory.

We are all here for boo-tiful and tasteful kind of darkness so let me present you Vivienda En La Finca by Spanish architecture and design studio A-CERO.

The design team created quite a unique setting which could totally be the dwelling of a modern-day Dracula. All elements are there: strong interplay of light and dark, seductive art curiosities and luring Gothic volumes. Everything is so well though-through, it give me the designer goose bums.

There is something forbidden but very tempting at the same time. Would you dare to come in?

<images via here and here>

new vibe

Hello lovelies, I promised not to leave you alone for too long so here am I again. This time I have something very very special. That is a little sneak preview of a highly anticipated fresh press – Kelly Wearstler’s “RHAPSODY“.

Officially on sale October 23rd, the book has a lot eye-candy for Kelly’s fans. Everything we love about her vibe: daring scale interplay, brave color mixes and curious vintage finds. Did I mention a LOT of creative inspiration?

MAJOR SPOILER ALERT!

All rights reserved: 2012 Rizzoli International Publications.

Photography by G.Crawford; F.Halard; A.Schlechter

a dolder moment

Oh NO! I could swear that it’s bee only a few weeks since my last post here. How this abyss of a gap happen?

Well, it’s been quite a bumpy ride (literary actually) with a few late working nights for a hotel presentation in China (or should I say early mornings?). BUT don’t be too sad for this girl quite yet. Though I found myself trying to catch up on life well too often that I’d like to, I still managed to squeeze some new adventures and fun outings. And I can’t wait to share.

For starters, my new HOTEL LOVE.  Magnificently historic Dolder Grand 5-star luxury baby in all its re-freshed beauty.

No words needed. Just submerge yourself in this serenity.

Architecture by: Foster + Partners

Interiors by: United Designers

images via here, here and here.

the new chanel

All this recent retail design developments at work left me in the particularly dangerous shopping mood. And how can you not give in, when the Peter Marino is at his best with the new Chanel Store on Avenue Montaigne. With his off-the-wall biker looks, he knows how to hit all the right spots when it comes to retail seduction.

He had me at the first string of pearls at the staircase…and Chanel tweed wallcovering in soft gold, seriously? The man is a genius in my book. Just look at the details!

<images via www.petermarinoarchitect.com>

another snow fix

Our snow-lacking ski trip this New Year’s left me with the very unsettled feeling as I haven’t gotten my snow fix at all. I mean not even a snow ball fight…. really people?! So now as I pack down the winter decor I still dream of winter wonderland. So white we are at it, why don’t dream up the perfect winter get-away. Something like this Sugar Bowl Residence by John Maniscalco Architecture.

<images via www.houzz.com>

5D by oppenheim

Some images possess the 5D powers. Like these out-of-the-world renderings of the award-winning Wadi Rum Resort in Jordan by super-talented team of Oppenheim Architecture + Design.

We all know what 3D is, so the 4th D is for the sound and feel of the swooping sand between the mountains which I can swear you get just by looking at this presentation. And the 5th D I give for the incredible peaceful and relaxing after-taste that is left with you, it’s almost like going on a mini vacation. Don’t you agree?

<images via www.oppenoffice.com>

andre fu

This Chinese design genius totally topped my creative overload last week. Before I didn’t even know that such state of mind exists. Browsing blogs and design magazines I always  left me wanting more. While researching for two hotel projects I’m working on right now I came across Andre Fu and my design cravings were fully satisfied with the first few clicks.

WARNING! Intended to be taken in small doses due to the high risk of creative overload!

My absolute favorite project – The Upper House hotel in Hong Kong.

Wow, the longest post ever!

<images via www.UpperHouse.com and www.afso.net>

ann gardner

I looove my profession. Not only my day is filled with color palettes and design puzzles, but I get to discover something new and lovely every day. Today I was I came across an incredible award-winning artist and sculptor Ann Gardner. Working with glass and crystal mosaics, Ann creates truly breathtaking pieces, whether wall panels or 3D floating sculptures, they make me want to get every one of them in every color way.

 

<images via www.anngardner.net>

new horizons

The primary purpose of design blogs is to share inspiration, but it’s hard to do so with and exhausted sleepless head, hence my blogging silence for the past week. I’ve been running my creative juices to the fullest for all this time as I got a new job. Yes, my peeps, the new designer on the watch list has officially stepped out on the scene. It is such a thrill to learn from the best of the best in the hospitality design industry and have a chance to contribute. So I’ve decided to bring you the inspiration from my new incredibly talented colleagues at Hirsch Bedner Associates.

One of my favorite projects by HBA: Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

I just love the subtle interplay of color contrasts and scales. So simple, so genius.

<images via www.hbadesign.com>

room lust: new york loft dining/library

Still can’t get over this dining/library room from the latest issue of  Interior Design by Steven Harris Architects and Rees Roberts + Partners.  May be it’s an up-coming Valentines influence, but these magenta chairs seem to speak to my heart. And how perfect is the combination of library and dining, I can totally see myself sitting there with a cup of tea flipping though some art book.

I fear I’ll keep being restless until I get something if that magenta hue!

<image via www.interiordesign.net>