bocci love

Who said you always have to re-invent the wheel?! Sometimes a little glowing sphere is all you need. These Bocci globes always make me happy… like chicken soup for your soul, you know.

watch beautiful story behind them here

<images via www.bocci.ca>

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>

dream vacay: part 2

May be because I’m still under the charms of the recent “hearts’ day” or may be it’s the unlimited bubblie with today’s lovely brunch that I really want to share another part of that “Grand Voyage” all the way back in September. This part is the most dear to my heart and I guess I was saving it to a special day.

After leaving the city of lights, we drove to Loire Valley where we allowed ourselves to submerge into the good days of chivalry and romanticism of the Golden Era of France back in 16-17th centuries. Our first stop on that discovery was the magnificent Chateau de l’Epinay, privately owned B&B with history going back to the 13th century.

With the mixture of Gothic and Early French Renaissance architecture, this secluded castle captured my heart instantly.

Not touristy polished, it gives you that dreamy authentic experience so worthy of the side trip.

Me, letting the chair down and dancing in the sun. Dream moments captured forever.

Fresh flowers with home made breakfast.

Being the only guests that night we got the luxury of having the chateau all to our own even only for a day.

Here’s what sold me to make this side trip in an instant. This blue bedroom with the set of caned bed and wardrobe. I just HAD to see this pair! And the authentic terracotta tile so soft on the bare feet.

To explore the magic Chateau de l’Epinay for yourself, click here.

<images via moi>

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>

happy and new

Coming back from the state of incommunicado (i.e. ski trip to the mountains), I’m all geared-up for the new peaks to conquer this year. Last year was incredibly eventful so it will be hard to out-do it: between another Masters, dreamy new job, a taste of southern hospitality, the life-transformational grand voyage, motorcycle licence (!!!) and the “Junior Designer of the Year” Award @ new dreamy job…really there’s nothing else I could have wished for.

For the year to come, I want to wish you all new breath-taking adventures, bright lazy mornings and a sea of champagne bubbles to celebrate every little moment! 

 I try to stay away from the resolution lists, they make me sad of all the things I haven’t accomplished in the outgoing year. Instead I make a lot of wishes with every strike of the bell on that special night  and promise to be my best…yet again. So far this technique worked magic for me :) I hope that all of you wished BIG this year, as I certainly did. What is it? Can’t tell yet, but you might be able to get a hint of it from this video.

 

<image via me>

that designer is CrAzY

How do you know that the designer is…well…a little obsessed? It’s when instead of placing the chandelier at the “industry standard” height, one places it much lower. The reason? Isn’t it obvious, so that the diners all through the supper could marvel at the every last detail of that piece of art.

Had a burning desire to do just that today at work, but those standards (god bless them) took over…again. There’s always the next time!

 

<image via here>

love stoned

I’ve learned the hard way to never…NEVER….post something on the blog if you are seriously thinking of buying it for yourself. Buy it first – then post about it, otherwise you risk a “sold out” disappointment. So I open up a secret, I did treat myself to a certain birthday gift from the below list before showing all the cards.

Anyways, I’ve been love stoned for quite a while now, especially with so many lovely options to choose from.

<images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5>