Room of the Week 15.5.09

I’m craving the soothing peace of this space… and a beach outside the door.

{MarieClaireMaison}

Room of the week 8.5.09

This room at the Hout Bay Manor in Cape Town is a beautiful blend of vintage furniture and bright modern accessories- like the chandelier. The earthy tones juxtaposed with bright pops of colour give a strong African feel to the space without being too themed or clique.

I love the old claw foot tub right in the bedroom.

This space is just refreshing!

{Photo: HoutBayManor via OutandAboutAfrica}

Home Sweet Modern Home

There’s nothing I love more than a little real estate browsing – especially high end, luxurious spaces that I have no business looking at as my current budget is more of the caravan variety – but nothing like a little fantasy to add a little fun to your day.

I was so impressed by this clean, modern space by Tocha Design.While I’m usually a fan of more classical architecture – I instantly fell for the calm, cool aethestic and, of course, all the fabulous amenities. Tocha has stated their intention as being  – to create ‘inspired and tranquil livable art’ – clearly Rising Glen has embodied this.

This indoor water feature at the entrance is just stunning – I love the way this home seamlessly blends indoors and out.

The retractable wall in the kitchen makes every day al fresco…

This would be the perfect spot for a fabulous outdoor party – I’m picturing a balmy summer evening, lots of candles, cocktails, music and if things get a little crazy, maybe a dip in the pool…

I have always loved the idea of a quiet, private courtyard off a master bedroom or bathroom. You could enjoy an outdoor, or indoor shower or take a long bath – all while enjoying your favourite flicks on the retractable screen. I don’t know about you, but I always enjoy Mission Impossible in the bath…

The master bedroom opens out to the swimming pool – and a delicious view (see below).

Enjoy a relaxing yoga or meditation session in your own private outdoor retreat…

I’m sure I can think of a few trusty pals who could be counted on to help me clear the wine room – the only problem would be keeping it stocked…

The perfect spot for dining and entertaining outdoors…

Ah – la piece de resistance – top it all off with an amazing view of the chaos you leave behind in the glittering city below.

{All photos: Tocha Projects}

Room of the Week 1.5.09

As I write this it’s grey and rainy… makes me wish I were in a room like this.

With a great book and a hot cup of tea.

{Photo: Domino}

House Tour: Supon Phornirunlit of Naked Decor

While researching Naked Decor for my post British Invasion, I was excited to find the fabulous creator behind it all – Supon Phornirunlit. Supon is the clever creator of the ‘Live like a Queen’ collection and a amazing accomplished designer in almost every category of design – from print to advertising and corporate identity to product and interior design.

It’s no surprise then that Supon’s space is as bright and creative as he is. Here is Supon’s approach to interior design:

‘Good design is like a good outfit: It has to fit you well.’

I instantly fell in love at the first sight of this beautiful deck. It would be the perfect spot to enjoy a balmy summer evening with a nice cocktail. The deck seems to be a wonderful tribute to Supon’s native Thailand.

I love the clean simple lines of this space – Supon’s start in graphic design is evident in his strong clean lines throughout his space – and always starting with a neutral background.

Supon’s home is a mix of beautiful clean lines and graphic design and bright bold colour – with an injection of fun!

‘The Red Kitty’ pillow is from his own collection.

Real men aren’t afraid of pink! I love how bright and airy this office space is.

Supon is a big animal lover, after the death of his beloved dog Pica – Supon started his Pooch Decor collection of pet portraits and dog inspired art and accessories. I’d love to get a bright fun portrait of Javier.

I think this room really sums up Supon’s style – white background with a strong mid-century influence; Jonathan Adler lamp and ceramics; bright colourful stripes; his British themed Union Jack and Live like a Queen pillows

– and of course, his dogs!

Definitely quite the puppy pad! – his bedroom is bright and energetic – makes you want to get up and go in the morning!

Funny but often too true, I loved this quote by Supon

‘Creativity is like beauty: If you weren’t born with it, you’ll have to pay for it’.

Find out more about the fun accessories in his home as well as so many others at nakeddecor.com

{Photos: NakedDecor}

Room of the Week

{Photo: The Deco Detective}

This room makes me happy – it just says Spring! I really love the bold, modern black and white art set against traditional furniture in bright, pop-y colours! And what better to pull it all together than bright fuschia flowers – could they be peonies? (can you tell, I can’t wait till they come out!)

If Carrie Bradshaw had a dream room…

It might look like this…

{Photos: Elle Decor}

Brian Atwood’s amazing Milan apartment featured in Elle Decor in April 09.

I love the idea of decorating with shoes (as creative director of Bally, no wonder Brian has an amazing collection). A really beautiful shoe really is a piece of art – and why not surround yourself with your favourite things?

Here are some of my Manolo favourites…

{Photo: Skimbago Lifestyle }

Just perfect for spring!

Pretty in Pink – Selina Lake

What better fit for Spring than Selina Lake – I just love looking at pictures of her gorgeous spaces – they instantly put me in a good mood. UK stylist Selina Lake has long been a favourite of mine -she has such perfect ‘Boho-Ethno-Chic‘ with a decidedly feminine flair.

I love vintage tea cups and have started a small collection myself – what a perfect way to display a single tea rose.

Selina is definitely not afraid of pink – while her spaces are very feminine, her choice of strong ethnic pieces prevents it from looking too precious. Love the white leather Moroccan ottomans.

All in the details – a little ktichen vignette, perfectly styled by a master stylist!

This space is just amazing – the bright, bold graphic floral print. The floral suzani. The striped pillows are beautiful – the remind me of the lovely throw my friend Camille brought back from Peru for me (more to follow on this in a future post…) The ‘Just Say No Thank You!’ sign is so fun!

These flags add a festive touch for a spring party – and what spring party is complete without daffodils?

Oh these are just lovely – almost too pretty to eat! It would be the perfect treat for a spring birthday

– like mine tomorrow 🙂

For more of Selina’s beautiful portfolio, go to her website and be sure to check out her book, Bazaar Styles.

{Photos from: Selina Lake and flickr}

Room of the week

The Room of the Week is actually a magazine cover. I just love the colours! – just perfect for Spring.  I love all the personal touches in this room.

{Photo: Elle Decoration SA}

A Spring Romance… with Nate Berkus

Ah Spring – the perfect time to fall or be in love…  J Crew’s new Spring collection was a sea of gorgeous creamy pastels with shots of colour – just divine. It also brought back memories of when I first fell in love – with Nate Berkus.

The Spring 2004 issue of O at Home magazine featured Nate’s makeover of single mom Jenny Lumet’s apartment. On a side note, Jenny is the writer of  the movie ‘Rachel Getting Married’, which I still haven’t but can’t wait to see.

I fell in love with this beautiful space the second I saw it. The colour palette is perfection and I just love all the beautiful personal touches, that are so artfully displayed.

I love the bright, punchy shots of citrus-y colour in the gorgeous chaise and the orange framed mirror.

I love how Nate used her personal objects – from a charming drawing by her son, to personal heirlooms and family photos. The beautiful clean lines of the Saarinen table balance a tablescape full of lovely personal treasures.

Jenny looks just delighted to see her new space, I would too! I just love her outfit too, she looks like she walked right out of the J Crew Spring shoot. I love the leather handles on this beautiful console, it’s strong black really grounds a space that’s primarily white and very airy. The placement of the black and white family photo is just perfect.

I love the light blue-grey dining chairs – and what better to offset them than a Dior Saddle bag?

I just love the white cabinets with the pale blue interiors – I was just thinking the other day that I would love to do precisely this in my own kitchen, it would go perfectly with my dinnerware. Nate’s palette is continued with the all white dinnerware with some bright, colourful pieces for fun.

This apartment just felt perfect for spring – I love the blue hydrangeas

{Images: J Crew, Nate Berkus, Corbis}