Outdoor Sofa

I love a great outdoor space. One of my favorite outdoor furniture manufacturers is Janus et Cie. They have delicate french inspired furniture as well as modern, clean designed pieces. There is something for everyone in this line. These sofas make me want to grab a book, an iced tea and a nap! Click to enlarge.

 

Take me to the Basement!

A new spa in Istanbul has opened in the basement of Edition Hotel. Designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates the ESPA takes inspiration from traditional Turkish baths but twisted it with Miami Beach (or Vegas). I love the contrast between dark rich materials and the splashes of shiny translucent surfaces. They used an Alabaster-like material around the pool, a hanging curtain of crystals behind the reception desk, and sparkling glass pendants over the vanities. The day bed on chains makes the space feel young and Babylonian.

Photos by Ken Hayden

Crystal Curtain Wall

Close up!

Sparkling Pendants

Alabaster-like Panels

Day Bed on Chains





Pushed Over the Edge

The first time I ever saw an infinity edged swimming pool was in the mid nineties and I thought it was the most amazing idea!! I don't know who thought of it so I looked it up on Wiki and got this vague answer...

"The infinity pool design concept is said to have originated in France, where one of the first vanishing edge designs was utilized in the "Stag Fountain" at the Palace of Versailles in the early 1600s."

Via (Hollins Abroad)

OK, well, I don't who brought this magnificent style into modern times but I am sure glad they did!These pools are typically found at resorts and hotels where the view is stunning. Check out a few examples..

Hotel Caruso Belvedere, Ravello, Italy

Intercontinental Hotel Hong Kong

Ritz Carlton Jimbaran Bay

Marisol Malibu Private Residence

Chinese Proverb

"The world is large -
Its beauty indescribable. "-Zhuangzi

Here is a collection of Chinese inspired pieces. I love throwing in an ethic piece in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. It keeps thing fresh and inspiring.

These pieces are available though designers.

Dorothy Draper's Console and Curio

Pagoda Lantern

Pagoda Vitrine

Fretwork Lantern

Fretwork Chair

Greener Grass

So for years I have driven past this house in Laguna Beach.

I used to imagine what the interiors were like. I felt slightly envious of the lucky ones that lived there. Well, its on the market now so I got to see the inside of this magnificent house. Hmmm. Turns out that the grass is not as green on the other side. But I'll let you decide...Laguna House.


Here is a vignette of the direction I would take in this gorgeous estate. Click to Enlarge.

Montecito, CA

Here is a home for sale in Montecito that really stands out to me. It is so elegant and pretty yet a tiny bit austere. I'm still very drawn to this house. I love all the flooring choices and the manicured landscaping. If you are interested in this property here is the link...Mountain Drive. Click to see up close.

Sinking Feeling

Vessel sinks seem to be a trend that people really love. They can high maintenance but the look is unbeatable. I have used them in powder rooms and master bathrooms but only if cleaning isn't an issue. I used a petrified wood sink in my client's vacation home in Aspen. It was perfect! All sinks except the Rosewood are available through Lenova.

Fossilized Rosewood

Bamboo

Bronze Oyster Sink. LOVE!!!

Stone Vessel Sink

Colored Glass



Stair Railings

Stair railings can be purely functional or wildly decorative. I think it depends on the space and over design aesthetic that you are going for whether a simple railing or a statement railing is in order. I found a few railings that intrigue me below....

Bedrooms for Kids

Kids rooms are always fun to design. I really like rooms that children can grow into. You can always make an old room young but its a lot harder to make a young room old. When your 13 year old has a Winnie the Pooh mural staring at him every night it can be uncomfortable. Sticking to basics and adding framed art is one solution to staying age appropriate for many years. Here are a few kids rooms that can easily be added to and subtracted from as a child grows.

Side Order

Side tables are an important part of any living space. Drinks, remote controls, books, candles...where would we set these things if it weren't for a side table? Lately the design trend is toward surprising shapes and textures for the side table. Here are few captivating choices.