Friday, March 27, 2009

Travel by Design - Benessee House

Welcome to the newest feature on my blog, Travel by Design! Travel is a passion of mine, as is design and nothing makes me more excited then when the two come together.  Each week I will be bringing you amazing hotels, resorts, and vacation getaways where design is a key element in the concept.  The first Travel by Design hotel is Benessee House.  

Benessee House is part art museum, part hotel...literally.  Tadao Ando, renowned architect, designed the grounds, which house artist's permanent exhibitions, designed specifically for the hotel.  The main concept of Benessee House is to blend nature, art, and architecture.




Photos: Kiwi Collection

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Inspired by...

Moving

Posting will be a little light over the next week as I am moving and will have intermittent internet access.  I have scheduled 1 post a day and will check in as often as I can!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Interiors

Doesn't this look like a cozy place for a lazy Sunday morning breakfast, drinking tea and reading the paper....

Photo: House and Home

Interiors

Photo: Living Etc.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Interiors

Inspired by...

Downtown Chic

I just received word about a great new book coming out on April 28th, Downtown Chic.

The book was co-written by husband and wife team, Robert and Cortney Novogratz who own the Manhattan based design firm, SIXX Design.

The Novogratz style can be described as sophisticated, bohemian chic. It is eclectic but refined, mixing flea market finds with upscale boutique purchases. Their book has a fresh and hip take on design and is filled with great photos, anecdotes and tips to help you create your own unique environment. This is a great addition to any design library.  

Be sure to check out their website which showcases their amazing portfolio.




Photos: Sixx Design

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Interiors

Photo: House Beautiful

Michele Varian

Wondering around Soho last week I stumbled upon this amazing shop on Crosby Street, Michele Varian, named after the owner and designer. The store is an eclectic collection of lighting, pillows, dolls, handbags, and many other goodies. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the city.

Photo: Michelle Varian 

Fashion Finds

I love this wristlet from Infusion. It's made with undyed hemp which gives it such a great natural and organic look. Perfect for spring and summer!

Photo: Infusion

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Adopt an Olive Tree

You can adopt an olive tree from The Nudo grove in Italy's Apennines and you will receive it's annual yield, plus three artisnal flavored oils. You can also visit your olive tree whenever you like. This would make a great gift for the foodie in your life.

Dark and Mysterious

I love the idea of dark painted walls, it' fun and unexpected and it makes everything pop!



Toilet tea

Love this fun toilet decal!