From Box to Brilliant

From the NY Times. A boxy apartment in Mumbai renovated and renewed by owner/designer Ashiesh Shah.  Removing a total of nine walls gave him the opportunity to plan the space brilliantly with smart material choices.  I dig his accessory and furniture collection as well.

White walls and Floors

This is the Brooklyn home of designers/artist's Lyndsay Caleo and Fitzhugh Karol Photographed by Todd Selby.  I love the collections of art and stuff, books, sculptures and whimsical objects against the white walls and floors, which allow their collections to be showcased. The sculpture above the mantel is by Fitzhugh Karol.  It adds so much drama to the space, don't you think?!  And that dog is a cute fluffy thing!!

Moroccan Dream, Hotel #2

Since I'm going to Morocco in spring and it's so damn cold here and the streets of NYC are full of icy brown sludge I thought it was befitting that my second hotel post reflect where my mind is currently at right now...warmer climates and exotic interiors!  During my lodging research for my spring sabbatical I found a chic retreat located in Essaouira, Morocco called Dar Beida. This white structure from the 1960's era is located in an old port city in the west of Morocco.  Designed and decorated by the British owners, they scoured local flea markets and Souks to fill the interiors with vintage objects and furniture resulting in a warm and eclectic atmosphere.  Collections of skulls such as bird, dolphin, camel and cows found washed up on the Moroccan shores or collected from the desert, were arranged on the walls which create pattern and shadow.  The owners added bulbous shaped fire places to most of the 4 bedrooms.  But, now back to my day dream filled mind! The rooftop bedroom pictured just below which opens up onto a rooftop terrace is where I take retreat, sipping on, hmmmmm, well some yummy local drink of course, soaking in the warm sun light, catching the comforting breeze from the dry desert and enjoying the salty scent from the nearby shore.  Spring just can't come fast enough!

The Decorated Door

My last post got me thinking about how much fun it is to enhance a door with interesting hardware.  It's so important not to skip these details that will add character to your entry.  I like to keep door hardware simple by choosing understated shapes and designs such as these that I've picked out.  Stick with one era when choosing your door accessories.  Your door knob, hinges, door knocker, door bell and peep holes should all be of one style so it doesn't look like a "hodge podge welcome to my home" unless that's what your going for.  Some of my favorite hardware stores are Liz's Antique Hardware in Los Angeles, Olde Good Things in NYC, and Crown City Hardware in Pasadena

Atwater Pottery, Pottery inspiration #7

A California based pottery studio, Atwater Pottery.  Gnarled, cracked, and rough hewn. 

Izac Zenou

Interior Photography by Michael Mundy of Illustrator, Izac Zenou's downtown NYC apartment.

Happy Holi-doors!

I love nothing more than a festive entry during this time of season.  My thoughts are, if you don't feel like decorating your home or even a Christmas tree, then at least decorate your entry area.  Greet with a bit of festive decor.  So, here are a few entries I adore.   Happy Holidays to you all!