The Viceroy Miami

It's been a while, but I just came across a hotel that I need to visit and after looking at these photos, I am sure you will want to plan a trip too!
The Viceroy in Miami was designed by Kelly Wearstler. I am simply in love with all the colours, shapes and clever use of objet d'art. One of my favourite areas has to be the spa....



The Bistro



The Bar

 

Dining Suite

Double Room

Elevator Hall

The Pools at Night

The (dream!) Spa

The Theatre

 

The Hudson, NYC

It's been a while readers, things have been busy! Where has the summer gone! A hotel that caught my eye - Philippe Starck design, part of the Morgans Group.

Hyatt Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi

The recently opened Hyatt Capital Gate caught my attention the other day.

The hotel is located in one of Abu Dhabi's most iconic buildings which actually leans by 18 degrees. ..apparently that’s more than the leaning tower of Pisa! It occupies the 18^th to 33^rd floors of the Capital Gate building, with floor to ceiling windows - perhaps one to avoid if you aren’t so comfortable with heights!

Despite the curvaceous exterior, the interior is much more linear with strong architectural lines forming the backbone to the design.  This is primarily a business hotel and given the extensive use of hard materials (glass and marble), I’m guessing this place is going to attract some serious no-nonsense business guests!  However, despite the apparent lack of “soft touches” (I guess if you are a business man or woman, perhaps you need that steely environment in which to harness your deals!), I was totally drawn in by the exceptional lighting, which throughout the spaces has been used to achieve various effects. Different types of lighting can be seen to be highlighting the reception desk, creating a talking point in the public dining area as well as illuminating the architectural lines of the building. Even the choice of lighting in the pool has been specifically chosen to evoke a certain feeling with the starry sky effect, whereas the vast scale and sculptural nature of the chandeliers act as art.

In my opinion the use of lighting throughout this hotel contributes a huge part to the overall design.

I’ve not been to Abu Dhabi, but when I do, I shall certainly be making a point of staying here….for research purposes, obviously!

The Exterior

The Entrance

Reception

Outdoor Pool

18 Degrees Terrace

Profiterole - they serve pastries in this area!

Lounge

Ralph Lauren Spring Collection 2012

Last Friday I was invited to preview the latest homeware collection for Ralph Lauren Home. I loved it so much that I had to share it with you. In my opinion, everyone needs a bit of Ralph in their lives. It's the details that make his work so good.
A personal favourite was the Dessert Collection - understated luxury, soft linens, crisp whites softened with warm camels....

This bed is ready to dive into!

 The subtle fringing on this cushion adds interest without being too fussy.

 A favourite lamp of mine now comes in this dark oil rubbed bronze finish - a brass that is hand finished with a bronze patina, providing a perfect contrast against a neutral scheme. I just think that the mix of contemporary with classical creates such a sophisticated look. These lamps have an industrial feel to them which works so well when placed with more classically styled pieces.

 

From lighting to Navajo inspired designs. These rugs provide colour, pattern and warmth to a luxuriously neutral scheme like this. In fact, I can see these rugs injecting colour to a lot of homes as they have a pattern that is actually very versatile to many interior styles. It's all about layering!

Great Plains Maverick hand knotted rug

Plains Creek - Dessert Cream rug

The Taos warm oat rug

I also have to share with you the new Dessert crockery collection that follows the same simplicity as the bed linens.....just add sunshine to compete the look!

The Arlin platinum bowl is perfect for adding that finishing touch to your table.

 

Coco Chanel's Apartment, 31 Rue Cambon

A peek into the apartment of the great Coco Chanel. The lady behind the little black dress unsurprisingly had serious style on every level. There was no kitchen or bedroom in this apartment. Instead Chanel would retire to the Ritz in the evenings.

Chanel's Boutique below her apartment at 31 Rue Cambon

Her living room, complete with suede upholstered sofa - a revolution in those times.

Chinese lacquered screens used as wall coverings.

Dining Room

Beautiful Mirrors





More Chinese lacquered screens...

  

The famous mirrored spiral staircase designed by Chanel herself, so that she could see what was happening on every level of her apartment!

Looking into the dining room, with more ornate pieces and gilt framed mirrors.

The legacy lives on!