On my shopping list....

I want these ottomans, in this fabric. I do fear that this is going to turn into an obsession, but I do hope you will agree with me as they are just so "fun"!

On the subject of fun, I am also putting this chair on my shopping list. I can imagine sitting in this chair. In fact I would definitely associate this chair with fun and frivolity and everyone needs something that represents fun and frivolity in their homes.

The Queen of Design...

I have decided to dedicate this blog entry to my favourite female designer Patricia Urquiola. Born in Spain but living in Milan, Urquiola trained with Castiglioni before setting up her own business.

Whether it is furniture or interiors, Urquiola’s attention to detail and outstanding use of colour, texture and pattern, are quite literally commendable.

Take for instance the recently opened W Hotel in Vieques Island, located off the south-east coast of Puerto Rico. A combination of her own iconic furniture designs, together with a palette of discernable colours and patterns, work to create extraordinary interiors and exteriors. The hotel surroundings have been carefully considered and woven into the essence of the design work. Consequently, every element blends beautifully into the surroundings.

In my opinion, this is a great example (if not the greatest) of how pattern and colour can be used to create an interior that is so easy on the eye and immensely inviting….this place is at the top of my wish list….

Patricia Urquiola is also the mastermind behind The Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona.

Another incredible design.

Function, Style & Comfort

The "Terence" Sofa by Jesse is both functional and stylish. The clean lines and simple shape make this sofa seriously desirable. Ultra modern and yet still inviting in a comfy way.....
Even the "Norman"......is rather appealing.......!
These sofas would look rather good in any modern home..... with good space and good light, a minimalist approach to the interior decoration and a splash of colour to add warmth.
Jesse is Italian......obviously........in case you were wondering........

Amazing Rug!

I just came across the most fantastic colourful rug! It is designed by Sonya Winner and is called " After Matisse". Her rug designs are truly inspirational. The quality of the yarn is excellent - I say this, having felt quite a few of her wares! I first came across Sonya Winner rugs at a lecture she gave last year in Chelsea. Quite a lady and quite some designs!

Colourful Shoes & Colourful Rooms!

Well...it wasn't going to be long before I wrote about shoes! I thought I'd share some colourful footwear with you today. It is a dismal bleak day. A complete change from the glorious spring sunshine a couple of days ago. On days like these, we all need colour in our lives. As some of you may know, I do love "colour" !......In my opinion these shoes would add instant oomph to any outfit. In fact, I am pretty sure they would look rather good on  display!....perhaps you could add instant oomph to an interior by simply wearing these shoes....or just put them on a shelf for all to admire......!

On a more realistic note......I always find that bold and bright colours lift tired looking rooms instantly. A few choice pieces such as a display of brightly coloured vases can instantly transform a room......add a new brightly coloured throw to your sofa or simply change your dinner service.....or even introduce a piece of artwork and take your lead from the colours found within that artwork. A big bunch of colourful flowers never fails to add a splash of colour....Sometimes it's the small things that can have a big impact!....

Bionda Castana

Ursula Mascaro

 

Gianvito Rossi



  

Colourful Interiors....

Dinner with my Favourite Ladies Chez The Montagu @ The Hyatt Regency

This week has certainly been all about wonderful food. Last night I enjoyed dinner at The Montagu restaurant at the Hyatt Regency on Portman Square. What a lovely evening! Fabulous food, fabulous company and a luxurious interior. What more can one ask for when going out with friends.

What really caught my attention was the vast space. The Montague is set in a huge room with high ceilings. In fact the most memorable features are the floor to ceiling windows, the trio of grand chandeliers and the marble columns. The design of the space owes much to the architectural play on scale and proportion – which really does deliver a feeling of grandness. However, normally in such a vast space, you don’t get the same sense of warmth or buzz that you find in smaller venues. But this wasn’t the case at The Montagu. Whilst the space is subtly divided into an area for food, a lounge area and also a bar area, the space still feels warm and inviting. In my opinion the reason this design is so successful in creating such warmth is down to the open kitchen. This is certainly the focal point of the restaurant and I think it really works to make the place less stuffy and more relaxed.  

Alain Ducasse @ The Dorchester

My husband recently set the bar very high in terms of birthday surprises ....so I had my work cut out in terms of finding the perfect birthday gift for him. Inspiration came in the form of 3 Michelin stars at Alain Ducasse @ The Dorchester. Incredible food and an environment so calm and relaxing. The interior of the restaurant was designed by Patrick Jouin and can be described as elegant and sophisticated. A mix of lacquer covered walls with silk studded buttons and neutral leather upholstered seating, are brought together by soft accents of green - creating harmony with the outdoor greenery of Hyde Park. The private dining area - known as "Table Lumiere" provides a real focus in the room......sparkling, illuminated floor length threads of fibre optics - 4500 to be precise. Guests dining at the Table Lumiere are awarded privacy behind the shimmering fibre optic threads whilst still being able to enjoy the atmosphere of the main restaurant.