Spillray Collection by AXO Lighting

Simple, clean, colourful new lighting collection, called “Spillray”, by AXO Lighting.

Alpine Glam

The 88 room Altapura Hotel in the French Alp town of Val Thorens is an amazing display of contemporary Alpine style.

The dramatic woven wood staircase against the stone walls reminds me of a castle. 

Common areas are anything but:

The restaurant:

Standard Room:

I love the patterned wood dividing wall (which also acts as the headboard) in this suite.

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Belgraves Hotel–Sneak Peak

The Belgraves Hotel in London (Part of the Thompson group of hotels) is set to open next week.  These guestrooms are looking fabulous! The desogmer. Tara Bermard. created spaces that “Interpret Thompson Luxury by blending traditional British hospitality with American bohemian attitude”.

How awessome is this built in banquet in the window bay?  Perfect spot to watch TV, eat a snack, play on your ipad.  Genious.

PostScript Restaurant

I’m in love with the colour green lately.  It’s so fresh when paired with white and grey. 

And I love the design of this new restaurant in Beijing, designed by Golucci International Design.  The shapes and colour blocking are so interesting.  It’s like seeing movement or explosion in a still frame.

Sofa of Desire

I would LOVE this “Tufty-Too” sofa from B&B Italia, designed by hospitality design darling Patricia Urquiola.  Looks both chic AND comfortable…a rare combination.

Public Chicago

The Public Chicago is a new concept for Hotel mogul Ian Schrager (credited mainly for the invention of the “boutique” hotel with the Morgan group of hotels). The Public Chicago still falls very much in the “hip” category, but it is brought up to date as a more mature, cleverly restrained type of glam. This is achieved through very simple, exaggerated forms but in a neutral palate. This is perhaps one of the nicest new hotels to surface that I’ve seen in a while.

The lobby retains existing historical elements, and clearly not diminished by being completely painted out in white. Fewer but stronger design elements (mirror desk, giant clock). I love that.

The Library:The light fixtures in “Pump Room” restaurant are AMAZING!

The screening room, for private parties or screenings, is pure luxury with the wood walls, tufted couch, and faux fur throws.

Standard rooms are very simple and clean. A bold throw at the end of the bed gives the room its personality.

Design for Every Day Spaces

We often think good design is reserved for hotels, restaurants, or our homes. But what about a pharmacy? I love the thoughtfulness and “cool” factor of this design for “Farmacia” in Cartagna Spain, but Clavel Arquitectos.

Escape to Paradise

As we settle into January and head into a long stretch of winter blues, I can’t help but dreaming of escaping to paradise. I think you’ll agree that The Conrad Maldives Resort as pictured below would definitely fulfill anyone’s fantasies!

Poland Rising

As Western Europe becomes saturated, Eastern Europe is becoming a hot market for new tourism and hotel development.

Here is the new Puro Hotel in Wroclaw, Poland (try prounouncing that one!) which shows the fresh, youthful, colourful, and optimistic tone that I see becoming popular in this corner of the world.

Exterior at night:

Open concept lobby

Pops of colour against a neutral background, with one dominant pattern always works:

I love how the elevator is literally part of the lobby, almost like a discreet walk in closet.

The rooms look VERY compact, but I think they’re done well.

Interior Designer: Blacksheep

W Paris Opera

Sneak peak at (suprisingly) the first W Hotel to open in Paris. It displays the perfect disposition of Classic French fashion with contemporary conveniences. The lights in the bathroom sparkle, playing on the overall theme of “light” found throughout the hotel.

Designer: The Rockwell Group

Dear Santa - 2011

Whilst Christmas shopping for others, it’s hard not to stumble upon those little items that you secretly want to buy for yourself.  Here are 4 beautiful delights that have caught my attention lately:

Lacoste Solid Brass Croc  from Jonathan Adler – Only 1 of 35 made, this baby will set Santa back $2500.00

Missoni brand towels from Provide Home!  Hand towels $22.00, Bath towels $58.00, and Bath Sheets $130.00

A cozy pair of  Hayden grey wool and cashmere shoes by TOMS + The Row from Holt Renfrew.  $160.00

The “Foret Jour” area rug from Roche Bobois.  Some of my favorite colours.  Price unknown.