Postcard Perfect

The Postcard Inn in St. Petersburg, Florida is in some ways the polar opposite of yesterday’s post featuring the Viceroy at Snowmass.  And yet in other ways the design really helps to create a mood suitable to it's’ setting.   Check out these cool digs that invoke feelings of summery, casual, beach side living.

Who would have thought macrome would make a comeback as part of a light fixture in a dramatic seating group in the lobby.

The catwalk like bulkheads, colourful and eclectic furniture mix, and  industrial lights add a youthful and edgy quality.

Rooms are casual and fresh.  And who can’t use an inspirational quote every now and then.  

Viceroy Snowmass

Any skier's dream would be to stay at a luxury, ski-in ski-out resort such as the new Viceroy in Snowmass.  Located outside of Aspen, this retreat is absolutely gorgeous.  It demonstrates that Mountain style doesn’t have to be always be completely “Rustic”.   I really find all of these spaces  inspirational and brilliant in their attention to detail and design, but I especially LOVE the glass fire tube!

The lighting  provides a strong, inviting focal point to this seating group.

Even Louis chairs fit in against the natural wood backdrops.

This woven wood ceiling is amazing! The guestrooms look comfortable and cozy.  Notice Kelly’s signature sunburst mirror over the tub in the guest bathrooms.  Designers: Kelly Wearstler and Jean Michel-Gathy.

Overscaled De-light

I love this whimsical lamp, called “The Great JJ” from Itre Lighting (Yes that is the actual scale!). It looks just like a giant version of the lamp on my desk.

A New Knoll Classic in the Making

Designed by Toan Nguyen for Waltern Knoll, the new Bellows collection features this very versitile stool and end table which comes in luscious soft leather (brown and black are standard). An internal mechanism allows for height adjustment and changes the look of the leather as it gathers and folds in different forms.

Andaz Wall Street – Part 2

As the hotel officially opens, a few more photos of the public spaces have become available on the Andaz website. The public spaces are similar in the simple and contemporary styling as the guestrooms. (Although I think overall the guestrooms are a little bit more innovative). Geometrics mix with organic forms, and woods and stone are used throughout.

My only criticism (it’s allowed right?) is that in the above photo, the two silver chairs seem a little small and out of scale compared to the adjacent sofa and amongst the sea of small accent tables

Andaz Wall Street

The Andaz Hotel Wall Street opens today. It is the fourth Andaz Hotel to be rolled out, a new lifestyle brand from Hyatt Hotels. A little more edgy than your typical brand, the Andaz tries to think outside the box.Case in point, the rotating closets that separate the vanity area from the guestrooms. Perhaps not a space saver, but it is flexible and user friendly to have access to clothes, toiletries, or whatever personal belongings you need whether you’re in the bathroom or bedroom. I don’t understand the giant poof on the bed, but I like the simplicity of the rest of the space. I also especially love the dark stone in the washrooms.

Designer: The Rockwell Group

Starck’s Venetian Masquerade

Philippe Starck’s newest hotel design is for the Hotel Palazzina Grassi in Venice. This recently opened 5 star hotel is a 16 room and 6 apartment hotel and is located in a converted old aristocratic home on the canal. The “Venetian” experience that Starck wanted to create is seen in several obvious (too obvious?) themes. Goopy chandeliers, mirrored surfaces and furniture, references to Fornesetti and graphics of the masquerade masks on lamp shades all pull on Venetian themes. I like that the exposed brick and wood beam ceilings were kept intact and respected.

The public spaces, including 1 restaurant, are quite dark (and mysterious) with an old world charm. Of course signature Starck quirkiness finds its way in the design (such as the fish bone carpet seen below).

Guests suites are much lighter and brighter. The apartments feature glass wardrobes for guests to hang their designer labels for all to see!

Opposite House Hotel

The Opposite House Hotel in Beijing, China proves that opposites can live in harmony. Taking subtle cues from the traditional and re-inventing them in a contemporary way works really well at this 98 suite property. Simple clean lines are always a winner, but details such as the unexpected use of solid Oak wood tubs in the guestrooms and the stunning multi storey drapery in the atrium, set this hotel apart.

Armani Hotel at Burj Dubai Sneak Peak

Now that the year has started off with a bang and the world’s tallest building has officially opened, it’s time to look forward to one of it’s first highly anticipated tenants; the Armani Hotel.  The designer hotel which will open mid March, was designed  in part by Giorgio Armani himself and Emaar Hotels & Resorts Inc. 

The hotel will have 175  guestrooms and suites.  Another 160 suites will be designated as Armani Residences for owners.    Of course the furnishings and fabrics will be all from Armani Casa, with their signature luxurious, sleek, and refined appeal.  In addition, the hotel will house 5 restaurants and a spa.

These photos are from the concept development and display suite stage, so I look forward very much to seeing the completed project photos.

Descent Down the Rabbit Hole

The new wine bar “Syrah” in San Diego is a tricky place to find. You’ll have to work hard to find the entrance door by hunting for a golden knob on a wall thick with green hedges. And of course there’s a hidden camera where patrons inside can watch and laugh at the confused visitors who haven’t figured it out yet! Intrigue draws you down, like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Inspired by the fable, this whimsical wine bar is interesting and really transports you to an usual setting with hanging umbrellas, grass walls, and barrel lanterns.

Interior Design: Michael Sorriano

And I can’t wait for the new Alice in Wonderland movie from Disney next year. Jonny Depp as the mad hatter? Genius…

“Fly-fly” lamp of the moment

I'm really loving the Fly-fly suspended light fixture by Foscarini.

Re-design of an Indian Icon

Built originally in 1903, Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel in Mumbai is home to the well known restaurant of Wasabi by Morimoto and it’s adjoining Harbour Bar. This fantastic recent re-design was done by Rockwell Group Europe, and is very successful in blending tradition with contemporary design, as well as Japanese (for the restaurant’s cuisine) and Indian (for it’s historic location) aesthetics. The Harbour Bar was the first establishment in all of India to acquire an official liquor license. The bar is carved from one giant solid piece of marble!

These red lacquer stairs wind up from the bar level up to Wasabi by Morimoto Restaurant on the upper level. I love the juxtaposition of the bright red, Japanese lacquer work against the dull black metal and glass elevator it wraps. A ceremonial room in the restaurant is dedicated for individuals to watch their sushi being made from one of India’s top chefs. Japanese forms with Indian architecture and art co-mingle to create a sophisticated setting in the restaurant.

And the Award Goes To…

Best Bar / Lounge – The Congo Room, L.A. by Belzberg Architects

Best Fine Dining – Corton, New York by Stephanie Goto

Best Hotel Boutique – Ace Hotel, New York by Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors

Best Resort Hotel – Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali by WOHA

Best Business Hotel – Park Hyatt, Shanghai by Tony Chi & Associates

Color of the year 2010

Pantone has named Turquoise 15-5519 as its color of the year for 2010. I’m not surprised, are you? You can find the complete article HERE.

Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas Opens

This is the second hotel to open at Las Vegas’ new City Centre (after Vdara Hotel earlier this week). It is interesting that this 47 storey hotel has no gaming on it’s direct premises. This is the new “luxury” in sin city….gaming free properties in the midst of it all around!