This new cafe in Amsterdam called Mazzo caught my eye for several reasons. I love the mis-matched chairs, the overscale Moooi lights and the photography of people eating on the walls. I think the simple color scheme lets the eye focus on texture and detail, which is pulled off quite nicely. Overall it looks like my kind of place to hang out with a friend and grab a bite to eat. Warm and inviting, but still kind of quirky.
Designers: Concrete Architectural Associates
I’ve been swamped at work lately and apologize for not updating the blog more often. I’ve just started a project that will have me taking a new build office tower, and creating a lobby experience similar to that of a boutique hotel, as requested by the owner. A little unusual? Yes….but right up my alley. My initial research has led me to several inspiration images which I’m showing the client. So here is my first “photo dump” as us bloggers call it. The styles range from Minimalist boutique to Maximalist boutique. Which one is your favorite style?
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Please forgive me that I have not had the time to name all of the property locations and sources.
Well the weather in Vancouver is getting cooler and the rainy season has started. But these photos of the Tanjong Beach Club in Singapore have me dreaming about summer already.
An almost mod / 60’s style motif on the cinder wall at the entrance.
An infinity edge pool with luxurious cabanas and ocean views is the star outside.
An outdoor bar is playful and airy. I love the fun lights and pattern on the bar top.
The main dining space embodies casual poolside style.
I love how the screening on the windows was modelled after the actual palm tree husk patterns outside.
Designer: Takenouchi Webb
I’m always torn whether or not I should showcase images of hotels that are new and different, but not necessarily my own personal taste. But I think it’s important to see what is going on out there in the design world. Where things are heading. What people are trying.
Take this new hotel called The Redbury, which just opened in Hollywood. The inspiration is art, fashion, culture, and music. The vision comes from famous fashion photographer Matthew Rolston and SBE (a boutique hotel company) CEO Sam Nazarian.
Kudos for the boldness of the rooms. How many times can one report a new hotel that is completely neutral with a couple red toss cushions thrown in for good measure? This one blows color out of the water! And I’ve always loved pattern on pattern.
To me it may look a little bit Russian bordello meets gypsy meets Hollywood glam meets Grandma’s living room. But I know guests would not forget their stay.
After much anticipation, the Edition Hotel Waikiki has finally opened. Edition Hotels will be a new lifestyle brand under the Marriott flag, with design from the boutique hotel Godfather Ian Schrager.
A beautifully curvy wood desk with broken surf boards as an artistic backdrop. 
A new take on an interactive lounge…digital photos, books, and artifacts to explore.
Must be nice to wake up in Paradise!
Even nicer to watch the sun set in one of the suites!
Dry off after a dip in the pool in a colorful Hawaiian towel.
Also on premises is Morimoto’s Waikiki. You can see a photo of it in an earlier post here.
It’s funny how a little sample that arrives in the mail can quickly become an obsession. Sitting on your desk being admired day after day. Well that’s what has happened with a little hand crafted sample of wall paper I received from the Palm Springs based company Wallteriors. From their Guild collection, this pattern is called Horizon. The color shown is Black Rock. (It’s available in 5 additional colous). Isn’t it amazing as a featured wall behind the bed as shown? It almost looks like expensive marble. But it’s equally as beautiful close up as a textured paper.
Check out some of the other amazing hand crafted wall papers at www.wallteriors.com
Here is a sneak peak of the new Morimoto Waikiki Restaurant by renowned Iron Chef Morimoto. I love the colour scheme, simple elegance, and clever display of the suspended seashells in clear Lucite boxes.
You might think this hotel is just a crazy idea, but no, this building actually exists in reality. The 12 storey, 160 room Inntel Hotel in the city of Zaandam plays with shapes and iconography of classic Dutch housing. Inside though, a sleek, modern and simple decor is featured. Large graphics and a restrained palette of black, white, wood, and punches of green are used throughout.
Architects: WAM
D’espresso coffee bar on Madison Avenue in NYC is really cool. Paying homage to to the nearby Mid-Manhatan library, the center band of floors and walls are covered in a bookshelf graphic, the herringbone flooring is applied to one wall, and the lights above the bar on the opposite wall protrude out into the space giving the illusion that the room is tilted on its side! Tilt your head to the right…you’ll see.
I love the look of the Ramonos Hotel, a new hotel in Starwood’s Luxury collection. Located in Gialova, Greece, this getaway pushes all the right design buttons for me. Here’s why:
A simple colour scheme pleases many and outlasts trends. The warmth of wood and sea inspired accent colours are calm and welcoming:
Local flavour gives character that is undeniably appropriate. I love the contemporary take on the Greek Key motif on the headboards in the guestrooms:
A suite:
Catering to everyone’s needs. I love this children’s play and spa area. Makes travel easier and more relaxed:
Adult’s turn!
Designer: MKV Design
