I’m still in love with the idea of escaping to rural France. And when I came across these photos of a tiny (2 room) Bed and Breakfast in Avion, it just re-confirmed my feelings. This place, simply called by it’s address: 42 Rue Victor Hugo looks amazing! The building was actually built in the 14th century as a convent. French Charm and contemporary detailing go hand in hand, n’est pas?
To all my readers, new and old, I wish you a Happy Happy Holiday season and a terrific 2011! Thanks for all your continued support and interest.
HUGS
Dale
I think it’s extremely important to support local business, especially new ones that are as stylish as this one! So I’d like to share with you the arrival of one of Vancouver’s latest member’s of the designer retail community, Mint Interiors. You can find them at www.mintinteriors.ca or you can visit their showroom at 1805 Fir Street (at W. 2nd Ave). Oh Santa, I see several things I’d like this year!
I see dozens of images of interiors every day. And this condo in Miami designed by Edward Nieto Design really is almost my perfect dream pad. The part I love the most is the living room set up. As soon as I saw this arrangement, I knew instantly It’s what I’ve always wanted (and how I think a lot of people live today). A large screen TV with a comfy sectional, and work / eating surface behind it. It’s a living room for living, not necessarily entertaining, and I for one could totally live in that room. Eat there, surf the internet there, watch movies there, take a nap there… And it’s so clever how the curving sectional continues and wraps around to face out the windows towards the view.
The bedroom is also gorgeous. Spacious and serene, again with views of the ocean to die for. 
The zebra patterned tub in the ensuite is definitely a show stopper. Talk about the perfect setting for eating strawberries and sipping champagne while taking a bubble bath! I’ve also always wanted an all black bathroom, so this comes pretty close.
And the formal den…how inspiring would it be to work or have client meetings here?
What would I improve? Not much as it’s totally my style. I might add a little more colour to the overall palate, but I’d be very happy to live here just the way it is!
I’m not typically a fan of very traditional interiors. But the House Hotel in Istanbul blows me away by it’s beauty! The pictures speak for themselves. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. 
The library / Lounge
Restaurant
Restaurant Lounge. (My next sofa will be a tufted leather one just like this, I guarantee it.)
The public corridor design is amazing. The geometric shapes on floor and ceiing contrast the ornate detailing in the panels. And the rustic doors ooze character.
The wood parquet floors and contemporary furniture in one of the suites compliments the traditional architecture beautifully.
The fashion house Diesel has been designing light fixtures for Italian lighting company Foscarini this year, and I love the look of this series called TOOL. I know it isn’t everyone’s taste, (some of you will probably make comments about how it belongs in a mechanic’s shop) but I personally love the industrial feel to these lamps. Very moody and edgy. Each piece is made out of a single molded piece of rubber.
This amazing new Hermes boutique store on the Left Bank in Paris has taken amazing form in an old, abandoned swimming pool facility of all places! The building is a heritage designated site, and was built in the 1930s with a distinct Art Deco feel. The designers preserved architecture and floor / pool tile where they could, and played up the homage to the building’s former purpose with expressions of new tile. At the same time, the Hermes philosophy of inginuity and forward thinking was injecte through amazing new wood forms and sculpture to celebrate the volume of the space. 
Designers: RDAI Agency
Oh I love this design by MIM Design for Tabcorp 2010. This temporary space is re-interpreted every year for Tabcorp, an Australian gaming (gambling) company. I’m loving the triple herringbone effect they created. The pink hued herringbone pattern in the floor, herringbone patterned mirror on the front of the bar, and wood herringbone up the wall are amazing.
The “original and biggest” Ice Hotel officially opens today for it’s 2010 / 2011 incarnation. And even though this is the 21st winter, it still fascinates me to see the creativity that is put into this hotel. Located just North of the Arctic Circle in Sweden, The hotel has as always a grand reception hall, a church, an ice bar, and this year 19 special one of a kind “art suites”. Indoor temperatures are kept at –5 degrees celcius. Brrrr
Reception Desk
Even the chandlier crystals are made of ice!
The Absolut Ice Bar
Ice Church (how amazing would it be to get married here?)
Here are a few of the art suites. You can see many more on the Ice Hotel website here.
Abanico Suite
Kabloom Suite
Melted Geometry Suite
Rest in the Nest Suite (Kind of creepy to have giant eggs and bird legs at your headboard…but hey, if you’re into that!) 
Twilite Night Suite
And yes, even a Tron Suite
