Living in a Cave

A new trend in Green Architecture?  Living in a cave.

But not just any cave, a luxury home built into a cave.  Its a natural way to insulate a residence and it is energy efficient.  Underground spaces are also very quiet and provide tranquility from road noise. These underground homes utilize the beauty of nature and leave the natural surrounding virtually undisturbed.  Its the blending of architecture and environmental harmony.

But this idea of living in a cave is not new.  Greece, Turkey & Israel all have luxury hotels built into caves.  People have been hollowing out caves since the beginning of time to create shelter. Many old civilizations constructed entire cities built into mountains.  The best example is the ancient city of Petra in Jordan with its beautifully carved columns and detailed facade.

Could you live in a cave?

The Importance of Architecture

How important is architecture?  

I have worked with a myriad of architects and I know for a fact that the first step in the success of a project requires the work of a great architect.  As a designer I make a home better with great finishes and functional furniture arrangements.  But what I start with, the shell and feeling of the home, all start with the imagination of a good architect.   The failure of an architect to create a proper space will hinder my ability to take the interiors to the next level.

A beautiful coffee table book from Ausseline is "Living Architecture" in which the work of great architects such as Frank Geary, Marcel Breuer, Philip Johnson, Eliel Saarinen, and Frank Lloyd Wright are featured.   I respect and admire the work of mamy in this book and wish there were more creative and more unique architects out there.  

I know a few "architects" that could benefit from a copy of this book!

The Richard Neutra Kronish House

I'm a lover of great architecture and a big fan of the mid century modern architect Richard Neutra.   I love the linear angles and the pureness of his architecture and the whole international movement of design from that era.  

The sad news is that one of the last Richard Neutra homes is about to be demolished.  I wish I could save it.   The house has been foreclosed on and the city of Los Angles may be destroying it.   It is in severe disarray and in need of a major renovation.  But what I would give to restore such a treasure to it's original beauty. The Kronish house is 7,000 s.f and is the largest Neutra home built.   A true grand dame of old Beverly Hills culture and if it goes so will a piece of Los Angeles history.If I had $5.8 million available right now, I would buy this property!  I'm dying.  

I can think of entire neighborhoods of ugly meaningless suburbia homes that should be demolished before this.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/08/neutras-kronish-house-gets-a-reprieve.html

A hard line...

Do you have a hard line?

With the rapid change in technology it seems smart phones have taken over. It seems less and less people (including myself) have home land line phones. It seems like one additional thing to have and one additional machine to check.  You can Skype from a computer and ipad or you can Face Time from iphones.  You can Facebook and 4 Square everyone.  So really - do you need a hard line anymore? How much more accessible do we need to be?

Are the days of the home phone almost done? 

Smoking hot!

We all did it.  Social smoking was fun and cool. Back then.

However, I love it that today no one smokes inside anymore and that it's out of vogue.  The air is clean,  my hair and clothes don't smell like ash and my car doesn't stink.  I don't know many people who still smoke these days, it's kind of suicide with all of the information we have about cigaretts. 

And how has no smoking affected interior design? Ashtrays are now antiques.  And the vintage handblown venetian glass ashtrays are my favorites.

But I look at old  Steven Meisel photos and I must admit ... I want a drag.  They are such sexy and pretty photos that they  make smoking look  hot. 

 

 

How sexy is your desk?

How sexy is your desk?

Is your desk cluttered and filled with junk?  Is it stuck in a corner or completely covered in mess? If so, then you probably need more storage solutions and a better desk.  Planning your work space is important because work is good and good things happen there. It is your command center and a place you should feel totally in control.    I spend a few hours a day at my desk and I know that having my space functional and organized helps me work better.  Should this important space be memorable?

The basics of  designing a work space are file storage, out of view printer and scanner areas as well as good lighting.  Book shelving, placement of all electronics, and a pretty, yet comfortable work chair. But the extra mile is to make it sexy and completely personalize the space by having incredible artwork, and personal accessories that tell your story.

My vote for all time sexiest desk?  Bill Clinton's.

The Ultimate Resting Place

What do we do with the remains of those we love when they die?

If you live in Agra, India and you have 20 thousand slaves at your disposal - you design and create the Taj Majal so that the body of your beloved can rest in peace.   And that is exactly what the 17th century Mughal emperor Shah Jahan did.  He commissioned the white marble, Persian/ Indian style mausoleum and its surrounding gardens in memory of his 3rd wife who died giving birth to their 14th child. Her tomb is located in the center of the structure, below the 115 foot tall dome. 

I couldn't miss seeing it when I was in India.  It was truly a lovely building and an architectural wonder.  The intricate hand carvings on the marble were spectacular and the detail both inside and out unmatched. Without a doubt, the Taj Majal is one of the most luxurious and ultimate resting places I've ever seen. 

Shagreen

Shagreen?

A lot of people do not know what it is.  It's the use of ray or shark skin.  It has been around for centuries but most associated with the Art Deco styles.   The skins have small rough bubbles that make the texture very tactile and appealing to touch.  You can upholster anything or create any shape or form.  It tends to be a luxury material because of the high cost.  But you can buy small items such as boxes or accessories if you just want to add a touch of the texture in a room.

I enjoy finding shagreen 80's style tables and night stands in vintage stores.  They look so updated and current and have a very sophisticated feel to them. If you are in the market for these vintage finds, try and find the old Karl Springer pieces.  

Enjoy your hunt for Shagreen.

"My Favorite Place"

There is a new show on HGTV this year called "My Favorite Place".  Have you seen it yet?

I recently shot an episode for the show in Cabo, Mexico and it will air tomorrow night. I hope you can catch it. And make sure and tell me what you think of it after you watch it.

Check your local listings for exact times.

August 20th at 6p.m. Eastern time.

http://www.hgtv.com/my-favorite-place/beach-design-countess-luann-de-lesseps-sandra-espinet-katie-lee/index.html

 

Australian artist Walderman Kolbusz

I met the gorgeous and talented internationally acclaimed, Australian artist Wald Kolbusz a few years ago at the Hong Kong Peninsula Hotel.  We enjoyed several bottles of champagne, millions of laughs and one very late night of chatter.

Wald lives in Pearth, Australia with his partner of over 10 years and beautiful dog.  He paints large scale, brilliant, eye popping abstract art with layers of color that seem to overlap on to each other. I love his color combinations and his current hues and study on color. It's no wonder he has been showered with accolades and awards and continually exhibits throught the world.

Without trying, some people just "are" cool.  Wald and his artwork - just are.

http://www.kolbusz.com.au

Valentino jellies

Ok girls.  I'm all about the heels. But the current double platform shoe thing has to stop!

I'm tired of seeing women look like fashion editorial victims and street walkers in shoes that are way too high and out of roportion. Admit it:  8 inch double platform shoes are uncomfortable and odd to walk in.   So no more stripper shoes for me.  I'll be the smiling girl wearing the super cool comfortable Valentino jellies as I walk past you in your painful shoes.  

Must we cave in to ridiculous design just to be current?  Double platform shoes are the equivilant to Etore Sottsass furniture!  

 

Lamps Plus

Lamps Plus is one of those stores that everyone has shopped at, right?

Anything related to lighting is quick and easy to find and no matter what budget your project is in you can find something.  Last minute finials, odd shaped lamp shades and of course lamps.

They wrote a nice article about me yesterday, so I wanted to post it and share it with you.

Move over Cathy Ireland!

http://www.lampsplus.com/info-center/b/blog/archive/2011/08/15/luxury-interior-designer-sandra-espinet-shares-inspiration-and-her-favorite-lamps-plus-lighting.aspx

People Who Live in Glass Houses

 "People who live in glass houses, shouldn't throw bricks"  really should  be "people who live in glass houses, shouldnt walk around naked".

But ignoring the privacy factor, I adore the mid century avant garde architecture of masters such as Phillip Johnson, and Mies Van Der Rohe.  Their inovative concepts and brilliant use of glass as a building material transformed modern architecture and they way we now live.  No small hidden rooms, no mess, no frills, simplicity at it's best.

Unless Billy Joel were the neighbor, could you live in a glass house?

THE WEDDING

A bit sad.  My beautiful  friend, fashion designer Kaelen, is getting married in NYC today and I will not be there. I'm sure it will be a fabulous event and I can't wait to see the photos of her custom dress which she designed.  

Stop it!  I know it's a girl thing.  But Im having teenage girl fantasies of wedding dresses today.  I'm a huge Elie Saab fan and I picture myself wearing one of his beaded couture gowns.  And of course, who could forget the La Perla honeymoon wardrobe?   Ohhhhh ... I love weddings.

Kaelen - love you and  wish you the best! 

My Fabulous Furniture on One Kings Lane

Have you been to the amazing web site of One Kings Lane?

It is a great new way to shop for designer home products at discounted rates.  Each week the curators find collections from different designers and put together selected items that inspire you to get your home looking great.   Each week it's different and once a sale ends the items are removed and a new collection is put up.  It's great fun and a whole new way to shop.

My line of furniture, featuring items I have collected from around the world on my shopping expeditions, will be featured starting tomorrow morning.  I hope you take a few minutes to log on, get registered and preview it.  It's a group of handmade, unique furniture and accessories that you would expect to see in my interior design projects at a discounted rate.

Pass the word on ... forward this to any of your friends who you think might be interested.

Have fun and tell me what you think.  I love hearing from you!

http://oklsandraespinet.cocodot.com/

www.onekingslane.com

Knock on My Door

One of the first things Prince Charming will see when he comes to your door?   Your knockers!   

So get creative and make them great.  Find vintage, unique and cool one of a kind pieces from salvage stores such as Liz's Antique Hardware in LA, where unique hardware from builds around the world that are being demolished get recycled.  Shop around in old architectural salvage shops for interesting and unique hardware pieces that can be converted onto decorative knockers.

 It's one of those special touches that makes a great house a home!

 

THE SYMMETRY IN LIFE

Symmetry - the element of perfect balance. The precise proportion of left and right, upper and lower.

One of my dear friends works for a high fashion modeling agency and she always comments of the aesthetic facial proportion of people.  The reason we all love the face of Angelina Jolie. What makes a person pretty and another unattractive?  Its all in the symmetry of their bone structure. 

It goes for interior design and architecture as well.  There is something so aesthetically pleasing and easy to understand about a symmetrical room.  It just makes sense.  Simple, without over thinking or trying too hard. 

Are you having issues with the furniture layout in a room?  Try to place the furniture  in a perfectly symmetrical formation.  You will be surprised how the yin and the yang work!

 

ROMANTIC SPIRAL STAIRCASES

I'm feeling a little old fashioned and romantic today.   I want to put my hair up, get into a flowing gown, slip on a pair of fab heels and walk down a spiral staircase to greet my knight in shining armour.  

Think Scarlett O' Hara, Bride of Dracula ... and me in Elie Saab !  We all love the drama of amazing architecture and the sound of heels clicking down a spiral staircase, the visual of a long dress trailing behind you as you descend down the winding curves of a beautiful spiral staircase.

A girl is allowed to fanatasize ... about staircases, right?

 

BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

There is  something  so special about black and white photography.  I like using groups and collections of black and whites on long hallway walls.

It's simplicity leaves more to the imagination, and makes the photographs a bit more edgy and artistic, giving you  the opportunity to insert your own imaginary colors and textures. We mistify the old classic black & white shots of silver screen actors and find them intriguing and romantic. 

Ansel Adams, Gregory Colbert, Annie Lebowitz and Robert Maplethorp are just a few of the incredible artist who have created images that have caught my attention and captivated me.

Who is your favorite photog?

 

The View From Above

One of the most luxurious creature comforts?  A helicopter.

There is no cooler mode of trasportation or more stylish way to make an entrance than in a helicopter. And now that Eurocopter and Mercedes-Benz have jointly unveiled a luxury model for business and private travel,  I can't wait to learn to fly. The EC145  holds eight passengers, has all the style and luxury one would expect from a Mercedes-Benz, is equipped with comfortable seats made of exclusive materials coupled with sumptuous wood for the floors and ceiling. 

I love the unique point of view a helicopter offers.  Can't wait to learn to fly one day.

I'M FEELING EMERALD GREEN

I woke up feeling emerald green. 

Green is a calming natural color.  It is not a primary color, its a secondary color made up of blue and yellow.  It is a color associated with regeneration and fertility. In old English "green" is related to growing and nature.  Its a color that inspires peace.

Emeralds, lizards, grass, pine trees, frogs, limes, mint and ... mmm ... mojitos.

 

 

Kisses to All

Sensual, luscious red lips have inspired men ... and furniture designers throughout the years!

But the most famous has to be the "Bocca Lip" sofa designed by Studio 65 in 1972.  It is once again being produced and is currently made out of lightly textured red resin plastic which makes it perfect for both indoor or outdoor use and is easy to clean.

How much more fun can you have on a sofa?

Kisses to all!

The lovely Mr. C

Do you love the Hotel Cipriani in Venice?  

I do and I have some great memories of time spent at the Cipriani bar while traveling Italy.  I adore the place. And now, Im so exited because Venice has come to Beverly Hills. The lovely "Mr. C Hotel" ( C for Cipriani )  has just opened.

 Look for me by the pool.  I'll be the girl drinking Bellini's.

http://www.mrchotels.com