Urban Vertical Forest

An Urban Vertical Forest?

A great new concept for polluted and large cities created by Italian architect Stephano Boeri could change the way we feel in our concrete jungles.  By adding plantings to vertical building exteriors, Boeri hopes to change the air in industrialized cities and give everyone fresher air.  He has designed special watering systems to sustain the plants and says that the trees not only create clean air but also provide shade and privacy.

The first Urban Vertical Forest structure is under construction in Milan and if it is a success, I expect it will inspire other such buildings to follow this innovative concept.

http://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net

The Soho House

Have you been to a Soho House? 

The Soho House is a private member's club with locations in several major cities such as London, Berlin, NY, and LA.   It started in London by founder Nick Jones in 1995, with the concept of having a social club for successful film, music, fashion and creative professional. The club requires a small background check before accepting anyone as a member and anyone applying must know at least 2 current member who are used as referrals.

It's a cool place to hang out, to have meetings, or to just have a drink.   They all have great interior design and very cool amenities such as screening rooms, pool tables and concierge services.   The food is excellent and the service is great.  I highly recommend getting to know a member if you are not one already!   But don't call me.  My membership is still pending.

http://www.sohohouse.com

 

Olympic Architecture

All eyes are on London with the opening of the 2012 Olympics today, July 27th.

Although no iconic buildings were created and no unlimited extravaganza Opening and Closing ceremony budgets were considered, London plans to show the world the classic English hospitality.  The British government set a realistic budget of 9.3 billion pounds and they are sticking to it to show the world even in financial crisis times they can organize a proper world class event.

A new aquatic center was designed by the  famous architect Zaha Hadid.  It is simple, modern and functional. “Olympic Park” the main stadium, will host the Opening and Closing ceremonies a well as track and field events was designed by Populous as a functioning legacy build on a tight budget.  It will be recycled and reused during the 2017 World Athletic Championship that will also be hosted in London.

What will England’s  statement to the world be?  It’s bound to be memorable as everything the Brit’s do.   So tune in, like the millions around the world and join the Olympic spirit.

The Old Swiss House

If one day you wake up in  Luzern Switzerland, do yourself the favor of making diner reservations at The Old Swiss House.

From the outside it does not look like much.  A typical looking cute Swiss home.  But as soon as you walk in the door and get a sniff of the fantastic home made melted butter, your senses know that you have arrived at the home of "The Two Fat Ladies" ( one of my old favorite tv shows ).

Of course the restaurant is Zagat rated, the concierge recommended it and it is written up as the best place to dine in Luzern.  But it's more than that.  Its the whole ambiance and the whole cozy cool feeling you get when you enter the restaurant.  There is no decor style to describe it other than a granny, eclectic, country French thing.  Each table is unique, all chairs are different, mix and matched fabrics and colors, and odd old French silver serving pieces all over the place.  Yet this insane mix, all works.

The show starts once your server brings the food to the table and cooks it at the table.  And you die and go to heaven after the chocolate souffle.   Each and every calorie was a pleasure to eat!

http://www.oldswisshouse.ch/en/

Nikki Beach

Nikki Beach, the world class beach clubs are popping up all over the world.

Miami Beach, St Barths, Marbella, Cabo San Lucas, St Tropez, and  London are among the sophisticated, party, beach clubs where the fabulous and beautiful hang out.  Nikki Beach combines the beach, lounge concept with great food, drinks and party atmosphere.  They always have events and DJ's or bands to keep you in the mood.

And of course, if you happen to be in London during the Olympics this coming week, and don’t have event tickets , Nikki Beach has you covered and has set up big screen tv’s and will be hosting Olympic beach parties.  A must!

 www.nikkibeachclub.com

LASIK

"Life through the eyes of a luxury interior designer" has been via contact lenses!  And finally, after all of these years, I am taking the plunge and having Lasik surgery.

Basically, Lasik is a laser refractive procedure to correct myopia.  It has been around for the past 20 years.  But my eyes are my most important asset and I have always been a bit scared to mess with them in the event of a possible mishap.   Like any surgery there are always small chances and risks we take. So I figured - just stick to the contacts.

But I am off to see Dr Caster.   It's a quick overnight recovery and after the first night or medicated rest I should have 20 / 20 vision.

Good bye contacts and glasses!

http://www.castervision.com

 

PINTEREST CONTEST WITH LAMPS PLUS

Social media has taken over.  But this is fun.

Do you use Pinterest?  Do you like Lamps Plus?  I am a fan of both and plan to enter their contest to win a shopping spree.  Ill keep you posted.

Click the link below and start pinning to win.  Ready, set, go!

http://www.lampsplus.com/info-center/b/blog/archive/2012/07/06/lamps-plus-pinterest-contest.aspx

 

 

Pools

One of my favorite architectural details is a pool.

Maybe because it's summer, but I have water on my mind.  I am using my pool as much as I can and enjoying every minute of it.  There is nothing more relaxing than an afternoon on nothing with sun and water.

But it's not as easy as dig a hole and fill it with water.  Luxury pools many details and options.  One of the biggest trends is to not chlorinate a pool but to use a salt water filtration. There are lighting options, tile options, edge options and of course design options.   Working with the right pool company and coordinating with an architect is imperative.

And when it's all said and done, the end product is a summer dream!

The Dolder Grand

I loved staying at the Dolder Grand in Zurich Switzerland.

The old classic grand dame hotel that opened in 1899, has been renovated with a fantastic modern twist by the architectural firm of Foster & Partners, who basically created a new hotel next door to the old Belle Epoque landmark.  Beautiful details, amazing sliding doors, modern iron railing.  The design is a perfect blend of old and new.  The new rooms are modern, sleek, with tall ceilings and amazing views of Lake Zurich.  They are completely electrified with Bang and Olufsen universal controls systems that operate the music, tv, lights, electric curtains and door signs for the staff.  And the bathrooms are every girls dream with tubs overlooking the view. 

The spa is one of the best in the world, the private golf course is beautiful, and the 2 star Michelin "the Restaurant" is outstanding.  Once you check in, there is no reason to leave this lap of luxury.The Dolder Grand has hosted everyone from  Winston Churchill, Arturo Toscanini, Albert Einstein, the Shah of Iran, Henry Kissinger, the Rolling Stones, and now, me.

I'm a huge fan and can't wait to go back to Zurich!

http://www.thedoldergrand.com

 

Beluga & Crystal Brunch

I was too lazy to get out of bed and make breakfast yesterday.  So I put on some jeans, grabbed my Birken and headed down to Petrossian for a fabulously casual brunch of Beluga caviar & Crystal champagne brunch with friends.

Caviar are the salt-cured fish-eggs of the Black Sea sturgeon fish. There are 4 types: Beluga ( my favorite ),Sterlet,Ossetra and Sevruga. All other fish eggs are not really considered "caviar" even though they may be good on sushi or other foods. Traditionally, true caviar is eaten alone on a soft blini and creme fraiche.  And there is nothing like it!

Nothing is more fun and decadent than a lazy Sunday with nothing to do.  And nothing is as yummy as caviar and champagne for no reason other than pure pleasure of celebrating life!

http://www.petrossian.com

IKAT Textiles

Ikat textiles are one of the most popular patterns in fabrics today.

Ikat is a dying technique used to pattern textiles.  Similar to tie dye, but with a different effect, ikats have become extremely detailed and colorful.   The result of this process is a motif which is “blurred”  in appearance. This ‘cloudy’ look comes from the slight bleeding of the dyes into the resist areas.

The work Ikat is an Indonesian word so it is believed that the technique started there. However ikats are traditional through out South East Asia, central Asia and parts of South America.

Me?  Love, love, love them!

 

The Mitikah

The new Mitikah Office Tower in Mexico City, Mexico is the newest project by acclaimed New York architect Richard Meier. 

The project is a state of the art high rise building designated for mixed use of residential, retail, office and hotel spaces.  The design concept is a modern interpretation of Aztec forms and will be no doubt add to the rich architectural skyline of the city. The use of energy efficient and high performance materials will make the building sustainable and LEED.  Sustainability and green design is a new concepts for Mexico and the this project will no doubt inspire other new buildings in the city to also continue the eco trend of architecture and construction.

The eco building is anticipating a 2014 completion.  As a Richard Meier fan, I am very excited to see it completed and I hope to be able to appreciate it in person.

Pink Doors

Pink doors?  I know..it's not a color for everyone.  But how unique!

Sometimes taking a chance on an uncharacteristic color, a color normally considered too feminine for architecture, one can create a special statement.  And I think pink doors do that.  No one will forget your door color and it will stand out as a unforgettable element.

In tropical islands such as Bermuda or Key West, pink doors look very fresh and cool. But also colder weathered cities like Dublin and San Miguel de Allende have lots of pink doors.  So step out of the box and give pink a try!

Red Doors

Red doors?

When I think of red doors, big American barn doors come to mind.  But red has been traditionally used all over the world as a dramatic entry way color.  The Chinese think it brings good luck and in some mountain areas it symbolises strength.  But no matter what you believe, a red door is s show stopper.

Enjoy these pretty images of red doors.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Happy Fourth of July!

May you enjoy some friend and family time and have a wonderful day.

RED WHITE AND BLUE

The Fourth of July is here upon us.  Have some fun and get creative decorating your picnic or dinner party.  Fun ribbon and pretty little flags will create the mood and get everyone in a festive mood.

Here are some insprirational photos that will inspire you up for decorating your party. 

Hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July!