It's All About Sicily In Fathom Magazine

The award-winning Fathom Magazine is celebrating Sicily this week.  I'm trilled that I get to join in the festivities.My article is about Sicily and the solo traveler.When I booked my trip, I didn't think it was a big deal that I was traveling alone.   Then once everyone and their mother kept saying, "Wow, you're going to Sicily by yourself?!", I started to get nervous.You can read about my Sicilian adventures HERE.The entire series is fantastic.  I want to book a trip now. 

Weekend Insipiration - Have A Seat - Viceroy Hotel - Anguilla, British West Indies

How funky are these chairs?I am a big fan of Kelly Wearstler's commercial work, yet the Viceroy in Anguilla took me by surprise.A few years ago I met clients for a drink at the bar.  At first, when I walked in, the décor seemed so "uncaribbean" to me.Then I walked around.  It IS very Caribbean.  Wearstler's use of natural materials, her color palette, and the subtle nod to more tradition Caribbean design makes the Viceroy one my favorite hotel spaces.This hotel is huge and could easily feel very corporate (thinking of a certain hotel on the Dutch side of St. Maarten that ruined one of the best beaches on the island).Instead it's unique and jaw dropping gorgeous.Not a bad place to meet for drinks, especially with a locals' discount.I have more meetings this weekend about my Caribbean project.Feeling very inspiredBuon weekend!  

The Tuscany Project

Last year I wrote about the vacation home in Tuscany I'm working on with architect Domenico Minchili.Our clients had some photos taken and below are a few of them.First, a before shot of the living room.After.The room is so much lighter.  The new "old" floors make a huge difference as does the paint color.  I was consumed for days regarding which shade of Farrow & Ball white was the best white for the  walls.  We decided to use Skimming Stone.The chairs were custom made by Tondini & Radicchi. So were all the draperies in the house.One of the bedrooms mid-renovation.After.A bathroom before.After.Wider shot of the living room.  The sofas, coffee table, and sconces are custom.The studio.This room receives little natural light.  Many people assume that a small dark room must be painted a very light color in order to make it look bigger.  Not true.  It seems counter-intuitive but going darker gives a small room more depth.One of my Italian friends called this décor, "Relaxed Chic."   Another friend said it was "Casual Luxury."  Both work for me.Every bedroom, and its bathroom is unique, yet the entire home is cohesive.The paint is from Farrow & Ball.Most of the new furniture was custom made.  We also sourced pieces from Flamant, Barthel, and small shops in Rome and Tuscany.Our fabric sources were, Dedar, Ralph Lauren Home, Kathryn M. Ireland, and Pierre Frey.If you would like to know the specific colors or more information about the fabric or furniture, please feel free to ask me in the comments section.This property is available for vacation rental.  It's in the heart of the Chianti region surrounded by vineyards.  The views are stupendous.For more information (and some exterior photos), please visit the luxury rental  Abercrombie & Kent website.Photos by: Mario FloresSave

Io Adoro - Portrait Firenze - A New Hotel in Florence, Italy

Before my first trip to Italy, nine years ago, I had to cut my vacation short.  The production company I worked for decided to shut down, permanently, two weeks before Christmas.  Happy Holidays everyone!I was going to scrap the entire trip but my family was very worried about my mental state and insisted I go.I decided to travel to only one city for just one week.  I narrowed down my choices to Rome or Florence.  One of my good friends in L.A. is a hardcore Italophile.  She proclaimed that I was a Rome person and should save Florence for another trip.I've been to Florence twice. The art is stupendous and the city is beautiful.  Yet each time I felt anxious and couldn't wait to return to Rome.  It's not as if Rome is a laid back place.  However, Florence is a much smaller city and cannot handle the hordes of tourists and study aboard students.Well, I need to get over it because I must see the new Portrait Firenze.  The architect/interior designer is Michele Bonan.  I've written about how much I LOVE his work, especially, the newish J.K. Place in Rome.The hotel is owned by the Ferragamo family (the Lungarno Collection) and is located in the heart of the Historic Center. It has only thirty-six rooms and killer views of the Ponte Vecchio. It's scheduled to open this spring.Look at that view.  Love the soft relaxing colors.  Those green lamps?  Must track down.Sigh. No words.I need to be here with my man, enjoying the Franciacorta.Pocket doors. Dark wood.  Look at that ceiling.

Photos: Lungarno Collection

Weekend Inspiration - J.K. Place Hotel - Rome

This week, LONNY wrote about the new J.K. Place Hotel.   Believe the hype.   It's gorgeous.Months ago, one of my vendors told me I had to see the chartreuse DEDAR fabric architect/interior designer Michele Bonan used in the cafe. I finally had a chance to see it when my friend Erica and I went to meet a colleague of hers and his wife who were staying at the hotel.I told Erica we must add J.K. to our list.  We are very hard on places when it comes to cocktails. It's not enough to have an excellent bartender, the décor must be on point.Erica's colleague showed us their room.  I almost cried when I saw the bathroom.   This one is a little larger.  Look at that shower.  The floors.  The marble.  Sigh.Bonan is one of my favorite designers and what he did with the space is stunning.   The building used to be the architecture school for La Sapienza (the largest university in Rome).Inspired by Tom Ford's film, A SINGLE MAN, the atmosphere is what folks back in the States call "grown and sexy."It's a very unique space in Rome and I think the bar/lobby will appeal to people who are, well, grown and sexy.  I don't see Flip-Flop Girls™ hanging out here.  Grazie dio!I could spend hours in the library.For more pictures of J.K. Place Roma, you can click on their gallery HERE.Photos: J.K. Place Roma

Life In Rome - An EUR Walk

Last Sunday, my friends Erica and Darius decided to take advantage of the great weather and organized a quick walk through EUR.I still have problems pronouncing the area's name correctly.  The second time I visited Rome, a friend from L.A. was in town.  She asked her lover (they met the year before) if he could show us around EUR.L.A. Friend:  Marco, can you drive us to E.U.R.?  (spelling it out in English)Marco: Dove? (Where?)LAF: E.U.R.Marco:  Non capisco.LAF:  Big buildings, Mussolini.Marco:  Oh, AY-oor.  Certo. That was a fun afternoon as my friend spoke no Italian and Marco spoke several languages but none of them were English.  However, they spoke the universal language of love lust, so it was all good.On Sunday, I met up with the rest of the Twitter folks (aka Tweeps).  One of Darius and Erica's friends was born in the area and still lives there.  He knows the area well and it was fascinating to hear his point of view.If you have any interest in architecture or 20th century Roman history, EUR is definitely worth a visit. It's a very unique neighborhood.Here are a few snapshots from Sunday.

Weekend Inspiration - Architectural Digest Showcases A Castle In Umbria

I cannot wait to pick up a copy of the November issue of ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST (USA).One of the stand out articles is about the restoration of a castle in Umbria.  The architect was Domenico Minchilli and the interiors were decorated by Martyn Lawrence Bullard.  The two were brought together by the client, Evgeny Lebedev.I wrote about Domenico and the project we're working on in Tuscany HERE.Domenico showed me a few before pictures of the castle.  As I looked at the photos I thought,"the word ruins doesn't convey what I'm seeing. Perhaps a pile of rocks would be a better description."I was floored by the transformation. It is truly inspiring.The November issue is on newsstands (Stateside) now.Buon weekend!

Stylish Simplicity - Paola Navone for Crate & Barrel

One of my favorite American stores has recently announced their collaboration with the incredible, Milan-based architect/interior designer, Paola Navone.  To say I'm a fan of her work is a huge understatement.I would like to buy so many things in this collection.  The darker blues remind me of Rome at dusk or the color of the sky above the mountains in St. Martin.I wonder how much it would cost to ship a few items to Rome.  Okay, I need to stop.  I once had to pay €40 to get a pack of Girl Scout cookies out of customs that my sister had sent to me.  I love Samoas but come on, that's bananas.I will have to appreciate this collection from afar.   It's the very definition of Stylish Simplicity. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXCQo62VWXs&w=420&h=315]For more information about Paola and to see the entire collection, HERE is the website.

Buon Viaggio - Bologna, Italy

I've been to Bologna once before for a very quick day trip with friends.   This time I went for work.Bologna is consistently rated as one the most liveable cities on the planet.  The cuisine is amazing, there are many companies based in the area in a variety of sectors, and a well educated population (the oldest university in the Western world was founded in Bologna).I knew this before I started researching my trip.  I didn't know, however, that there were so many fantastic stores for interiors. I was in décor heaven and I could not get over how friendly everyone was.My sister's former colleague, John, is in Bologna writing his dissertation and we had lunch at Drogheria della Rosa.  It was just as delicious as I remembered and it's one of John's favorite restaurants in Bologna.John was kind enough to bring me a bunch of shelter and cooking magazines from the States.  Later I met up with the lovely Tina for an aperitivo before catching the Italo train back to Rome.  It was a nice way to end a long but productive day.I hope I will be able to return to Bologna soon.Here are three of the showrooms I adored:

BORGO DELLA TOVAGLIE

Housed in a former furrier's workshop, this store blends design, art, and fashion.Borgo delle Tovaglie began as a tablecloth manufacturer in the early '90s.  In 2005 Valentina Muggia and her husband Giuliano Di Paolo bought the company.  Today the brand is internationally known for it's quality and style.   This is their first store and it's a beauty. They carry a variety of brands in addition to their own.  There was so much to see (and buy).   I loved their plates in a bucket.  Very clever and useful.Borgo delle TovaglieVia Farini, 10+39 051-330938www.borgodelletovaglie.com

CAMERA CON VISTA

This store is located in the very pretty Piazza Santo Stefano. Owned by Matteo and Rebecca, here you find one of kind objects from Italy, France, Spain, Sweden, and other countries.They carry jaw-dropping antiques and stunning modern pieces that have been refurbished into furniture.There are always new pieces coming in.  You never know what you might discover during your visit.Camera Con VistaVia Santa Stefano 14/2a+39 051-22468www.cameraconvista.biz

FABRIZIO COCCHI

Interior designer Fabrizio Cocchi's showroom has an elegant, glamorous vibe.  It's bold and full of color.  The photo below is of the neutral section.  When I first walked in, there was a lot of orange and red.Cocchi also had quite the collection of design books.  I would have gladly sat on one of his custom sofas and read for the afternoon.Okay, that would've been weird and rude as it's a store not a library.

Photo: Fabriziococchi.com

Fabrizio CocchiVia Castiglione, 17d+39 051-264358www.fabriziococchi.com

Weekend Inspiration - Relais Monaci Delle Terre Nere - Sicily

No words are needed explain why this new hotel in Sicily is inspiring. For more pictures of this stunning place, please click on their website HERE:Buon weekend!(I'm going to dream about the bedrooms.  I know it.)

Stylish Simplicity - Alessi E-LI-LI Espresso Cups By Fuksas

I don't even drink coffee or have an espresso maker, yet I would love to own these cups.  Stylish, simple, elegant... I adore them

Photo: Amazon.uk

Speaking of Fuksas, the world renowned architects recently renovated the flagship Benetton store in Rome.  I haven't stepped into a Benetton since college but I'm very curious about this building. 

Weekend Inspiration - Shower - Monteverdi, Tuscany

What a week.Just when you think Italian politics couldn't be more confusing or bizarre, they are.   I have no idea what is going to happen now.  Maybe we'll have new elections.The Pope said good-bye yesterday.  The city is packed with tourists who came to see him for the last time.  Cardinals are flying in for the conclave and there are journalists in town from all over the world.Work-wise, things were hectic. I'm not sure how it's Friday already.Yesterday, Domenico and I drove up to Tuscany to visit the job site and to meet with our client who flew in from Germany.  Normally, we would stay overnight but we decided to make it a day trip and left Rome at 6:30 a.m.It was a very long day.   At one point my brain said, "BASTA!" and refused to cooperate.  It was around the time I was asking the contractor questions in Italian and then translating his answers into English.On the drive back home, all I could think about was taking a long shower, getting in my PJs, and then watching Law and Order SVU reruns on Fox Crime (I have a thing for Detective Stabler).I wish I had a shower like this:Unfortunately, I do not.The shower in the photo was designed by Ilaria Miani for Monteverdi.   Monteverdi is a group of rental villas and a hotel in the small village of Castiglioncello del Trinoro in Tuscany.Stunning.  I hope to check it out sometime later this year.In the meantime, Stabler and I will be relaxing this weekend.Buon Weekend!

Weekend Inspiration - The Mix - Modern Meets The 16th Century.

In December, I attended the AWAR holiday cocktail party at Palazzo Farnese.  The construction of the Palazzo started in 1515 and it has been the home of the French Embassy since 1874.I've been inside the building before to vote (I have dual citizenship, American and French) and went to an exhibit they held a few years ago.  However, this time there was a tour from the Ambassador himself.I had a blast that night with my friend Gillian.  AWAR raised money for charity, we saw amazing art and architecture, and we had a chance to drink Champagne.One of the highlights for me was walking into various rooms by myself to study the interiors. I'm still shocked they let us take pictures (a big no-no at the American Embassy.  You have to turn in your cellphones and cameras at security)."The Mix" is important.  It's also difficult to do well.  A room with furnishings from a mix of eras gives off a different energy than a room where every single piece of furniture, all the vignettes, art, etc. etc. are from the exact same time period and/or store.  When the mix is on point, it's so exciting.I was surprised when I stepped into this room and saw the modern iron table and chairs.I think a traditional table from that period with very ornate detailing and decked out with ivory would've been too much.Instead this table compliments the room.  You really notice the drop dead gorgeous proportions, the floors, the walls, everything.   Most conference rooms are zzzzzzzz.  This one is a stunner.Buon weekend and cin cin to mixing it up. 

Weekend Inspiration - A Little Bit Of France In Brooklyn

Design, fashion, and lifestyle bloggers have gone crazy over Miranda Brooks' Brooklyn home which was featured in the January issue of American Vogue.I completely understand why.  Brooks, a landscape architect/contributing editor at Vogue and her French husband, architect Bastien Halard, have created a beautiful home.  It's stylish but not stuffy.How much do I adore this bathroom?I would spend a lot of time in this space... all those books!  The fresh flowers are a nice touch.What are your plans for the weekend?  I will be staring at Farrow & Ball paints trying to figure out which shade of gray is perfect for a client's upstairs hallway.I'm also going to do some major cleaning and organizing.  I might treat myself to some flowers at the overpriced flower stands in Campo dei Fiori.  Cranking up some good music and having pretty flowers to look at will make my chores less boring.It won't be all work this weekend.  I'm also meeting friends for aperitivi.Buon weekend a tutti! Click HERE to see more pictures of this amazing home.

Work In Progress - Country House - Tuscany, Italy

I was recently hired by the very talented architect Domenico Minchilli to work on the interiors for a home in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy.Words cannot adequately express how excited I am about this project.We have a mid/late Spring deadline.Early on, I started to pull images for an inspiration board on Pinterest. Some of the images came from books in my library, photos from my travels, or from my favorite websites. Originally, I had over sixty-five images. It was a great visual tool and helped me see the big picture. I kept that version of the board private so I could show Domenico what I was thinking.Once I had a clearer idea of what the client wanted/needed for their home, I put together a mood board in Photoshop for each room. There has to be a separate post about Photoshop... DRAMA.I had written a much longer post but deleted it. It was way too sappy.However, I will say I'm thrilled to be working with such an incredible group of people and that 2013 is off to a great start.

Work In Progress - Beach House - Anguilla, British West Indies

"Soon Come."This Caribbean expression is very similar to the Italian word, domani.   Technically,  domani means tomorrow, but in Italy it could mean months or years from now.  The concept of time is very different.Soon come is the same thing."When is your tio (uncle) visiting from the States?""Soon come."When I was a child, I assumed this meant that the gentleman would be on the next flight.  No, he may arrive tomorrow, or December 2013. Yesterday, I met with my clients and their builder.  The house is moving along."When will the exterior be finished?""Soon come".It's not easy to build on a tiny island thanks to the elements (hurricane season is no joke), sourcing of materials, and high labor costs.Depending on a variety of factors out of my client's hands, the house could be done in eight months or ???.We'll see.   Soon come.

I Libri: Victoria Hagan - Interior Portraits

Victoria Hagan is one of the most respected interior designers in America.  Since founding her firm 20 years ago, Ms. Hagan has built a reputation for designing classic yet modern spaces. I love her work and couldn't wait to read her book.I highly recommend it.Ms. Hagan's book showcases three portfolios, Waterside, City, and Country.  Of course, I was drawn immediately to the Waterside chapters.  Speechless.I think "Stylish Simplicity" when I study Ms. Hagan's work.  Her use of strong silhouettes and interesting textures is inspiring.  I also like how she mixes pieces from different eras, yet the spaces are cohesive.These homes look like places people actually live in, not like a showroom or a museum.

Happy Birthday, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Mies van der Rohe, one of the titans of modern architecture, was born 126 years ago today.If you went on Google today, you saw their homage to Mies van der Rohe.Known for his "less is more" style, after his death, many postmodernists blamed him for the soulless "international design" that became popular.The thing is, simple is hard to get right.  All those Mies van der Rohe knockoffs were just that, knockoffs.I know this chair is EVERYWHERE, but I love the lines of the Barcelona chair.  It's modern design, but I've seen the chair work in non-contemporary settings as wellThe Guardian has a great article regarding how the reputation of Mies van der Rohe has completely changed since his death in 1986.I didn't know that the Barcelona chair was never intended for production.  A stainless steel one will set you back $7740.I can't even imagine what an original version goes for.