Weekend Inspiration - Tuscan Wrapping Paper
I really enjoy choosing gifts for family and friends.To me, the wrapping paper is for said gift is just as important.
Love this print and the color.Buon weekend!!
Snapshots - Salina, Sicily
It took me forever to get to Salina.I took a car (at 5:00 a.m.) to the airport to fly to Palermo, a taxi from the Palermo airport to the central train station, the train from Palermo to Milazzo, a ferry from Milazzo to Lipari, a ferry from Lipari to Salina.Once I arrived, I understood why so many of my Italian friends schlep from Rome, Milan, etc. to visit the Aeolian islands. Stunning.Salina is surprisingly green for a volcanic island, tiny (population 2,000), and there was a constant breeze. The food was delicious and folks knew how to make a very good cocktail.It was my first trip to any island in Italy. That's bananas. I'm an island person. I was born on the island of Manhattan and my parents are from St. Martin.I cannot wait to return.
Weekend Inspiration - A Dip In The Pool - Salina, Sicily
Just as I predicted, only a few weeks after everyone and their mother was complaining about the cold wet weather, summer arrived with a vengeance.It's outrageously hot in Rome thanks to winds blowing in from Africa. It's no joke people, and it's only mid-June. Oh Dio.Last weekend I finally made it to Sicily. I went to the tiny island of Salina. The island is gorgeous and the weather was perfect.I spent at lot of time here:
This weekend instead of looking out at Stromboli and Panarea poolside, I will be sticking my head in the freezer and thinking cool thoughts.Buon weekend!
Work In Progress - Trastevere - Rome, Italy
Great news here at AGD.The house in Tuscany is almost done and I've signed two new clients.For one project, I'm helping my client redo his terrace.The other project also includes working on a terrace and collaborating with my client to furnish her new apartment.Both apartments are in Trastevere.One thing I love about this type of work is that each project is unique. My other Rome project is understated glamour.The apartment I'm working on in Trastevere is contemporary with a very streamlined palette, white, black, gray, and some pops of red. A few pieces came with the apartment and most of the additional furniture will be custom-made.My client would like a home that is minimal, light, and yet cozy. Minimal decors can be cold so I'm all about texture and natural materials.I have an inspiration board for the apartment on PInterest.For the terrace project, we are going to redo the plants, buy new furniture, and make the space flow better. My client entertains often and it's important that his guests feel comfortable.My landscaper is amazing and I cannot wait to see how the terrace will look once the plants grow in a little.I real enjoy working with my clients. I know this something not every decorator can say!
Weekend Inspiration - Get Lucky
No one really knows what makes a song THE song of the summer.Is it the timing, the melody, the lyrics, sheer luck, or a combination of all these things?One thing we know for sure is you cannot create "the song of the summer." It just happens.Pop culture, especially music, is so fragmented. The song of the summer cuts across genre lines.This year's song of the summer, is Daft Punk's "Get Lucky."The first time I heard this track it made me feel all the feelings.It's contemporary mixed with a disco-vibe. It sounded a little like a classic from the band CHIC. I was not surprised to read that the very talented Nile Rogers was one of the producers.Pharell is also a producer on the song. What a summer he's having. Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" (with a Marvin Gaye sample) is also a monster summer hit.I've just arrived in Salina and have heard this song all over the island. When I hear it in the future it will always remind me of Summer 2013 on a beautiful Italian island.Here is the male model version from the CFDA's. Unfortunately, it's not a walk off. I would like to see a gentleman wear an outfit from Thom Browne's Amish/Hasidic collection off the runway, including the hat.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-22tSs8BP0&w=560&h=315]Someone did a '70s Soul Train line mash up. The dude at 0:31 is too cool for school. Love it. The fashion is amazing. Some of these dresses you could wear now.If this doesn't make you move, call your doctor, you might be dead.Buon weekend a tutti![youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeEQDtk63H4&w=420&h=315]
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 - Prancercise
I first heard about this workout on Jezebel.com. Since then Joanne's video has gone viral and she's become famous.I'm not sure why this video, which was shot in 1989, is so popular now. Or why she's wearing what looks like a business jacket. One friend (from Florida) said, "Of course she's from my home state."I have no plans to prance around the streets of Rome. However, I think the video is inspiring because Joanna is out there doing her thing and enjoying herself.Prance on, sister. Prance on![youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-50GjySwew&w=560&h=315]Buon weekend.
Stylish Simplicity - Dolce & Gabbana Striped A-Line Skirt
I was recently in the lovely city of Bologna for work. I saw this skirt in the window of Dolce & Gabbana and it stopped me in my tracks.
Photo: Closet Candies
Stripes are huge this summer. I adore them but must be careful with horizontal stripes unless I want to look like a Weeble. I don't.
I love the black edging and think this skirt is very versatile. I could wear it to work, to an outdoor summer dinner party, or on a date to aperitivi with friends.
It's stylish simplicity.
Weekend Inspiration - Strawberries At Ciampini
Okay, I know I've said on Twitter and what not that I would stop complaining about the weather. I do realize how fortunate I am not to be dealing with hurricanes, monsoons, or tornadoes.That said, this spring has been bizarre. All over Europe it's cold and raining.The sun poked out for a few minutes the other day. It was still cold. The locals were wearing jackets and many tourists were in shorts.My friend Annie finally had a few free minutes in her schedule and happened to be downtown/in the Historic Center. I was in between meetings. We went to Ciampini for a long overdue catch up session.This little dessert was perfect. 
As I bit into the tart, gale force winds whipped around the piazza. Clearly, spring is wrap, but summer is (hopefully) right around the corner.Buon Weekend!
The Hallway/Il Ingresso
Recently I re-read "Rose Cumming: Design Inspirations."This book, about one of the pioneers of a "new" field called interior design, was a gift from my friend Erica for my birthday last year.The following quote from Ms. Cumming jumped out at me: "I feel that upon entering a house one should at once be made conscious of the dominate note pervading its scheme of decoration."I was just speaking with a friend regarding how sometimes hallways are neglected spaces.I agree with Ms. Cumming. A hallway shouldn't be a dumping ground for keys, shoes, etc.If you live in a small space you could create a hallway that's functional and stylish.Here are three fab hallways:
Photo: Veranda
How gorgeous is this staircase? I love the contrast of the very dark wood with the white paint.
Photo: The Kitchn
Designer Rita Konig's kitchen is a perfect example of a hallway serving more than one purpose.
Photo: Remodelista
A hallway is a great space to showcase art.
Weekend Inspiration - Tiziano
Another super hectic week.I had all these great ideas for blog posts and how many did I end up writing? None. This is an issue. I cannot turn this blog into "The Weekend Inspiration Blog."I feel the need to go to a quiet place and think for a minute. I know just the spot.
I saw quite a bit of Tiziano when I went to Venice a few years ago and the Scuderie is one of my favorite exhibitions spaces in Rome.This show runs until June 16th. For information about times and tickets, HERE is the website.Buon weekend!
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 - Rome's Roseto Comunale
On Thursday morning I decided during my jog, at the last minute, to pass by the garden to see if it was opened yet.
It was.
If you plan to be in Rome any time before June 16th, I highly recommend a visit to the Roseto Comunale/Municipal Rose Garden.
The hours are 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. It's located right across the street from Circo Massimo. There is only a six week window to enjoy these stunning flowers from all over the world.
Buon Weekend!
Weekend Inspiration - DOMAINE Magazine
The design and fashion blogosphere is buzzing this week about the debut of DOMAINE Magazine.This online publication was created by the same women, Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr, behind another favorite, WHO, WHAT, WHERE.
This site is fantastic. There are articles about home décor, fashion, and yes, even recipes (bacon mac and cheese).Plus, it's interactive. You can leave comments. Love it.I enjoyed the article about interior designers Jeffrey Alan Marks and Ross Cassidy. I've never met Jeffrey but Ross is a sweetheart. I'm not saying that just because he complimented my skirt in L.A. last year. Ross was very kind to pose in his red pants so I could Tweet the photo to my friend, Erica, a noted Red Pants Pathologist.Looking forward to checking out the rest of DOMAINE.Buon Weekend!
Il Tennis
It's time to hit the courts.There are a lot of things I enjoy about playing tennis. It's fun, it's outdoors, it's a sport you can play for life, and the clothes.I'm dead serious. From a very young age, I've LOVED tennis outfits. I like to keep my clothes simple, no lace or crazy patterns. I'm there to play a sport not to go clubbing.Below are some of my favorite old school photos. It's interesting, you could wear any of these clothes now (perhaps not the headbands) and they would look contemporary even though they are from the 70's and the 80's. Classic.
Photo: Guardian UK
Photo: World In Sport.com
Other photos: Google
Weekend Inspiration - Fountain - Villa Borghese Park, Rome
It's a Ponte Weekend in Italy.While most of my friends are out of town, I'm using this weekend to catch up on work and to get organized for next month.I would love to spend some time in the country this weekend. Instead, I will go to the park.
One of my favorite parks is Villa Borghese. If you are visiting Rome, it's a great place to go for some peace and quiet.Buon weekend a tutti!
Weekend Inspiration - Flowers By Brittany Asch
I was reading LONNY magazine last weekend when I came across the gorgeous work of Brittany Asch.Asch has a great eye and her use of color is inspiring. Looking at these arrangements makes me swoon. Truly beautiful work.Buon (and bello) Weekend!
Photos: Brrch.com
I Libri - French Accents: At Home With Parisian Objects And Details by Erin Smith
I've written about "the mix" before. I absolutely adore the European style of mixing traditional and modern design elements.Clearly, I must add the book FRENCH ACCENTS to my interior design library.Can we talk about the moldings in this living room? Stunning!
