Caste Design

Remember I did a post a little while back about some fabulous tables I had discovered by Chicago based designers Caste? If you loved them as much as I do then we're all in for a treat. In addition to their handmade one of a kind collection they are now working on a more complete range of furniture and lighting which will be available in the US through the Holly Hunt showrooms. The first sofa and lounge chairs are currently in prototyping for production later this year. These are a few of my personal favorites...

In addition to the expanded line, Caste are also now offering interior design services. Co-founder Brad Rowley says "We are very excited about this new business and are looking forward to having the opportunity to share a more complete Caste sensibility with clients by crafting beautiful and refined interior spaces in their homes". Very exciting indeed. I can't wait to see see project photos!

Photography by Michelle Litvin, care of Caste Design

Paule Ka

I don't do fashion posts often, purely because I don't profess to be an expert on the subject. However after discovering the new Spring collection by French designer Paule Ka, I just couldn't help but post them. Classic yet Modern, Fun yet Sophisticated, and so very, very French. I'm in love. Bring on Spring!

The Green Leaf Niseko

Hong Kongers have endured the coldest January since 1977, and a pretty darn chilly February too! I can't complain too much though, I know there are much colder places in the world. So I'm thinking if you can't escape the cold and get to somewhere exotic like Waikiki, then embrace it and go to the snow!

Niseko village is a few hours out of Sapporo in the Northern most island of Japan, Hokkaido. A place famous for beer, crab and skiing, and a favorite haunt for some of my friends. I never did make it to Hokkaido when I lived in Japan, but I might just need to organise a trip soon....and The Green Leaf resort may just be the place to say.

Newly designed by Alexandra Champalimaud and her team, The Green Leaf in Niseko, a 200-room ski-in, ski-out resort has unobstructed views of nearby Mt Yotei. The resort has been designed in a style which incorporate traditional elements of European mountain lodges with touches of Japanese style and local art.

One of the great things about Niseko is that its just as beautiful all year round, with plenty to do when its not of ski season. Even during ski season at The Green Leaf there is plenty to do for non-skiers (such as myself), the natural onsen and spa look like a great place to stay warm and still enjoy the views.

What am I waiting for..?

Exterior - beautiful both at night and during the day

Looks like a nice place to sit around with some warm Sake I think...

The traditional onsen. trust me, there is nothing better on a cold day, and such an authentic Japanese experience

Above 3 images are the "Tomioka" Lounge

Above two images of the "Goshiki" Bar (check out the stunning views!)

Suite Bedroom

Suite Living Room

King Room

Twin Room

All photographs taken by Aaron Jamieson,
care of Champalimaud Design

winter warmers

Maybe its winter and the thought of staying at home with my cats on days like these, or maybe its a shift in my tastes. Either way I seem to be drawn more often than not these days to rooms with warm plummy colours. I was never a fan of purples really, but I certainly seem to be now. It pairs perfectly with chocolates, blueberries and mushrooms. I don't know if I'd paint the whole house this colour, but definitely my bedroom or a small reading room. What do you think?

Larsen Fabrics

Dining room of designer Marcelo Lucini

by S. Russell Groves

Romeo Sozzi's apartment in Rome


a living room by Martin Brudnizki

a living room by Laura Kirar

one of my all times favorites, by Jacques Grange

from an article on 1st Dibs about on Fort Street Studio

Donghia

bedroom by Candy& Candy

unknown source

by D'Apostrophe Design

the Waikiki Edition

Even Hong Kong's mild winter has had me dreaming of far off places that are much warmer...of beaches and the smell of sand, surf and sunscreen. As I have no beach holiday planned in the near future I'll just have to make do with these images of the new Yabu Pushelberg designed EDITION hotel in Waikiki.

EDITION hotels, the latest brand in the Marriott portfolio, is the brainchild of Mr Marriott himself and Ian Schrager, the entertainment and hospitality pioneer. The Waikiki Edition is the first (Istanbul is set to open early this year) of possibly 100 lifestyle hotels to be located in "24 hr gateway cities" around the world.

Chosen for their clean and simple aesthetic, Yabu Pushelberg looked to their own personal residences for inspiration when deciding on the design direction for the 353-room hotel, which lends an intimate, relaxed and ‘un-designed’ feel but with a sophisticated edge.

In keeping with the less is more concept, the firm opted for a fresh and airy design plan, a refined nod to 1960s Hawaiian nostalgia. All public spaces, guest rooms and even outdoor areas offer guests a beachy, eclectic, and effortless environment, which ties in well with the structure’s simple architecture. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with an intimate, low-ceiling lobby, where whitewashed woods, charcoal black floors, white and oatmeal furnishings, and natural fabrics like the massive woven rope rug are combined in direct contrast to the lush surrounding greenery. Key design features in this space include a massive sculptural carved-wood reception desk, which is mirrored by a similar carved lobby bar. An oversized pivoting bookshelf divides the reception area from the lobby bar and is similarly equipped with an eclectic mix of relaxed, neutral furnishings. Oh, and the surfboard sculptural installation behind the reception desk is pretty fun too.

Upstairs, the neutral color palette continues. Breezy guest rooms are done in crisp whites and oatmeals and are accented by massive teak louvered window panels and carpeted floors in natural shades. Tufted headboards and chaise lounges add a soft sexiness to the space, as do the clean white bedding choices. Fresh spa-like bathrooms were constructed with cast Terrazzo sinks, floor-to-ceiling off-white subway tiles, and teak louvers that divide this area from the bedroom. To die for, right?

Another amazing feature of the hotel are the two spectacular pool decks. The main pool deck, located on the second floor and looking out over the harbor, features Ipe wood decking with an upscale pool bar tucked off to the side. A series of planters have been implemented to create a shaded canopy alongside the pool deck. Just above the main deck is the upper pool deck, which doubles as the VIP pool area. Here the round central pool is surrounded by sand and palm trees, as is the more casual poolside bar. Beach mats with oversized cushions and low-slung sun loungers, all done in a neutral palette, make for an inviting poolside environment in both areas.

*SIGH* I'll just add this to my ever growing list of destinations on my "must see" list....

All photographs taken by Evan Dion