Turkish Delight

I think I've caught the travel bug. Either that, or its my up coming trip to India that has me constantly daydreaming of far off exotic and quixotic places. Turkey has been high on my go to list since it didn't quite make it on the itinerary of our European expedition a few years back. Needless to say I was excited to see these images land in my inbox of the work of Turkish designer, Deniz Tunç. Based in Istanbul, Tunç designs products and interiors that are modern and elegant and infused with a little bit of ottoman flair. This is just a small selection of the products and interiors she has designed. If you want to see more, head over to her website...

After a host of very cool hotels have opened in Istanbul and Antony Todd has an outpost there, I think I need to get myself there post haste!

Lily + Bloom

I had the pleasure just last week of dining with a good friend and my hubby at the fairly new restaurant / bar Lily + Bloom. The designers, New York based firm AvroKO, have filled the space with lots of quirky details, including a private humidor behind a secret door, and a private smoking room (the "Blind Pig" room, see last image) that's also hidden, behind not just one, but two hidden doors! A short guided tour by the Manager of the establishment revealed many other details, and little surprises (including the bathrooms, but you need to go see them yourself!)...so if you're in the neighbourhood and haven't already, go check it out!





Oh, and the food, service and cocktails aren't bad either...

Bisazza Bagno

Word on the street is world-renowned Italian house of mosaics, Bisazza, has just launched a new division - Bisazza Bagno. Teaming up with Jaime Hayon - everyone's favorite Spanish designer du jour - for their first collection, the new division will be dedicated to providing a complete offering of bathroom products.

Bisazza Bango says the decision to work with Jaime Hayon on the design of the first Bisazza Bagno collection was based on their common design aesthetic and stylistic values.

Hayon says of the idea behind the premiere bathroom collection: "The collection recalls the glamour of the 1930s with a Scandinavian touch and feminine shapes. Elegance is the main trait of this innovative collection. The bathroom is the most important room in the home and it should not be hidden. With this collection, it becomes an area you want to show, a place you can keep open. The bathroom becomes a stylish room, full of charm and style, with a strong identity.”

According to Bisazza Bagno, we can expect to see more collaborations with some equally talented and high-profile designers in the near future. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see what they come up with!

I love the lightness and the sensuality of the designs...a nice change from the usual bathroom offerings. The white and chrome combos are pretty classic and easy to use, however its the black and copper that I'm coveting. What do you guys think?

All photos care of Bisazza Bagno

Just in time for Spring!

One of my favorite furniture designers, Romeo Sozzi - founder of the Italian Promemoria line, has just launched an outdoor collection. Oh how I wish I had a rooftop now!

The Green Tales collection was inspired by Lake Como and the surrounding mountains of Sozzi's home, Lecco, in Northern Italy. Designed to be used both indoor and out, each piece is made with the same level of craftsmanship as Promemoria's indoor collections. Using the same luxurious materials: wood, bronze, marble and rattan, the collection definitely does not look like any other outdoor range I've ever seen.

In addition to being incredibly chic, its also about to be incredibly Eco friendly. Promemoria is in the process of having all the timber used FSC certified, meaning it will come from sustainably harvested timbers. It also means it will count towards points for LEED certifcation. What more could you want?

The seriously stunning Belvedere Chaise. I want one. Or even better, two. Bronze and wood, my favorite combination.

The Menaggio loungers. The Twin size is a great option.

Varenna Chair & Ottoman

Moltrasio Sofa. Yum.

various Lierna marble tables. Seriously cool for inside or out. imagine one next to a free-standing marble bath!

And last, but not least, the Erasmo table.

All images care of Promemoria

Spicers Balfour Hotel

Inner city Brisbane (capital city of Australia's northern most state, Queensland) may not be the first on the list of your must see getaway destinations, especially after the recent floods. However, if you are headed to there for a business trip, or in Australia and looking for a weekend away that will help the local economy I'd stay at the new Spicers Balfour Hotel in New Farm.

Just minutes from the CBD of Brisbane, this nine-room boutique hotel has something to offer every kind of traveller. The design of the hotel and colour palette employed throughout is not typical of tropical Queensland, which I kinda like. The hotel is appropriately urban and looks to me like it would feel more like staying in a very chic friends city pad. Each room has a 50" TV, Bose i-pod docking stations and a great mix of antique and modern furnishings. The rooftop bar is definitely a strong selling point, but its the Library that had me at hello. I wonder if this is where the nightly canapés are served?

Fantastically located within walking distance of the shopping district, art galleries and local gastronomy...I'll definitely be staying here next time I'm in Brizzy.

The welcoming reception / check-in area

Great views of Brisbane city from the rooftop bar

The lovely looking library - very chic and cosy!

Another view of the library - I love the mix of colours in here

All day dining area

The meeting rooms - very chic

A view of a Balcony room

One of the Courtyard Rooms

All photos care of Spicers Group