Yum

I have to say, I think I'm liking this whole electronic magazine thing. Getting a notification in my inbox telling me my magazine has "arrived" is a nice feeling on a Friday...knowing I don't need to run all over town to pick up a copy. And, frankly, I think the images are even better.

The cover story took my breath away - a Paolo Moschino designed townhouse in London. Although, I've never been a fan of using brush fringe on sofa seat cushions like that, but I'll forgive him just this once...

Photographed by Simon Upton for Elle Decor October 2011.

Love, love, LOVED the feature on Adriana Abascal's apartment by Chahan Minassian in the latest AD España, but seriously folks, where is the rest of it? Two good images just doesn't cut it! I don't want to see images of her modelling in front of her art collection, I want to see the rest of the space!

Brassy goodness

I'm a little obsessed with all things made of brass at the moment...well almost all things. In particular, desk top accessories and stationary.

I've just picked myself up one of these brass rulers, from baum-kuchen, from their Brass collection. Its teeny tiny, but I love it.



And I'm really hoping that the brass desk set by Michael Verheyden for Wallpaper magazine goes into production...I'm totally in love with those scissors!

Bellocq

I discovered a new (to me) tea label at Lane Crawford over the weekend, Bellocq. I'm a sucker for nice packaging, and the bright yellow and polished stainless steel canisters definitely caught my eye. I bought myself a tin of their "Queen's Guard" blend, which is a mix of Organic black Ceylon tea, organic rose petals, organic lavender and organic cornflowers. Its a lovely light tea, perfect for the afternoon, and a little sweet (you can definitely taste the rose petals). Their range is quite large, but I think Lane Crawford (Pacific Place) only stocks a few of their blends. I'm keen to try a few more, in particular their Breakfast blend and the Afghan Chai - a mix of Organic Assam black tea, organic red poppy flowers, green cardamon, star anise, ginger, clove and black pepper.... sounds yum!

the old and the new

Another new book release I'm looking forward to..."The World of Muriel Brandolini". It's hard to not be envious of Brandolini: an exotic family and upbringing; an Italian banker for a husband who also happens to be a Count; and a few fabulous family homes around the world. Credit where credit is due though, Brandolini is not just another wealthy house wife who suffers from delusions of being a designer. Brandolini is a one of a kind and has created some of the most refreshingly new and achingly stylish interiors. Ever. If the front cover is anything to go by, this book will be a treat. I can't wait.

Out of the books I've recently finished, "The Architecture of Happiness" is definitely the best. In fact, it may even be one of the best books I've ever read. Alain de Botton, author of several non-fiction books, is also the founder of The School of Life and the Living Architecture foundation. In this particular book de Botton talks about the significance of architecture in a way that my writing skills will not do justice to describe. His words are poetic, moving and meaningful. Everyone should read this book, from critics to lovers of the built environment. If you didn't already understand the profound effect our man-made surroundings have on us on a daily basis, you soon will. The best passage from this book has stuck in mind, and probably always will - "An ugly room can coagulate any loose suspicions as to the incompleteness of life...."

Another fantastic read - "The Death and Life of Great American Cities" by Jane Jacobs. Or anything by Jane Jacobs really. Jacobs seminal work on the planning and development of cities was incredibly influential at the time it was written, in the 1960's. Even reading this today so many of Jacobs thoughts and ideas are incredibly current, relevant and just as important today as they were then. The issues she raises do not just pertain to American cities, or even just New York where she was living at the time of writing. These are issues of city planning and urban development that are important to all cities in all countries of the world. Only now, there is more of a sense of urgency. We are still building cities for cars instead of people...

Absolute perfection

I'm so in love with this vignette in the home of designer Steven Volpe, I just had to share.

Photographed by William Abranowicz for Elle Decor September 2011.

Books worth waiting for

It seems like this is the time of year for publishers to come out with new releases, as there are a few more that I'm waiting for not so patiently. Here are a couple I have pre-ordered, and one I'm still pondering...

I have long admired the work of NY based David Kleinberg...his style is modern and classic and utterly timeless. A previous employee of the venerable firm Parish-Hadley Associates he has been running his own company since 1997. Kleinberg is responsible for some of my all-time favorite rooms and I can't wait to see what is in his first book, "Traditional Now". I just hope it doesn't disappoint - or worse that its full of images already on his website.


Another of my favorite designers is Peter Marino, a man of almost unmatched style. No great surprise then that he and his firm are behind the design for many of the high-end retail stores around the world, including those for Luis Vuitton. If its what I'm hoping it will be, this new book "Louis Vuitton, Architecture & Interiors" should prove to be a long term source of inspiration.

I've blogged about Maria Pergay before, and I already own a book on her work, the previous edition by Suzanne Demisch and Stephane Danant. As I'm not sure how much more this volume will contain I'm still pondering. But I suggest if you're a fan of Pergay (and if you're not, you should be!) and you are interested in her work then this new volume "Maria Pergay: Complete works 1979 - 2010" would be the book to buy.

Pinto in print

I recently, somewhat reluctantly, subscribed to the electronic format of bunch of magazines that I regularly buy. Until I get myself an ipad I'm going to be reading them on my pc, which is just not the same as holding a magazine in your hands. I will miss it, however, I decided it was finally time to put my money where my mouth was and stop participating in the destruction of so many trees. That, and I am running out of space for them (I have 10 yrs worth of some, and I just can't bear to part with them)...and I'll save a little money in the meantime.

So I was pretty thrilled with my in print version of Architectural Digest this weekend, and in particular the dressing room of Alberto Pinto's own Rio de Janeiro apartment. Not so much with any other of the rooms, but the bleached mahogany pretty much made up for the rest of it in my eyes.

I've long been an admirer of Pinto's work, so its a little surprising that this is my first post about him. I also don't own any of the many books he has published. However, I noticed today that he has a new one coming out that looks interesting, and I think it just may feature this apartment. Its available for pre-order on Amazon now....so do yourself a favour and reserve yourself a copy like I did!

Photograph of Pinto's dressing room taken by Ngoc Minh Ngo for AD USA, September 2011.

Stuart Scott & Associates

Its been almost a year since I was in London celebrating with our friends at their wedding. That means its also almost a year since I was at Decorex....(where on earth has the year gone??) I wish I was able to go again this year, but since I can't I am certainly enjoying from afar the images of the new range of furniture by Stuart Scott & Associates. Stuart, formerly of Somerville Scott & Co., is launching his first collection at Decorex this year. Each piece is a definite classic, and I only wish I was able to see them in real life as I'm sure they're even cuter than their photographs. So, to those of you attending Decorex, or any of the other wonderful design events in London this year, enjoy... however for those of you, like myself, who won't be there - these are for you!

Toku Table

Vagas Lounger Chair

Tux Sofa

Sir Roger Chair

Isabella Slipper Chair

Henri Club Chair

Alae Wing Chair

Tenno Table

Parqueterie Table

Edo Table

All images care of Stuart Scott

Rees Roberts

I think my heart almost skipped a beat when I saw these images of a recent project by NY based firm Rees Roberts + Partners. The firm's website has been recently updated and contains all manner of loveliness. I love the clean lines and elegant simplicity in this apartment. I'm hoping to move apartments soon, and I only wish it was to a place that looked like this! *sigh*

A Bespoke Journey

I'm very excited to announce the recent launch of the very first book by Hong Kong's hottest designer, Andre Fu.

Entitled "A Bespoke Journey", the coffee table book features some of Fu's work with his firm, AFSO, over the last ten years. Including internationally acclaimed projects such as The Upper House hotel in Hong Kong, the Fullerton Bay Hotel in Singapore, his work with agnès b, and the countless stylish restaurants he's done around the world, its sure to be a winner.

If you are a fan, like I am, the book can be purchased in Hong Kong at Lane Crawford Lifestyle stores, leading book shops in the Asia Pacific region, or online through Amazon

Tondelli

I felt as though Christmas had come early this year when the new catalogue from Italian furniture company Tondelli landed on my desk this week. I feel head over heels in love with the entire collection. The upholstered pieces look well designed, generous and actually comfortable, while the casegoods seem sturdy, well proportioned and really versatile. The use of hammered bronze for legs and lamp bases remind me of the work of the Giacometti brothers, and I guess it was the designers inspiration as the floor lamp (see bottom image) is named Diego. If you are just as in love with these images as I, check our their website for more...