Wowsers...

Its been a while since I've seen anything that's made my jaw drop...and maybe even longer since its been from Victoria Hagan.  Not that I'm not a fan of her work, but this? This is to die for. And I don't normally like white...

Photographed by Melanie Acevedo for Veranda magazine (Sept 2012).

London calling...

I'm beyond excited that we are off to London next week...its been two years since the last trip, and this one also happens to be for a wedding.  I have a long list of new bars and restaurants to check out that have opened since I was last there, along with some others that I missed last time...but if you have any recommendations please feel free to let me know!  

Speaking of which, this might just be on my hit list...Galvin @ Windows in the Hilton Park Lane in Mayfair, which was just refurbed by the talented team at Central Design Studio.  The Michelin starred restaurant has incredible views of London's most iconic landmarks, and the interior was inspired by the 1930's and the golden age of cinematography.  Sounds divine!

Meet you at the bar? I'll have a G+T please...

Villa Meissen

I know I haven't been around here much lately...and I don't even have a note from my parents to explain my absence! Things are a bit busy...and that might be a bit of an understatement.  It's certainly not a complaint as I know there are people around the world who'd kill to be in my position right now.  Things are good, business is going better than expected, and I am pretty happy about all that I have achieved this year.  It just means my poor little blog has been a bit neglected and unloved of late.  I don't want to start posting average material just to avoid awkward silences though...I've always strived to make sure that this is a blog that I would want to read, look at, and be inspired by, and I hope that by sticking to my guns it means that it will still appeal to like minded people.  So if you are one of those people I'm sure you'll forgive the sparsity of my posts, and with any luck you'll enjoy this one.

Villa Meissen in Milan.  I've been seeing images pop up in the printed media over the last few months, and honestly, I think I could move right in.  I'm guessing that is the idea.  Many of us are familiar with the name Meissen, it is a town in Germany whose name has become synonymous with luxurious porcelain, due to the fact it was the site of the very first European production of the mysterious white clay outside of China.  The name has since become better known for the company that has perfected the production.  Over their long and illustrious history the company has diversified and started to offer a much more diverse product range, and it seems the Villa in Milan is the perfect showcase for these products.  The interior is definitely my kinda space.  I'm loving the soft serene colours, the mix of classic and contemporary elements and of course the Meissen porcelain products.  I feel the need for a trip to Milan very, very, soon.

 

Reincarnation

Forget about coming back in another life as a person...I think I'd quite like to come back as this kitchen.  Sexy and practical.  Must appeal to my inner Gemini!

Black and Brass. Yum. Kelly Wearstler designed kitchen from the latest Elle Decor, photographed by Mikkel Vang.

Barbara's world

This has to be one of the most overdue books in the design world....surely.  Barbara Barry was one of my first style icons and one one of the most influential informers of my own aesthetic.  My own style and taste has changed, expanded, morphed and developed, while Barbara Barry has stayed true to her singular vision. And this is partly why she still remains to be an inspiration.  To say I'm excited about this new release by Rizzoli is a bit of an understatement. 

Seems there are a few cover options...the first is from Rizzoli's website, the second from Amazon.  I think I prefer the first one. You?

Bollywood babes

One of the perks of writing this blog is meeting - online and sometimes in the real world - people the world over, and being able to see and share the work of other talented individuals. One of these people is a young interior designer from Mumbai, India - Chirag Dewan. Chirag graduated from design school only 3 years ago and has already finished a pretty impressive project in his home city. 

The images below are of a boutique for a Delhi-based designer, Varun Bahl. Varun collaborated with Karan Johar, a famous Bollywood film personality, on a line of Indian and Western menswear. The store, which is located in the heart of South Mumbai's Kala Ghoda district, is around 1200 ft2 and is dedicated to Varun's own label and the collaborative collection with Johar.

The space looks like an amazing backdrop to what I'm sure is an inspired collection. I just might need to make a pit-stop with my hubby when we finally visit Mumbai...

Heavy metal

I've fallen in love with these 'Helios' tables by Stéphane Parmentier for Ormond Editions. Made from wood that has been silvered and lacquered they're so unique.  The gradation of color to metal is subtle but also super luxe.  I think I need to get me one!

The Beef Bar

I'm definitely someone that loves their food...I don't know if I'd go so far as to label myself a 'foodie', but it certainly is a passion...and so it makes sense that restaurants and their design are also something I'm very passionate about.  Its a combination of two of my great loves. 

I attended the HD Asia conference which was just on in Hong Kong this week.  There were some amazing speakers on the panel who talked about the trends and future of hospitality design in this region, and the ever changing nature of restaurants was one of the topics covered.  Tony Chi, whose work I'm a big fan of, spoke on the first day, and was incredibly entertaining and inspiring.  

So, perhaps because the weekend is coming and I'm looking forward to getting into the kitchen, or because my brain is wired on all things restaurants at the moment...this little gem caught my eye.  The Beef Bar in Monte Carlo. Designed by the firm Humbert & Poyet, I'm totally loving the mix of luxe materials, the dark moody colour palette and all those little details that make a great restaurant memorable.  I think all of a sudden I'm craving a steak...

  

My Hong Kong

I can leave you with one more thing to read today...my profile on the popular Hong Kong blog Eclectic Cool, written by the lovely fellow aussie Joanne Pereira.  Click on the link to read the rest of the feature...

Saint Germain inspiration

Things are a little hectic around here...so in lieu of a "real" post...I will leave you with this eye candy...and if you like go grab yourself a copy of the new Vogue Living (Aus). I would love an apartment in Saint Germain full stop, but one like this, yes please!

Yum

I've been having a bit of a rough week.  This gorgeous mix of stuff in the home of stylist Jenny-Lyn Hart Boden may be the only thing keeping me going right now.

AMMO

Every now and then in a city like Hong Kong you come across a place that makes you want to shout about it from the rooftops, or hide it away and make it top secret because its just that great you don't want to share it. AMMO is one of those places.  I was lucky enough to be invited to a launch party of sorts last night.  Having just moved house and office space the day before (more on that later), I almost didn't go.  I'm so glad I did.  

First off, AMMO is named after its location amongst the heritage ammunition storage buildings in Admiralty, now run by the Asia Society. The setting is incredible.  Lush tropical mountain side, and yet so central. The heritage buildings have been restored and preserved beautifully. Old magazines have been turned into art galleries, mini theatres, and private function rooms.  Its so nice to see heritage restoration done well in Hong Kong for a change.  

But back to AMMO. The interior, which is absolutely stunning, was designed by ridiculously young, and ridiculously nice local but international designer, Joyce Wang. Having just completed the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, she certainly is one to watch. Well, not if you want to be feeling like an under achiever, as I was after meeting her...  The interior was inspired by French Sci-Fi movie 'Alphaville' by Jean-Luc Godard which portrays what a dystopian future looked like in the 50's. Think industrial luxe with a bit of 50's futurism thrown in.  Everything was custom made for the space, and the furniture is beautiful, not to mention those fantastic chandeliers in the centre (yes, those are actually lights!)

And now, for the best and most important part....the food!  My husband and I are big fans of the sister restaurant, The Drawing Room, so if you have eaten there and liked it, you will love AMMO.  Local celebrity chef and restaurateur Tony Cheng, together with his mentor, Chef Roland Schuller from The Drawing Room had a vision to serve simple, elegant and affordable cuisine with unpretentious service. They want guests to enjoy the salubrious surroundings without the fussiness and stuffiness associated with other fine dining establishments. I think they have succeeded!  

We were served a selection from the Tapas menu and everything was amazing.  We went back for 2nds, 3rds, and after that it just got embarrassing but we went back for more anyway. I'm not normally a fan of Foie Gras, but even than was delicious. 

All I can say is, I'm glad my birthday is coming up soon so I don't have to wait too long for an occasion to go back. Its just that good.