30Nov

Kitchen of the week: Kitchens with Floor to Ceiling Tiles

white kitchen with floor to ceiling tiles on the walls and fireplace via belle vivir

A kitchen with walls covered from floor to ceiling tiles gives the impression of being well finished. Regardless of what type of back splash is covering the walls, the simple subway tiles, marble slabs or hand painted tiles, the whole effect gives the kitchen a feeling of grandeur and cleanness. For an even more seamless appearance some people go with grout of the same color as the tiles while others who prefer a more contrasting effect decide on gray or black grout. I prefer a darker grout especially if the kitchen is all white to give it depth. There are many different shades of gray from darkest to lightest. Enjoy!

kitchen with dar floor, white cabiners, destressed table and floor to ceiling tiles

A Classic French pied-à-terre

That was a longer and unexpected weekend than anticipated, but it felt soo good! After spending a great time with family in thanksgiving I shielded myself home from frenzied Black Friday. So afraid even to stick my head out of the window. Then on Sunday the perfect and wonderful weather pulled me out and went with my hubby and our little one for a delicious sandwich at Murray’s Cheese, that we enjoyed at the corner park with church bells ringing in the background- it was pretty simple but magical.

Then last night while sitting in my living room and imploring God for some inspirations to blog about, I came across this pied-à-terre in Tolouse, France that belongs to the Architects Daniel Suduca and Thierry Merillou, the owners of Galerie Saint Jacques. The apartment which they reconfigured to make more open and fluid, is filled with 20th Century furniture by different and amazing designers. This home is a harmonious marriage between the classic and the personal.
As I like to emphasize, I love a home full with Architectural furniture that makes it unique and out of the ordinary.

Jean Prouve chair and table juxtaposed a Louis XVI arm chair covered in chintz. The carpet is by Lalanne.

The Ashanti bench in the living room seems to be waiting for someone to sit on it.

A Gio Ponti Chest of Drawers in the bedroom where the walls are lined in dark brown fabric.

A Lalanne sheep sculpture next to a absolutely beautiful chair.

I’d like to marry this bathroom.

photograph by Manolo Yllera

24Nov

Happy Thanksgiving

Wherever you are, I wish you a warm and Happy Thanksgiving. We all have countless reasons to be thankful, even when we don’t realize them or verbalize them. I hope the night gets a bit chilly to light our fireplace, play a lot of Christmas music and just be merry. Happy Thanksgiving!

Top image from Tumblr.

22Nov

Interiors in Black and White

To many people the thought of decorating a home entirely in black and white may sound a little bit too formal or too sober. Colors are too comforting and too welcoming, even if the interior is done in pastel colors. But there are rooms that seem to pull it off surprisingly well, and the common factor seems to be one or two whimsical touches. This dining room above designed by Alberto Pinto, for instance, has a very playful chandelier and chairs upholstered in polka dots. The table setting is also very whimsical.

interiors in black and white modern living room in black and white furniture, lucite chairs and fireplace via belle vivir blog

This living area above is also very light in ambiance with lucite based curvy modern chairs and a shag rug.

vanity in black and white via belle vivir blog

Whims everywhere in this bathroom, from the shade to the skirted chair/stool. The sconces have their own touch too.

Interiors in black and white via belle vivir blog

Mix and match chairs in this room include casual Panton chairs and Louis XV style chairs.

Sort of polka dot again covering a chair.

modern entryway in black and white with zebra rug and round mirror via belle vivir blog

The space above has like a very nice light reflection that gives it a hint of pink. The zebra rug, the round mirror and the sconces pull everything off.

bathroom in black and white with marble sink and chrome shower doors via belle vivir blog

This bathroom is quite spectacular. What doors! Love the size of the sconces and the brass door handle.

entry way in black walls and white table and zebra stool via belle vivir blog

Here again, the zebra stool and the shape of the lamps brake the space from being too sober.

Interiors in black and white striped stool via belle vivir blog

So beautiful!

images via Nuevo Estilo and Elle Decor

21Nov

Thanksgiving Decor Inspirations and Ideas

I’m very excited about Thanksgiving this year because my sister from Virginia is coming over and spending it with us. I’m accumulating as much images of Thanksgiving decor as I can for inspirations and ideas to decorate around the house. The Holidays are for decorators what Candyland is for kids. The decorating, the planning process and the anticipation of having a great time with loved is overwhelmingly energizing.

The idea of putting the flowers inside a pumpkin is pretty cool and I guess there is a base with water inside to keep the flowers fresh.

Chic + Glamorous Table Setting Ideas

chic glamorous table setting blue and white and crystal chandelier

This traditional blue and white table setting is what makes a modernist want to convert back.

May you not worry about your table for the Holidays ‘cos I’ve got you covered. If you are looking for table setting ideas for your Thanksgiving or Christmas fete, that is. I know that all these inspirations are perhaps too chic and glamorous. Too over the top, but they can be reinterpreted your way. Flowers can be replaced by winter seasonal ones and accessories can be traded for pumpkins and/or Christmas ornaments.

Month: November 2011