Month: April 2017

The month of May appears to bloom in other forms than just Nature.  This month is full of interesting fairs and exhibitions around the world.  From New York Art Week, the height of New York’s art and cultural season to The Chelsea Flower Show in London.  Read on and enjoy art and beauty.

Fairs and Exhibitions around the World

New York Events and Fairs

Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2017

Image via The New York Times Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2017

From April 2nd to June 1st 2017 This year is the 45th year anniversary of Kips Bay Decorator Show House.  The lucky home to be transformed by celebrated Interior Designers this year is located on 125 East 65th Street.  Since living overseas for the past 5 years, in Brazil and then in Europe, I haven’t been able to cover any of the East Cost Decorator Show Houses, which I did consecutively since the year 2008.  But when in New York City this summer,
I’ll make sure to pay a visit to The Hampton Designer Showhouse, which stays open longer and get inspired by all these incredible designers.  All proceeds of this 45 year old design event benefit Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, which currently reaches over 10,000 young people at nine locations throughout the Bronx.  Today, the club is proudly one of the most prominent and responsive youth development agencies in New York City.

NYC x DESIGN from May 2nd to May 24, 2017

Spanning all disciplines of design, NYCxDESIGN creates a collaborative platform for cultural and commercial opportunities, increasing awareness of and appreciation for design by all audiences.  NYCxDESIGN brings together all the disciplines of design, commerce, culture, education, and entertainment with a full, varied program, including exhibitions, installations, trade shows, talks, launches and open studios.  The event is a collaboration between New York City Economic Development Corporation, City agencies, the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and a steering committee composed of some of the City’s most renowned design
institutions, retailers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, curators, educators, editors and—of course—designers. Under NYC x DESIGN umbrella there are many other different exhibitions and events throughout New York.  Ror a complete list of them go here.

International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) From May 21 to May 24th 2017.

ICFF is North America’s largest series of design events for interiors with more than 750 exhibitors from around the world showcasing what’s best and what’s next in contemporary design, luxury interiors and high end furniture.

Art New York and Context New York from May 3-7 at Pier 94

The two sisters fairs produced by Art Miami alongside each other will showcase artwork from more than 150 galleries representing nearly 1,200 artists from 50 countries.

 

Events in London

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We are planning our two weeks long vacation to the South of France and since we are a bit adventurous, but in a low-risk way, no bungee-jumping for us. We are more of leisurely adventurous ones, we spend 2-3 nights in a village then we pack up and move on to another town for a couple of days and then to another one for the last 5-6 days. We just love Provence so much we really want to get the feeling of all these charming little towns and take it all in while there. The first few days will be in Gassin to enjoy the charming beautiful village and also to be just close enough to St. Tropez. Our second stay will be at Uzes for 3 nights where we will be able to drive to Arles and Saint Remy and all those beautiful towns where it doesn’t matter how often we go it’s always amazing. Our last stay will be in Gordes where all we are planning to do is well the same things we will have been doing for the previous week, wandering around, visiting Flea Markets and stopping on our ways for new discoveries. I really can’t wait.  It’s always fun to plan what to pack traveling.  Below, some of my Provence travel essentials.  What to pack for Provence.

what to pack for Provence, Provence travel essentials belle vivir

This will be our third year in a row spending two weeks of summer in Provence but there is so much we don’t know, so much we would love to show our son and share together that if you guys have any recommendations for us please share.  Do you know of a new restaurant, hot spot or exciting little town?  Please let me know.  I’m a sucker for comfortable clothes especially comfortable pants and dresses, pieces you can intermingle and make traveling easier.  Now, we all know that the South of France can get pretty warm so there will be lots of off-shoulder, ruffles and of course stripes.

A Boater hat is a must for any summer destination, A black asymmetric cold shoulder top for $44 is  perfect for evenings,  This flutter-sleeve top with embroidery trim is super adorable, A Cashmere scarf for the evenings, any of these sundresses will look great under the Provence sun.  Aren’t these espadrilles the cutest and if you are going to Provence you need to take a pair of espadrilles for $119, the classic white pants not bad for $381, in this case, not jeans something with softer fabric, a big woven straw tote to hold the daily purchases, the jeans skirt is classic with a twist and for $30.99 is practically free.

 

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As everyone knows, the first impression is essential.  In many cases, definitive.  Accordingly, a gracious foyer or entryway decor speaks volume of what lies ahead.  Whether you are lucky enough to have in your home a full room for a foyer or a small entryway, there are endless ways to decorate it in a welcoming way.  Here are 10 great ways to decorate your foyer or entryway.

Contemporary Entryway

foyer, 10 great ways to decorate your foyer, home foyer decorating ideas ways to decorate your entryway
In this entryway, two identical eagle-base consoles with two respecting round mirrors bring
balance and symmetry to the entrance of this home.  The shimmery wallpaper decor adds a touch of glam to the space.
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beach home living room decor ideasWhen I think of a beach or vacation home I think of a home with some level of restrain in the decor but comfortable enough to serve its purpose.  Now that summer is approaching and soon will be time to escape somewhere to relax for a couple of weeks, I find myself longing to own a vacation home where we can dine and sleep at ease and where we won’t feel like a tourist.  Case in point is this Greek home with a garden so inspiring that I may not even want to go outside.  The elegant but laid-back decor of soothing and sophisticated tones of blue and beige in the upholstered pieces combined with the washed wood furniture, cane chairs, bare floors and beam ceilings painted in light blue makes this home a perfect place to come back at the end of the day with lots of veggies and a bottle of wine to cook.  I don’t know where in Greece this home is located but, the use of Turkish tiles as wainscoting and its pointed arched doorways give this home just the right amount of global chic which would be appealing to a world traveler.

beach home dining room decor ideasThe dining area serves as a library with bookcases that hold books and objects as well.

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Parquet flooring from light wood to darker tones, herringbone or chevron floors can be used in many types of home decor.  From elegant and classic style to modern to rustic, Herringbone and Chevron parquet flooring can add not only architectural details but dimension, texture and sometimes even drama when used in contrasting colors as the second image below illustrates.  These types of parquet wood floors share two very similar types of zigzag pattern, and it’s easy to confuse one with the other.  For those still confused, Chevron pattern floors meet at a straight line, forming a more zigzag or rectangular design, while a Herringbone floor, the ends butt against each other, cut at an angle creating a broken zigzag pattern.  Herringbone floor may make installation more challenging than chevron floor, but both types of wood flooring design are equally worth the work and time.

Chevron, Herringbone, parquet flooring

Difference between Chevron and Herringbone

Chevron, Herringbone, parquet flooring

In this space above the tiles are thick but still form a beautiful black and white chevron floor.  Love how the wood paneling and coffered ceiling warm up the space.

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