Month: November 2017

We often talk about different interior design styles like transitional, traditional, modern and so on or sometimes we even pop questions such as What makes a home chic?… But there is a distinct design aesthetic that stands alone on its own where every piece of furniture and object from different styles and times fits in harmoniously to create the perfect comfortable and elegant home.  That is called a Collected-Home.  When I think of this ideal approach, the first designer who comes to mind is Jacques Grange.  He is a master at designing homes that appear to have been decorated throughout a lifetime of sophisticated good living.  A Collected-home suggests its owner has had a life well lived, is an avid traveler and collector, has a independent mind with a personality of her own.  These homes never look intentionally decorated, rather they look as a result of an accumulation of cherished objects, inherited valuable furniture and invested artwork chosen out of pure love by the family members…  This is a style for those whose eyes have traveled enough to appreciate the beauty of a distinctly aesthetic which speaks for the story of its owner.  Below are 17 collected rooms that shows us what makes a home collected.

Collected-homes, jacques grange AD via belle vivirMix and Match Upholstery  In this beautiful and elegant living room designed by Jacques Grange there is mixed and matched furniture juxtaposing with sculptural tables, brass floor lamp and dear objects throughout.  There is however one common thread, literally, between the mix match furniture selection.  Green and red quietly unifies the upholstery.  Clever.  via AD

Collected-homes, jacques grange architectural digest via belle vivir

In the library of the same home designed by Jacques Grange, currently featured in Architectural Digest, we see how a careful selection of collected furniture upholstered in different colors and patterns blend harmoniously together.

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I came to the conclusion that I must have been a visiting doctor in one of my previous lives due to my preference for bags that come with the option of a top handle, even the backpack I take to the gym I hold it from its top handle. Whenever I’m planning on buying a bag, there are a few things I look for including, the main long handle, organizing compartment, zipper sealed pockets, and small open pockets to keep things as credit cards or random business cards from acquaintances… My wallet ends up weighing too much, so I seldom use it. This roundup of top handle bags include some of the already popular ones and others newcomers to the party, some with full price tickets, while others pre-owned.

a roundup of top handle bags via belle vivir

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I came across this top image randomly in Google that reminded me of this post from a few months ago.  Green is probably the most conservative way to use color while staying neutral.  If there is one color that truly represents nature that is green with all different shades directly linked to one of Nature’s greatest flora.  The darker the shade of green the more coziness it adds to a room.  I especially love to see it paired with unconventional opposites such as taupe, pinks and browns…

The Beauty of Green in Interiors, via belle vivir

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The Scandinavian Home of Malin Persson, via belle vivir

Although I’m not quite the one that falls for bohemian decor… I tend to prefer more polished interiors, this home in Sweden falls in between the exact measurement of bohemian vibe and a collective one.  A mixture of old and modern provides for the right amount of eclecticism.  Swedish interiors are known for being minimal on accessories however this case is different.  Spacious rooms have respectively spacious sofas and tables, accessories and my favorite part from the house, that beautiful and elegant armoire which is possibly the one to thank for this post.  The house in question is The Scandinavian home of former model Malin Persson which she shares with her family.  They bought the old house built in 1908 and renovated it for more than two years from the pipes to the roof, literally.  Smartly the couple kept the charm elements such as stairs, ceiling and doors that make the home feel warm and cozy.

The Scandinavian Home of Malin Persson, via belle vivir

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There is a tremendous art movement happening in November all over popular and stylish cities.  With the Autumn weather comes the time to head indoors and live through the eyes of artists visiting Museums and Galleries.  Enjoy this November roundup of the best Art Exhibitions Around The World

New York, New York

Art Exhibitions Around The World, michelangelo devine, drafstman and designer at the met via belle vivir

Michelangelo Divine Draftsman & Designer at The Met From Nov. 13 through Feb. 12

A celebrated artist for over half a millennium, Michelangelo is having his largest exhibit at The Met in New York City.  The exhibition will showcase 150 drawings, three marble sculptures and other works, including Met’s own collection of two rarely displayed drawings and one sculpture.  Among the works presented, is a monumental cartoon for his last fresco in the Vatican Palace.  There will also be work of other artist for comparison and context.  A must see exhibition for sure.

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