Month: January 2018

January is the perfect month to visit Museums and indoor fairs.  Since it’s usually one of the coldest months of the year, we can take full advantage of the comfort of one of these indoor current exhibitions.  I have listed 6 great Museum exhibitions and fairs around the world that offer that and more.  From a notable look at the struggle of immigrants at the Howard Greenberg Gallery in New York City to the first exhibition of Charles I’s massive and impressive collection at The Royal Academy in London.

New York

Museum exhibitions and fairs around the world, the immigrants exhibition via belle vivir blog

The Immigrants, Through January 27, 2018  A Group Exhibition of Works by Selected Photographers.  At Howard Greenberg Gallery

“Tracing the immigrant’s journey, photographs in the exhibition will lead viewers through sections on otherness, growth, global issues, boundaries, work, and the history of the United States… The Immigrants will survey the work of more than 40 photographers from the 1860s through 2015, exploring issues of labor, education, and poverty as well as discrimination, assimilation, and a sense of belonging… A portion of proceeds from the exhibition will benefit the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which supports refugee families in crisis.”

Atlanta, US

Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market  From January 9 – 16.

AmericasMart Market is the largest market offering more than 9,000 brands across all categories of Design.  Showcases the newest brands in home decor and their trends.

Paris

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Oprah at the golden globes via belle vivir blog

The most talked about event this morning is the amazing and empowering speech Oprah gave last night at the Golden Globes.  She was awarded with the Cecil B. DeMille Award, the first African American woman to ever receive it.  About time.  #timesup.  What an extraordinary night of unity and empowerment for women of all walks of life.  When Oprah talks everyone listens… Her wisdom and eloquence is more than inspiring.  How amazing it was to hear her say:  “At this moment, there are some little girls watching as I become the first black woman to be given this award… I want all the girls watching to know:  A new day is on the horizon. When that new day finally dawns, it will be because of the magnificent women and many of them are in this room tonight.” The red carpet last night was not about naming and showcasing Designers, it was about showing solidarity to the women who started the #metoo movement as well as those others who don’t have a name but who are as equally important.  It was also about supporting fundraising for #timesup, a legal defense fund to fight sexual harassment.  All women wore a Time’s Up pin.

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the essentials you need to survive this brutal winter bryant park frozen fountainThe Winter this year has been the coldest I can ever remember.  Perhaps it’s because I’m younger, a little shy of 100, which is the last time cold temperatures like now were ever registered.  Even sharks are freezing to death.  This year was the second-coldest New Year’s Eve ball drop on record in New York City.  It’s not an exaggeration to remind you that if your pipes freeze or if your heating is not working, don’t mitigate and immediately call your local authorities for help at 311.  Boston has a website dedicated to assist residents on how to get help during winter heating season.  Well, I guess I must’ve scared you enough… Life keeps going even in the coldest Winter so let’s get the right gears that are essential to survive this brutal Winter.

While in Chicago, I desperately run to Uniqlo to stack on these extra warm thermal underwear for me and my family.   Women extra warm turtleneck t-shirtWomen extra warm leggings,  A more affordable version of thermal underwear t-shirt,  and its matching affordable leggings.

My husband told me to get these socks to my next trip to the Arctic, well you know what… Here, right now feels like in the Arctic. 3 pair of -30 below thermal winter socksWomen’s Cashmere socks.

Aviator Hat Black LabelHadlock Trapper Hat.

I got these boots on the left while in Chicago and I have to say that they saved me of a few frostbite.  They are also water resistant.  Temperatures in Chicago were unforgiving.  Shearling-Lined side-zip ankle bootsInsulated Snow Boots.

Not too much in price between these two options.  Women’s Inferno Range Gloves   and   Women’s Etip Gloves

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Cameron Kimber‘s home is located in Australia but after you take a look at it, it will strike you as a perfect interpretation of an English country-home.  English country-house style is usually saturated with all cozy elements.  Mostly rooted in classic style, steers away from stiffness and creates the most comfortable and charming of interiors.  Sofas like the kinds of Chesterfield, English rolled arms and overstuffed armchairs provide ease sitting options while natural rugs such as sisal and jute support the laid-back side of English country-house style.  We can also find oriental rugs.  A traditional color palette inspired by the nature of the English countryside is an integral part as well, shades such as yellows, greens, blues and others are found abundantly.  And who can forget about flowers, chintz in the forms of textiles and wallpapers are the cornerstone of English countryside style.  Either in the form of upholstered furniture or wallpaper, flowers and trailing are one of the main elements of this cozy style.  Such use of floral details acts as softener to the often dark wood antiques found in the English country-house style.

English country-house style cameron living room via belle vivir blog

It’s a style of living that allows us to live with the things we love and enjoy our home without worrying about ruining our rugs or sofas.  This is only because prints, patterns and natural or oriental rugs create the most beautiful patinas out of the daily tear and wear caused by our pets and kids.  Now, I think they call that a double winner…  “Things are beautiful and comfortable, and that’s really all that matters”  Kimber.  This latter a repeating mantra of Belle Vivir Interior Design Blog for years…

7 Elements of English country-house style.

English country-house style flower print via belle vivir blog

Informality

English country homes have an informal aesthetic and ambiance. Things are not taken too seriously… it’s the mingle of different textures and patterns that creates the elegance but relaxed atmosphere.

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The entry hall of the Manhattan townhouse that Architect and Interior Designer Daniel Romualdez reconfigured and decorated for a couple is what sets the tone for the overall elegance and glamor found in the rest of the house.  The mirror paneled walls, framed inside moldings disguise the beautiful Jib door on the left.  The entire townhouse carries a perfectly balanced color scheme of caramels- as the golden brown found in the dining room, different shades of browns, taupe, beige and gold.  All that degradation of color finds its balance counterpart in the white on the walls.  Romualdez used three different shades of white in the living room, technique I’m sure creates the effect of subtle depth in the space.  Usually Architects are heavy on drama when decorating an interior, Daniel Romualdez however, besides his unique talent of executing diverse styles, is consistent in the final outcome of them all, which is for most, polished and edited.  Stunning curated spaces.  Daniel has designed many project for Tory Burch.

Interior Designer Daniel Romualdez, mirrored entry hall via belle vivir blog

This beautiful townhouse was featured in the January issue of Veranda Magazine, which very well deserves a big shout out.  The issue is entirely dedicated to exquisite New York design and every one of the homes featured deserves an independent post.  Everyone should buy a copy and keep it for their collection.  It’s that good.

Interior Designer Daniel Romualdez, caramel brown dining room via belle vivir blog

Lovely contrast between the caramel walls and the white dining table and the custom ceiling light.

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