22Feb

The Barn By Suzanne Kasler at Blackberry Farm

Suzanne Kasler via belle vivir interior design

Architecture is one of my primary passions. It’s even embarrassing to say I studied Architecture for a year and a half to then drop out in an action I can only call a young age crisis. That is one big regret of mine. Anyhow, back to my topic today. From my point of view an interior decor not architecturally enhanced is not good. And when I think of places with strong architecture, not only palaces come to mind but also something completely opposite but also impressive. A barn for example, originally made from lumber, gambrel roof to maximize storage, exposed wood and beams to support the ceiling. When visiting Suzanne Kasler’s website the other day I was astonished, one more time, by the incredibly beautiful work she did decorating The Barn, a restaurant located in Blackberry Farm, a resort located in the Mountains of Tennessee. I absolutely love Suzanne Kasler’s design, she seems to always work in houses with breathtaking architecture. Judge by yourself, enjoy.

I adore the color scheme of the space. Tanned leather, beige, browns and subtle pink?

Suzanne Kasler via belle vivir interior design

The rusticity of the wood is softened up by the upholstery and slip-covered furniture.

Suzanne Kasler via belle vivir interior design

images via.

19Oct

While in Turkey: An Istanbul Review

I wanted to share with you some images of my trip to Turkey. Rather than a travel guide, this is more of an Istanbul review. Istanbul treated me with a lot of what I love the most: a mixture of old and new, innovation and tradition and I couldn’t be happier to absorb it all in. On the first day, our discoveries of Istanbul started at the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, more famously known as the Blue Mosque (first 3 pictures). The neighborhood, also called Sultan Ahmet, is situated on cobble-stoned sloped streets were you can also spot the Golden Horn part of the Bosphorus. It’s a non-ending contemplation of beauty.

Above, Hagia Sophia’s opulent Byzantine architecture where Islamic influences meet the original Church with Christian-depicted golden mosaics. Surrounding the center of the structure is a loggia supported by magnificent marble pilasters and arched yellow and gray geometric design mosaic ceiling. Below are images of the Topkapi Palace which is located on one of the highest points of Istanbul’s shoreline overlooking the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. The palace, today a museum, is divided in many courtyards and buildings among which you can see a mixture of Asian, Middle Eastern, and Eclectic Europeanized architecture.

09Aug

Déjà Vu: A Munich Review

A beautiful view of The Siegestor in Munich

The reason for my long and total absence conjures one full sentence “I’ve been biking in Munich.” Literally. I’ve been biking up and down for days of sightseeing, eating, shopping, and mostly going into quite secluded neighborhoods and into small and “only-locals-know-about” shops. Because that’s what I prefer to do when I travel. I like to act and do everything like a local. I first walked around and sensed the environment. It didn’t take me long to realize that Germans have everything figured out when it comes to sustainable living. Munich has more bikes on bike-paths taking you everywhere in the city, than cars driving on the streets. God, New Yorkers would be happy to have at least half of those bike-paths.

I have to say that what I loved the most about Munich was going around Schwabing’s quite neighborhoods while appreciating the gorgeous Art Nouveau architecture. Due to the City’s strict laws for building skyscrapers (height limitations) it’s easy to enjoy the beauty of Munich’s Neoclassical and Gothic main buildings without any view interruption.

The wires hanging on this street belong to the tram system.

The Ludwigskirche Church with colorful tiles added on later to the Neo-Romanesque architecture.

Notice the adorable tree house.

There was an ongoing baby-size chess match going on every day at this corner. A different take from the domino games played in tropical islands. Don’t they look cute?

After returning home, the joy in my son’s laugh when he saw his Mommy, whom he had been separated from for the first time, was the best part of my trip. There is no wonder in a foreign country that can match that.

I hope you are enjoying your summer as well.

While in Turkey: An Istanbul Guide

The House Hotel in Istanbul

20Jul

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, the Mandarin Oriental’s first luxury hotel in Southern Europe located in the chic and central boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia, conveniently close to many of Barcelona ‘s shopping and dining venues. I thought it would be only good to see some pictures of its beautiful interior. The 120 rooms and suites hotel offers a spa and five restaurants and bars.
The Mandarine Oriental Barcelona was named “Best City Hotel in 2011 by Tatler Travel Guide. This elegant building that previously used to house a bank comes alive with a full revival and beautiful interior design by Spanish designer, Patricia Urquiola. Urquiola is a Spanian designer who lives and works in Milan, Italy. She has been named “Designer of the decade for the German magazines “Home” and “Hauser”. See more of this beautiful hotel on their website. An exceptional hotel for the descriminating tourists.

20Apr

Crosby Street Hotel in New York City

Crosby Street Hotel in NYC is everything but conventional. As owners, Tim and Kit Kemp the proprietors of Firmdale Hotels, believe that “hotels should be living things, not stuffy institutions.” I totally agree with them. Kit Kemp designed all of the interiors in a cozy English style with an impressive art collection that says “welcome home”. No wonder she was awarded the Andrew Martin International Interior Designer of the Year for 2008. Crosby Street Hotel in situated on a quiet cobbled street in the heart of New York’s vibrant SoHo neighborhood with 86 bedrooms and suites.