30Jan

A New York Townhouse That’s London Style In Many Ways

You know a home is well designed when moving to another country, you enlist the same Interior designer to replicate the best features into your next new abode. The owners of this chic and timeless townhouse in New York City moved from London and having loved their previous home it’s no surprise that they needed to incorporate the best of it. They enlisted Hugh Leslie to do just that.

The townhouse was infused with a modern color palette, comfortable furniture, and creative touches as the Mondrian inspired kitchen cabinets.

The three-dimensional floor in the entryway was one of the requirements of the owners. And I perfectly understand why, as I used the same design in my son’s bathroom.

10May

2018 Kips Bay Decorators Showhouse; Take A Look Inside

If you are a design enthusiast, then you already know that the 2018 Kips Bay Decorators Showhouse opened last week in New York City. The anticipated Showhouse is the most prominent showhouse in the country, attracting 15,000 visitors every year. The showhouse runs for the entire month of May closing its door on May 30th. Lucky for me my niece is graduating on May 30th precisely so I’ll be in New York City during that week and for sure I’ll be absorbing and admiring all these rooms in person. This year the Showhouse is located at 110 East 76th Street, inside a spacious townhouse at walking distance from the best museums New York has to offer.

Every year established and newer designers get to present their most daring creations that represent their perspective as much as their style. This time is no different, the creativity on display ranges from traditional to avant-garde design with more than one thing in common, color, a more is more approach, and daring design. Although the subject in focus is design the good cause behind the Showhouse is what’s most important. The Showhouse raises funds for afterschool and enrichment programs for New York City children. I only included the main rooms otherwise this post would have no end. To see the rest of the rooms visit Architectural Digest.

2018 Kips Bay Decorators Showhouse, Jun Montoya

Foyer by Michael Herold Interior Design

The foyer by Michael Herold Interior Design sure sets the tone for the rest of the showhouse. The stunning wallpaper is by Iksel and creates a striking background for the modern touch of the black and white fabric on the Louis XVI chairs. A Juan Miro lithograph greets visitors. The wall of mirror reflects the beautiful wallpaper.

06Mar

Easy Elegance By Ashley Whittaker

This month’s Veranda magazine is brimming with beautiful and inspiring homes. I particularly love this five-story brownstone designed by Ashley Whittaker for a family with four children. Ashley is known for her flawless use of colorful prints which exude happiness elegantly. As pretty as this home is, nothing is too precious making it ideal for young children’s activities and cocktail parties.

Ashley Whittaker-Veranda-belle vivir

Can you tell that there are more than a dozen printed fabrics from large to small scale in this living room… all seamlessly balanced to strike the right note. The walls have a glossy Venetian-plaster technique that makes everything look even more lively. Eclecticism done right by Ashley Whittaker. A well updated traditional Interior design.

06Feb

Art Exhibitions And Fashion Events: February Edition

The days are getting 2 minutes longer everyday. I can notice it every late afternoon and that makes me so happy and excited. Soon we’ll be ditching the heavy coats and boots and embracing lighter clothes… Just the thought of it is inspiring. For now I would be content visiting one of these art exhibitions and fashion events during this month of February.

art exhibitions and fashion events via belle vivir blog

New York

New York Fashion Week From Feb 8-14

Fall 2018 fashion shows kick of in New York on February 8th until the 14th. I can’t wait to see what Fashion Designers will present and what the fashionistas wear on the streets. To see the schedule go here. The entire month of February is the month when Fashion Designers present their Fall/Winter Collection in different cities around the world. The fashion marathon goes in this order New York from Feb 8-14, London Fashion Week Feb 16-20, Milan FW Feb 21-27 and Paris FEb 27 to March 6. I wonder how fashion editors and buyers survive…

NY NOW at Javits Center From February 3-7

NY NOW takes place twice a year featuring three collections, Home, Lifestyle and Handmade. It’s the premier market for all that’s new and on trend in specialty retail.

30Jan

Rafael de Cardenas Creates A Refined Penthouse

This penthouse in Greenwich Village, New York has all the details of a jewel box with the exception of the jewel tones. Well perhaps you can see one or two. The inspiration for this glamorous and elegant apartment was two chairs but specifically two beige chairs that Interior Designer and Architect Rafael de Cardenas found in Basel, Switzerland. The owner is a London born who moved to New York and whose taste is obviously urban and sophisticated. Although the apartment had been redone previously and was in good shape, Cardenas and its owner decided to make it even better and more appealing to its owner’s taste. Walls were moved and every surface was refinished. The color scheme throughout the apartment is mainly composed of neutrals with lots of pretty details and different metal finishes. Metals such as brass, bronze and steel work as jewelry accessories against the blond-wood herringbone floors and the travertine fireplace. The fireplace has a glamorous brass mantel… or is that painted to look like brass. Either way it creates an alluring effect.
Rafael de Cardenas Interior Designer via belle vivir interior design blog

A Mattia Bonetti chair on the right. The sofa is designed by Rafael de Cardenas

Interior Designer Rafael de Cardenas living room via belle vivir blog

Brown and blue is a combination that I have always favored. The day bed is custom-designed by Rafael de Cardenas, the lamps are by Jean Royere.

07Dec

Alyssa Kapito as seen at the Holiday House NYC

This harmonious living room was designed by Alyssa Kapito for this year’s Holiday House in New York City. The yearly Show House benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation by giving 91 cents of every dollar to the cause. The Show House showcases the work of 22 Interior Designers whose creations must be inspired by a theme or special occasion. This neutral living room was one of the many beautiful rooms created by many talented Interior Designers. The living room specially stood out to me because of the strong contrast that the black objects and furniture create. You know how I feel about the use of black elements in interiors. Alyssa Kapito went completely neutral with the decor of her space. The difference in texture and wood tones add a lot of interest to the understated living room. The space looks simple but the room had a lot of important pieces such as a portrait be Alberto Giacometti above the fireplace mantel, two chairs by Gustav Axel Berg by the desk. The over sized abstract painting above the sofa is by William McClure. I think the painting is spectacular in itself, it’s modern and subtle. Ideal for the atmosphere of the living room.

Alyssa Kapito living room front