The home of photographer Caroline Otteni

Sitting in a meadow of flowers, surrounded by fruit trees, not far from the Baltic Sea in Germany is Haus Otteni. This old farm workers' house has been lovingly restored by its photographer owner. It's a family home of interconnecting rooms, clay plaster walls, rustic beams and a dark cave like feel. Interesting sight lines and the play of light and shadow reveal the photographer's eye. A special place that is made even more lovely by its everyday practicality. Precious but not precocious. Even better it is available for holiday rent. Sunbathing in the meadows, relaxing in the shade of a fruit tree, soft breezes blowing in from the coast. Lazy, blowsy summer days with family or friends.

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The dark side of Melissa Collison

Deep, rich, sophisticated. The dark side of interior designer Melissa CollisonSwoon. Design and food and travel. A magic carpet ride of style and colour.

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A closer look

I had to go back. I just had to. Drawn like a moth to the flame. I clicked the link and took a look. Sucked right back into the portfolio of photographer Mark Gregory Peters. (You'll find my first post on him here.) Then I took a closer look. A closer look at the home of Spanish decorator Serge Castella, first published in AD Spain and captured in all its moody, dark and broody glory by MGP. Dramatic!

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The NoMad Hotel

Here is the second hotel I wanted to share with you all, The NoMad. It too is located in New York. Located in a turn-of-the-century Beaux-Arts building in the NoMad district at 28th Street and Broadway, the hotel has been fully restored to its original grandeur with interiors by French designer Jacques Garcia. The hotel is intended as a fresh take on the classic grand hotels of Europe with a distinct New York sensibility. The design of the hotel was inspired by the Parisian flat of Garcia’s youth. The 168 rooms are residential in feel and decorated in his classic, timeless style. Each room is appointed with hand-selected, richly textured custom-designed furnishings and original artwork. The soaring ceilings throughout the public spaces provide a fine gathering place to enjoy dining, drinking and socializing. It has a similar vibe to the previous hotel but I think the other is more Parisian-industrial whereas this is more Parisian-Gentleman's club (and far more dramatic). I'd love to stay at both - how would one choose?! (P.S. The photography is perfection!)

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