Quotel

Back in November I blogged the office of mode:lina, an architecture firm based in Poland. They emailed us recently with one of their latest projects - an apartment designed for guests visiting the Poznań International Fair. It's called the QUOTEL (combination of the words "quote" and "hotel"). This specific customer defines the nature of this apartment - at the crossroads of hotel features and relaxed homely atmosphere. The challenge was to use easily replaceable parts (here:IKEA) and create a space that definitely stands out among other similar offers on the market. Designers faithful to the principle of crossing-over, combined catalogue elements with custom-made ones to create an affordable and durable design giving the impression of tailored interior. I dig the modern minimalism with great use of Ikea products, colour that adds some life, and the phrases on the walls are a fun, cheap and at times cheeky form of artwork. (Oh, and those floors!!)

***Totally off topic: My parents, twin sister and I are having a garage sale tomorow out in Cumberland (parents' house - they have the longest driveway, from 8am-noonish) so you can stop at the Cumberland Market, pick up some fruits and veggies, then drive up the road about 100 feet and come check out our junk!!

  

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Honeymoon

It's my niece's wedding tomorrow. I thought I'd give her a virtual honeymoon. Of course I went to Welcome Beyond to find the perfect boutique hotel. How about Ratua Private Island? Seriously sexy. Seriously simple. Seriously the perfect spot for the perfect honeymoon. Congratulations Jane and Chris! You'll just need to pack some swimmers, sarong and maybe a t-shirt?

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Divercity

Award winning Athens and London based architectural firm Divercity. What can I say? Amazing contemporary designs referencing Greek heritage, a local vernacular with an international appeal. Holding its own against a stunning landscape I'm drawn to their hotel work whether almost suspended in the sky in Mykonos and Santorini or grounded in the rocky fields that surround their conversion of a 13th century manor in Monemvasia. Their work is inspiring and simply beautiful.

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Salvinia

I am stricken, yes stricken, with love for this 18th century half-timber house hidden in the dunes and marshes of the Vistula River down on the Baltic Sea coast of Poland. 3 apartments contained within an historic building. Old and new, history and the stylishly comfortable here and now. I just can't come up with the right words to describe this house. Nothing seems worthy enough. I speechless (or should I say rambling). I wouldn't want to leave this holiday lodge.  Salvinia Lodge. That's the name of my new home. I'll be renting it forever and I'll expect you to join me soon. Tomorrow I'll introduce you to the architects.

  

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La Belle Juliette

I would LOVE to plan a trip to Europe one day. I went once to Italy when I was 4 to visit family (my mom is Italian). That is the extent of my European travels. SAD. Of course I'd have to visit Italy, but now it looks like I'd definitively have to plan a trip to Paris too, and stay at the new (opened Jan 2011) 4-star hotel called La Belle Juliette. It's located in central Paris, a short walk from Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Jardin du Luxembourg where the world of fashion meets Paris' most luxurious boutiques. It's chic yet cozy, luxurious yet refined, thank to the decor prowess of Anne Gelbard, the Parisian expert of "home couture" and architecture by Vincent Bastie. I think I'm in love! (Thanks for the link Alain! Photos by Jerome d'Almeida)

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