Curtains, a must!

Curtains are much more than just decorative framing for your windows! By combining fabulous sheer or lined fabrics with the right heading style, Curtains create a mood that reflects anything from chic minimalism through to rich opulence! And of course, lined Curtains have fantastic insulating properties (summer and winter), particularly when finished with upholstered or bonded pelmets.

Golden Age

The interior of the Fabergé Boutique in the elegant Art Deco building follows the style prevalent in the aristocratic St Petersburg of the 19th century. Proprietor and operator of the Fabergé Boutique is the Australian jeweller Fairfax & Roberts, the oldest and best-known jewellery dynasty in Australia, founded in Sydney in 1858. The venerable Australian company commissioned the design for the sales area from the architect Maddalena Vienna, with the symmetry of the shop floor tailored precisely to the classical historic building.

Eureka, someone got it! It's all about the experience, and what an experience this is. You walk in and are invited to sit in a lovely setting, fit for Tsar Alexander the III. While you view the finest jewels, you're having tea and macaroons in the most fantastic setting. I mean call me!

Fly in Style!

Notice the Alessi details on the bed...

Less is more, but more is more!!! And that means you'll find more and more in the sophisticated new 787 Boeing Dreamliner. In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 will provide airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance. The airplane will use 20 percent less fuel for comparable missions than today's similarly sized airplane. Passengers will also see improvements with the new airplane, from an interior environment with higher humidity to increased comfort and convenience.
http://www.newairplane.com/

Paul Cocksedge

Paul Cocksedge Studio has been commissioned by The Wellcome Trust to produce a major display that will illuminate Euston Road in central London. A short stroll from the recently launched St Pancras station sits an impressive 9-storey glass building which houses the UK’s largest charity, The Wellcome Trust. The front windows of the building are seen by over 1.8 million passers by each year, providing the perfect opportunity to engage the public with the work of this medical charity. To see the project please visit: http://www.paulcocksedge.co.uk

Maya Bar Monaco

This bar in Monaco deserves to be noticed. They took on traditional Chinese imagery, combined it with modern material including cement, and get this...they actually made it work! We can expect to see red lacquer and orchids, but kudos on the greatest Chinese lanterns I've ever seen. The touch of suspended crystals bring the whole space to a new level of class, sophistication, and most of all, luxury. Without this detail, that may seem insignificant and minute to some, would leave us wanting more. Below I've included a writer's take on the designer's experience and approach to the space...

"The mental suitcases by Noe Duchaufour mark the stages of a journey that started a long time ago. When the cases were being unpacked, the French designer decided that Roccabelle provided him with a blank canvas "of unfinished cement with free and open spaces for circulation." He wanted to create a complete place for living, somewhere that was totally independent of the context."

Well said! Take the virtual tour...

http://www.groupepastor.mc/mayabay/mayabar/index.htm

Get your napkin rings!

Whatever happened to diner? Never mind diner, whatever happened to the fancy affair? I get the impression most people feel it's a big hassle. Well let me tell you something, you don't know what you're missing! There isn't a more wonderful feeling than sitting at a beautifully designed table, complete with centerpiece and all. Just remember to keep that centerpiece low (essential for effective conversation with fellow diners). Here are some gorgeous examples of tableware, created by Interior Designer Alberto Pinto for some of his clients (Fancy...) now available to the public.

Blue Fin Fun

Next time you're in New York city looking for a cool place to hang and bee seen, don't miss the Blue Fin restaurant at the W Times Square. Yabu Pushelberg created this lux interior a few years back just when they started cracking the high end hotel market. One simple feature make this space worth talking about...the wall. Take a lesson, every space should have an impact, a personality. Decide on one thing and/or concept, and develop it to the max...as shown here.

The play between light and shadow creates a mood, a vibe, and that's just what everyone looks for in a cool restaurant. But like I always say to our restaurateurs, focus on the food first, and then the interior environment. However, if I could serve my designs on a platter, I am sure people would be lined up outside our office begging to try!
www.whotels.com

Blooming Genious

Fantastic florals are not exclusive to fashion this season. Check out sir Cecil beaton's floral textile designs (originally created in 1948 for haute couture) available in silks, cottons and wallpapers. For more information visit www.cecilbeatonfabrics.com.

Cecil Beaton's contribution to 20th century art and design is unequalled. He dressed the stars of stage and screen with style and originality, photographed them artfully in his creations and wrote about them candidly in his memoirs. Tireless and determined, his prolific and creative career spanned 60 years, always on the peak of the art and design establishment. His lens captured the greatest names in every field with an uncanny sense of composition and insight. His stage designs were unparalleled for Hollywood productions such as 'Gigi' (1958) and 'My Fair lady' (1964), for which he also won Best Costume Design Oscars. Beaton's artwork is also uniquely recognisable-bold and chic with fluid, spontaneous brush strokes-and still just as fresh and relevant to contemporary design today. (Press Release-May 2007)

That is just it, the great designers truly are timeless, and great additions to any space in general,wether taste is traditional, modern, or contemporary. It's like Coco Chanel said: "Fashion fades, style is eternal". Don't be afraid to mix things up.