Dear readers, these are the mother of all rugs. I remember seeing these rugs in a catalogue and thinking to myself that these were some of the most beautiful rugs that I had had the pleasure of encountering. Now, I am not talking about just the Fornasetti factor here, the craftsmanship behind these is exceptional, incomparable even. Once I set foot in their New York showroom, I had to be sedated; these rugs were mind blowing. I wanted each single one, only I did not possess enough rooms to display them in. The depth, the colour, the feel and vibe. Every single detail: perfection. www.roubinirugs.com

From plates, to pillows to versatile high impact fabrics, that is the magic of Thomas Paul!



Rugs: hello!



Very very cool!



This Nautical theme is great.

Paul's accessories and textiles are always bold and create a lot of impact. Obviously not for the faint of heart. If however like me you are a screamer, than let out and get some of this!!

You go Sarah Morris: art work translated into fabrics. www.maharam.com




Armani Casa oval Ginger bowls out of cast brass. www.armanicasa.com





Amethyst gold leaf drawer pulls by Eduardo Garza. www.eduardogarza.com


I love to shop for fabulous accessories and textiles that shape the character to my home. These are the type of add ons that can only be acquired through time and have to sort of hit you when you see them. Again, there isn't a recipe as far as purchasing these objects is concerned; it's got to be a gut thing. But these are the typesof items that truly can make a home special.

As you all know I have a great love for all that is Italian. I also think we can all agree that this is not one of those crazy unjustifiable loves; this is an affair based on quality, content and above all excellence in all matters design. I know, I know there are other great design nations, I am not saying that there aren't. I am simply saying that I prefer to focus on the Italian design geniuses. With that out of the way , this morning I came across the new book of Aldo Rossi Drawings (Thames & Hudson ). The book contains more than three decades of sketches, concepts and watercolours until his death in 1997. Do yourselves a favor: get it. The book is really well put toghether and the content is pretty inspiring. www.thameshudson.com

The diva of design has teamed up with Pickard to create her first porcelain line; it' s beautiful! Available at Bergdorf Goodman (www.BergdorfGoodman.com).

some fabulous in Montreal

Artist Peter G.-Ray is now showing some of his very cool and unique work at the Dom Rebel lifestyle headquarters (www.domrebel.com). If you are in the market for some serious art work I think you will find what you are looking for.

You know Art is wonderful and so necessary in a person's everyday life, but it is also one of the touchiest elements when it comes to home decor. I am not talking about the type of Art a person prefers, I am talking about all the other element that follow that initial choice, like framing lighting, placement and of course the not son obvious big C: context. People please, if you don't know ask an art consultant or someone who can guide you to make the right decisions for your home. Remember be fair to the piece and its Artist, expose it as it deserves to beappreciated.

You know this fixture is just the type of item that could really make a space feel a little lighter. It's nice to not take yourself so seriously sometimes. I really encourage my friends and clients to take the time and look for special whimsical items that provide significance to their spaces. It's also important to understand that if the item is valuable to you, it's not wrong and can somehow be worked into the space. It can always be worked into the space, in fact call me!

It does not matter what you do for a living, what you consider your style to be. What does matter is how comfortable you are in the space you practically live in: your office. Take a minute, personalise your space, enjoy it, appreciate it. Clearly some environments are easier to love than others ,but anyone can love and style their office in order to make it a place they enjoy coming to. I know I love my office , I am always happy to come in in the mornings and eager to get going.

What's cool? Sometimes just the right combination of objects, furniture, people and of course location. If ever you are in Austin texas, do stay at the San Jose. Remember it's not always about how many stars there are.

" La conversazione classica"

"Le donne su i fiori"

"Costumi"

"La casa degli efebi"

Since we are on the Gio Ponti topic and what a topic it is; we can go on for days. I wanted to show how versatile and relevant this designer was/is. These are Bardelli tiles designed by Ponti (these images don't do them justice). Not only is the craftsmanship spectacular (just so detailed and confident) but the subject captivating, inspiring even. We used La casa degli efebi in our office and I am still crazy every time I see it. A reaction which can only be elicited by truly great visionaries such as yours truly.

Villa Planchart


Did get a load of that ceiling. Now that is detail at it's best!

These gorgeous fixtures are available (I can't imagine for very long) at the Galerie van den akker in NYC. A Rare Pair of Wall Lights by Gio Ponti for ArredoluceItalycirca 1953. These wall lights and very well documented and were used by Ponti in several of his most famous commissions including Villa Planchart in Caracas. The Villa is a work of art in itself, but the thing that got me going this morning was the impact provided by these fixtures. What a legacy this man leaves behind.

But can you feel it?

You will absolutely positevely have to excuse my extreme enthusiasm. As most of you know I get very exited when I write about really well thought out and executed spaces. Ahhh Kettner's restaurant and chapagne bar! That classic sophistication is not just seen, it is felt and then some. This place exudes flair and it is the perfect example of how a well designed space can truly stimulate more than just the sense of sight. Studioilse has truly done one of London's most significant establishments justice.