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.

"Allegro-Crescendo" speaker

"Primavera" tiles by Bardelli

"Rialto Deco" table

"Garland light"

Tord Boontje's objects aren't always as obvious as they are beautiful. I first learned of this designer (top fave 10 for me) on my first trip to the Frozen Fountain www.frozenfountain.nl

(Amsterdam). I was as they say "enchanted". Above are some examples of his very personal and cohesive work. You'll note form does not always follow function as far as he is concerned. I would have never guessed that first image to be a speaker and yet it is! Talk amongst yourselves...

The crystal candy set

I don't have to tell you who the genius behind this business is, do I? This guy is brilliant. I speak of course of Jaime Hayon, easily one of the most prolific designers right now. This man understands tradition, history, and of course materials and technique. To some this understanding might seem basic, as it should be a standard among all designers. Rest assured, it is not. What we have here are some pieces (of nine limited-edition vessels) for Baccarat (www.baccarat.com) aptly called the Crystal candy set.

Remember CBGB's? Well this is DBGB kitchen and bar, located a few doors down from where the legendary rock bar once stood. Now everyone knows I am full of fancy and typically quite flamboyant. Typically I enjoy a lot of hooha and drama but this space struck me because of it's elegant simplicity. How many times must a girl tell you do one thing and do it right! That is how you achieve what we call impact. Just a very cool and honest space. See, I have good things to say.

Bardelli (www.bardelli.it) presents Fornasetti's 2009 collection during Milan Design week 2009. Always just as fabulous as previous collections, new formats, more fantastic Fornasetti and beautiful Bardelli craftsmanship! What more can an avid fan such as yours truly ask for? Not much, when I took one good look at these gorgeous tiles I became a lot crazy. I mean how can you not? If you are looking for some serious impact you will never tire of, look no further.

Hound’s-tooth pattern: nothing new, and yet it never gets old. This traditional Scottish textile pattern (typically black and white) constantly reinvents itself, never looking dated. The one constant effect is the touch of class and sophistication it brings to a room regardless of its application (entirely upholstered pieces, accent cushions).

Palazzo Chupi

A couple of days ago I read an article about Julian Schnabel's residential endeavor on the Western edge of Greenwich Village. I had heard about Palazzo Chupi and seen some images in the past, but I never really took the time to really look into it. Glad I did! It's great to see people being sensitive about their living environments, what's even better is how they translate this sensitivity, creating very cool and unique interiors .The most successful spaces (at least according to me) are often the ones that have personal significant touches, furniture or Art that is meaningful to those living in that space. Have a look at this very spectacular residence with Moorish, Turkish and Venetian touches reinterpreted "a la" Julian Schnabel.

Phenomenal design

How do you update a classic and still retain its essence? Just take a letter from Andrée Putman's reinterpretation of the famous New York Morgans hotel. This is her third go at it (she refreshed it once before in 1996) and what a go it is. This classy, delicate and knowledgeable designer has kept the hotel "the same" all the while making it relevant and fresh; and yes she has kept the checkerboard motif (remember the checkerboard stripes triming the doors of the city's old cabs that became a central element in the hotel's design).

Fornasetti: new Showroom

Spazio Fornasetti Milano has moved! It is now located on Corso G. Matteoti 1/a. Alain and I just came back from the Milano Furniture fair, and on our last day in Milan were fortunate enough to visit the new space; we became Crazy with a capital C!!! Not that the old showroom wasn't fantastic, but the new one is just awesome, if you are in Milan by chance, you can't possibly miss it. It's actually a double treat because they are also holding an Installation and exhibition of Barnaba Fornasetti's new book: "Fornasetti: l'artista alchimista e la botega fantastica". Once again, we were Crazy! The great thing about Fornasetti is how tastefully everything is put toghether; the slightest details are always considered. Although most don't realize; It's always about the details.