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Spring has sprung and, with Easter looming, the picnic season is about to start. Not sure about the weather? Just kit yourselves out with a good rug like Fatboy Picnic Lounge. Enjoy the great outdoors (and don't forget a hat).
When you grow up, like me, with the Alps as a backdrop, it is difficult to ignore their call. After years away, I'm finally heading back to the slopes for an overdose of skiing and glorious winter light on the snow. In the anticipation, I'll indulge in a little gallery of chalet chic, an all time favourite of mine.
Kose collection of hand crafted vases and vessels.
The many charms of Barcelona are well known, but after a gorgeous few days in the Catalan capital, I have been reminded why I always thought I could very happily live there. Highlights from my trip below:
A spot of shopping in Vinçon:
A sunset cocktail on the Majestic Hotel's terrace:
A flying visit at the Mandarin Oriental:
The most delicious chocolate shop:
And one of the best loos I have ever seen:
Gone are the days where you had to live with a horrid plastic box in every room. Next generation's thermostats are sexy, smart and can be easily controlled with user friendly apps. Nest have also launched a talking Smoke and CO2 alarm that talks to you rather than annoy you and doesn't go off needlessly when you burn your toast. What are designers going to argue about with the M&E guys now?
Using thatch for roofing has been used for centuries across Britain. A wonderful example of how local materials and craft can produce stunning results to date. A good quality straw thatch can last for more than 50 years when applied by a skilled thatcher and is completely sustainable.
A great example of how gutsy choices pay off, even in classical environments.
The weather is miserably wet and Summer seems so, so far away.
My soul needs warmth, singing cicadas under the scorching sun, chirping crickets in the mellow summer nights. Lounging by the pool amongst the Umbrian hills could be just the ticket.
However, if exotic escapism can't be attained, dining al fresco could provide much needed diversion too. My advice would be to choose a gas barbecue (quick to cook between showers) and happy furniture to brighten your garden, or terrace, even in the gloomiest days.
Crack
Bird of play
Jonah
Julian Rena's sculptures.
This dashing gentleman was hiding behind another, less interesting, portrait purchased at an auction. The picture was taken by Alexander Bassano, the leading royal and high society portrait photographer in Victorian London. One thing for sure, this man looks effortlessly elegant as well as dazzling - but who was he?
Here we go again. My all consuming addiction is showing its ugly face once more. I wish I could resist it, but no... I know I'll be back on the real estate sites tonight for my fix of Palazzo Porn - the crumblier the better. At least when that lottery money finally comes through, I'll be ready.
A new show has appeared on Willer's shop window and Pip din't miss the chance to sniff around. It looks fab, as always.
It's a classic tale: in times of crisis, reach for gold. At the Salone 2014, gold and other metallic finishes where definitely a dominant trend. Amongst many, Kartell delivered the most impressive display - a real favourite of mine from this year fair.
As I'm finding out every day lately, having an office dog pushes your boundaries and broadens your horizons quite a bit.
As it happens, by 9.30 this morning while on my first walk, I already had seen 2 rather different art pieces I was quite keen on.
So impressed I was by her nose for talent, I thought she deserved some recognition.
Lina Cofan ceramics
http://linacofan.blogspot.co.uk/
It is, in fact, Olive by the Little Greene Company. A sumptuously rich and yet relaxing colour, soon to be painted on my client's dining room walls. "What's the big deal?", you might ask. Well, in the current climate of chromophobia, I think bold choices should be celebrated. The result, soon to be posted, will be similar to this and I can't wait to see it:
