BELLE VIVIR: Interior Design Blog | Lifestyle | Home Decor

Kitchen of the week: Distressed Wood and Brass

2012-01-27T09:34:00.001-05:00

The Kitchen of this week is a no brainer. It only needs a quick glance to love it; designed by Celerie Kemble, it has a modest-glam meets bare-foot-beach-walk feel. The distressed wood of the island paired with the brass of the hardware and faucets raise my heart beat a notch.
I'll take off to enjoy a very rainy weekend, from what it seems. Have a great weekend everyone!
images thanks to House and Home

Lucas's Bathroom Reveal: Before and After

2012-01-26T08:22:00.006-05:00

I almost forgot to take before pictures of our little one's bathroom, but this is how it looked during midst of demolition, after removing the floor tiles some of the walls and the pedestal sink. At that point my light bulb went on and I finally took one picture. We gutted it down to its bone and re-configured the water pipes in order to install a pedestal tub. I wanted to create a more of a nautical/bohemian/young atmosphere with some traditional reference.

The bathtub is really deep and spacious and I love how greatly suits the body. I opted for bright blue gingham fabric for the curtains to bring in some color and freshness.

A few of the framed butterflies were picked by my husband and his father during camping trips when he was a kid. The awesome faucet is another nod to traditional.

For the floor, I used penny tiles and my tile installer did a very cute border all around the bathroom for more interest. I designed the custom made vanity with the intention of having enough space to sit Lucas in the mornings to brush his teeth and it's been such a good idea and incredibly functional. I adore the niche above the sink and the nautical sconce is my absolute favorite!
You may be able to guess by now that I love niches.

The big scale whale you can spot through the mirror was a piece of art done by my father-in-law from shells we collected in Shelter Island this summer. I think art is really what tells a story and speaks your heart.
Photos by Marco Ricca

Young Collectors Night at the Winter Antiques Show

2012-01-25T07:35:00.002-05:00

I'm more than exited to attend The Young Collectors Night this Thursday. Hosted by East Side House Settlement and sponsored by New York Magazine, Benjamine Moore, and Elie Tahari, the exiting evening will attract a very interesting crowd of young collectors, philanthropists, design aficionados and, needless to say, antique enthusiasts. The high-energy evening will offer the attendees a private view of the world's most prestigious antiques shows "renowned for its unparalleled showcase of American, English, European, and Asian fine and decorative arts dating from antiquity through the 1960's."
Guests will also have to opportunity to meet some of the country's most prestigious designers at the "Meet the Designers" reception which will be led by the multitasking and extremely nice person Wendy Goodman, Design Editor of New York magazine. "Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the East Side House Settlement, a leading social services agency that serves young people and families in the South Bronx and surroundings communities".

Tabitha Simmons's Manhattan Home

2012-01-24T08:55:00.004-05:00

I wish I had seen Tabitha Simmons's Manhattan home last week. Her rooftop, designed by Landscape Designer Amanda Brooks, would've been a perfect fit for last weeks post about New York City amazing outdoor spaces. The Architect Annabelle Selldorf converted what was an 1850's apartment building in Chelsea into a serene 5-story home for Tabitha, her husband and their two sons. to read more about visit Vogue.

The back wall of the house was replaced by huge paned-glass doors and windows that make the space a lot bigger and taller.

The in demand shoe designer with her two sons.

All images from Vogue.

Unusual Color Combination in Interiors

2012-01-23T08:19:00.000-05:00

Peach with magenta or pink with mango are colors that not always come to mind when decorating. Leave it to Muriel Brandolini, Jeffrey Bilhuber and Steven Gambrel to teach us how. Muriel Brandolini does it in a very subtle way, everything kind of blends in. Her colors do not have much to do with nature as much with her own creations. Jeffrey Bilhuber on the other hand does it in a more contrasting way. Steven Gambrel selection of blues is not any kind of blue and the outcome is always uber-sophisticated. They are all master at doing it. I love their result.

Steven Gabrel

Beige baseboards and moldings is not nough for Muriel, she rather paint them in either dark or saturated reach colors.

Pink, peach, raspberry and light green make this room look like a piece of cake.

Here, Jeffrey used purple, lilac, bronze. Beautiful!

Purple paired with mango comes easy out of Jeffrey Bilhuber's hands.

Be careful what you wish for...

2012-01-21T08:40:00.001-05:00

It's what they say...? I think that makes more sense when it comes to snow. People around me, excluding myself, would be perfectly happy with seeing snow only in ski destinations, were complaining about the East coast having not seen enough snow this winter. So, mother nature heard them and today it is snowing outside our window. A truly beautiful vision, especially when you're lucky to see it from above, but glad there is only 3 to 4" maximum expected. Cuddle up!

images via Pinterest.

Retro Glam Interiors

2012-01-20T09:49:00.002-05:00

When carefully put together retro inspired design can be glamorous and beautiful. Very different to a granny outcome. Enjoy! Enjoy your weekend!

images via Arianna Belle, Elle Decor, Pinterest, My Cup of Te, Today you inspired me and TIG.

Inspiration For the Guys

2012-01-19T09:16:00.001-05:00

My hubby was telling me the other day "how come you don't post much for guys?" and he is right. I have neglected the masculine side of this blog, which could also be very elegant, chic or beautiful. I went moody today in color selections. "Because they're worth it!" Enjoy!

Images via Andreas Von Einsiedel, Chester Jones, The Sartorialist.

Project Sneak Peek and The Role of Fabric

2012-01-18T08:21:00.001-05:00

In my opinion, fabric is the most tangible and visual of all results in interiors, it can reveal a lot about how much thought was put into each decision during the entire design process that takes to decorate an interior. My current client is a City lady with a very traditional taste, so we decided to use fabric that would stand the test of time. The sofa, purchased at ABC Carpet, went from dull to lively after replacing the very antiquated rough silk with a depressing color for a bright blue velvet from Kravet. The pillow fabric is by Thom Filicia which we are also using on two fauteuils. It's amazing what a change of fabric can do. Her existing bench was a keeper but the prior fabric was not letting the beautiful piece shine by itself, so it was recovered in a beautiful leopard that has a hint of blue. As many apartments in the City, this one is a little bit on the small side, so it was crucial to find pieces that would not overcrowd or weigh the room down. When looking for counter stools for the kitchen island, these ones from Anthropologie came to my mind. They look so artistic and light, they look like Cristian Astuguevieille rope furniture. To make them more suitable for a city apartment and also to make them more comfortable we added a seat cushion and upholstered them in a branchy-like fabric, also from Kravet.

The Kitchen counter top has been replaced and I can't wait until we do this installation and share with you more images.

Aynhoe Park

2012-01-17T09:37:00.008-05:00

Who ever tells you is a collector, send him/her here or better yet let's redirect them here, to see the the world's largest collection of plaster casts, many of which were formerly sold off by the Metropolitan Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. James Perkins, event organizer and property developer is the owner of the restored Aynhoe Park which is full all kinds of Architectural fragments you can possibly imagine from capital columns, huge rosettes adorning the walls, statues, busts, corbels, brackets, pilasters and you name it. Stuffed animals sit on tables or stand on floors. The impressive country house in the Oxfordshire countryside of England dates from the 17th Century and it's furnished with a mixed of sculptural contemporary and traditional furniture. The detail of the disco balls hanging in the orangery, which looks almost like a museum, is a completely unexpected one. This incredible mansion is available for events, just be careful and don't go and smash anything. Enjoy!

Love the friction between modern sculptural furniture and the traditional architectural elements.

The huge Acanthus leaf ornaments hanging between Ionic Columns.

Food For Thought

2012-01-16T08:33:00.000-05:00

I'm a little bit under the weather today, but wanted to start the week with very powerful words to live by.

"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Grrr... Climbing Leopard

2012-01-14T13:55:00.000-05:00

The Climbing Leopard rug designed by Diane Von Furstenberg for The Rug Company has a very good vibe from the 70's that I easily relate to. Love it how Jeffrey Bilhuber used it in a hallway and don't they look so perfect on the stairs below, also?
We are expecting guests this afternoon and we've been setting everything up for when they come to have a great time. Tomorrow, it's all about relaxing.

Have a wonderful weekend!

images via Jeffrey Bilhuber, The Rug Company.

Frederique Mechiche | One Bathroom Four Ways

2012-01-12T09:42:00.002-05:00

Frederic Mechiche's bathroom in Paris has been featured in Elle Decor UK Interiors and most recently in Elle Decor US December issue. And, no wonder why, with some changes and addition here and there this bathroom can transform into different personalities. The grisaille wallpaper and the black and white checkered floor set the stage for the amazing copper, deep bathtub to be the focal point. That's until Andy Warhol pop art comes in. Of course my favorite of all the settings is exactly that one, where neoclassical architecture meets Pop Art. My kind of thing. Enjoy!

Frederic changed the art in each of the shots covering a niche above the tub.

Here, I'm a little bit scared to now what's inside that serious box in the niche.

In this last shot featured in Elle Decor US he got rid of the niche and replaced the tub for a thinner one, in order to incorporate a marble column and an Urn with Greek key handles. I also don't want to know what's in it.

Across from the bathtub, are the sinks with Empire looking cabinets.

Beautiful New York City Backyards

2012-01-11T08:20:00.000-05:00

Charlotte Moss in her patio. Herringbone floors and metal balconies, who can be blamed for loving this?

I know, I know. It's winter here in the US and no one is thinking about backyards, but it's summer somewhere. We don't have a backyard, what we do have is a nice New York City view from all my East side windows and a deck. Of course I'm not complaining although sometimes I joke with my husband that once we decide to move out of this house I don't know if I could settle for a view of someone else's wall. I could, however, settle for a view that has any of these amazing and chic backyards. From garden to outdoor patios, these spaces are to die for. Of course I could also be happier if I get to look at a swimming pool. Enjoy!

Another view of Charlotte Moss' patio with a metal pergola and fireplace.

Jeffrey Bilhuber designed this home which is featured in the current Architectural Digest and I could not love it more. The wall behind the trellis seems to be covered with mirror. Very smart! The white pebbles is just ridiculously good.

It's impossible to make a post like this and not remember Mr. Miles Redd's gorgeous New York City townhouse featured in Domino back then. Lovely!

Steven Gambrel kept it very natural and low maintenance in his downtown home's patio.

A very elegant and green space.

Love everything about this little outdoor space, from the striped awning, to the floor, to the walls to the furniture and pillows.

Jenna Lyons' backyard in Brooklyn.

I don't know where this backyard came from but it's very warm and cute.

Cynthia Rowley has it all in her New York City home. From trees to a swimming pool.

This patio is from last year's Kips Bay Decorator Show House. Love the whimsical goat and the use of gray and white for color choices.

A Backyard featured in Domino

images from Elle Decor, Living Etc, House and Garden, Domino, Pinterest.

Kitchen of the week: A Scandinavian Kitchen

2012-01-10T08:00:00.003-05:00

Update: A lovely reader emailed me and informed me that this kitchen was designed by Emery & Cie. I once posted about their very unique and exotic inventory way back. They have stores in many cities in Europe. Thank you!

When there is larger than life ceilings there is for sure splendid. I came across this magnificent kitchen over the weekend and I couldn't wait to share it with you. Don't know much about it, only that it's a Scandinavian Kitchen and I would say that apart from the stove being funnily small in scale the whole ambiance has a lot of provenance. The Morovian Star Pendant does give the height of the ceiling much more credit and the adorable sconces are almost unnoticeable but that is part of what makes this kitchen feel charmingly old. The incredible European tiles change from green to blue, surprising you and tying the predominant green to the less used blue tiles above the stove. Enjoy!

Talking about Morovian Start Lighting, isn't this antique one amazing? Available at Antiques Associates.

Crazy Day...

2012-01-09T08:39:00.000-05:00

I am quite busy this week and I hope that today is the craziest one of all. I'll come back tomorrow with a much more fun post. Have a great day!
images via Canadian House and Home and Pinterest.

Cobalt Blue

2012-01-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

Adore the bookcases in this room and the aged leather, the rustic table and the burlap fabric on the chase lounge.

As I've said many times in this blog I love colors and one color that's been buzzing right in my ears, closer than usual, is Cobalt Blue. It could be light or dark but without a doubt the dark tone is more powerful. I would love to paint a library or a TV room in this color and pair it with white. A lot of contrast and impact.

Majorelle Garden, Marrakesh

In this room cobalt blue is pared with chic and young pink and white.

Mary McDonald

The cobalt walls in this elegant room is brightened up with lots of furniture upholstered in white, light carpet and big statement art. Design by Eric Cohler and Jennifer Mason.

via Not Just A Label

I love the bold statement that this dark blue color makes in this all white bathroom.

Hanneli Mustaparta

Santorini, Greece

Miles Redd

Food For Thought

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

images via Pinterest and Elle Decor.

I'm looking for a non-tailored coat

2012-01-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

The cold weather is in full bloom and I happen to be looking for a coat. Now that magazines are introducing their Spring collection and many people are already buying them I'd rather think of a non-tailored coat. I'm a little bit tired of tailored coats or tailored clothes in general for that matter, they seem to me a little passe right now and more office-like than I prefer. Frankly, I don't want to look like I just came out of work. Besides, coats that are not too fitted and tight seem to be a lot more modern and comfortable but still classic.

Giovanna Battaglia seems to agree with me, above and below.

I found these very unique coats at very reasonable prices. Enjoy! Clockwise from top left, at Tenoversix, a winter white coat that would look great with a thin belt at La Garconne, bottom right at The Remedi and last one at Marni.

Kitchen of the week: Chic Pot Racks

2012-01-03T07:50:00.000-05:00

I have my pots in a Lazy Susan in a lower corner cabinet which is pretty convenient I shall say. My chic copper collection however, enjoys a far better place in my built in book case above my kitchen banquette and I love to see them in the open everyday. Here are a few images with beautiful pots hanging from pot racks. Enjoy!

All the beautiful copper hanging above the island functions as a focal point. I love it!

A very industrial kitchen with pots displayed everywhere. Notice the food scale also hanging from the rack.

This is a very big island that functions as bookshelf and storage. The way the pots frame the pendants is aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.

A very individualized kitchen. This kitchen is for serious cooking!

I posted this kitchen before under the title The Perfect Kitchen for a reason. It's magnificent!

Proof that a small kitchen can look chic and be functional as well.

Having everything in hand is an essential part of good living. Spices above the stove and olive oils in reach is a must for me. I also believe in breaking your kitchen into small spaces. A section for coffee for instance. It doesn't need to be a whole station with integrated coffee maker or anything that fancy, by only assigning a tray with sugar, coffeemate or cream next to a regular coffee maker will make life easier and your mornings more enjoyable.

Images via Michael S Smith, Martha Stewart, Mick De Guilio, Decorology, Head over Heels, House Beautiful and Elle Decor.

Atmosphere In A Room | Sharing A Soul

2012-01-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

Good Morning! I hope you had a wonderful time and that the new year awaits you with all the wonderful things you've been dreaming for. I spent it as I wanted, surrounded by family and toasting with Moet to a new and fresh start.
I've been collecting images of rooms that for many reasons remind me of other rooms. Done by different designers these rooms share a similar soul or atmosphere. Many people think of candle lights and candle scent when they hear the word Atmosphere but it is far more complex than that. Atmosphere or mood is the final ambience and feeling that is perceived in a room. Such things as room scale, flow, furniture weight (heavy, slick, rustic, refined), color scheme, lighting and textiles are all elements that help create that specific mood in rooms.

Neutral tones that go from black to beige, lush rug, brass, velvet, mirror, antique fireplace mantel and just the right amount of natural light creates a very glamorous and romantic atmosphere.

Two canopy beds, both with some shimmer (glass, silver leaf), open side tables, and art wall/mirror create modern and airy take on tradition.

Fireplace as a focal point, height mounted curtains, upholstery furniture and a common layout.

These two rooms, above are different in layout but by sharing the same clarity in the rooms and the same color scheme they feel similar.

Global chic and a relaxed down to earth feeling are shared by these two rooms above.

The last two rooms above have a beachy intellectual atmosphere that is also relaxed.

Special Time with Family

2011-12-27T08:53:00.001-05:00

This is perhaps the most appropriate time to stop and smell the roses and be in the moment and create those precious times with family to later reminisce. This week I'm going to stay away from the computer, just for a little bit and spend quality time with my loved ones with no interruption. I'll see you soon! Happy New Year!

images via Pinterest

JOY TO THE WORLD

2011-12-22T09:50:00.000-05:00

And to your family. Dear friends and readers, I want to thank you for still being here with me. Blogging is hard and takes a whole bunch out of your life but it's truly rewarding and inspirational. Discovering things we didn't even know were possible, it's only a click away. The best part of it has been the friends that I've being lucky enough to come across with, therefore Thank You and I truly wish you a healthy and wonderful Christmas!

top image via Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle, second via Michael Graydon.

Come to my Home for Christmas

2011-12-21T10:20:00.001-05:00

I wanted to share with you a few images of my home for Christmas. There is a party in every corner in this house and I can't help but share them with you.

A part of our Master Bath.

And here is the mister. We chose a medium size Christmas tree and put it on top of a table which I covered with an old remnant of fabric I had. I wanted a tree that was classic but also funky at the same time; that's why you see properly installed Christmas lights but also you can see lights that are just thrown around the tree to give it a more fun, careless feel. I love those big rounded light bulbs and the big snowflake ornaments. To make it a bit more masculine for my guys, I added baseball-like ornaments.

Love is all you need!

Top two images by Marco Ricca rest by me.

What's your Christmas Dessert?

2011-12-20T08:57:00.002-05:00

I grew up with the notion that Christmas would not be Christmas without Turrones (similar to nougats) lying around in the house as long as the Holiday goes on. Up until last night the only Turron I would buy for our home was Turron De Alicante, Spain. I swear to anyone I know that the best food in the world is found in the south of Valencia called Alicante. Having paid a visit a few times and being mesmerized by the exquisiteness of its cuisine I assumed that so was the case with their Turron. Alicante's was the best. I had tried many others that have only confirmed that. Until last night, when my hubby brought home something I wasn't expecting to incite me like that. It goes by the name of Antica Torroneria Piemontese, ALAS! What was that..? I should probably say I prefer desserts that are not overly sweet, so this one was right up my ally! Sweet enough to brig a smile to my face (and kept me yearning for more) and hard enough as to not threaten my teeth. The one I tried is coated with a delicious green coating with cedar flavor.
I also tried their truffles and oh my! With an outer coat of powdered coffee that kind of spreads inside your mouth at first until you bite into an explosion of perfectly bitter/sweet chocolate, between the bites little pieces of nuts surprise you. The whole unexpected experience made me search for this Antica Torroneria Piemontese thing for many minutes to not find a place where this stuff is sold here in the US. Nothing... that sometimes it's better off not to come across things this good after all.
Below, a few lovely images of Dessert Tables. Enjoy!

images via Lost Past Remembered, So Darling, A gray blog, Sparkling Events, Pinterest.