Brillante Interiors

Il Paradiso dei Sogni

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 23:33:00 +0000

A dreamlike bestiary of ceramic characters

I like to end my posts of IDS Vancouver 2017 with the extraordinary ceramics of Matteo Cibic, the award winning Italian designer who also created a few lines of furniture for Scarlet Splendour

In our Booth we had these amazing pets, made in Italy with the finest ceramic and 24k gold finishing, in a limited edition of 99.
I assure you they were the most photographed and created lots of attraction. It was so good to see people smiling the moment they saw them!

Now I would like to present them one by one:

Hi I am White Donky... Hi I am Black Donky

My name is Princess

And I am Broody

I am a very LUKY dog

Matteo wanted to give us those names and they are spelled correctly, no mistakes! And here we are all together at IDS, Princess loved to be on the vanity in the background, she is so vain!

A few of us during the event were adopted by wonderful families, after the show closed Broody and Princess moved to a high-end furniture store in Vancouver, SwitzerCult Creative, so if you want to adopt them please go there or contact Brillante Interiors as representative of the line.

We are so cozy in this beautiful bookcase designed by Hagit Pincovici, but we'll be happy also in a new home, if treated well as here!

©2017 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things". You can also follow me on Instagram.

If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send us an email.
It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

From Milan to Vancouver for IDS 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 03:22:00 +0000

From Milan I Saloni to Vancouver Interior Design Show...so proud to have presented Scarlet Splendour contemporary luxury design in a Booth at IDSVancouver.
It was a great experience, actually an exhausting one to prepare but at the end so energizing and successful.

I was so busy for the 4 days of the show and glad I had assistants at the booth and of course also Matteo Cibic, the designer, who flew from Milan as a guest of IDS to be a speaker at the event and who gave us a fascinating insight into the way his creative mind works.

We had fun with visitors and obviously happy to see Jaime Hayon
another key speaker, stopping by our booth for a chat with Matteo and his beautiful wife Michela.

Woman in Paris vanity and Bjiou stool, part of Vanilla Noir line, were so well received that they became a "selfie spot"so I really wish I had the time to take pictures of all the people who sat there.

On the vanity top there is Princess, a whimsical ceramic with 24 Karat gold finish, part of the other display at the booth "Il Paradiso dei Sogni" created by Cibic also represented by Brillante Interiors... but that will be Part 3 of these posts on IDS.

Can't avoid to show you the other side of the vanity with the mirrors gorgeous pattern on the back. Lollipop anyone?

Then there was the fantastic table Metropolis, the Karesansui rug, the Fruit bowl, all creations of Cibic whose portrait you can see on the magazine over the table, a quite new publication on design and lifestyle from The Netherlands, titled WHOT as in WOnderful THings

A detail of the vanity with the unexpected luscious red inside the drawers, a touch that can be found also on the bottom of the table and on other furnitures designed for Vanilla Noir collection.

Finally...what are those creatures in the background?

Discover the mystery on my next post!

Six Tips for Interior Design Show - IDS Vancouver 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 20:10:00 +0000

Loading Bay at Vancouver Convention Centre

My followers know how much I love going to IDS, Vancouver Interior Design Show every Fall, browse and report about what struck me most.
You can read my previous articles HERE

But...this year I was an Exhibitor for the first time so I am going to ramble about my experience on how to set a Booth.
Not having done something similar I did not know what to expect, even though I am used to create interiors, move things around for the best layout, create interest and focal points in a house...well in a 20 x 20 square feet space things are a bit different!
Let's start with the image above, the Loading bay, the secret (to me, until now) place where crates and boxes are entering the trade show space...I did not expect the view of the water, it was beautiful but I blurred it with my exposure so you have to believe me.

I will save you the story of the several months prior, the adventure started in April in Milan at I Saloni, when Jody Phillips and her team came to Rossana Orlandi iconic showroom, met Scarlet Splendour owners and Matteo Cibic, fell in love with the designer creativity and asked him to be a Speaker at the show in September...the rest is history!

Matteo Cibic's ideas for the Booth, rapidly drawn in front of a cappuccino (for me) and a carrot juice (for him) when we met again in Vicenza later on to discuss ideas for the show.

Fast forward...to September

Just arrived at Vancouver Convention Centre for the installation day with my team, wearing my lumber jacket, not aware I had to put on top of it a work vest, definitely not a fashion statement!

The Booth was an island so at the end we decided not to put up any walls, to give visibility from every side to our stunning furnishings and to Cibic's ceramics.
I had a problem deciding about lights, searching everywhere for the perfect ones, but I solved it ordering a central light above and Nancy Bendtsen of Inform Interiors came to my rescue giving me the two beautiful floor lamps Sampei...and the two very comfortable chairs Masters by Kartell.

Our booth was almost ready but it was still installation day with workers putting up the last touches.

Now a few tips if you have never participated in a trade show as exhibitor, learned the hard way:
- Go to trade shows, notice what attracts most people, take notes, take pictures.
- Talk to people you know who had booths in the past, every piece of advice is a treasure.
- Search the web to find suppliers and ideas.
- Ask stores if they could lend you a few pieces to complement the booth.
- Put the most appealing items in a very visible spot to attract the crowd.
- Stay within the budget, even if it is restricted...it is your first show, next time you can go grand!

To be continued...

If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send us an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home, because

a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and

a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

Report from Milan number 2

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 15:27:00 +0000

I promised to write more about Milan Design Week, even if a few weeks have already gone by I hope you'll be interested in knowing more...
This time the feature is Rossana Orlandi Gallery, an iconic lady and an iconic concept store.
For the third year Scarlet Splendour was exhibiting there its different lines.

Their beautifully crafted furnishings are designed in Europe by Italian star Matteo Cibic, Slovenian star Nika Zupanc and the talented duo Colussi-Contessotto.

Here are some highlights of the display

Nika Zupanc's extravagant wine cabinet, part of the line "88 Secrets" was featured in several important magazines, including Dezeen. The cabinet could be also custom built with shelves instead of bottles support and becomes more versatile.

Matteo Cibic's "The General" desk is part of "Vanilla Noir" line and comes in different colors, a work of love with its geometric resin inlay. Cibic was the recipient again this year of the Elle Deco International award and the magazine Newsweek dedicated an article to him this week, you can read it HERE.
Such a personality...and I am so happy to say that he will be a speaker at this year Interior Design Show in Vancouver, and part of his creations will be displayed in Scarlet Splendour's booth.

Mark your calendar, September 28-October 1, 2017...

it will be very interesting to meet him.

Having fun with Matteo

Corriere della Sera is the most read newspaper in Italy and during the Design Week has always an insert about design written also in English. This year they featured Nika Zupanc romantic creations, particularly the credenza in a beautiful pastel color.

In Milan it was presented in a deep emerald hue...well it is the year of Pantone greenery after all, but green is timeless of course and always a perfect accent for interiors.

And here I am sitting on the Cibic's rocking "Nanook of the North"

with Ashish Bajoria, co-owner of Calcutta based Scarlet Splendour.

Hint: Brillante Interiors is exclusively representing

Scarlet Splendour in British Columbia.

Rossana Orlandy courtyard in full bloom, it was a wonderful week of splendid weather to crown so many exciting events. Follow Brillante Interiors on Instagram to see more images.

If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send us an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home, because

a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and

a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

Report from Milan number 1

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 12:09:00 +0000

Fairground

Here I am... still in Milan and still recovering from the amazing whirlwind of the Design Week, an event that sees hundreds of thousands people visiting from all over the world.
When I started going to the so called Salone del Mobile decades ago...it was still in the city and it was quite small but in all these years it has grown so much that it is now at the relatively new Fair site, in the outskirt of Milan.

Casa degli Atellani

The past twenty years has seen also the birth of the "Fuori Salone" with a growing miriad of events around the city, day and night. First it was zona Tortona, near the Navigli, then more and more areas of Milan got involved to the point that it is impossible to visit and participate to all events in town.
Perhaps if you have lots of energy, excellent shoes or a car with a driver...you can see half of the installations!
Just browsing in advance the program and editing the invites is a major job!
Having said that...it is a marvelous experience and Milan is at its best, this year particularly the weather was fantastic.

How can I START describing the amazing variety of exhibitions and most important (for my readers) how can I STOP talking about I Saloni, I will have to discipline myself and choose just a few highlights.

Dutch Design Pavilion

Masterly-the Dutch in Milan was a very interesting installation in one of the most beautiful buildings of Milan, Palazzo Turati, a Neo-Renaissance palace built around 1870 by Count Francesco Turati in the heart of the city, the recently restored Sale Nobili saw a dialogue between selected designers and 17th century Dutch paintings.

A detail of the carved and gilded ceiling

Details of a mirror

Contemporary lights

Iren Van Vliet luxurious textiles

Freuden Thal/Verhagen contemporary art

Dutch designers, artisan producers and design agencies presented themselves in the centre of Milan with the best design and artisan craftsmanship the Netherlands has to offer.

TO BE CONTINUED...and to see more images follow

Brillante Interiors on Instagram

©2017 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".
If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send us an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and

a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

Be the first to see the latest

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 03:26:00 +0000

It is that time of year again, when hundred of thousands interior designers, architects, or simply people passionate about design gather in Milan from allover the world.
Il Salone del Mobile, also called Design Week, already in its 56th edition, will start April 4th and will continue till April 9th.

I have reported many times about this fantastic week of design and you can search my Blog for different articles on I Saloni, so stay tuned...I will post again my own pictures while there.

And then there is the Fuori Salone, (or Outside Salone) with hundreds of installations and events around the city, so many happenings, day and night, to follow... to the point that even if exhilarated I am already overwhelmed by the calendar.
Many events will take place in historic buildings with the juxtaposition of classic architecture and contemporary furniture, what not to love?

Palazzo Litta

Palazzo Turati courtyard

Palazzo Turati inside

The most difficult task at this point is to edit and edit and edit, since every day and every evening there are at least 30 places where I should or I would like to be at the same time.
I don't have that gift...yet, so I need to decide in advance where to go and of course leave some space for spontaneous decisions.

This year I am also particularly interested in being there also for the launch of new lines of furniture by Scarlet Splendour who I represent as an ambassador.
The new creations will be launched at the iconic showroom of Rossana Orlandi...

but that is another story and another post!

©2017 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".

If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send us an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

The Joy of December

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 19:38:00 +0000

Holidays are approaching and we all are wishing we can see soon a world in Peace and Harmony, but it does not happen overnight and sometimes we lose our hope.
Why don't we start with Peace and Harmony in our own family, trying to understand other people choices in life, trying to forgive, trying to help...then we can extend the same to our neighbours, with small gestures of acceptance and kindness.
How can we pretend the world be at peace if we can't even have peace in our heart?

Gift giving should not be running like busy bees from shop to shop, buying the most expensive and useless items, often being soon recycled to others...
It happened to me twice to receive my own gifts, I graciously accepted and thanked! After all it was something I liked...
A simple gift, handmade with love will show attention, time well spent, care for the recipient.

At Christmas I like to bake and give cookies to friends, something a little different from the usual, mine are shortbread with salt, pinenuts and rosemary and they don't look as beautiful as the above, but they are well received.

Happy Holidays to everyone, make it simple this year and send money to good causes instead.

The Joy of giving a hug, a smile, a gesture, giving help, giving hope!

Peace on Earth should start in our heart.

©2016 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".

If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send us an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

30 Best Interior Designers in Vancouver

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 23:28:00 +0000

30 best Interior design firms in Vancouver

I have to admit that I don't know how these nominations and lists happen but surely it is a good feeling to see your name on a list of "Best".
I know many more deserve this spot but since they gave it to me...I'll take it and blush with joy.

Motivation:
"If what you’re looking for is function, comfort, and style with a touch of European personality, Brillante Interiors is sure to help. Led by Albarosa Simonetti, a Milan-born designer with a flair for refined spaces and a modern sensibility, Brillante Interiors helps Vancouver homeowners add a touch of sophistication to their homes, whether they’re thinking of renovating their interiors completely or just adding a few pieces of furniture".

Cheers to point2homes

Photography by Albarosa Simonetti

©2016 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".

If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send us an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

Once upon a time!

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 01:35:00 +0000

Just in time for Halloween.
This is a tale of a witch's house which became a loved home.

...Once upon a time in the forest... an ugly witch was living in a neglected house,
she had very bad taste and she was a very messy witch!

Once upon a time...(20 years ago) I had the opportunity to restore and redecorate an old mansion in West Vancouver, luckily I took several pictures of Before as a reference for my project but unfortunately I did not follow up with the After in a professional way.
But I am sure you'll get the idea of the transformation.
Of course today I would do a few things differently, considering changes in style and some (very small indeed...) mistakes I have made.

Uuuuhhhh the kitchen!

Breakfast nook BEFORE

BEFORE

A few days later the spell was broken and some light came into the house.

The ugly and dirty pink disappeared, a buttery yellow went on the walls, the trims were painted a few shades darker. The disgusting and soiled vinyl floor was replaced by the most amazing reclaimed terracotta (piastrelle di cotto) tiles, coming from a 18th century old convent in the South of France.

(Yes a convent...just to be sure to make the witch not willing to return...)

The intended look of the kitchen was "country style" and as you can see "country style" it became.

In the photograph below the creamy yellow is not visible, must have been the witch, fuming with jealousy...or just because of the artificial light.

Anyway the walls were creamy yellow (like fresh churned butter) and the roman shades were gingham cream and dark red, a gorgeous Italian fabric. The curtain maker lady was horrified when she saw the pattern, saying it would not be possible to make roman shades with gingham pattern... "the lines will be crooked, I will not be responsible..." I said to her "This is best fabric, woven with utmost care and skills" she took her scissors out of the bag and cut a piece, oh joy! the squares were woven not coloured on. (I guess it is called "feed stripe" or "effect thread" technique but I may be wrong)

WARNING: not for the faint of heart, be careful scrolling down!

BEFORE

What changes I made: I kept the cabinets, to the horror of my contractor, had them repainted in a washed stressed pale blue, cut a few pieces to accommodate the breakfast table near the sink (which of course became a double and deeper sink) and a professional Viking range with two ovens, six burners and a grill. Part of the cabinets and appliances went to the dump and a double door Sub-Zero fridge arrived.

Keep in mind that back then stainless steel was a novelty but I was totally attracted to it.
Granite was just starting to appear more widely but I did not like it, and I still don't! and I chose instead a beautiful maple for the counter, to keep the country look.
The glass door (see BEFORE) leading to upstairs and to the "chinaman" room (so it was called on the blue print, quite a piece of history) upstairs, adjacent to the "boxing room" (which I always wondered what it meant) was replaced with a solid door, to create a more safe staircase...tripping down the stairs would have meant bumping your head on wood but not smashing also yourself into thick glass.

Again the artificial light changes the blue (much paler in reality) and the yellow on the walls (more creamy)...but close your eyes and use your imagination! Later on a gorgeous antique pine baker table created a working island between the stove an the fridge. An antique narrow bookcase took the place of the water cooler.

The kitchen became functional and more appealing.

Now here is the story of the small room between the kitchen and the dining room

BEFORE

The ugly room adjacent to the kitchen, with vinyl floor, became a useful wet bar, with deep cabinets for all the largest China possible and for a collection of cooking books. Later on a second dishwasher was added under the sink for major entertaining.

The antique baker's table was still to be delivered when I took the pictures.

The witch's spell was broken!

Today? I still would keep the cabinets, but change (maybe?) the colour to a creamy one, I would use the money saved to buy champagne and flowers forever. I would substitute handles with more modern ones and change all the light fixtures. I would take down plates and baskets and put more modern art, perhaps some Black and White photography.
The floor is a masterpiece and the appliances are still the best.

Twenty years later I am proud of this old project.

And now to you, my readers...

What would you change?

What would you keep?

Eight years ago

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 01:50:00 +0000

Let’s celebrate together,

the eight anniversary of my Blog.

On October 15th, 2008 my first attempt to write a post resulted in a short description of my intent…eight years later I still love to talk about Italy, books, art, old and new design, food, lifestyle.

Classical eye, contemporary flair: you can see them in some of my posts on different subjects. Clicking on the links below each image will bring you to my posts and from there to other posts and from there…well you know…

Houses

How to...

Lifestyle

Food

I Saloni, Milan

Interior Design Show, Vancouver

Even if at times I have taken a few weeks or months away from my Blog I still love to read other blogs and I continue to post even if not as regularly as before.

I confess, a few years ago I started to use Facebook much more and...now I am addicted to Instagram, so you can see there is not much time in my life to be on all social media.

Pinterest is also a success, with more than 3500 followers
Returning to my blog...almost from the beginning I found my voice, or so I believe, being Italian, from Milan, being a designer...it was easy to choose my path: write most about Italian design or Italian way of life; not sure if I was truly successful but certainly I had many followers appreciating me.

So thanks to you, my dear readers, I am officially
starting tomorrow my 9th year of Blogging!

©2016 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".
If you receive this post by Email and wish to leave a comment please click HERE and go to the comments section. We love your comments!

If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send us an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

Autumn in Vancouver

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 02:22:00 +0000

As usual when Summer is gone I feel a bit down, but I find comfort in other events which brighten my days, one is the International Film Festival, a joy to follow for two weeks, and another important one, specially for me as a designer, is IDSWest, Interior Design Show, with all is new in the world of design...not to mention that October 2nd is my Birthday!

Interior Design Show in Vancouver is not as big as the ones in New York, in Milan, in other great cities, but it is growing every year and it presents an opportunity to meet new people in the industry, to mingle, to be inspired.

Sipping Prosecco in the VIP Lounge is of course a well appreciated gift, since the show could be quite demanding and I needed the comfort of deep sofas to restore my energy. Right?

The opening night Party was full of surprises, starting with the fantastic installation "Fire Kitchen" by Tom Dixon's for Caesarstone and of course lots of music and drinks.

And here he is the next day, giving an inspiring speech on his philosophy of design.

Inform Interiors also presented Tom Dixon's accessories in its well curated Pop-Up shop. He was definitely the Guest of honor!

Living Space installation was extremely simple, but very attractive and I believe it was the most voted by the public and certainly loved by me.

But there were also new companies represented at the show: like Switzer Cult Creative with an interesting booth and the impressive Aqua light, much photographed by everyone.

Another fairly new company with interesting new pieces was Quake furniture.

How not to mention Miele, with the latest technology and design for appliances. Here a "grand" fridge.

And here a "grand piano"...by Boesendorfer, worth USD 1.000.000, yes one million! It would have been nice to hear someone playing it during the show.

During the three days of the show we had many opportunities to meet and hear important designers' ideas.

On the Caesarstone stage we heard Barbara Barry talk about her design, while on the Gray stage Carrie Melnichuk of Secret Location, part of the Design Rebels panel, with Amber Kingsnorth, of Mak Interiors, inspired the public.

And so did Heather Ross with her approach to Nature as our greatest teacher.

I like to end with this statement made by another speaker, Emily Henderson from Los Angeles:

"Your home is a path, not a place".

So true!

Photography by Albarosa Simonetti

The Splendour of Scarlet

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 02:05:00 +0000

Sometimes life takes care of you and fulfills your dreams.

India was at the top of my travel list for years and when a friend asked me to join her on a trip to that country I immediately took the opportunity.
While we were finalizing the booking I found, by pure chance, browsing design magazines online, an article whose title was:

"From India to Milan to London"...

I am from Milan,

I was going to India in a month,

Do you think I skipped it or I read it?

Right answer...I read it,

and I discovered a luxury brand of furnishings, most designed in Milan and crafted in India: Scarlet Splendour, established in 2014 and already fast rising internationally.

Scarlet Splendour founders, sibling team Suman Kanodia and Ashish Bajoria, here with

Matteo Cibic, one of their Italian designers.

Of course I corresponded immediately with the company and set an appointment with them so

when I arrived in Kolkata I went to their showroom to see and touch the pieces that intrigued me so much on my computer's screen, because I just needed to verify if I would be enchanted when I would see them in person.

Well... I was... so please enter with me in the magic world of Scarlet Splendour!

The General is a desk which, with its graphic design, its elegant details and superb craftsmanship could be a focal point in any room.

Monsieur Verdoux, a full bar with resin inlay and fine red leather inside, how fun can it be? Definitely a conversation piece and very useful too for entertaining.

The Sheik, a gorgeous cabinet, sleek and elegant, part of the collection Vanilla Noir.

Luce Naga is a series of lights, from floor lamps, like this one, to wall ones to ceiling ones:

all 24 Karat gold plated and hand blown glass from Murano.

Woman in Paris is a dressing table which will make you smile every morning! Karesansui is a rug inspired by sand Zen gardens.

And here I am in Kolkata, happily surrounded by lush rugs, beautiful pieces of furniture and lights!

Fool's Gold console is part of another line of furniture, pure brass, pure luxury.

If you wonder about my dress: it is a Peg Steley creation, the perfect outfit for India climate, cool and comfortable, simple and elegant, dress up, dress down... a true "Travel-dress".

Just a few words about the designer whose creations first caught my attention: Matteo Cibic, already a star in the world of design, nephew of Aldo Cibic, one of the founders of the iconic Memphis movement. Of course growing up Matteo was also inspired by his uncle, he is always thinking out of the box and a vulcano of ideas.

Matteo Cibic

Scarlet Splendour is already very successful in Europe and of course in India, with many mentions on major magazines from Architectural Digest to Elle decor to Wallpaper and so on…(just check HERE) but they are not known in North America…yet!
Luckily I was asked to represent them in Canada, starting with the province of British Columbia and here I am diving into a new business along my principal one of Interior design.

Life is full of surprises and I am so excited to have discovered and be able to introduce to you a unique line of furnishings, with a magic blend of antique and modern, irony and seriousness,

made by highly skilled artisans and designed by the best.

Photography: Portrait of Matteo Cibic by Emilio Tini

The Velvet Lady

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 23:39:00 +0000

The Velvet Lady is costume designer Dada Saligeri who was my elementary schoolmate, we lost touch but after (quite a few…) decades we met again and spent a few days together, as it happens in life: we lose friendships, we make new ones, we cross paths, we reconnect again…

In my last trip to Milan I went to visit her to admire her latest collection of velvet, stunning textiles woven with metallic threads, which give an extra layer of texture and shine.

Turandot by Giacomo Puccini at The Met

Aida by Giuseppe Verdi at The Met

She was involved for years in designing costumes for major productions, including operas, many represented at The Metropolitan in New York, Rigoletto, Aida, Turandot, La Traviata, just to name a few.
She was at times working for these productions with her husband, Gianni Quaranta, director, production designer and set designer for theatre and cinema who, amongst many prizes, won an Oscar for the charming movie “A room with a view”.

To say that her apartment was a joy to visit is an understatement, starting with the beautiful Liberty street facade.

Then entering through the main carved wooden door I found myself in the elegant courtyard.
Many Milanese buildings from past centuries have gorgeous courtyards and even luxurious gardens, hidden from the view of people passing by on the street…

Another elaborate entrance inside the courtyard leads to the marble stairs, with gracious wrought iron and decorated glass windows.

Now entering the apartment I am greeted by this mirror frame, where Dada has decided to put ribbons of silk, how beautiful and creative.

An antique cane bench against a faux marble wall is adorned by a heart pillow in her velvet creation. This home has a heart!

I could not refrain myself from taking pictures also of interior decoration, objects, antiques, collections…I was fascinated about the stories behind every piece, like the magnificent 1930’s crystal vase above with metal decorations, belonging to her mother.

The walls were full of oil paintings, sketches, drawings, like the clown drew by Franco Zeffirelli, with the dedication “To dearest Dada, a true friend”.

Being in love with Sicily I noticed the two small ceramic heads, a classic and popular subject, related to a centuries old story of a tragic love.

Now a few examples of exquisite and original velvet, different colors, textures but all extremely elegant and timeless.

How not to mention that also the elevator has red velvet seats and transports you not just from floor to floor but also to a past era of theatrical luxury.

If interested in any pieces of those fabulous textiles please contact me and I will put you in touch directly with the designer.

©2016 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".
If you receive this post by Email and wish to leave a comment please click HERE and go to the comments section. We love your comments!

If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send us an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

August in the City

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 18:42:00 +0000

If you are still in the city here are some ideas on how to enjoy Summer outdoor.
Mogambo by Paola Lenti is a great umbrella with a useful attached small table

where to put drinks or objects.

If you are so lucky to have a patio the chairs Palma by Nardi are light,

easy to clean and can be piled up.

Chairs Tropicalia by Moroso are fun and the colors transport us to the fabulous Fifties.

Colors everywhere to celebrate Summer. See...you don't need a large space,
even a balcony will do.

Just a simple table and chair by Emu can create the right atmosphere for breakfast outdoor.

Chaise-long Harp by Roda have different positions to be able to sit and read

or lye down and have a nap under the sun.

Well...we can all dream about having this terrace but we can use easily these blues and whites

to create the illusion of being at the beach on every large terrace or small balcony in the city.

Latest design trends in Milan

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 00:53:00 +0000

Dimore Gallery

Exciting design as always in my first city, visiting showrooms, walking on the streets, discovering new stores I can tell you that Milan is more alive than ever with culture, fashion, style.
Vibrant or more muted colors are everywhere, definitely not a city for neutral hues, as is a return to the best of the past reinterpreted for our time.

Dimore Gallery

Hervé Van der Straeten exhibition in Milan at Robilant + Voena Gallery

At Nilufar Depot I found these two exquisite chairs, designed in 1949

by Giulio Minoletti for an Italian train, the ETR 500.

Taking a picture of delicate 1950’s lights through a mirror at Nilufar Depot.

Still at Nilufar I saw a gorgeous sleek bronze bookcase created by the talented

Osanna Visconti di Modrone.

And they showcased also in a splendid mirrored room the talent of Baciocchi architect, the firm behind all Prada showrooms and other major projects worldwide.

A visit to Studio Castiglioni is always a must in Milan (see my previous post HERE).

In the picture Achille's daughter, Giovanna Castiglioni and I at the entrance to the Castiglioni Studio.

Did I say trends in the title? Well… actually I have not seen trends,

only timeless style and elegance.

All photographs © by Albarosa Simonetti. Last image by Alda Pereira.
Do not use without permission.

©2016 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".
If you receive this post by Email and wish to leave a comment please click HERE and go to the comments section. We love your comments!

If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send us an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

A small garden? Enlarge it in 8 steps...

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 22:37:00 +0000

1) A few well known tricks worth remembering will work not only in small apartments but also in outdoor spaces. Warm colors tend to make things, furniture, walls closer...while cold colors tend to visually enlarge the space and make things, furniture, walls appear...far...so in a small gardenremember to use plants and flowers in cold and lighter colors specially along the perimeter and the perception will be of a langer, longer space.

2) You can create optical illusions in a long and narrow garden just positioning pots, small bushes, garden furniture on each of the longer sides alternating them every few meters so the eye can travel in a non linear way.
3) If possible hide the end of the garden creating different areas, even a small garden can be part terrace, part vegetable garden, part flower bed and of course always put small plants in the foreground, taller ones in the background with many interesting layers.

4) I love the use of mirrors in any garden, they can look like windows, or even doors opening to other enchanting secret gardens. A mirror well positioned reflects light (but it should never be put directly toward the sun…) and the garden will expand. Try to use mirrors with an antique patina effect to avoid poor birds flying into it…

5) A Trompe-l'oeil is a great way of expanding "the horizon" and so are pergolas and trellis, climbing plants and flowers which brings the eyes up and create verticality.

6) In a small garden we need to preserve the space to walk around, so a few well chosen pieces of furniture, easily moved and stacked when necessary, will do the trick. As for small rooms again the same rules: use outdoor furniture with thin legs and in light colors, to see everything above, under, maybe even through.

7) And never underestimate the power of appropriate lighting.

8) Lastly remember that leaving a "negative space" is always a good way of giving more attention to the main attractive features.

The sound of India

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 21:08:00 +0000

As you know a few times I like to talk about my travels and today it is about beautiful India.
This country was on my dreams for a few years and I was recently able to go and spend a full month between Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, my trip was part business, more about this very soon! and part leisure.

Everyone warned me of the SMELL, the pungent and sometimes unpleasant odors I for sure would be hit with, arriving in India, but to my surprise I did not smell anything unpleasant, ever, for the entire month, only jasmine, incense, spices, simple food cooked on open air.

The fragrant flowers for offerings in the temples.

The fresh vegetables and spices in the markets.

Even on a week-long cruise along the Ganges the water did not smell at all, often it looked very clean, not much polluted… or was already my love for India?

But the SOUND of the traffic was the most unexpected and intrusive experience and that is why I did not love India at first sight (but I fell in love right after…) for the constant and very loud sounds of horns and the way they drive, impossible to explain. Their motto is “When you drive you need good brakes and good luck" well since I am writing this notes obviously both were in my destiny and I need to add “You need a loud horn”.

Trucks have huge signs on their back saying “Honk” or “Blow Horn” (like they need any encouragement?) in fact honking is a way of letting others know they are coming and when I say they are coming it means they are already a few inches away.

Travelling by car, with a driver, leaving some of my mental health, not to mention nails, on the car seats, I discovered that the national sport in India is not cricket…but honking; wherever you go, by foot, by car, by tuck-tuck, there is someone startling you with a screeching sound.

Even in the narrow pedestrian street of Old Varanasi you first jump vertically in terror at the loud horn of a big motorcycle at your back, then you jump on the side in the nearest door, store, entryway, or you try to make yourself 50 pounds lighter against a wall, to save your toes, and your life. “Sidewalk” you would suggest? Oh no, there are NO sidewalks in Old Varanasi, not one!

Do I need to mention Calcutta? Delhi? I leave it to your wildest imagination; I have been around the world AND I am Italian, so I should be used to some chaotic traffic but I have never seen such a show.
It was at times annoying, and after a few hours of street cacophony I needed some hearing rest and then is when I fell in love with India.

Throat singing

Sounds became ancient music, like the throat singing in Assam, or became classical music, like the birds singing in gorgeous rural areas, while they fly above geometric patterns of rice fields, over rows of mango trees, silk cotton trees, or above extremely curated tea plantations.

Each village had a different atmosphere and a different sound, in some you could hear the Jazz of rhythmic hand-looms for weaving silk or cotton.

In another the subtle background of stirring the big batches of molasses to be preserved for a full year, and again the gentle bleating of so many goats and their babies.

In Matiari, a village along the Ganges, everywhere was the sharp and loud percussion sound of the tools banging on brass for vessels making and engraving.

In Varanasi the computerized (sort of…) hammering for making patterns for superb textiles (I should write about the magnificent textures and colors, but maybe another time…)

And wherever I went, most pleasant of all the laughter of the children following us in the villages or screaming joyously “Tata” “Tata” “Tata” which means “Good-Bye” when the boat was passing near a village.

Then again the screeching of golden monkeys on the Brahmaputra river, the gentle movement of the water during the Ganges cruise...

...the soft paddling of small boats crossing the river.

The clanging of bells, the chanting of Buddhist monks, the calling of a Muezzin, all sounds made me love India’s spirituality, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist religions and others seem to coexist in peace.

Every religious site was different

I visited all kind: ancient terracotta Hindu temples, Muslim mosques, the under construction Krishna’s new gigantic one in Mayapur...

Micro-temples on the streets, small altars in homes...

Everywhere some divinity was celebrated with offers of food, candles, flowers.

At the end of my journey I loved every aspect of India, even the honking became familiar, and I will go back as soon as I can to hear again all the sounds and to know more of this enchanting, complicated, mysterious country.

Namaste.

All photographs © by Albarosa Simonetti. Do not use without permission.

©2016 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".
If you receive this post by Email and wish to leave a comment please click HERE and go to the comments section. We love your comments!

If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send us an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

Cabana and Dedar, not to mention 1stdibs…

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 19:21:00 +0000

I have published posts on Cabana magazine (click HERE) and on Dedar textiles (click HERE). Now what more interesting than a collaboration between the two!
From an interview of Martina Mondadori : “The design was originally a screen that my parents found in a flea market in California in the Seventies during their honeymoon,” said Mondadori Sartogo. “They brought it back to Milan, and when they were decorating their house with Lorenzo Mongiardino, they showed it to him and he said it was fabulous, but he was going to turn it into two beautiful cupboards. So the story is that Mongiardino turned it into a cupboard, and we’re turning it into wallpaper.”

“Dedar and international interiors magazine Cabana are delighted to announce their collaboration on a limited edition capsule collection.
The union between Dedar’s world of fine fabrics and wall coverings and Cabana’s creative flair has led to the Cabana Wallpaper, inspired by the work of Italian architect Renzo Mongiardino.
On sale exclusively from 1stdibds.com, the world’s online marketplace for rare and desirable objects, and available in Dedar showrooms in Milan, Paris and London.”

Pouf with luxurious Splendido velvet by Dedar.

La bella Martina Mondadori Sartogo at the launch in London of the collaboration between the two brands (Image by Antonio Salgado).

©2015 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".
If you receive this post by Email and wish to leave a comment please click HERE and go to the comments section. We love your comments!
If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send us an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

Dark moments

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 19:56:00 +0000

There is light and hope outside the darkness…

And LOVE will overcome hatred

All photographs by Albarosa Simonetti taken in Paris a few years ago at Jardin du Palais Royal and Rue des Rosiers in the Marais.

©2015 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".
If you receive this post by Email and wish to leave a comment please click HERE and go to the comments section. We love your comments!
If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send us an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

Martin and Martin

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 22:22:00 +0000

Thanks to my friend Peppa Martin, a great Vancouver photographer and owner of Truth and Beauty photography gallery, who persuaded me to add Instagram to my already long list of Social media, I have become a big fan of it, I learn, I am inspired, I find new sites and people so it all adds depth to my business.
The funny thing is that she (Martin n.1) also persuaded me (and it did not take long…) to look into JJ Martin (Martin n.2) Instagram account.
For some time now I am following (or should I say virtually stalking?) this brilliant lady who lives in Milan, and next time I’ll be in my first city I hope I’ll be invited to see her beautiful place in person (right J.J.?).
JJ Martin is a California-born, Milan-based writer and editor who regularly contributes to Wallpaper and WSJ Magazine, among others. She is also a fashionista not to mention that her style in interior decoration is absolutely what I often try to achieve for myself and my clients (when I am lucky to find daring ones…).
Here are a few inspiring ideas from her apartment in Milan taken from some of my favorite publications: Elle Decor and The Selby (…is in her place).

The Torre Velasca at a distance and a church nearby create a magical landscape, not common at all in Milan and having a terrace is like finding a treasure. I have to say that the deep red on the chairs and black cushions are just brilliant against the lush lavender and jasmin!

A fireplace in a Milanese apartment? Double treasure!

The tone of that yellow on chairs and vases is just perfetto and look at the ashtrays with the double J…in fact it is not just a reference to her initials because she has also an online site called La DoubleJ with vintage clothing and jewels for sale.

Brutalist light sculpture and ottoman by Il Valore Aggiunto, Milan.

The 1970s desk, a 1950s wall mounted light and the baroque mirror are a winning combination. The wall itself is a stunning background.

Against the deep blue lacquered wall here is a grasta (in Sicilian language), called Teste di Moro, a jar in the shape of a head telling a legend from centuries ago when, around 1100 AD, Sicily was ruled by the Moors. The story was also masterfully described two centuries later in a novel of Boccaccio’s Decameron.
When I was in Sicily last year I was so tempted to buy one of those gorgeous Teste di Moro which can be seen in the female version as above or in the Moor male version (smaller, bigger, different ornaments, various colors…) in so many towns around the island, on flowered balconies.

I wish I knew more about this sculptural table and I love its base’s round shape, same as the lights and the bowl.

Doesn’t she look like an angel?

A collection of vintage Murano ashtrays convinced me to add more to my own very small one.

Inspiration everywhere…Thanks Martin and Martin !

High Fashion in Milan

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 11:03:00 +0000

I was recently at Armani/ Silos in Milan, a brand new Museum to celebrate 40 years of Re Giorgio creations.

What a great surprise to see a magnificent renovation and a fantastic installation: the building was born in 1950 to stock grains and it is approximately 50.000 square feet on 4 levels.

On the main floor “Stars” presents images of famous actors wearing Armani…who does not remember Richard Gere in American Gigolo ?

The 600 creations, plus accessories, from 1980 to today are not chronologically displayed but grouped by themes:

Stars, Daywear, Light, Black, Chromatism and so on.

The most beautiful red silk panels in the “Red” room.

The walls changed in every room, here are a background of greige (Armani signature color I should say) silk.

The lighting system created a perfect atmosphere for every single display.

Does it matter to know if this dress was created in 1980, 1990 or yesterday?

The accessories floor seen from above.

Giorgio Armani, a genius of style and elegance, timeless use of colors and shapes, thin line between male and female fashion, and always seductive.

Photography by Albarosa Simonetti

At Home with Stella Jean

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Wed, 13 May 2015 03:47:00 +0000

Stella Jean is an Italian fashion designer, but she seldom designs her creations, not many drawings in fact… because instead she loves to play with fabrics until she produces what is already in her mind.

Stella’s father is from Turin, the mother from Haiti and she grew up in Rome! No wonder that her house, which she shares with her antiquarian husband and their children, is very eclectic and full of colors.

Dining table is an original by Carlo Mollino, the superb architect-designer from Turin. I love the trompe-l’oeil on the wall and the skirt on Stella paired with a simple jeans shirt is fabulous.

Black and White photography invites the eye to rest and it is always an elegant touch even in the most colorful surroundings.

A classic sofa becomes contemporary with a vivid color textile draped asymmetrically over it. What an inspiring idea!

A modern kitchen by Arclinea is ideal to prepare Italian and Haitian dishes.

Stella Jean with one of her colorful creations.

Photography of interiors by Helenio Barbetta

©2015 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".
If you receive this post by Email and wish to leave a comment please click HERE and go to the comments section. We love your comments!
If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send us an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

It is back! The Bar cart…

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 17:49:00 +0000

“My nerves could stand a drink” a young Grace Kelly said in the romantic thriller To catch a thief.

Either for offering a drink to a guest or indulging in one after a stressful day at work, most of us have some bottles stashed somewhere, hidden in a cupboard or displayed on a counter.

If you are of a certain age…you certainly remember a bar cart in your parents’ home and now it is back with a vengeance.

Brass, wood, chrome, steel, either vintage or brand new created by designers with a more contemporary look, the style could be classic, modern, industrial, chic, rustic…the choice is ours.

If you don’t drink you can certainly use it to serve tea, coffee, lemonade and present everything beautifully arranged in a practical manner.

A bar cart is something useful and practical but also a colorful accessories, sometimes fascinating because it reminds us of the past.

Martini anyone?

If you receive this post by Email and wish to leave a comment please click HERE and go to the comments section. We love your comments!

If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send us an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

Cabana, a Brillante choice

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 21:32:00 +0000

Ask any Milanese, including myself, about his city, …and you’ll have the same answer: Milan treasures don't come toward you, but you must go find them. Same applies to the old generation of authentic Milanesi who never liked to show their wealth but cultivated more the taste for stylish understatement.

For all these reasons we consider Milan still like a "secret" city that wants to be discovered slowly and now an amazing tour of Milan’s hidden passages and fabulous residences could be found on the new biannual interiors magazine Gianluca Reina started publishing a year ago: Cabana.

In this era of mass market mentality, it is a real pleasure to come across a unique magazine that is about style on many levels. Cabana explores the “intellectual and emotional intimacy with buildings and their surroundings … the intense relationship of thought, place and the person.”

All the amazing interiors reflect an intimate, comfortable feeling, which is the vision behind Cabana, as editor in chief, Martina Mondadori says in an interview:

“Not only big and grand rooms, but that corner, that detail, that object that makes a room feel unique and yet personal (…) People need constant inspiration and nothing more than a beautiful interior set can inspire you for the combination of colors, objects and materials (…) Cabana is an inspirational magazine, a snapshot of an ideal lifestyle where aesthetics have a central role. It is dedicated primarily to interiors (…)”

To give you an idea, one of those articles presents a story by Taiye Selasi, accompanied by the following photos by Guido Taroni.

A stunning home, full of fearless style and personality…somewhere behind the closed doors of Milan.

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Indoor–Outdoor

noreply@blogger.com (Brillante Interiors) — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 18:44:00 +0000

Now that the season allows it we can start living more outdoor and what is best than having a few friends over for a simple lunch on a terrace, a patio, a balcony or if we are lucky to have it…in a garden.

This beautiful house in the South of France can give us some inspiration, even if we live in a much smaller place, we can be inspired by the mix of styles, the palette, the use of simple objects to create a vignette.

The whole house presents a neutral and soft palette with pale greys and off-whites, powdery tones that allow the greenery outside to shine through large windows and to diffuse the strong light of long summers.

Last year I visited Luberon region, in the south of France and I was enchanted by L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Avignon, Uzès and the numerous brocante and antiquarians in the region, not to mention the flea markets full of treasures. I am sure that in this house some objects were rescued from those places, and they mix so well with contemporary or more expensive pieces.

The classic Le Corbusier white leather chairs are produced by Cassina, the floor lamp is an original Serge Mouille. In the large living room there are also white linen sofas and XVIII century original decoration and antique accessories blending so well with contemporary style.

Another floor lamp designed by Serge Mouille, near an antique small table.

Beauty sometimes is very simple, old stones, ivy, perennials, no need for vibrant colors, just quiet and harmony.

Photography by Nicolas Mathéus

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