Boutique Hotel: The Canal House in Amsterdam

Made up of just three 17^th century townhouses, the intimate feel of the Canal House makes me want to cozy up to this boutique hotel in Amsterdam.  With only 23 “bedrooms” as they call them, you can be sure your stay will feel personal, inspiring and charming.  The more I explore about the Canal House, the more I get this feeling like a night’s stay here is comparable to spending some time at your really fashionable friend’s mansion.

The Bar, Great Room, and Garden all offer various opportunities to relax with a newspaper, enjoy tea time or a shaken beverage, whip open a good board game, or nibble on a light snack. 

The design concept was to honor the past by using the “light and dark palettes of traditional Dutch paintings, the silks and velvets of earlier Dutch traders and, in many bedrooms, the modern version of the traditional porcelain washbowl and washstand”. 

Next time you are in Amsterdam, be sure to check The Canal House out. 

Das Stue Boutique Hotel in Berlin

The entrance hall of the Das Stue Hotel in Berlin welcomed many a diplomats back in its day when it was the formal residence of the Royal Danish Embassy in Berlin, but today it greets the likes of bright-eyed hotel guests. I say bright-eyed because once guests pass through the front threshold they are in awe of the grand staircases, glittering chandelier and crocodile head, the latter a nod to the zoo that sits next door. 

80 guestroom and suites are more pared-down in their appearance in order to create a “mental comfort” for guests while many of the public area dining experiences seem to amp-up the sensory and design volume. 

Inspired By Simplicity...

{image from here}

The Great Outdoors

It's about that time in Chicago....time to hose down the deck and prep the garden for the summer season. Let's enjoy the outdoors...

{images via pinterest}

Las Ventanas Al Paraiso in Mexico

I don’t know about you but this Rosewood Resort called Las Ventanas Al Paraiso in Cabo San Lucas has me sold! Yes, please I would like to enjoy a ‘window to paradise’ as the name suggests.  And yes please, I would like to relax outside by the pool, appreciate a massage at the spa and take in a good night’s sleep in a well-appointed guestroom with traditional Mexican craftsmanship. The authenticity and luxurious vibe of this hotel is top-notch and a definite ‘must stay’. 

Creative Clothing Rails

In keeping with my retail and clothing display kick I've been on, here are some creative "closets"...

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Erinvale Home in South Africa

Definitely feeling this South African thatched-roof home situated on the Erinvale golf greens of the beautiful Erinvale Estate Hotel and Spa just 45 minutes outside Capetown, South Africa.  The central courtyard fills the property with light while providing privacy and the mix of clean-lined furniture against a traditional thatch roof gives the home warmth and character. 

{via here}

Hats off to Retail Design

Cool retail spaces have been calling my name recently.  I’m not sure why.  Perhaps I need a little retail therapy or maybe it’s because high-end, edgy retail design pays homage to the whimsical mind.  Window displays carry the imagination to another place and novel interior displays seem to spark my creativity. Hats off to the bold approach…love how retail design just goes for it. 

Maison Hermes Display

Issey Miyake fan installation

Lavin making a splash

Alexander Wang store in Beijing

Inspired By Cool Architectural Surfaces...

{image via atelier turner's pinterest}

Pattaya Hilton Thailand

Hello Beloved Blog Buddies,

I’ve been designing like crazy and vacationing in Jamaica so there’s been a bit of a lull with the blog. I’m hoping to get back on track with posts though…so stay tuned.

The ceiling of the Pattaya Hilton’s Lobby Bar is simply beautiful. The paper-light weight, textile installation creates soft, warmth throughout the space and flows like a couture gown in the wind. Gorgeous…props goes out to Department of ARCHITECTURE for creating this stunner! 

{images via here}