Graffiti Cafe in Bulgaria

Graffiti Café in Bulgaria is an eye-catching, wood mind-bending way to take in your morning cup of joe. Over-the-top columns clad in wood slats create a visual centerpiece which continues into the ceiling plane. It’s almost as if the ceiling is a large umbrella, or perhaps more appropriate, a large table top with the columns acting as a carved wood pedestal base. Underneath this massively grand-scaled table is a miniature world filled with white lounge seating, shiny white materials and a bar.  

{found via here, design by here}

Connaught Hotel in London

So we’ve covered the Connaught Hotel cocktail bar. Let’s take a look at the rest of the hotel, shall we?! Located in London’s Mayfair district, the Connaught blends its classical characteristics and contemporary style into a luxurious 5-star experience. Originally built in 1897, the Connaught attracted royalty and the elite class back in those days. Since then it has undergone a renovation. Period pieces and original architectural details were painstakingly preserved while state-of-the-art technology and designer interiors bring the property up to 21^st century speed. 

The cocktail bar is only one of several hang-out spots (or levitating spots, apparently) in the Connaught...

The Coburg Bar can also pull in a crowd for a drink. Sip on a specialty drink, kick up your feet, and relax back into the wingback chairs (newly reupholstered in deep, velvety fabrics for extra comfort) while you soak in the colorful hues and wood-paneled interior of the Coburg Bar. 

As you transition into the guestrooms and suites, you will discover they carry through the contemporary style…with little hints of classical detailing mixed in, but edge towards the lighter, brighter and more airy side of design. The penthouse suite (exhibit A) and terrace suite (exhibit B) are fine examples of such brightness. 

 

Patina Walls

Coming in with a late Happy Friday, folks! Aren't the walls in this picture awesome? They are art pieces on their own. 

{image via pinterest}

Connaught Cocktail Bar

London’s Connaught Hotel has a pretty swanky, award-winning cocktail bar (apparently, one of the world's best cocktail bars - their words, not mine). Boasting aside, they didn’t skimp on anything. Let’s start with the design. Overall, the inspiration for the interiors was drawn from English Cubist and Irish 1920’s art. Platinum silver leaf graces the oak paneling while pale-colored linen insets represent a Cubist pattern. The use of tobacco brown crocodile leather is a nod to tradition...but on the whole, the design is a new take on a classic English feel. The food and drinks are, of course, top notch to match. They serve up fine aged spirits and liqueurs and a tapas menu full of French creations. 

Human Arabesque

I was completely mesmerized when I watched this video. The amount of coordination and timing alone makes it impressive...

The Big "Pivot" Reveal

Some of you may remember a post where I alluded to a “pivot” of sorts…yes, I know you all were waiting with bated breath for the big reveal! Hold on to your hats – preferably a fedora – because the day is FINALLY here! It’s been a nail biter – oh boy - but I’ve decided today is the day to put you out of your misery. Drum roll, please………(wow, is this over-hyped or what?)

Anyhoo, maybe I should make this a really long post and just leave you all in suspense until the very end…alright, now I verge on going into the ‘boy who cried wolf’ territory. This is really so much more fun than actually telling you…ok, for real…here it is:

We’ve officially dropped the events side of Atelier Turner to focus on interiors, particularly residential and hotel design – our true passion, background, and training. Wah, wah…anticlimactic, I know, considering some of you have been privy to the updated logo and subtitle for a few weeks now. Anyhow, MOST IMPORTANTLY, the website has been OFFICIALLY updated to reflect these changes. Check it out here - Atelier Turner’s latest and greatest website…go ahead, everybody’s doin it!

I’ll step down from my soap box so that you can enjoy your weekend. Pop quiz: how many idioms did I use in this post? 

Montauk Event and A Walk Around The Block

It was a beautiful Chicago evening last night and the Montauk Sofa event was perfect and low key. We sipped on wine, nibbled on grill cheese bites (yum!)...and I caught up with my design industry amigos. I’m always a big fan of Montauk Sofa (as evident by my inclusion of their sofas in my Style House boards). Jacque, my good friend and sales rep at Montauk, was a gracious host. 

During my post-event walk through Chicago’s furniture district, the lights from Casa Spazio, Roche Bobois, and Ligne Roset showrooms caught my eye. 

Thanks Jacque for such a great night! 

That's A Wrap

You may remember I posted something about a photo shoot a little bit ago. So I had round two of my photo shoot today. It went well and we got the image. I still can't reveal all the details (grrrrrr...I'm just dying to tell you) but I should be able to fill you in soon...in about a month's time.

Here they are setting up the shot...getting the lighting just right...stay tuned, my friends. When I can let the 'cat out of the bag', you can bet I'll be doing so immediately:-D

 

Ritzy Residence

So I went to the brand-spankin’ new Ritz Carlton Residence on Michigan Ave in Chicago this weekend. They commissioned 5 international and local designers to deck out 5 units to showcase their work. The interior architecture and design of the Ritz Carlton residence is my kind of high-style design. The lounge, dining room, and billiard room on the 10^th floor for the residents did not disappoint. The moment I stepped into the elevator I had to wipe my drool off the floor! Then I immediately stumbled upon the lounge with some 25’ high ceilings and large-scale art work by students of the School of the Art Institute…and I think I gasped out loud….oops! The custom chandeliers were out of this world. 

The bar details at the Billiard Room are so foxy. The bronze metal surround with two-tone painted glass which reflects the light sticks above are fierce. I’m pretty confident when I say this is the best place in Chicago to shoot some pool on a Friday night.  

Then I shot up to the 26^th and 27^th floor to tour the units – one a pied-a-terre, the others two and three-bedroom condos. I took a plethora of photos of almost every detail but I’ve selected only a handful to show you (so as not to bore). 

Below: Wallcovering and floor tile pattern at the powder Room (@ pied-a-terre). Yes, please! 

Below: Shagreen inlaid at the iron coffee table (@ pied-a-terre). Love me some shagreen

Below: Various kitchens. All designed by Mick de Giulio

Below: Master bathroom and master Bedroom with amazing city views (@ two-bedroom unit)...allowing the sun to shine in. 

Below: A few fabulous "moments" at the swanky three-bedroom unit

Below: Finishing up with some spectacular city views

If you are in Chicago, the showcase is open to the public until May 13th. I've also posted a smattering of images from my tour on Twitter and Instagram. 

{images via atelierturner's iphone} 

Cocktail Hour

It's Friday and it's high time for cocktails...I wouldn't mind throwing on some heels and grabbing a cocktail at this fab bar. Would you?

{image via here}