Currently Loving: Artesian Bar by David Collins

London-based David Collins is one of my favorite designers in the world.I usually don’t think twice about a person calling his or herself a decorator or a designer, but for anyone who might be wondering, Mr. Collins is a designer in the true sense of the word. He doesn’t just plan and decorate spaces, he also designs furniture, lighting and offers branding and architectural design as part of his services, creating something beautiful from nothing. The man is a creative genius. Time and time again, I am blown away by the sophisticated, glamorous spaces her creates. I constantly look forward to seeing new projects from him and it always feels like Christmas when I come across a new project of his. The Artesian Bar at the Langham Hotel in London is no exception. Every last detail in this bar is stunning from the lighting to the lavender color palette and the Asian influences that are evident throughout the space.

Take a look at the gorgeous details in this shot. The mirror inlay on the walls is beyond! Everything is so rich and sumptuous. Other cities should take note as London has some of the best design hotels, restaurants, and bars in the world and the Artesian certainly falls into that category. Perhaps Mr. Collins should take his talents to cities like Madrid which offer a very small selection of design destinations as I recently discovered while planning our upcoming trip.

Things take a slightly more classic turn in the Artesian’s bathrooms where Mr. Collins has opted for clean lines and timeless finishes. Is anyone else feeling inspired to hop on a plane to London to experience this gorgeous space in person? I’ll be at the bar!

 

{Image Source: David Collins Studio}

Dream Home: Arianna Belle

I have loved seeing the ways in which everyone who has participated in the "Dream Home" series since last December has taken rooms that are either new to us and even some we've seen and loved for some time and have made them look completely fresh and exciting within the context of their dream homes. I am in love with the post that Arianna of Arianna Belle Organized Interiors has put together for us today. Many of these images are new to me, while others are old favorites and they all look absolutely perfect together. I love the classic, romantic sensibility of this home. Fabulous job, Arianna! 

 

Thank you Paloma for inviting me to participate in this series. Putting together this post was such a fun exercise! My dream home would have beautiful curb appeal. I love the exterior of this home (below) though I'd probably add a bit more to the landscaping (maybe roses or hydrangeas) to make it a bit more lush...

The entry door would be painted a fun color (maybe blue like the one below) and would have beautiful little details like a unique knob...

The "formal" living room would be bright and inviting...

The kitchen would have white cabinetry (with glass front upper cabinets), marble counter-tops, pendant lighting, and a big island in the middle with some seating, since the kitchen always tends to be a hang out spot...

There'd also be a little breakfast nook in the corner surrounded by windows to allow for lots of natural light as well as views of the backyard greenery...

Speaking of backyard, just outside the kitchen would be a garden where my husband and I could grow our own organic veggies and herbs. There would also be an accompanying garden shed...

Back inside, the dining room would be perfect for entertaining. It would have a long table enough to seat at least six, white framed chairs, a chandelier (or two!) and a fireplace...

The living room would also have a fireplace, as well as framed artwork, elegant lighting, cozy throws, and comfy seating...

A blue George Smith sofa just like Sofia Coppola's would be perfect!

My home office would be a bit glam with a mirrored desk, a lucite table lamp, gold accessories, and fresh flowers...

Framed artwork on the walls and gorgeous drapery framing large windows would make for a beautiful hallway...

The guest room would be serene and fresh...

A bright clean guest bath would be adjacent...

The nursery {for my hypothetical kid(s)} would be soothing yet bright and cheerful...

There would also be a colorful playroom with toy cubbies, bookshelves, a window seat, and lots of floor space...

The master bedroom would be tranquil and have a king sized plush bed with luxurious sheets...

A balcony would be accessible through the bedroom and would be the perfect spot for enjoying a cup of coffee in the mornings or simply a few moments of fresh air...

The master bath would have double sinks, floor to ceiling white subway tiles, a rainshower, and most importantly a luxurious tub...

There would be two walk-in closets. One for me...

one for him...

Both beautifully organized of course ;-)

The library would be a quiet refuge with cozy spots for reading and unwinding...

The sunroom would be another great spot for relaxing...

as well as the hammock out on the backyard...

Last but not least, my dream home would have a beautiful outdoor living area. Something like this...

...with a pergola, flowers everywhere, a fireplace and comfortable seating, would be the perfect spot for enjoying evenings with good company.

image credits: exterior - gleysteen design; entrance - domino; formal living room - photography by stacey brandford via house and home; kitchen 1- via milk and honey home, 2- design by jennifer dyer via mar/apr '11 issue of lonny, 3- unknown; breakfast nook 1- pin, 2- pin; garden - martha stewart; garden shed - better homes and gardens; dining room -via prudential douglas elliman real estate; living room 1-william sonoma, 2- house + garden magazine; office 1- photography by norman jean roy, 2- shot from the devil wears prada; hallway -blumenfeld interiors; guest room - via style at home; guest bath - country living; nursery (all) - sarah richardson; playroom via design revolution; master bedroom - photography by melanie acevedo; bedroom balcony - via oliveaux blog; master bath 1- photography by jose picayo via house beautiful, 2- elle decor, 3-photography by jose picayo via house beautiful, 4- via oliveaux blog; her closet - jan/feb '11 issue of lonny; his closet - martha stewart; library 1-shot from something's gotta give via architectural digest 2-unknown; sunroom - unknown; hammock - french country home by jocelyn sibuet via dress design decor; outdoor living area - better homes and gardens

Style Profile: David Scott Interiors

{A Contemporary, Eclectic New York Apartment Designed by David Scott Interiors}

I recently came across the work of New York-based interior designer, David Scott for the first time. It is always so refreshing to find a designer whose work is both new and inspiring to you, especially here in blog land where it seems that we often focus on the same designers over and over again. David’s work is tailored and sophisticated, a reflection of his personal aesthetic as well as his surroundings. For nearly twenty years, David Scott Interiors has produced chic spaces perfectly suited to both town and country. His work has appeared in publications such as Architectural Digest, The New York Times, and Gotham magazine.

{An Elegant Bathroom Filled with Unique Touches, Such as the Unique Vanity and Tilework}

{The New York Galley Kitchen Goes Chic}

{I love the choice of fabrics in this child’s room.}

{A Tailored, yet Casual Living Room}

{A Stylish Kitchen with all of the Classic Elements}

{The white clapboards and the styling in this space are just lovely.}

{A Tailored Living Room Filled with Textures and Patterns}

{This is such a handsome bedroom. I love the bed and the combination of linens. This color palette looks very luxurious.}

{The Drapes, Gorgeous Mirror, and Art-Deco Inspired Chandelier are Just a Few of the Lovely Touches in this Corridor}

 

{Images via David Scott Interiors}

This Week’s Quote

 

{Images via Pinterest}

Fabulous Room Friday 08.26.11

I recently came across this fabulous kitchen by Minneapolis designer, Alecia Stevens and immediately fell in love with every chic detail. I love the classic checkerboard floor and the beautiful, pale grey cabinets. I am a huge fan of pairing light grey with gold accents and this kitchen absolutely nails the look with the use of brass hardware, plumbing fixtures, LaCornue range, and of course, lighting. The Visual Comfort lighting in this kitchen makes the room even more fabulous! If you missed my announcement on Wednesday, I am now the Director of Marketing for Visual Comfort. Shown here are two of the popular Goodman Hanging Lamp over the island and a Clark Ceiling Light over the sink. Both fixtures are shown in Hand-Rubbed Antique Bronze.

The graphic tile backsplash is stunning paired with the La Cornue range and brass accents. I absolutely LOVE this kitchen, but I can’t help but wonder if the backsplash will eventually look dated in five or ten years. Would you do something like this in your own home or do you prefer to admire it from afar? Do you choose to embrace trends now and update the look later on?

Have a wonderful weekend!

{Image Source: Alecia Stevens}