All this recent retail design developments at work left me in the particularly dangerous shopping mood. And how can you not give in, when the Peter Marino is at his best with the new Chanel Store on Avenue Montaigne. With his off-the-wall biker looks, he knows how to hit all the right spots when it comes to retail seduction.
He had me at the first string of pearls at the staircase…and Chanel tweed wallcovering in soft gold, seriously? The man is a genius in my book. Just look at the details!
<images via www.petermarinoarchitect.com>
May be because I’m still under the charms of the recent “hearts’ day” or may be it’s the unlimited bubblie with today’s lovely brunch that I really want to share another part of that “Grand Voyage” all the way back in September. This part is the most dear to my heart and I guess I was saving it to a special day.
After leaving the city of lights, we drove to Loire Valley where we allowed ourselves to submerge into the good days of chivalry and romanticism of the Golden Era of France back in 16-17th centuries. Our first stop on that discovery was the magnificent Chateau de l’Epinay, privately owned B&B with history going back to the 13th century.
With the mixture of Gothic and Early French Renaissance architecture, this secluded castle captured my heart instantly.
Not touristy polished, it gives you that dreamy authentic experience so worthy of the side trip.
Me, letting the chair down and dancing in the sun. Dream moments captured forever.
Fresh flowers with home made breakfast.
Being the only guests that night we got the luxury of having the chateau all to our own even only for a day.
Here’s what sold me to make this side trip in an instant. This blue bedroom with the set of caned bed and wardrobe. I just HAD to see this pair! And the authentic terracotta tile so soft on the bare feet.
To explore the magic Chateau de l’Epinay for yourself, click here.
<images via moi>
Our snow-lacking ski trip this New Year’s left me with the very unsettled feeling as I haven’t gotten my snow fix at all. I mean not even a snow ball fight…. really people?! So now as I pack down the winter decor I still dream of winter wonderland. So white we are at it, why don’t dream up the perfect winter get-away. Something like this Sugar Bowl Residence by John Maniscalco Architecture.
<images via www.houzz.com>
Coming back from the state of incommunicado (i.e. ski trip to the mountains), I’m all geared-up for the new peaks to conquer this year. Last year was incredibly eventful so it will be hard to out-do it: between another Masters, dreamy new job, a taste of southern hospitality, the life-transformational grand voyage, motorcycle licence (!!!) and the “Junior Designer of the Year” Award @ new dreamy job…really there’s nothing else I could have wished for.
For the year to come, I want to wish you all new breath-taking adventures, bright lazy mornings and a sea of champagne bubbles to celebrate every little moment! 
I try to stay away from the resolution lists, they make me sad of all the things I haven’t accomplished in the outgoing year. Instead I make a lot of wishes with every strike of the bell on that special night and promise to be my best…yet again. So far this technique worked magic for me :) I hope that all of you wished BIG this year, as I certainly did. What is it? Can’t tell yet, but you might be able to get a hint of it from this video.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uru7wNyBXPg]
<image via me>
How do you know that the designer is…well…a little obsessed? It’s when instead of placing the chandelier at the “industry standard” height, one places it much lower. The reason? Isn’t it obvious, so that the diners all through the supper could marvel at the every last detail of that piece of art.
Had a burning desire to do just that today at work, but those standards (god bless them) took over…again. There’s always the next time!
<image via here>
