Interiors: A London Townhouse With An Artistic Twist

Back to our regularly scheduled glamour...

I have some MAJOR problems with this London Townhouse by designer Francis Sultana—primarily, I can't stand how fabulous it is! As a minor offshoot of that, I had a difficult time whittling down the number of images for this blog post. In the end, I decided to simply feature the living, dining, and kitchen spaces - an area that could probably fit my condo three times over. The home is not only spacious, but filled to the brim with modern furniture and art. Two words: Gimme, gimme!

The home's owner, architect, and designer worked closely to balance art and furnishings with renovations and historic details. The homeowner, a Hong Kong–based art collector, notes, "When you’re privileged enough to live in a building with this heritage, you have to do it justice." Mission accomplished! The approximately 180-year-old house looks fresh and modern while maintaining its classic good looks.

Images: Luke White, Architectural Digest

Interiors: A Belgian Home that Breaks the Mold

"...the Verney house stands out like a woman wearing edgy Alexander Wang among a flock of matrons in classic twin sets." - Elle Decor

Not only do I love the fashion reference, but this quote immediately conveys how different Alix and Bruno Verney's home must be from its neighbors. Designed by Belgian architect Frédéric Haesevoets, the house greets visitors with a near windowless facade of stone and concrete. But once inside, the structure gives way to modern, sunlit interiors overlooking a lush landscape. With a house like this, who cares what the neighbors think?

"We are not afraid to be different" - Bruno Verney

Images: Richard Powers, Elle Decor

Interiors: Maria Baibakova's Artsy Miami Penthouse

Interiors plus fashion plus art plus Miami?!?! Harper's Bazaar brings together a few of my favorite things in their editorial featuring art aficionado Maria Baibakova. Her Miami penthouse resembles a modern museum, with crisp white walls and a stellar contemporary art collection. The home looks spacious and sparse – a perfect venue for fabulous soirees or simply relaxing among Maria's prized pieces and Florida sunshine.

I find Maria's dress/shoe combos equally captivating. It's as if she was styled using my dream wardrobe: (Looks 1-4) Donna Karan/Giorgio Armani; Bottega Veneta/Manolo Blahnik for Holmes & Yang; Derek Lam/Giorgio Armani; and Vera Wang/Christian Louboutin.

Images: Christopher Sturman, Harper's Bazaar

Interiors: Modern, Masculine, and Eclectic

With renovations by Madrid-based architect Ignacio García de Vinuesa and interior designer Elisa Rodríguez, this home is the perfect compilation of old and new. The design team salvaged original architectural details, from the interior doors to ornate plaster work, while using modern furniture throughout. Final touches include a contemporary art collection and chocolate brown pine floors.

Aside from the stellar entry hall, the kitchen may be my favorite room, with its beautiful wood cabinetry (walnut, I believe) and traditional plasterwork. Though a contemporary space, it’s warmed up by artwork, organic accessories and a quirky Serge Mouille light fixture.

The master bedroom is akin to a contemporary furniture showroom, featuring pieces by KA International, Philippe Starck, and Ligne Roset. The walls are covered in a braided vinyl and raw silk. It’s the perfect masculine retreat!

Images: Nuevo Estilo

Interiors: Eve Reid's UN Plaza Apartment

The latest issue of NYC&G takes us inside one of the most famous addresses in Manhattan, 860-870 United Nations Plaza. Decorator Tom Scheerer compares the building’s ageless glamour to that of Miami’s Fontainebleau Hotel and advised homeowner Eve Reid to purchase an available unit stat. As an art consultant, Eve has a great appreciation of the building’s mid-century architecture and filled the two-bedroom apartment with classic pieces of the same period. I love the incorporation of pop art, other bits of whimsy, and, of course, breathtaking East River views!

Images: Joseph De Leo, NYC&G