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

Guesting Over On Small Shop

Today, I’m excited to be guesting for one of my design kindred spirits, Erika Brechtel of Small Shop Studio. I discovered her blog a few years ago and have been hooked ever since. Erika's also a super talented designer, so give her all of your business. Head on over and take a peek!

Runway to Home

I'm completely smitten by Balenciaga’s newly renovated salon-turned-runway. From the black and white contrast to the chrome benches, I love it all! See more...

Image: Balenciaga

Interiors: The Opus Hong Kong Show Apartment

Rising from the lush hills overlooking Hong Kong, the Opus is starchitech Frank Gehry’s first residential project in Asia. The building’s design and striking locale (see last pic below) warranted equally splendid interiors. And so, when creating its show apartment, the developer enlisted interior design duo Yabu Pushelberg. From the iPad-controlled lighting to the chinoiserie screens, the space balances contemporary style, luxury, and functionality with references to the past.

Hand-painted chinoiserie screens swivel open when needed and provide a striking backdrop in both the family and dining rooms.

With their mountain views, private spaces were designed as an ethereal counterpoint to the apartment’s city-facing side. A floor-to-ceiling copper headboard mirrors the curves of the master bedroom while the bath adds impact with onyx stone and steel fixtures. Stunning!

I wanted to make something incredibly beautiful that people will respect and love for generations. – Frank Gehry on designing the Opus Hong Kong

Images: Richard Powers

Update on 3.24.2013 by Desiré

The chandelier above the dining table appears to be by Hervé Van der Straeten, not Yabu Pushelberg as originally posted. Either way, it's gor-geous!

ADE: A “Mother-Father” Moment

On Thursday, when I should’ve been spending time with the beau, I was completely distracted by new images of Kelly Wearstler interiors. And when I say completely, I mean completely and utterly. He seemed confused by my persistent sighing, swooning, and the occasional "Quit playin'!" at pics like the one above. So, I decided to put things in context. I compared Kelly’s creations to the $10k Rolexes that he ogles on occasion, or the beautiful custom wingtips that he simply adores. Everyone has a passion for design, and moments like these reaffirm that I’m simply smitten by interiors. I've got a fever, and I've got it bad.

I’m sure some of you know what I mean. Ever verbally exclaim at the sheer perfection of a design??? As in, "Oh my golly, this is too good not to say it out loud!" Or as the beau would simply say, amending an expletive:

MOTHER-FATHER!

Image: Kelly Wearstler

Interiors: New York Apartment by Jordan Carlyle

I recently stumbled upon these pics of an apartment designed by Jordan Carlyle but styled by Harper's Bazaar. In short, the mag 'coveteured' the place, adding layers of clothing and accessories by French designer Sonia Rykiel for a photo shoot of granddaughter Lola. So, in a way, this post is like an abbreviated version of The Set, The Shoot. It's just another example of interiors and fashion working together for the greater good.

Images: Kelly Stuart, Harper's Bazaar