Interiors: Christian Louboutin's Paris Retreat

Yesterday's post reminded me of the globally-styled retreat of none other than sexy shoe guru, Christian Louboutin. He recently moved in to the attic apartment after renovating it from top to bottom, literally. Those prism-like windows? Added by Louboutin for light and ventilation. The plank floors? Also new. After construction was complete (see reno pics on The Selby), he filled the space with pieces from around the world, including antiques once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.

When asked what excites him most the new place, Louboutin cites the rain, adding, "So I can hear the drops above my head."

Images: Philippe Garcia

Interiors: Another Masculine Madrid Apartment

I can't get enough of these modern, Madridian bachelor pads. Today’s post features the eclectic home of fashion designer Miguel Palacio. This penthouse offers stunning views of Madrid’s skyline as well as a mix of vintage furniture, custom pieces, and a fab collection of photography.

Miguel's home is also a lesson in small-space design. High ceilings, opened up to the rafters, and ample natural light make up for square footage while well-placed mirrors and other shiny surfaces create visual space. Even the kitchen, hidden away by space-saving pocket doors, helps reflect light with glossy cabinets and a mirrored backsplash.

Images: Paul Zuloaga, Elle Spain

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: A Modern Masculine Office

This week's storm underscores the importance of an inspiring workspace, especially for creative professionals. In fact, we all need spaces where we can feel comfy and productive regardless of the outside environment. An inspiring space can mean something different for each of us, and for designer Reed Krakoff, inspiration comes via a mix of contemporary furnishings and vintage touches.

By far, my favorite part of the office is Reed's desk, a table designed by Joris Laarman, with its web-like, aluminum base. Of his desk and the plywood Cinderella table that sits at the center of the room, Reed notes, "These pieces show how something can be modern, graphic, and architectural, and also have a romantic, feminine line."

Desk accessories include vintage Hermès pieces, a Victorian-era bamboo magnifying glass, and glass vessels to organize art supplies.

The sitting area boasts a custom sectional, designed by Reed and his wife in the brand’s signature gray felt, along with other modern furnishings. "I don’t in any way ‘decorate’—it’s just a mix of things I’m interested in."

Images: Joshua McHugh, Architectural Digest

Interiors: Gilles Mendel's Black and White Chelsea Apartment

Designer Gilles Mendel, of J. Mendel, recently downsized from a glorious duplex on the Upper East Side to a one-bedroom apartment in Chelsea. While I absolutely loved his former home (as seen in Elle Décor), this 723-square-foot space packs glamour, modern finishes, and luxury into every inch. The apartment’s high-contrast palette takes its cue from the signature colors of J. Mendel shops. And with amazing views of the Hudson River and Manhattan’s High Line, it serves as the perfect urban retreat for Mendel and his partner, Kylie.

The tiny bedroom includes luxurious touches, including a cowhide headboard, linens by Frette, and a badger-fur throw by J. Mendel.

"We travel so much…Why not live in the ultimate hotel suite?" - Gilles Mendel

Images: Joshua McHugh, Architectural Digest