The Stair Riser

We often forget about the stair risers.  

But what a lovely detail to tile or paint them. And how simple to do.  Once you have figured out your home color palette, you can buy tiles that match to create a unique and colorful walk up to the next level.  Tiled stair risers are a very traditional detail used commonly in Moorish architecture. 

One of my favorite architectural styles that embraces painted stair risers is the Spanish American Santa Barabara style which combines white stucco and lots of colored tiles.   But it can work in many other applications and designs.

 Take a second look at your stair risers.  They may be calling out for some color!

To Swing

Ahhhh...to swing in the wind!

Everyone loves a swing.  The sensation of free falling in the air.  Maybe it is a feeling leftover from when your mom rocked you as a baby.  But there is no reason to give it up as an adult.  There are so many outdoor swings and daybed designs that are cool, sophisticated and that take you back to your inner child.

I have used old carved Indonesian daybeds, cut the legs off and hung them from tension wire to create beautiful unique patio swings.  They give a soft swing that will gently rock you to sleep out on a shaded terrace.

When was the last time you felt the wind in your hair?

Iconic City Architecture

Major cities all over the world all share one thing in common: Iconic City Architecture.

Architecture creates cultural memories for a society and stirs great  hope in our minds. All ancient leaders knew this and built huge monuments and created architectural styles to celebrate their cities. The Greeks had the Parthenon.  The Romans had the Coliseum.  The Mayans had the Pyramids.

And today, iconic city architecture remains the best way for cities to visually differenciate themselves from each other and to show their spirit and economic growth.   Iconic architecture plays a key role in defining our lives and history.  And like music, or fashion, it creates the mood and emotion of a city.

Paris has the Eiffel Tower.  Manhattan has The Empire State Building.  Beijing has the CCtv Building. Sydney has the Opera House. San Francisco has the Golden Gate Bridge.  Abu Dhabi has the Capital Gate Building. 

What is your city's iconic architectural statement?

Get a Cabana!

Summer is here.  So get yourself to the beach, or a pool and relax  in a cabana.

We all fall visually in love with cabanas. But more than that they are so fun and practical. We get the sensation of being outside, yet we are still enjoying nature and outside.  And the practical part, of course, is that you are shaded and protected from the sun.  

You can read, lay around looking cool, sleep or just people watch from cabana.  So find a nice one and enjoy your weekend.

Happy Memorial Day!

Seafoam Colored Doors

 I woke up this morning and I was inspired by the beautiful seafoam color of the ocean.  The perfect amount of blue, mixed with just the right amount of green to create a peaceful tropical summer color.  

And how you do incorporate this soft color into architecture without making it feel overly feminine? One way if to use it as an accent color on a focal point such as a door.

Enjoy these images of seafoam colored doors!

St. Regis Mexico City

Just got in from Mexico City and it was such a fun and exciting trip.

I stayed at my favorite hotel, The St. Regis Polanco. It's an oasis from the hussle and bussle of the honking cars, traffic and people.  Right up my alley. Beautifully decorated, all of the great amenities and services, and comfotable, modern luxurious rooms.  A true home away from home.

There are lots of cute little boutique hotels throughtout  Mexico City, but there are very few proper luxury hotels.   The Nikko and the Four Seasons are so old and in such need of renovation that they simply no longer qualify as luxury hotels, in my opinion. The next group are the basic Intercontinental and Hilton type mid-management style hotels, none of which I would stay at.  So the St Regis is such a great find and trully gives me the comfort I need after a long day of shopping for art.

If you are planning a trip to Mexico City, no doubt, The St. Regis is currently the best hotel available.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com

Blue Doors

Blue doors?  Love them.  

Bold blue doors have been used historically in many countries. In Tunisia, blue doors with nail head patterns are an iconic and distinctive part of the architecture. It is said that they keep away evil spirits. But no matter what your beliefs are, they are visually beautiful and look incredibly dramatic in tropical settings.

Enjoy these pretty images of lovely blue doors.

MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS

Don't forget your mom, the woman who brought you into this world.  Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 13th so if you have not bought her a gift, get busy.

Whether its flowers, a spa day, something sweet or breakfast in bed, or a Sandra Espinet scented candle,  its the thought that counts.  So surprise you mom with hugs and smiles and tell her how much you appreciate her.  

Happy Mother's Day!  

http://www.amazon.com/SE-105-Sandra-Espinet-Scented-Candle/dp/B007I8HPP0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334336003&sr=8-1

Beautiful rare Orchids

Are you into beautiful rare orchids?

I have friends who have gone trekking in the jungles of Malaysia and Vietnam to find rare orchids and I have others who have special orchid gardeners to take care of their flowering plants.  People who love orchids are fanatic about their exotic breeds.

If you are an orchid fan you might enjoy the annual event at the Singapore the Marina Bay Sands Expo Center, November 14 th - 20th where you will be able to view over 50,000 breeds!  Last year Sir Elton John was honored and received a special award.  He was bestowed a white-and-pink orchid named in his honor. 

Such a pretty flower.

The Demetria Hotel

I'm in Guadalajara, Mexico today and I'm staying at a new hotel called The Demetria.

Until recently, the only proper place to stay in Guadalajara was the Hotel Quinta Real. It is a beautiful property with old world charm and a lovely open courtyard.  But sadly the rooms are old and uncared for and they are no longer comfortable.  They have not been renovated in over 15 years.

So I was happy to find out about the new Demetria Hotel via a local friend.  It is a boutique hotel along the lines of a W Hotel that I would consider a nice 4 star.   Modern and cool with lots of creative details throughout, it has 38 unique rooms. Although I miss the Quinta Real's traditional Mexican stone walls and artwork, I do enjoy sleeping on a nice new mattresses and pillows.  The Demetria is trying hard to be the best hotel in Guadalajara, which is not hard since there is virtually no competition in the upscale market. But don't arrive and expect the service of a 4 Seasons!  

Guadalajara is not a luxury destination.  But if you do find yourself here, the Demetria is by far the best place to stay.

http://www.hoteldemetria.com