Quintessentially New York

Okay, so I know that it has been a REALLY long time since I did a Quintessential post, and it's not that we haven't eaten at some wonderful places, but non have really felt like they were post-worthy in terms of design and deliciousness!  Well, Friday night a friend took me out to Boqueria and voila, Quintessential worthy! Inspired by the tapas restaurants of Barcelona, the interior is simple, modern and comfortable with natural materials on the walls, filament bulbs hanging above tables, and aromas that make ones mouth water.  The food was amazing (go with lots of people so you can order lots of things!) and the wine list was nice and extensive with something for everyone.  This is a place where we will definitely go back to, and should be added to anyones NYC list.

Boqueria

Simplicity in Paris

I love simple interior palettes - easy colours, natural materials and a minimal selection of each.  The Paris based firm Robert Gervais Studio seems to tick all those boxes.  The apartment in Place des Ternes is simple, modern and to me stunning. Not too much to say about it...I think that photos speak more than words on this one. Enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Robert Gervais Studio & Trendland

Greetings from Belize

Well I think that it's only appropriate that my last post was on outdoor showers seeing as we find ourselves returning from 5 days in paradise.  Yup, hubby and I needed some time away from the craziness that is Manhattan and our jobs and so we escaped to Placencia, Belize, a small peninsula off the main land, for some much needed sun and scuba.  We had a truly amazing time and it is such a beautiful country with lots of natural wonder and untouched beauty.  We went in hopes of seeing and diving with whale sharks as it is the season, however you cannot predict nature, and it seems that it was not our time - although we did get to see plenty of other sharks and stunning underwater paradises.  Unfortunately there have not been any whale shark sightings yet this season which not only isn't great for the tourist industry down there, but isn't great for the whale sharks either.  Oh well, guess this will give us a reason to go back! Can't wait!!

Catching the Breeze

This week I find myself in East Hampton installing a project that has come about quite quickly. The weather hasn't been great and so things in town have been quite slow except for contractors and design folk like me getting our clients houses ready for the summer season.  The project is right on the beach (see image from my tweet) and it has really made me think of the great outdoors and how nice it is to spend time by the water - even if I don't get to benefit from it.  One feature of the house that I really like (and something we are putting into a project in Florida I'm working on as well) is an outdoor shower.  The idea of standing outside, enjoying nature while pampering yourself really is the ultimate indulgence. I thought that I would share some wonderful outdoor shower images with you that I have been using as inspiration for this other project. Thoughts? 

Pinterest

Residence

Arch Daily

Gardenista

The Black Workshop

Vineet Kaur

Colours of Spring - Purple

Today is the last installment of my Colours of Spring miniseries, and what a way to end then with the colour of royalty - Purple. As with the Yellow and Green posts (here and here respectively) there is something so cheery and welcoming to the changing of season as purple - think magnolia blossoms and lilacs a plenty.  You don't have to go all out and cover every surface with purple (although this can be quite successful), but as with many colours adding a little bit here and there in an otherwise neutral interior can help freshen up and brighten your space.  I have to say that all these pops of colour and little bits of spring over the past week have made me feel that perhaps I need a little more colour in my life. 

Pinterest

Inspired Design

House and Home

Architectural Digest

Pinterest

Bella Mumma