What I saw in… Spain.
Posted by Peggy | Filed under Musings
Hello readers! It’s been a while I know… I took some time off and traveled abroad for a month. What I brought back are thousands of images, and deliciously happy memories to last me a lifetime. Believe me when I tell you I did not shop once, nope. Too busy taking photographs and honestly, just taking everything in… I thought I would share some of the more graphic and type driven images with you here. Starting from Spain, and we’ll work our way through a few more European countries later. Sounds good?
Montiel Restaurant / Barcelona
Besides having an amazing meal (best Spanish olive oil I’ve ever tasted!), this black and white mural with modern fixtures was pretty striking as well.
Font de Sant Jordi / Cathedral of Barcelona
For some reason, I was really drawn to this signage. The frame, the handwritten type, and those blue asterisks!
Tags: architecture, interiors, photography, spain, travel, What I saw in...
The trailer dream…
Posted by Peggy | Filed under Musings
Can you imagine living out the nomadic trailer dream? I have to admit, I've given this thought more than once or twice. Purchasing an Airstream and just take off, up the Pacific Coast Highway then cross country? That would be the day… and I'm not saying it sarcastically, I do think it could happen, I mean, why not right? Especially seeing these photographs. How could you not dream a little? Everything thing about it is so warm and cozy. Potted plant on the windowsill, patchwork quilts… Notice how the trailer is decorated with mix and match fabrics – from the curtains to the wall AND ceiling coverings. The floral silk curtain is actually quite a nice touch. Let me tell you, I'm eyeing that pendant lamp in the bedroom, those intricate folds, just gorgeous. Not too shabby of a trailer really, I spotted two Vitra pieces: the turquoise chair by the trailer door (shown below) and the coffee table in the bedroom. And a few fun Liberty fabric prints sprinkled around add to the eclectic vibe. But you know what I yearn most about living the trailer dream? Keeping everything down to minimal, bringing with me just the absolute bare essentials…
Tags: bedroom, interiors, kitchen, trailer, travel
Checking in: Hotel Lautner…
Posted by Peggy | Filed under Musings
Let me prefix this by saying I had waited three years for this – we were one of the lucky few who got to stay at the Hotel Lautner this past weekend when they had a soft opening. Originally built in 1947 and known as The John Lautner’s Desert Hot Springs Motel, this hidden gem was, and still is, quite a place. The property was purchased back in 2008 by Los Angeles based interior designer Tracy Beckmann and furniture designer Ryan Trowbridge. After a long three-year renovation by Tracy and Ryan, Hotel Lautner is finally resurfacing. A combination of redwood beams, smooth concrete, tall glass windows, and orange-red steel supports are part of the characteristics of this four-unit (yes, four!) desert retreat. Plans are in place to build a clubhouse and outdoor lounge on the adjacent property as well. Even though the hotel is still under construction, you can already feel you are in your own private oasis, especially with the additional wall that was built around the entire site. What I also love are all the personal touches by the owners. Tracy and Ryan shop for all the decor and furniture pieces to give each room its own personality. When I heard Miles Davis playing in the background as we stepped into our room, I knew straightaway that we are going to enjoy our stay there. The best part? Lying under the stars in our own succulent garden/patio, it was truly a magical experience…
Tags: architecture, Hotel Lautner, interiors, John Lautner, mid century modern, travel
Hoteles de Grupohabita…
Posted by Peggy | Filed under Inspiration, Musings
Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend! Thought we could ease into the week with a little hotel tour, courtesy of Hoteles de Grupohabita. I was really impressed with what they have done visually with their properties – each hotel's personality shines through from the minute you land on its website. Logo design, color and graphic schemes… even down to its photography which gives you an immediate sense of what you could expect from each place. Quite a branded online experience. Definitely something left to be desired. I chose two hotels to share with you here today, but believe me, I could close my eyes and pick any one of the ten and be completely happy with my decision. México here we come!
HOTEL HABITA MTY
First stop is San Pedro. Modern architecture with black + white interiors AND a breathtaking view of the Sierra Madre mountains. The restaurant looks pretty amazing too…
Tags: decor, hotels, Inspiration, interiors, travel
The Mill…
Posted by Peggy | Filed under Inspiration, Musings
Ahhhh… Vermont. Picturesque, serene, and full of surprises. I recently took a trip back east and visited a few New England states along the way. My last stop was Simon Pearce / The Mill in Quechee, Vermont. What a beautiful place to spend a lazy afternoon… Had lunch at their flagship restaurant overlooking the Ottauquechee River (which provides hydroelectric power to the entire structure by the way!) and took my good 'ole time exploring The Mill, inside and out. The retail store is chock full of eye candy of course… pottery, glassware, dinnerware, lighting, home accents, you name it. Somehow there is an authenticity to the decor that I truly love. Nothing is overly propped, just simple presentations. Down the stairs is where you will experience, at first hand, glassblowers making wine glasses, carafes, and even ornaments. It's amazing (actually mesmerizing) to watch them perfect every single curve with such swiftness. The pottery workshop is right next door and what made me smile was seeing a group of kids standing there, intensely and quietly watching the potter at work. It really is a place for inspiration, whether for the young or the young at heart. Here are a few snapshots from my camera phone that I want to share with you. I do love that glass pendant lamp!
{ camera phone images by peggy wong }
Tags: glassware, Inspiration, pottery, travel
