mimosasinthemorning

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With the Rio Olympics kicking off today, I wanted to take a look back at some of Brazil’s most iconic design. Oscar Niemeyer’s Casa Das Canoas is truly one of the masterpieces of modernist residential architecture. An obvious nod to his modernist predecessors, the likes of Phillip Johnson, Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright and LeCorbusier are all present here. His the use of glass and concrete and signature organic slab sets the tone for this organic, yet simple piece of architecture. Despite his departure from rigged geometry, his respect for the purity of design is present as always. The clear glazed windows help to create an innate symmetry between the interior and exterior while the dark black granite flooring is reminiscent of the soil surrounding the compound truly creating a fusion between nature and architecture. The smooth organic lines of the roof slab seem to inform the interior partitions which are clad in warm timber  - providing an unmissable sense of calm and warmth in such an minimal interior. I can’t wait to visit this mecca of modernism. 

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always in awe of Bjarke Ingels- take a look at BIG architecture's latest feat...THE BIG MAZE

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to all you renters out there (or the electronically challenged) - this post is for you! Let's face it- it's tough to find condos or apartments these days with proper overhead lighting so I've decided to round-up some exciting overhead lighting solutions you don't have to hardwire so you can stop eating, reading and socialising in the dark. Lets flip the switch on stylish lighting for good!  Images Courtesy of; Jonathan Adler, Euro Lighting Style, TARGET, CB2 & West Elm  

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Ever walk into the new CLUB MONACO stores in NYC and think 'gosh I wish my home could look like this'? Wait no longer.... The revamped stores recently caught the eye of Home decor website extraordinaire One Kings Lane who asked the in-house design team just what they were thinking when they put it all together. Check out the article HERE.

In the meantime, I've taken the liberty to scour onekingslane.com to find my own CM inspired antique glam.  

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an introduction...

Favourite Exhibit any installation in the Turbine Hall. It’s such a carnivorous and vast space - any of the Unilever annual exhibit‘s I’ve seen there have been incredible.  My favoruites to date have to be 1. Carsten Höller’ 2006 ‘slides’ 2.  Louise Bourgeois's Mamon 3. Doris Salcedo‘s Shibboleth.  oops...that’s 3. 

Favorite outdoor activity In London -II can walk for days.  Getting lost down little alley ways, Lanes and streets - it’s an endless historical architectural wonder. 

Favorite Park London is filled with them - but my favorite is definitely Regents park.  From strolling through the Queen’s Garden’s to rowing a boat through the many ponds - this is where London breathes. 

Favorite Spot with a View… Considering this isn’t a city with many skyscrapers - I still have trouble narrowing this down!  I have two- My first is the view from the bench on the top of Primrose Hill - there’s a reason why so many literary greats were inspired here - you can see the entire City skyline whilst in the middle of a park - in a wortxd - breathtaking.  My second favorite place to take in the view is from the main restaurant in the Tate Modern.  The view of St. Paul’s Cathedral silhouette juxtaposed to the sleek, futuristic Millennium Bridge - its architecture past and present at its finest. 

Favorite Place to Be Inspired by Street Style... Another tough one - I have so many!!  Shoreditch for its obligatory east end grunge - but Carnaby Street really feels like you’ve stepped into a 60’s revival - I love it!  

Ultimately, I’m most inspired when I spend time on some of my favorite high streets like in Marylebone or Hampstead.  That’s what living in London is all about - little curiosities and impromptu shops that define a borough or area. 

Brunch Spots… To me, everywhere you go in London - you can find 

incredible brunch - especially if you’re ready to tuck into a ‘full English breakfast’.   An old faithful of mine for brunch is Lantana in Fitzrovia.  Super small and cute normally a bit of a wait on weekends, but their Chai Latte and hallumi eggs are like no other. I also LOVE their ‘make yourself at home’rustic decor .

Dinner Spots...I had many outstanding gastronomical experiences during my years in London - but if you’re looking for a truly British experience - it has to be St. John Bread & Wine.  They have a few locations - but I’m partial to the one in Spitelfields Market.  YUM. 

Get the best Cocktails here…  Being more of a straigth up G&T girl- I’m not too sure, but a fave place of mine to grab a drink if you can manage it and you or someone you know is a member is Shoredtich house.  It’s the perfect fusion of swanky and cool rolled into one. 

This city’s best kep secret is... The Everyman Cinema in Belsize Park!  It’s makes going to see a movie luxurious and perfect for a rainy day date!  

Top Three Destinations for Design… 

#1, The Serpentine Gallery  Pavilion - always changing, always amazing  #2.Tate Modern -  anywhere inside or out.                           #3. If you’re an art history junky - a visit to a Philips de Pury auction would be

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perhaps my most favorit project of late is this NYC micro-loft reno.   the well thought out space leaves no corner unused (that staircase will have the average New Yorker salivating)  while the minimal interiors help to enphasize the simplicity of the space which has an irrefutable airiness to it- inviting  a sense of movement and ease.  total square footage you ask? a whopping 425 #ilovenyc

designed by Specht Harpman Architects

images source: designmilk.com

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maharam  in a word, im obsessed.  after visiting the NYC headquarters this week, i'm truly in reeling from the experience.  at first i found the stark white interior walls a little sterile - but i soon warmed to this playground of color when it began to pop up everywhere- especially when my eyes rested on the welcoming lobby seating area.  four perfectly placed SLS chairs clad in none other than a signature Paul Smith (one of their many high profile fashion collaborators)oversized strip pattern repeat design - so oversized in fact, that it's spread over all four chairs.  amazing.  

the minimal interior is accentuated with mostly natural materials and is reminiscent of post-modern scandinavian design, perfectly set off by the four chairs that courted me from the beginning which are of course of Danish decent. filled with natural light - their originally graphic textile designs truly sparkle in this space - i was more than impressed. if you haven't been introduced to this fascinating brand....allow me.

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a new york city wedding...or two

i have a two good friends getting married in the big apple in the next year and the events couldn't be more different.

the first, a divinely upscale blacktie event at one of New York City's most decadent venues, The Pierre.  

the second, a whimsical and intimate evening at a Williamsburg favorite ISA  

as a favour to both girls (and lets be fair - I love this stuff) I put together a mood board and colour palette to help them capture the feeling and atmosphere of their special day and night.  

like them, cannot wait to see it all unfold! 

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if you're like me, you've been on the hunt for some delicate jewelry pieces to complement your flowy summer threads that won't break the bank...not an easy task. check out my new favorite jewelry designer north of the border - Jen Ellis Designs. i love that every peice is hancrafted and what's more, this talented designer has had minimal formal training - just raw talent! i think she has the teeny tiny jewelry trend down to a science with prices that will make you want to layer a few on your ring finger. my fave pics from her collection is The Infinity Ring (pictured here). which style can't you live without? check out the rest of her collection on her website.

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in keeping with the theme of vintage and eclectic decor - here's an Elle Decor feature on my fellow dutchman (and J Crew enthusiast) Frank Muytjens.  with only 600 square feet to work with - he's done an amazing job with the interiors of his upstate home in nyc - i'm currently lusting after more than his J Crew discount....

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living the Eclectic Dream…or are you? it’s easy to get caught up in collecting vintage pieces and finding that your space looks like a hodge podge of stuff instead of a well thought out land of intriguing objects.  do you need help figuring out just how to achieve perfect vintage space? here are 5 easy steps to vintage bliss. 1  pick a large piece of furniture as your inspiration. This is normally something that is central in your space ie; a fabulous brass mirror, a cool restored coffee table a couch etc. Use this piece as the basis for your inspiration for the rest.  2  be careful not to get everything from the same era! Keep with a central design motif, but don’t be afraid to mix your art deco with mid-century modern and even a few contemporary pieces so there’s a real contrast in your space. 3 as with any room, you always want your color palette to take utmost importance. Take a few inspirational images and your large inspiration piece as a basis for your palette and build from there. 4 for the amateurs who want to start collecting, we recommend you start with dealers. It’s their job to help – and once you’ve got the right advice you can start haggling for the good deals! 5 remember this is a process- designing with period pieces like this requires perseverance and patience. If you’re a true designer at heart, you’ll learn to love the hunt. my fave spots to score vintage pieces? 1st dibs.com Open Air Modern I Like Mike’s midcentury modern Repopny.com  BOBO Intriguing Objecs Krrb.com Apartment therapy classifieds Rejuvenation.com Brooklyn flea Market  Still need some inspiration? Check this room we've put together....

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period pieces are all the rage - so when i came across 1stDibs.com i thought I'd died and gone back in time.  i'm currently lusting over this french, midcentury bar car - i mean what NYC apartment is complete without one??  

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with the impending Royal birth - I thought it timely to spotlight one of the UK's most popular paint brands of the moment from Graham & Brown. Best known for their wall coverings, the colours featured in their first ever line of paints called “The Colours That Made Britain Great,” was inspired by British Icons. Highlighting the must wear colours from the fall couture shows -here's a soft palette from these gorgeous and cheeky hues. 

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arts & crafts revival? with social media playing such a pivotal role in our lives, the search for authenticity has become of utmost importance.  what’s real and what isn't?   parallels can be drawn in the design world as well, where the demand faster and cheaper is causing a clash against this sensibility that mirrors the Arts & Crafts movement brought on by the industrial revolution.  people are more aware than ever of over consumerism and are looking for ways to escape the pressures of urban life.  It’s no surprise then that in the art and design world we’re going back to the basics.  in fashion, taking a look at the resort shows this past season - nature is everywhere bringing attention to the organic with a plethora of floral, leaves, birds.  The saturation of pattern and clutter is so nostalgic of the arts & crafts movement, they almost look handmade.  Tory Birch is a great example of an Americana take on arts & crafts and in celebration of this - I've put together ways in which you can implement this into your home.  happy decorating

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cronut 101

in an attempt to embrace the latest NYC food trend I stood in line at 6am this morning for the must-have pastry of the minute called - wait for it... The Cronut. The Dominque Ansel Bakery in Soho only makes a certain number of these little puppies a day - so you need to go early to make sure the trip is fruitful. The verdict? I think it's as delectable as it is gorgeous.  I'm officially cronut crazed.

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NOT a house built for two....polish architect Jakub Szczesny wasn't thinking of an extended family when he designed the world's skinniest house 

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Happy Birthday to my homeland