Weekend

Happy weekend! Hope it's a lovely one. We'll be busy with work stuff, but we're also looking forward to a delicious family dinner, too. How about you?

(photo by sam mcadam with styling by lara hutton)

Tuscany Paradise

Discovered totally abandoned, this ancient villa near the town of Prato in Tuscany was perfect as far as professional couple Paolo and Alessia were concerned — surrounded by a spectacular landscape, it was the perfect place to raise their three children. Leaving the outer shell as untouched as possible, they worked with b-arch architects on opening up the inside space to add natural light and restoring the original stone floors, beamed ceilings, and whitewashed walls. The decor is an interesting mix of classical and modern art, furniture from all over the world, textiles and an Art Deco collection — perfect for such an interesting space. More here on Nuevo Estilo.

Smile

Love this. 'Hommage à Remington' bag by Patrizia Dona.

(via pinterest)

Sweetness and Light

A pretty still life by Hanna Sinspo to start your Thursday. Have a lovely one.

Buffet

This week's links. Enjoy.

Canada in Colour
Check out this gorgeous house tour over at Design*Sponge, featuring a Port Coquitlam, British Columbia townhouse that mixes colour and minimalism beautifully. Love this one.

Five Minute Beehive Tutorial
Give your hair a retro cool look for holiday parties with this great five minute beehive video tutorial by Gizzi Erskine. Add a little flicky eyeliner and you're done.

Marshmallow Instagrams
Looking for a really unique personalized gift? UK-based company Boomf makes marshmallows out of your Instagram photos, charging £12 for a box of nine. Sadly it's only available in the UK for now, but it's definitely a fun idea. 

The Observer's Books of the Year
The Observer recently invited some very distinguished writers, critics, poets and others to pick their favourite books of the year. Lots of great ideas for gift giving during the holidays — or good reads for yourself, too.

Designer's Cookbook: George Lois
The Design Observer has begun a great six part series on designers, artists and food — first up is the legendary George Lois, creator of some of the most iconic covers for Esquire and one of the original Mad Men.

Wet Dogs
Having a bad day? Take a look at this slide show featuring New York-based photographer Sophie Gamand's hilarious series of dogs in the bath. Soggy doggies!

How to Interact With an Introvert
Handy illustrated guide on how to socialize with the introverts in your life — or, explain yourself to the extroverts you know. As an introvert myself, I find this really accurate.

Am I Eating Yams or Sweet Potatoes?
Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends — and here's a great illustrated diagram of the difference between yams and sweet potatoes, perfect for settling any starchy arguments around the holiday dinner table.

Poached Egg, Sautéed Spinach and Mushrooms
It's the season for holiday eating, and — as delicious as that is — we do need a break now and then for something lighter. This lovely dish by Tartelette is perfect for brunch or supper when you want something healthy but not heavy — add a little roasted squash on the side if you'd like it a bit more substantial.

(photo by daniella witte)

Happy Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah — wishing you a warm and lovely one with family and friends.

(photo via home trends)

Moments of Beauty

A subtly avant garde approach to make up — one that frames the natural beauty of model Linnea Ahlman. More here on Fashion Gone Rogue.

(photo by martin petersson with make up by catherine lehtonen)

Lofty Cool

Love this Brooklyn loft, the home of designer and artist Alina Preciado — it's filled with interesting objects and furniture, sourced on Alina's travels for her imported goods company. Perfect. More here on Trendland.

Simple Pleasures

The power of beautifully designed architecture to uplift and inspire us — a lovely old barn can be as transcendent a space as a church.

(photo by gilbert mccarragher of the church of st. moritz in germany, designed by architect john pawson)

Atelier: Jieun Park

Today I'm admiring the poetic work of Korean artist Jieun Park — her subtle paintings appear at first glance to be abstract, but closer inspection reveals glimpses of highly detailed urban landscapes emerging from behind the loose brush strokes. Wonderful. More here on My Modern Metropolis.

Monday

A beautiful and peaceful corner to begin your week. Have a good one.

(photo by line klein)

Colour Play

Perched directly above her shop, the Paris apartment of ceramicist Henriette Jansen is a lively mix of Henriette's own work with vintage and new objects — augmented here and there with a dash of bright colour. So inventive and fun. More here on Côté Maison.

(photography by nicolas millet)

Weekend

Happy weekend! Hope it's a good one. The weather forecast here is rather cold and gloomy, but we're looking forward to a family dinner to warm us right up. How about you?

(photo by alice gao)

Light and Warmth

Love this beautifully designed apartment over at The Design Files, the Melbourne home of Dan Honey, Paul Fuog and their two year old daughter Frances. Brilliant use of plywood — this humble building material looks so rich and warm against the bright white walls. The touches of gold here and there are wonderful, too — a little glam contrast to the overall minimalist aesthetic. More here.  


(photography by sean fennessy for the design files)