Hello There!

I know that I have been missing for quite a while and my apologies. This year has been a rollercoaster of a year for me; personal, career as well as in the area of my interest. I am however determined to write this most more consistently like before, starting with an update of my apartment.

As I am living alone now, I decided to put in a few touches in the flat. I think it is always nice to give your home character by adding some items up for display especially when they are meaningful to you not just a mere testimony of your great taste.

I have put up a little display of some possessions from my past under a huge glass dome on top of a few wine crates to double up as extra bookshelf space. I am running out of bookshelf space rapidly due to my magazine collection as well as CDs.

Recently I have also been in a habit of burning a Malin + Goetz Cannabis candle before showering at night, so that the room will be perfumed with it's gorgeous musky, spicy scent. It smells to me how a man should be, mysterious, masculine and inviting. When it isn't in use, it is covered with a glass cloche. It sits on a pretty vintage plate that has been chipped on the edge.

I have also designed a mirror to be my permanent menu board. You can see it in use for a dinner party. It is adjacent to a small grouping of art, photos and a handwritten piece. Frames are from Ikea.

My door knocker for the longest time has been left without a label, so instead of a family name, I cross-stitched a modern greeting. This adds a little fun to the old fashioned knocker. A nice element of surprise.

These were handpainted by Mara of Blue Trike. The butterfly was commissioned by me. The slices of wood are hand picked and cured by her husband. They have such a beautiful detailing on their own. Art does not always have to come from someone famous or be expensive. Art has to speak to the soul of its audience/spectator.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Barcelona.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Barcelona is gorgeous, and I mean drop dead gorgeous. I saw pictures of it and I was bowled over. While its location on Passeig de Gràcia is unbeatable, it is the work of Spanish-born architect, Patricia Urquiola (who did the interior design of the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona) that gave the hotel it's unique look and feel. To me, it's the definition of sheer perfection. It has a rooftop bar and swimming pool that overlooks the city. Guest rooms that are simple, easy yet well detailed. I'm in love.

A Nook in a Hallway.

If I had a lovely hallway, without a doubt, I would put in a little nook where I can hide to read, and have small intimate conversations. The question would be, how would my nook look? I have put together a few pieces of furniture that would look great together. The walls would be in chalk, the floors would be in either herringbone style oak parquet or concrete floor. There will be no art on the wall, except on the shelves, small pieces of art and a radio. Very clean walls and ceiling would be the key. If ceiling lights are needed, then just downlights.

Thonet S 18/56 Bentwood Settee

Missoni Dots Cushions on the Settee.

Also on the Settee, Liberty Merci Cushions.

Vitra Slow Armchair.

Anglepoise 1227 Giant Lamp in Orange.

Trace Side Table By Naughtone.

Eileen Bookcase By Driade.

Viceroy Resort Snowmass.

Viceroy Resort Snowmass must be one of the few eco friendly snow resorts. During construction, all dirt removed from the construction site was saved and reused. Construction workers were transported to the site by bus, reducing fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. The Viceroy also provides reusable and washable water bottles, hand towels, and shampoo and conditioner bottles. A saline pool creates its own chlorine through the use of salt and electrical current. There's even a gratis on-site electric car charging system.

Besides that, the 173 residential unit resort looks as good as it is eco friendly. I love the modern rooms and the contemporary public areas which look so cosy especially after a hard day of skiing or snowboarding. The cabanas by the pool are so inviting, makes you want to doze off in them or spend some romantic time with someone special in them.

Crosby Street Hotel, New York.

Last Christmas, I received a book on "New New York Interiors" and it is beautiful. It captured the spirit of New York contemporary design. If it had a personality, it would be: a modern well travelled soul with a love for the collecting bits and pieces, who isn't afraid to mix a few pieces of vintage and loves vibrant splashes of colours.

The Crosby Street Hotel embodies just that. It is owned by Firmdale Hotels privately owned by husband and wife team, Tim and Kit Kemp. Kit Kemp personally designed the hotel, which was built from ground on a site of an old parking lot. The hotel has a quirky edge with a good mix of solids and prints. Each of the 86 rooms are individually designed and there is also a private screening room with orange Poltrona Frau chairs. To top it all off, British perfumer, Lyn Harris has designed a bespoke fragrance which is featured in all it's toiletries. The scent can also be brought into your home in the form of a scented candle which can be purchased from the hotel.

My Dream Bachelor's Room.

I've been thinking if I had to design a bachelor's room or a room that if a guy were to take me home to and would impress me to death, would look something like what I have put together below. Strangely, it would have a sink in it like the old fashioned rooms. It would be mainly in black, white and wood. The walls would be in a soft grey and have down lights above his desk and in the room but there would be two lowly hung Tom Dixon pendant lamps above his side tables which one of them would have a small collection of books neatly stacked under waiting to be read. He will also have those read books and magazines neatly displayed in his Joyce cabinet. Of course judging by the choice of furniture, it has to be a sizable room.

Gervasoni bed by Paola Navone from the Grey Collection.

A closer look at the headboard.

Tom Dixon Beat Stout Lamp to be hung just above the side tables.

Plate Side Tables by Vitra. There will be two and one on each side of the bed below the pendant lamps. Imagine a small stack of books under one of it (his side).

Pinch Design Lowry Sideboard. The television will sit on top of it and so will his desktop ipod player.

Airia Desk by Herman Miller. This will definitely impress me. You can tell so much of a man from his desk and his choice of desk. I love how simple this is yet so beautiful.

Eames Office Chair. This is to pair with the desk. A very classic and beautiful piece.

Pinch Design Joyce Cabinet. Instead of the usual bookshelf, he will have this which he will display his collection of books, magazines and collectables (could be art).

Eames Lounge Chair. I love this piece so much. It makes such a statement about taste and style.

Water Jewels Basin by Vitra. This will sit in his dressing area for him to shave and freshen up.