Archives: July 2013

the art in contemporary floral photography from japan

Japanese photographer Takashi Tomo-oka is doing something new and different, and I’m completely in love.  Trained as a painter, Tomo-oka realized that the delicacy of floral still lifes was better suited to photography, which can instantly capture the brief moment … Continue reading →

curved furniture as a statement for the contemporary home

Kino Guerin is bending the rules of furniture making – quite literally!  This native of Quebec has spent over a decade perfecting his craft using a vacuum press to shape wooden veneers into statement furniture pieces.  Guerin said he wanted … Continue reading →

luxury river cruising on the Amazon and Mekong

Small ship luxury cruising has been around for many years particularly in France, Germany and Egypt.  But for those with a streak for exotic experiences (I include myself!), there is now the extremely cool and out-of-this-world extravagant cruising in the … Continue reading →

tamera leigh staten – the annie oakley of contemporary product design

Chicago-based designer Tamera Leigh Staten has conceived the brilliant “Oona” pendants from blown smoky glass and patinated copper and that has me thinking 70’s retro chic.  Although much better made than many of the original postmodern lighting I see today, … Continue reading →

fishing for the perfect cocktail table

Portuguese designer Joaquim Paulo has answered all our prayers with his fab Koi table for Brabbu.  Many times I have searched in vain for the perfect side table that will bring some bling to a space while keeping a cool … Continue reading →

inspired by nature – the color blue

Blue is one of my favorite colors.  And while other colors fall out of favor (R.I.P. the avocado and tangerine kitchen!), blue is one of the few that has always remained popular.  My first choice for color inspiration is always … Continue reading →

stuck in the french countryside with nothing to do? here’s a suggestion

image credit: E. Sander for Domaine de Chaumont-Sur-Loire, France. The International Garden Festival on the grounds of the majestic 15th-century Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire in France has been around since 1992.  I had the pleasure to attend several years back and … Continue reading →