Rattan

London based designer Allegra Hicks and her husband recently took up residence in a historic building in Naples, Italy. I'm gushing over her terrace (above), as shown by Architectural Digest this month. I'm a huge fan of rattan seating, it reminds me of my Grandfather's breakfast table in his New York kitchen. He would shuffle into the kitchen in the wee hours of the morning in his bathrobe and slippers beckoned by his habitual breakfast, one that was routinely prepared the night prior. He was also surrounded by terra cotta planters like the above, full of geraniums he would nurture. Above: Allegra Hicks' terrace chairs are Verner Panton and rug from her own collection. Read more, here.

A Holy Home

Massimo Vitali, the Italian photographer known for his idyllic beach panoramas by the sea and pool, recently moved into a 14th century church in Lucca, Italy. In a recent NYTimes profile, Massimo shares the adventures that came with the restoration and renovation (including mice, water, birds and an archeologist). Read on, here. 

'A Tuscan Dream' indeed.

The desktop on my work computer has for years, always been a lustrous scene at Il Pellicano, one of my dream destinations. In fact, one of my first C&C posts was on this tuscan gem (see here). I love the history behind its inception, the magical romance it never ceases to illustrate in both words and illustration, and the modern day allure it continues to exude despite being a fixture of the 60's jet-set culture. I was so pleased to see it featured in the WSJ Magazine. Slip into the lens of Marie-Louise Sciò, the hotel's Creative Director, by reading here.

The Sea Lovers

Love this photograph of Italian architect Signor Giorgio Biusos, his wife Rita and children Guendaline, Ferdinando, baby Marta and Ursula. Their classic style ketch appropriately named Chérie (which translates to "dear"), stretches her sea legs just north of Rome on the rocky coast. I particularly love how this photograph exudes such vitality, mild disarray as each subject portrays a varied expression, yet beautifully harmonious in sentiment. Not much is known about this photograph, other than the fact that it was captured by the iconic John Cowan in the 60's.  There of course, is also the caption that accompanies the photograph just to the right. The last bit reads: "Able to come and go as they please, cooled by the breezes at sea, shaded in port by an awning over the deck, the Biusos are self-contained, self-sufficient in their happy family life; happy, healthy, attractive, good-humored, enjoying their boat and each other." Joie de vivre if you ask me!