On the Coast: Rugged Beauty

  I've been captivated by the Oregon Coast for quite some time and it remains on my bucket list of domestic travel destinations. This home in Cloverdale, Oregon will be up for auction in two short weeks. Although there are several things I would do differently with the property, you can't ignore her rugged beauty & bliss - all 25 acres! See more here.

I'll Have What She's Having...

Paris Vogue's June/July editorial features Natasha Poly and her "perfect summer" which is just about the equivalent to my perfect dream. Sea breezes in the Maldives, fresh seafood platters, the scent of pine trees and paralyzing coastal views in the Mediterranean...Natasha knows a thing or two about summer. Not only did she steal the spotlight in the editorial, but she also stole the cover, clad in a red bikini, just months after having a baby, mind you. See the full feature here.

A Tuscan Marvel

Welcome to Monteverdi. I read about this property a little while ago and my mind keeps coming back to it. Perhaps you can understand why after looking at the photographs - the mere sight of that 18th century copper soaking tub made me swoon! Located in the heart of Tuscany, a midway point between Rome and Florence, the property offers both private villas for rent and hotel accommodations. The conceptual vision for the property, however, goes further than just offering handsome accommodations among an idyllic landscape. The idea, was to draw from the intellectual and artistic prosperity of the 15th and 16th centuries in Tuscany. As we know, scientists, poets, artists and the like were responsible for their contribution to the Italian Renaissance, and today, Monteverdi wishes to carry out that prosperity in a modern world on a smaller, intimate scale. Thus, the property is an oasis for arts and cultural events, often hosting artists and scholars to lead seminars and performances for guests. Interestingly, Castiglioncello del Trinoro, the 900-year-old village that the villa calls home, happens to be the site of the only privately sponsored archaeological dig in Tuscany. (Learn more here).

With an adequate supply of Chianti, I could camp out at Monteverdi for weeks!

Office Inspiration: Grégoire's Gem

  One of the perks of now working at an interior design firm is the sheer joy of being surrounded by tangible inspiration all day long. I am deeply affected by the landscapes in which I live and work in, and my new work environment makes me truly happy. Instead of the interior rigidness of a financial institution, I am now surrounded by a flood of rich fabrics and textiles, architects drafting elaborate blueprints, a sea of French antiques, and, a library full of auction and design catalogues. Thus, I bring you my latest obsession. If I could jump in to this landscape, I would. The images come from the French design publication Côté Sud and depict the most idyllic residence on the French Riviera. The vacation home belongs to Grégoire Gardette, legendary photographer, designer, publisher and graphic designer. Now all I need is a new white bikini, my Bain de Soleil and a tall glass of Pellegrino - dreamy! In addition to salivating over the serene scenes above, be sure to view Grégoire's portfolio, here: http://gregoiregardette.com/fr-en/