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Wow - I've never before seen a Le Corbusier chair that wasn't covered in leather. I am loving this fresh fabric look from I.D. Chicago. It's light, fluffy, and soft; reminiscent of a cloud. It also has a more relaxed and casual vibe than the popular boxy leather ones. This room is lovely in every way. That tribal rug, the earthy tones, those huge windows...swoon.
The Humane Society is having a photo contest in conjunction with Spay Day USA 2008 and I've entered my precious Bodhi (who happens to be buzzing on my lap as I write this post). Please cast your vote for him here (and hurry, as voting ends today).
I snapped this dramatic picture two days ago, while chatting on the phone at the same time. There was light streaming in a window behind me which must have been just the right conditions to create this high-contrast shot. Bodhi was peering out the window behind me with thoughts of birds and squirrels on his mind.
So, you may be wondering what kind of cat Bodhi is. He's a Devon Rex and has a short and wavy lamb-like coat and a quirky personality. Planet Devon is a great website dedicated to this breed.
Thanks for your vote!
The April issue of Metropolitan Home arrived in my mailbox yesterday and it's their "Guide To Modern Green Design". I was surprised to read a blurb about what could be America's greenest hotel, the Proximity Hotel, which happens to be a stone's throw away from me in Greensboro, NC (talk about proximity). Metropolitan Home says "Proximity is striving for LEED Platinum status, which would make it America's greenest (indoor) spot to spend the night. More than 70 sustainable ideas are at work, including rooftop solar panels, an elevator that generates energy for ascent on the descent and the use of geothermal energy for restaurant refrigeration. From $199 per night."
I had no idea this environmentally conscious and stylish boutique hotel existed just an hour away from me. I will have to check it out in person sometime very soon. Until then, here are some lovely pictures to enjoy from their website...
This morning I was lost over what to blog about next. Then, it hit me, it had to be about Morocco; a place that has recently captured my imagination.
I guess it all started with the blog My Marrakesh, which I've been following for a few months. It's written by Maryam, an American woman living in Morocco. Maryam is charming, her writing is gritty and good, and her blog is beautiful. You can watch a podcast of of her being interviewed by some fellow bloggers here. Maryam's blog is very personal and in it she talks about the guest house (inn) that she's building (along with her architect husband) amidst an olive grove, local shopping(she's a personal shopper among other things), and all kinds of art and design from Morocco. Here are some examples of the beautiful imagery you will find on her blog...
Then, last week, I was messing around on VRBO and stumbled upon this amazing little suite (pics below) in Fez, Morocco which is just $125-$150/night! It's a two story antique royal suite from 1880. The suite is encrusted with museum-quality carved plaster, original mosaic, and decorative painting. There's a rooftop terrace and one room even has an intimate domed hammam bath. They describe the space as quirky, authentic, and romantic.
I love this quote from the VRBO write-up "We will not repair the lovely webbed plaster where it has broken. We will not remove the tiny abandoned mud wasp’s nest from the sharp carved starburst of the Menzeh’s antique plaster. All of this is part of the baraka, or fortuitous blessing, of the Menzeh, which we have preserved as it was found, a jeweled secret place at the crown of the Fez Medina." How poetic. And, this is a perspective I've embraced with many of the vintage furnishings I've bought....the imperfections are part of the beauty.
There are many beautiful places to stay in Morocco on VRBO and you can find good travel information on Lonely Planet.
But, look no farther than your mailbox for Moroccan influenced modern design. It's evident everywhere...
From West Elm, Lanterns(on sale for $29.99) and headboard ($299-$399):
Morocco Rug from CB2 ($299.00 - $499.00):
Moroccan Wedding Cape from Viva Terra ($395):
Marrakech bedding from Crate and Barrel ($495-$149.00)
From RianRae , Moroccan Metal Side Tables ($890) and gorgeous Mother of Pearl Inlaid Mirror ($1,980)
And, good finds are always on eBay for those that like to dig. I like what this eBay store, Click2Egypt has...frames, lanterns, metalwork, and more.
