World's Most Astounding and Beautiful Book Stores Series ~ Argentina - El Ateneo (Grand Splendid)

Posted by uud on 1:44 AM
This looks like one of those fantastical renderings doesn't it? 
A place that just doesn't seem real...I've got news, this is a real
book store in Buenos Aires, Argentina called El Ataneo
(Grand Splendid.)  The 1919 building used to be a theater and
was repurposed as a book store.  Absolutely splendid isn't it?

Here's a fisheye view of the whole theater and the different floors.

Just stunning.

The ceiling and light fixtures are all super gorgeous. 
Talk about amazing latin american colonial architecture.

More details.  This photo from Guslight on Flickr.

The stage area is now used as a cafe and hang out place.

Great ambience.

Here's the front of the  bookstore.  Wouldn't this be
a fantastic place to spend an afternoon?

Photos from Flickr

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Kishani Perera ~ Fabulous L.A. based Interior Designer

Posted by uud on 9:57 AM

Kishani Perera is one of my favorite designers.  She is based out of L.A.  She first caught my attention when I saw the New York Soho apartment that she designed for Molly Sim.  More recently, she worked on this L.A. atelier's home.  I just love the use of vivid colors in her design.  It's difficult to get just the right hue and she did just that here with the walls and the ceiling.  The fun cover on the bed was purchased from Maryam of Marakesh's store.


Nothing makes a room pop like a bunch of fresh flowers.


Kishani has a wonderful sense of not only color, but being
able to blend eclectic styles and vintage furnishings together.





I love the arched window in this home - it lets so much light in.


I had to take a moment to really study this bathroom.  The wallpaper really makes this bathroom a "wow" factor.  It's interesting to see the tiles in small pieces where many times most of us are most accustomed to seeing large format tiles on the floor.


By leaving the ceiling white, the dark
color does not overwhelm this bathroom.


When in fact, it is a gorgeous hue of peacock blue.


Isn't the chandelier just rocking?


Now that is one Huge lamp shade!


Who says the outside shouldn't be just as stylish as the inside. 
Love the organic wood table and especially the very long sofa!

Hope you've enjoyed this home as much as I have. 

All photos are from Kishani Perera's site

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A Luxe and Otherworldly Moroccan Boutique Hotel in Marrakech - Part II (the Rooms)

Posted by uud on 12:10 AM

This, ladies and gentleman is a dream spa room for me.  The tall ceilings to
the architectural details, perfect lighting and the fun designs on the wall
from  the lantern all contribute to make this space peaceful and beautiful.
This is a continuation from Monday's article on the gorgeous boutique hotel
Dar Les Cigognes in Marrakech, Morocco.


Each of their 11 rooms are decorated differently and beautifully.  This
is the silver room.  The details on the ceiling are just gorgeous.


The  bathroom is not huge but it is luxurious and very well designed.  The bathtub looks to be made entirely from concrete - oh the things you can do with concrete are just amazing.  There are arches everywhere.


The lines and furniture in the room marry traditional moroccan decor with modern furnishings and clean lines.  It's just fantastic - especially the fireplace design!


This is the Harem Suite and named appropriately so in this sinly and decadent crimson color.  I love it!


Totally fell in love with this room as soon as I laid eyes on this image.  This is the Safari suite and the shade of green is just perfection.  It's really hard to get that perfect shade and the designers managed to get it just right.


This is Safari deluxe room.  The room is simply decorated -- but it is just perfect.  Not too much and too minimalistic.


Gorgeous wood beams with a berber carpet really make this a luxuriously rustic space.








A traditional Berber styled lounging area.


The Library


Last but not least is the dining room with a gorgeous chandelier.


What ambinence the dining room has at night.



The Villas and Riads of Morocco

If you love Moroccan design as much as I do, check out these two books.  I have several books on Moroccan design and am buying more!



Living in Morocco
Design from Casablanca to Marrakech

I hope you enjoyed "eyeing" this hotel as much as I did.  I'd love to stay there some day.  If you love all things Morocco, Maryam of My Marrakesh is THE blog to check out.

Photos from Dar Les Cigognes

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A Luxe and Otherworldly Moroccan Boutique Hotel in Marrakech - Part I (the Property)

Posted by uud on 12:30 AM


I recently discovered this gorgeous Moroccan Boutique Hotel in Marrakech
that has been renovated to perfection.  This property is located in the old
town of Marrakech and was originally owned by a wealthy merchant.  The
developer took two Riads (traditional Arab home with an interior world
built around a courtyard with fruit trees and a fountain) and worked with
an architect to create this astounding boutique hotel.  The hotel is called
Dar Les Cigognes and it boasts 11 guest rooms and suites which are all
decorated differently and beautifully designed.



When viewing the images of this property, I totally fell in love with
all of the details and the authenticity of the place.  You can tell the
developers really put in a lot of care and attention to detail with the
architect to create this place.  You definitely feel as if you're in a
different world.












The lighting in this image is absolutely perfect to showcase this fountain.



The hotel boasts a hamman as well. 
This is the entrance to the hamman.



Here you can see the same fountain by night.






The courtyard is brilliantly lit with lamps and moroccan lanterns by night.



You can see the incredible detail and workmanship.  It's just amazing.



The rooftop deck is not forgotten and gorgeous views can be seen from there.



A gorgeous lounging area to have mint tea.  Stay tuned for the second post
on this property which will feature all of the rooms.  You won't be
disappointed!

All images from Dar Les Cignognes

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Amy Atlas ~ A Stunning Lavender Snowflake Candy Table ~ Happy New Year 2010 !!

Posted by uud on 12:01 AM


One of The Most mouthwatering and Gorgeous Candy I've ever seen are
from Amy Atlas Events based in New York City.  She is the creative force
and owner of this company that makes beautiful cakes, desserts and candy
tables for events of all kinds.  She calls this winter wonderland creation 
Lavender Snowflake Dessert Table.

"We created this dessert table for both a Bat Mitzvah and for an event by
the Wedding Library at the New York Palace. The design details were
inspired by the Bat Mitzvah girl's lavender snowflake invitation.
Opalescent lavender desserts were placed on our custom lucite vessels."



Amy Atlas' creations gives new meaning to the word "Eye Candy."



This color palette is perfect for a little girl in a winter wonderland.  Don't
 the candy canes above just make you think of Sugar Plum Fairies?


















Snowflake topped chocolates in silver, lavender and white. 
Wouldn't it also be a wonderful color palette for a room?

I'll be taking a break this week so I will see you all back next
week.  I hope you are all having dreams of the Sugar Plum
Fairy as well!  Cheers and Happy New Year to everyone!


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