Quintessentially Nice

The beautiful bay of Nice has been attracting vacationers from all over for years.  I have been fortunate enough to be working here for the last couple of weeks, and alas my time here is coming to an end.  I have enjoyed the view everyday and wanted to share it with all of you. ENJOY!

The view West

The view East

Pure Bliss

I would be happy to live in any house or interior by McLean Quinalin Architects.  They are a London based design firm specializing in bespoke residential environments for their clients.  There is a simplicity of material pallet and an attention to detail that makes for truly wonderful architecture and interiors. Each project has a seamless transition between interior and exteriors spaces which not only makes you feel as though you are part of the surrounding environment but gives uninterrupted views over some spectacular city and country landscapes - what more could one ask for?

McLean Quinalin Architects

From Nice to Torino

Last night I went to the opening of a new book about the relationship betweeen Nice and Torino. It is called Nice Torino : Une histoire Commune (Nice Torino : A History in Common), with photographs by Olivier Monge and text by Dominique Escribe.  While the book seems interesting enough, and some of the photos were quite beautiful, it was the space in which the opening took place that captured my attention.

Just off the Cours Saleya (discussed in my Quintessentially Nice post) there is an old pump building which is now home to the Centre for Ubanism Architecture for the City of Nice. It is a fantastic example of a modernist building and internally comprises a single large room with a mezzanine level along two sides.  They have kept the original pump mechanism at the back and have created interior details such as stairs and handrails in a very simple aesthetic well suited for the architecture.  The overall is a space that is simple, clean and well executed. Here are some pics from the party!

I thought I should include my favorite image from the exhibition - a view of the ceiling in Guarini's San Lorenzo.

Amazon

Going, Once, Twice, Sold!

The Scandinavian contries have played an leading role in Mid-Centrury modern design we all know and love.  Architects such as Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen and furniture designer Hans Wegner are names that are synonymous this era.  The creation of functional, cost effective elegant pieces meant that the pieces not only have lasted but at the time were found in most households.

Recently it seems that there has been a big push on making everyone think Scandinavian - a feature on Denmark in the recent Vanity Fair, the Norwegian, Swedish and Danish Royals spending a press-filled week in New York - and Wright Auction House is not missing this boat.  Their upcoming Scandinavian Design Auction is set for tomorrow (November 17th) in Chicago and is full of wonderful pieces.  Although priced as collectors pieces now, they are all still relevant to design and interiors today.  Here are the items that top my list:

Lot 146 - Vases by Berndt Friberg

Lot 154 - Sofa by Borge Mogensen

Lot 113 - Shell Chair by Hans Wegner

Lot 120 - Pair of armchairs by Hans Wegner

Lot 102 - Egyptian stool by Josef Frank

Lot 167 - Pair of table lamps by Le Klint

Lot 147 - Pair of pendant lamps by Paavo Tynell

Inspired By : Part 2

I came across a post by brilliant London Stylist and Designer Sania Pell. She visited Columbia Road Flower Market in London over the weekend and was inspired by the same roses as I was! Take a look at the images from her blog Sania Pell At Home.

Sania Pell Photography