100LayerCake

Christina Salway and John Moskowitz spent weekends from October to May renovating their 700-square-foot 1920s cottage in Sparrow Bush, N.Y., their first home purchase………Both urbanites, neither had ever tackled a renovation before, but the project was thrilling to them. “It was empowering to see what we could do,” Ms. Salway said.

I feel so encouraged with stories of other couples who take on the challenges of buying a fixer upper as their first home.

 Full article here.

Im SO inspired. No in love. Both. By Stella McCartney’s resort 2010 collection. I added literally every look to my style.com lookbook. Would love to see some rooms inspired by her collection.

full collection here

Allmodern have generously donated these Natural Astor placemats - set of four {$70 value} by DwellStudio.  You still have time to ENTER the giveaway. Already entered? Read how you can double your chances of winning these chic placemats right here.

More from the other side of the pond. This time at the travelling souk. Basic home accessories and then some. I love a store that has a LARDER!

A while back some of my readers based in UK requested for more stores based there. So this find is for them.

Grand Illusions is a home + garden gift store started by Nick Ronald and David Roberts with a small store in Twickenham. They sell cute trinkets like candles and glassware at very afforable prices {gifts under £10 & 20}. Stock up! Its nearly Christmas

I need one so bad.

Outdoor party lighting idea using glass jars via AT. Recycle those pasta/jam/pickle jars. Or buy them cheap at Ikea.  More outdoor lighting ideas here.

How do you feel about water fountains? I really like outdoor fountains, especially when I come across beautiful ones like these. I’m totally sold on stone minimalistic outdoor fountains. Not only are they great sound barriers but I simply love the sound of falling water.

Love this vessel/bowl fountain. via DTI

However, I am not too sure about indoor water fountains. I know they are supposed to be great feng shui wise and I have seen them look great in some spaces, hotels, restaurants etc,  But what about having one in your home?  Would the sound getting annoying after a while?

Like this slate wall fountain?

Or this copper fountain?

or this simple yet elegant one?

I could see this one on an entryway wall.

These wall fountains look nice and are reasonably priced but I would prefer to use them in offices or small boutiques. What are your thoughts on indoor water fountains? Yeah or neigh?

images: DTI, Coco+Kelley and watergifts

Buenos Aires is a lovely city! I could spend a lot of time there. French architecture, dog walkers, cafe con crema, dulce de leche, bife de chorizo, art, fashion, tango, design..I could go on.. instead I put together a mini-guide to design shopping, good eats, and more.. Hope you find it useful.

getting around: BA is fairly walkable but you will need to hop on the subway {subte} or a taxi to go between neighborhoods. Taxis are relatively inexpensive.

EAT + DRINK

Did anyone say Parilla {grill}? Delish!

minga; costa rica 4528. tel:4833 5775. website

las huazas. website

lo de paka; congreso 2011. tel: 4701-3857 {we loved this neighborhood grill and ate there twice}

don bar. website

miranda; costa rica 5602 esq. Fitz Roy. tel: 4771-4255

dada cafe; san martín 941. tel:4314 4787

Night clubs in BA generally open late {1-2am}  and are in full swing till about 7-8am. We went to Pacha and Crobar. For tango lovers, I recommend the Armenia cultural society in Palermo. You might find this link helpful.

tip: Keep in mind Portenos eat dinner pretty late, 9-1030 pm. We used this online guide to scout restaurants

SEE + DO

malba museo
recoleta cemetery
casa rosada
san telmo {oldest barrio in Buenos Aires, PLENTY of independent art galleries}
PROA
la boca - el caminito
polo match
soccer {La Boca stadium}

SHOP BA

buenos aires design; Recoleta

Shops in Palermo

Speciality

palermopaper

Fashion + Accessories

garcon garcia
jasmine chabar
objecto
Peter Kent
ezequielt
las oreiro
min agostino
nadine zlotogora
teran
lamerceria; armenia 1609. tel: 4831.8558
van domselaar; honduras 4802, palermo. tel:4832.5176
sathya; cabello 3849. tel: 4804.7935

Home + Office Design

augustina cerato
blvd
elementos argentinos
raval warehouse
interiorzate
manifesto
urbanovivendi
luz portena; goritti 4656. tel:4831.7178

tip:  If you reside out of Argentina, look for the tax free sign in some shops. You get your tax back at the airport.

ps: I will keep adding to this list.

STAY

Palermo, Belgrano + Recoleta neighborhoods. BA apartments for rent.

AROUND BA

Colonia, Uruguay. Take a day trip to Colonia, Uruguay. We took a buquebus rapid boat and it took about an hour and a-half each way. We had plans to go to Tigre and Iguazu Falls but decided to spend more time in BA and leave those for next time.

images: MDH + PDH. dogwalker pic from here

From here.

This lovely inspiration board on Coco+Kelley had me searching for Asian inspired furniture.

I found some gorgeous pieces at Tansu. Tansu specializes in Asian furniture imports from across Southeast Asia, Japan and China. I like that they use reclaimed wood and plantation grown timber to craft their furniture.

africa mohgany nightstand

morocco cabinet

shanghai breakfast table

shanghai small sideboard

shanghai small cabinet

images: Tansu.net

Hello my dears. How are you? Did you have a good weekend? I did. We hosted a little dinner party Saturday night and spent Sunday just relaxing and lazing around the house. Im big on naps. I love dozing off with the sun on my face and light music playing in the back. Anyway, looking forward to a short work week and we are off to NYC Thursday night. Ever since leaving New York a couple of years ago, I get all excited about being back. There’s always SOMETHING going on and I miss my friends and the energy. What are your July 4th plans?

Awesome responses to the giveaway so far! Im SO glad you like the DwellStudio placemats sponsored by AllModern.com. If you havent entered the giveaway, you still have time. Click here to enter.

Have a wonderful week!

image: MDH

Have yourself a splendid weekend.

Ciao!

Image: Kristybee

Here’s a fun party decor idea that you can DIY. This “Pink Lotus Lounge” backyard party was hosted by jewelry designers {and sisters} Lori Roark and Denise Haynes-Port to celebrate a milestsone anniversary of their line LilyGirl. The  decor was inspired by pink, orange and natural elements and they shopped at Ikea, Pier1 imports and World Market to get this look.

via Hostess with the Mostess