Daily Detail: Rustic Elegance

Today for your daily detail, it's a lovely pairing of seaside rustic + glam modernism! I think these two styles are usually at odds but this living room is so unexpected and elegant. 

Why I love it:

{1} The color palette of hazy, soft purples and blues is so sophisticated yet grounded

{2} The roughness of the console is balanced by the sleek brass side table and luxe velvet sofa

{3} The casual styling of the console table is beautiful but not too formal - it's a great trick to lean art instead of hanging

{3} The rope coffee table {enough said - it's fantastic!}

Iconic Pieces: Acapulco Chair

Popping up in spaces from eclectic to ultra mod, both indoors and out, the Acapulco chair is certainly one of my favorite iconic pieces! Originally designed in Mexico in the 1950s, the chair was inspired by ancient Mayan weaving techniques. When the city became a fashionable tropical destination for the Hollywood jetset in the 1960s, the chairs became an instant favorite! For me, they evoke a beachy, retro, and glamourous moment of the past {so Mad Men!} but still feel so fresh today. I am dreaming of a pair in teal blue for my balcony . . . 

Would you use these modern classics in your home or garden? 

 

For those in Singapore, Acapulco inspired chairs are available in a ton of lovely colors here at the great vintage shop Like That One and CB2 also carries a few great designs with a modern spin.

For those of you in the US, Innit Designs sells them as well! 

{images via}

Singapore Shopping: Vintage Finds at Hock Siong & Co.

Yesterday I visited Hock Siong vintage and second hand furniture shop for the first time! I had heard of them a few times but finally made time for a visit. Hock Siong sells used pieces from hotels, restaurants and vintage sources, so naturally the inventory changes all the time (they told me they get new arrivals almost every day!) and you have to move quick. Now admittedly, many of the items have had a hard life and are bit rough around the edges, but there were a a few great finds and loads of pieces with nice lines calling out for new upholstery or refinishing. I almost left with a vintage stool for $50 (maybe regretting I did not!) but did find some fantastic accessories. It can be a bit hit or miss but that just means you have to visit often - I know I will definitely be back! 

They even have a fun Instagram feed you can follow which showcases new pieces as they arrive! @hocksiong {great styling too!}

One table was filled with used silver plated servicing pieces and flatware purchased from a hotel. I picked up a silver tray and a some serving spoons and love the worn, aged finish they have! Plus, it's so fun to think of their previous life in a classy hotel :)

Here are the details . . .

Hock Siong & Co.

153 Kampong Ampat 

Singapore 368326 

ph 6281 8338

Everyday 9:30 - 5:45

Happy Shopping!

{images by me or via}

Resort Chic: La Banane in St. Barth's

Today I am dreaming of the incredible La Banane in St. Barths. Now, I know I already live in a tropical climate but the easy, beachy elegance and retro style of La Banane beats sky scrapers and modern malls any day! These spaces are so chic but still relaxed and I adore the clear color tones and unexpected details - like the mis-matched lamps and fantastic aqua and teal tile floor! Any details that inspire you? 

{via Lonny}

Daily Detail: A Nook with Personality

I feel a happy, warm kitchen is paramount to an inviting home and I just had to share this quirky and stylish eat-in nook! We spend tons of time at our kitchen tables so I love to see an interior like this with so much personality and charm. I would love to have my morning coffee here but it would be just as lovely for casual dinner parties. 

Why it works. . . .

{1}A banquette crafted from a repurposed church pew offers lots of seating along with an antique aesthetic

{2} A wide mix of materials that are easy to maintain but create lots of visual interest: classic marble, varnished wood, distressed steel, shiny chrome...

{3} The oversized industrial black light pendant creates a cozy feel and provides soft lighting

{4} The hand rendered deer print and graphic G add a quirky and vintage feel

Any details you love?

{via Living Ect.}

Singapore Style: Shophouse Beauty

This week we had visitors and we loved showing my lovely sister in law and her friends around Singapore! It is always so wonderful to see everyone's reaction to the modernity here but also the beauty of what traditional architecture still remains. My favorite buildings are certainly the classic Singaporean shophouses built mostly in the 18th century during British colonial rule. These homes have an eclectic mix of European Neo-Classical and traditional Chinese design details. They are are also known for their lively color schemes! Today most are still used as homes or as cozy restaurants or stores. I did a mini design history of shophouses here for those interested in more info. 

Here are a few of my favorite instagramed snapshots . . . please come visit us and we will show you around too! 

With love from SGP!

{all images via}

Singapore Shopping: Fresh + Modern at CB2

We already know Singapore loves Crate & Barrel (it has been mobbed since its opening up this year!) but many here don't know about it's younger, more modern sister store CB2. I especially love this shop for their bright bold color palettes, clean modern pieces and playful details. The whole line is such a warm, livable take on modern design and even better, it's super affordable! CB2 is housed in historic Peranakan Place, and the traditional architecture creates such a fun juxtaposition with their mod offerings. But honestly my favorite thing about CB2 is the accessories - their home, office, tabletop and entertaining accessories are so fantastic -- it's pretty hard to come out with out purchasing at least a small piece or two {I picked up a sunny yellow ceramic bowl for my kitchen}! Here are a few more of my favorite CB2 picks of the moment . . . .

 If you want to stop by, here are details for you Singapore folks:

CB2

178A Orchard Road, Peranakan Place Complex, Singapore 238845

phone: 6732 5333 

Open daily 10am-9pm

(Note: Just look for the glass doors just next to the TCC Coffee shop - it can be easy to miss!)

Happy Shopping!