Eclecticism and the City, Part 1
My trip to San Francisco this summer was amazing and I loved being in the big city where hundreds of different cultures and ethnicities blend so easily. There was a vibrant vibe while the people I passed on the streets all seemed somewhat relaxed. There was not an overwhelming hustle and bustle which you feel in some other big cities.
On Haight street my husband and I ate tapas at Cha Cha Cha and then moved on to Middle Eastern cuisine at Kan Zaman where people were smoking from hookahs. Sadly, we missed the belly dancers.
We strolled through China Town and Little Italy on the same afternoon and enjoyed lunch in Fisherman’s Wharf at Tarantino’s. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt on Union Square (which was wonderful) and did a little shopping. We visited the Museum of Modern Art where we enjoyed the Georgia O’Keefe and Ansel Adams exhibit the most.
Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and the famous Painted Ladies was a thrill. Ghirardelli Square is neat — even the bars there have character with ivy growing on their brick walls. Sausalito was surprising and romantic. It was cool to be in this charming town full of dog lovers and cyclers and to look across the bay at the San Francisco skyline.
In summary, our trip to San Fran was a 10! If you have a chance to visit, don’t hesitate to go.
Get Your Zen On
We all need a little tranquility these days and I know two of the most perfect places in the U.S. to get your zen on: The Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco’s Golden Gate State Park and The Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon.
It’s hard to put a price tag on peace and quiet, and here it is coupled with natural beauty and gorgeous summer weather. These are two of the most beautiful places where the serenity will fill you with a quiet happiness.
Architectural Gems of the Emerald Coast
Inn at Watercolor
Watercolor Shops and Dining
Watercolor Home
Watercolor Home on 30-A
Seaside Town Center
Seaside Public Beach Pavillion
Seaside Dining
Seaside Beach Front Home
Seaside Barrel Vault
Alys Beach Shops
Alys Beach Clubhouse
Alys Beach Homes
Alys Beach Private Residence
Moroccan Influence in Modern Interiors
Last week I was vacationing in Northwest Florida and came across a fantastic clubhouse at Alys Beach. The design was heavily influenced by Moroccan architecture and I found it very inspiring. I really enjoy eclectic styles that combine classic Moroccan elements such as intricate patterns or bold colors with a simplified modern approach.
Donghia is a vendor we often use that offers a wide range of fabrics with Moroccan influence. They use bright colors, fun patterns, and a variety of texture to achieve a whimsical feel.
Mosaic tiles are a huge part of Moroccan design and really punch up a space. Although costly, they last a lifetime and instantly transform a space. These mosaics from Sahara Designs would be great in a ceiling detail, as flooring, or even as wall accents.
The wood side tables are from Baker’s Studio Collection, and are very simple but the carved detailing makes them interesting and eclectic.
The white lanterns below are by Wunderly and have peirced patterned detailing that screams Morocco. These would really make a statment hanging in multiples at varying heights.
Southwest Florida is a great place to use the modern Moroccan style because you can keep it light and airy, while adding pops of bright color that we love to see in Florida interiors.
This grasscloth wallcovering from Philip Jeffries would be great in a Florida home. It is casual, cool, and yet Moroccan – fantastic!
Sherri DuPont’s Trip to Maine
President of Collins & DuPont, Sherri DuPont, went on her annual trip to Maine with her husband, Dave DuPont, and I caught up with her for the rundown. They spent a few days in Portland and Oquossac on Lake Oquossac, not far from the Canadian border.
Tell me about Portland, Maine:
Sherri: It was fun being in a city that used to be such a major seaport, that is so rich in American history, with historically preserved buildings. The historic waterfront district, lined with great shops and restaurants is young and vibrant, but with cobblestone streets and the smell of the sea air, is also very much a wharf, so it is a unique blend of musty vitality. We ate at a few fantastic restaurants, a favorite being Fore Street Restaurant.
Palm Beach Vacation
Move your mouse over image or click to enlargeLast weekend I was fortunate enough to tag along with my husband to a Florida Press Convention at the Breakers Hotel, located on Palm Beach. If you have not been “down by the breakers-where the waves wash against the palm-lined shore” it is a must see! This Italian Renaissance Palace by the sea has the most amazing architecture. I found myself, on more than one occasion, in the middle of a ballroom staring at the intricately detailed ceiling with my mouth hanging open. Check out this Mediterranean Ballroom which was modeled after the loggias of Italian Villas!
The Breakers hotel is not Palm Beach’s only historical monument. Right next door is the infamous Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church where Donald Trump and Melanie Knauss exchanged wedding vows. Also, on your list of must see’s is the Flagler museum, Whitehall. It amazes me that one man, Henry Flagler, is responsible for such a great bit of history
Jamaican Vacation/Outdoor Living
I recently visited my family in Jamaica and came away (as always) thinking about how well the islanders erase the distinction between indoors and out. Being born in Jamaica and visiting family there lots throughout my life, I have an affinity for outdoor living spaces that allow you to be enveloped in nature and still comfortable.
At Amanoka, an amazingly beautiful Indonesian styled Jamaican villa, there is an inviting pavilion with sofas, a cocktail table, and side tables. There are bamboo shades for privacy or protection against the elements and the added comfort of a fan. Everyone seems to gravitate to this spot to relax and chat throughout the day.
