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My Weekends

Amangalla ….. gracious elegance 2118

Another wet weekend indoors …. the bonus being the time it has allowed me to peruse my inbox in slightly more detail than normal.  In the process I was delighted to find that the latest Habitus Living online magazine had arrived. It’s images of Sri Lanka’s Amangalla I thought worth sharing.

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I quickly became lost in the world of Old Ceylon and the grandeur of this retreat … so very Aman.

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Dating back to the 1600’s these grand old structures have had a number of incarnations …. the New Orient Hotel, an icon in Galle and the hub for passengers from the P&O and Dutch East India Company vessels. In another life …. the Dutch governor’s residence and army barracks.

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The current Amangalla retreat captures it all …. large timber shutters on windows, wide timber floor boards, huge chandeliers hanging from the 6 metre ceilings, cord pull lights and the most fabulous and interesting solid timber furniture !!  They certainly have captured an era …. so pared back and yet so elegant. My favourite pieces …. the gorgeous wicker recliners !!

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They could so easily have thrown masses of colour into the interior …. very brave not to …. the vision being ‘to allow the centuries-seasoned building’s soul to shine’.

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I have always had a fascination with Sri Lanka …. just to explore the different regions…. the beaches, the tea plantations …. and maybe even a visit to Amangalla.
My Design Travels

Claridge’s …. a very british residence 1953

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We all think of afternoon tea when we hear the name Claridge’s, however I was fascinated to learn more of the history of this favourite London icon while reading one of my favourite blogs ….. from Mulberry.

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Mulberry, another British icon known for its luxurious fashion and leather goods, chose Claridge’s for the fifth time to host its Autumn/Winter 2012 show during London Fashion Week.

As part of sharing this experience with its readers Mulberry asked Claridge’s about its history and for any interesting facts about the hotel.

I hope you enjoy these snippets about Claridge’s as much as I did.  It will make it all the more meaningful when next you meet there for afternoon tea.

PS.  There is something terribly smart about black and white floors whether they be tile or marble, large or small …. and the entrance at Claridge’s …. just so glamorous !!!
My Weekends

London revisited one sunday afternoon 4334

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Sitting here in the Southern Highlands on a gloomy Sunday afternoon…..skies grey and misty rain falling….I am transported back to London.  I am always reminded of London in this sort of weather…. for obvious reasons and I absolutely adore it!!!! Very strange indeed for a Queenslander.

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I thought I would reminisce by flicking through my London photos…..an experience that would be so much more enjoyable had I printed off actual photos and put them in an album.  Nevertheless, I searched through My Pictures file on the computer and found myself lost in the memories of my home away from home.  Any number of hours have elapsed and here I am still indulging both myself and you with my favourite buildings…..the ones that just capture a moment or a mood.

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Rows of elegant white terraces, Georgian townhouses (or Annabel’s nightclub for those in the know….in the beautiful Berkeley Square) or Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair for afternoon tea.

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I have always loved the Michelin Building in South Kensington …. not just for the building itself but for the activity that surrounds it…Walton Street, Draycott and Sloane Avenues, the V&A and on it goes……what I would give to be there right now !!

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There is always something extremely comforting about the London Pub …  particularly after a day shopping.

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images: mydesignfile

Or just head for Somerset House on the Strand and spend a lazy Sunday afternoon exploring the Impressionist collection at the Courtauld Gallery …. that’s what I would be doing if I were there right now !!
My Design Travels

Home away from home at the greenwich hotel new york 2393

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There is something rather special about boutique hotels like The Greenwich Hotel in New York…..they are so much more homely and inviting than the larger hotel chains….even if they are 5 star !!  The attention to detail during the design process is one thing but the concept of the smaller hotel offering a little more is what really makes the difference to its clientele.

The additional decorative items that you don’t see in the bigger hotels such as the occasional throw rug, coffee table books, magazines….the sort of decorative pieces that you would have in your own home or would like to have, are generously incorporated into both guestrooms and public spaces.

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Having spent a number of years working on the interior design of large hotels and small, there is only so far the big hotels are prepared to go when it comes to individualizing either the guestrooms, lobbies, restaurants or bars.  Yes it is a staffing issue…..after all straightening books and decorative items does take time!!!

The reason I don’t go back to hotels I have worked on is that I have been known to plump up cushions or reposition a collection of items on a coffee table !! I have to say that a large part of the thought process when incorporating all the gorgeous extras is how it will stand the test of time …. and the general public.

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Wonderful boutique hotels like The Greenwich have no two guestrooms alike.  They are elegantly eclectic …. incorporating delicate silk rugs, interesting art collections, glamorous mirrors and libraries of books…and are truly a luxurious home away from home.

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My Design World

Where it’s at……hotel 27, copenhagen 1814

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I keep reading about Copenhagen and thinking what a truly stylish city it is. Danish design has always been at the forefront ….fashion, furniture, architecture and interiors not to mention the arts.

Hotel 27 is in the centre of the city…..a heartbeat from where it is all at…..both culture and shopping !!

As you know, I have more than a passing interest in hotel guestrooms having spent a large portion of my life as an interior designer working on their design or redesign.  Hotel 27 has the hotel guestroom sorted.  The timber floors underpin the use of colour in the furniture itself… so different to the standard hotel guestroom. So simple, elegant and so well designed.  The colours are gorgeous…..slick, young and fresh. The attention to detail is brilliant.

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Hotel 27 has the warmth and comfort factor so often missing in a lot of inner city hotels.  Designers put together a lot of hard finishes and think that opulent furnishings will be the icing on the cake…..so often the spaces may have the initial wow factor but are simply not inviting.

The Danes do timber well.  The use of either timber flooring, panelling or furniture (or all three) creates warmth and gives a space a certain character.

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And now for some really vibrant Danish design…..iconic furniture combined with gorgeous fabrics for the Bar….only in Copenhagen !!

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My Design World

India Hicks Summer Inspiration 2452

 

There is something very Queensland about the architecture and in particular the interiors that India Hicks and her husband have created on their Caribbean Island.

The wide verandahs, the tongue and groove boarding…..everywhere ….and beautiful fretwork over doorways…that tropical climate….all designed to capture the breeze!!!

The colour palette so crisp…black and white with shades of sand and driftwood.

The turquoise ocean, lush vegetation and vibrant flower blossoms shining like jewels.

Having grown up in Queensland I now see it all through fresh eyes.  Why is it that you appreciate it so much more when you go back!!!!! The frangipani and bougainvillea seem so much more exotic…..the architecture more interesting!!!!

Having said all that ….I adore India Hicks style.  I could happily book a holiday to any one of her houses on this beautiful island.

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My Design World

Neutral Palette for 5 Star Hotel Guestroom Patagonia 2048

Wallpaper Magazine Editors Travel Picks – Patagonia, Chile

You may well think I am hooked on the neutral palette given yesterdays fashion post from the Sartorialist.  Those of you who know me also know that neutral is my great love in  life, both fashion and home.  When I do venture into ‘colour’, people comment.  It is very out of character for me.

I do adore this guestroom.  I have spent many years designing hotel guestrooms….most of which do not have this view!!!  I could see this working somewhere like Lake Jindabyne.

It is very sometimes difficult to convince hotel groups – the words are simplicity and elegance and yes !! a neutral palette. Some even still insist on ‘dressing’ the bed…..what could look more divine than this crisp white bedlinen….and hotels have the capacity to have it crisp!!!  I strive for this ….however never achieve this level of crispness.

I will share more of these beautiful hotels with you over the next few days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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