Paris, Amsterdam, Gent… wonderful places all, beautiful destinations and universally beloved for their beauty, their many cafes, bars and restaurants with great terraces to enjoy the view. Now that the warmer months are approaching, you may be ready for a trip to one, or more, of these great cities. But how to choose which cafes or restaurants to hit between museum visits? We’re here to help. Below is a roundup of our favourite spots to enjoy people watching in Paris,…
As winter is (finally) on its way out, guess what is on its way in: party season! Whether you’re a veteran hosting pro or are just dipping your toes into entertaining, the prospect of a meal (or just drinks — no judgment) with a few, or many, good friends is always exciting. Sure, there are some pitfalls and challenges unique to hosting. But that’s what we’re here for. See some of our pointers, tips and tricks for the perfect occasion. …
If you’re like us, you feel like summer can’t come fast enough. A great way to prepare for the sunny season is to show your outdoor areas some much-needed love, and there’s nothing like a great garden setup to make the most of the warmer months. If that sounds like too much of a commitment, fear not! You can make any ordinary garden into a magical oasis with just a few, smart and easy edits. Here are our tips for…
If you’re one of those lucky people in possession of a rooftop terrace, congrats! But don’t forget: a roof terrace can become a neglected, unused area fast if it’s not set up right. And what is the point of having a roof terrace if no one is using it? Exactly. Read on for our tips on how to make the most of your upper deck, so that your roof terrace becomes the ultimate place to be. Creature comforts The…
Nestled between the coast and the bushland of the South Island of New Zealand, a tiny settlement of 30 homes has now welcomed another escape within its handful of houses. An unbeatable location The owner originally discovered this area halfway between the two larger cities of Invercargill and Bluff while visiting a friend’s family home and spent a couple of years camping in the area in order to understand the land before she began to design the home, even climbing…
Set within the terraced slopes in the north of Serra de Sintra, the village of Eugaria looks almost like a settlement, each one of its buildings built in the same style and so projecting a unique identity. One home regenerated and reinvigorated by Jose Adriao Arquitecto knowledgeably draws on this area’s style and updates it, creating a space fit for a modern family. Heritage home This traditional Portuguese home underwent extensive renovations back in the 1980, during which the…
Design Talk means taking some time to meet the face behind a brand. Today, we would like you to get to know Seungah Jeong and John Salzinger, the founders of MPOWERD and the creators behind Luci, the first inflatable solar light. Jeong and Salzinger lead their own revolution on a mission to transform lives with thoughtfully designed, conscious technology: MPOWERD is a brand with brains and heart. Everyone deserves to be empowered Jeong, the CEO, brings two decades of consumer…
One of ARRCC’s latest ventures, Horizon Villa is a five-bedroom villa set seaside in Bantry Bay, Cape Town. Boasting an unbeatable view of the Atlantic, this family home’s classic materials, open feel and pops of colour create a contemporary modern home that wouldn’t be out of place in any interior magazine. Open concept Together with architects SAOTA, ARRCC’s Bantry Bay project successfully marries the feeling of modern luxury with a comfortable space for a young family. Apropos to its…
Austrian architecture firm Smartvoll decided to go outside of the box for a new private spa in the countryside town of Hinterbrühl near the country’s capital. And what they came up with happened to be a deconstructed monolithic box housing a true wellness temple. Vertical and horizontal Situated at the rear of a residential property, the private spa designed and developed by Viennese firm Smartvoll brings design back to the basics of modernism, focusing on form and function above ornamental…
Design talk means taking some time to meet the face behind a brand. Today, we want to introduce you to Malvina Vanbever, the founder of her own sustainable lounge cushion company, MXHome. Malvina, a young and promising French designer started this company in her native St. Tropez in 2017, and has since made a name for herself in the world of interior and exterior lounging accessories. A graduate of the acclaimed design school Istituto Marangoni, Paris, Malvina has…