It might be that I’m flying off to South Africa tomorrow night, or it just might that Antonio Zaninovic Architects work is amazing….either way, I am loving the modernity and the openness…and the amazing views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic don’t hurt either.

I won’t be posting while I’m gone, but am hoping to have some pretty exciting news to share with you all once I return.

So, until then, we wish you all a very merry festive season, and all the best for 2014. I have a good feeling about next year…

Sorry for the lack of posts this week folks. I don’t really have an excuse. But, I will leave you for the weekend with these pics of a Hamptons home by Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz – I think I’ve found my dream holiday house!

It’s the perfect blend of modern and traditional, don’t you think? I wish I was spending this weekend laying around that pool….

Last night I attended a bathware product launch designed by Antonio Citterio for Axor, where I was lucky enough to meet the legendary man himself (and get his autograph – yes, I know, I’m a sad design groupie!). Citterio, who to me, epitomises modern italian design, has been one of my architect idols since the age of 15 and wanted to be an architect myself (that all changed when the school told me I would have to chose maths and sciences over arts and creative subjects…). So today, I thought I’d revisit some pics of his own Milan home which was completed in 1998 – 10 years ago now – but it still looks just as fresh and modern today as it did then.

I’m back! I’m feeling quite relieved now that the 2 big work deadlines are done with, got out of going to Beijing, had a long weekend to relax a bit, AND I’ve found a new apartment to move in to (more on that later). Phew! And now, back to blogging…

I’ve been loving neutral interiors with lots of clean lines lately, which is why I was so taken by the pics of New York based architect Peter Marino‘s projects. You may or may not know the name, and if you don’t then I’m certain you will be familiar with some of his projects. He is the man behind some of the world’s most famous luxury retail spaces. Hong Kong’s Louis Vuitton store, Chanel in Tokyo, New York and Paris, Giorgio Armani in New York, Barney’s in New York etc. etc. – and that’s just the tip of the iceburg. He is also responsible for some incredibly chic residential spaces. Here are a few of my favorites from his website.

(I think the one above my be my favorite)

Her bathrooms and kitchens are equally as inviting as her living spaces…

LOVE this kitchen…

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

I have a new designer obsession. Tomaso Buzzi (1900 – 1981) was a member of the Labirinto group from 1927, along with the renowned italian designer, Gio Ponti. An architect and furniture designer, Buzzi created a limited series of neo-classical furniture designs in the late 1920s. His commissions included furnishings for the School of Arts and Crafts, San Paolo, Brazil. In 1932 he assumed artistic direction of Venini, and exhibited his innovative glass techniques at the 1936 Venice Biennale.

(Above) A Credenza and Cabinet (both from 1929) are availalable, along with other pieces, in the upcoming Christie’s 20th Century Decorative Arts auction in London on April 30. Both pieces have such gracious silouettes, and I absolutely love burlwood. So elegant!

“La Scarzuola” a convent in Umbria founded by St Francis of Assisi, was bought by Buzzi in the 50’s in the hopes of transforming it. This, along with Palladio’s villas in the north, will definitely be on my list of things to see next time I’m in Italy!

There are some people that you know you’ll like, even without meeting them in person. One of those people for me is NY based, Carlos Aparicio. Aparicio, an architect and owner of Gallery BAC, has phenomenal taste, which is precisely why I know we’d get along famously. His homes, which have featured in Elle Decor twice, and his New York gallery are filled with treasures that together are like a checklist of my favorite desingers. Andre Arbus – check! Jean-Michel Frank – check! Emile Jacques Ruhlmann – check! Andre Sornay – check! Jean-Charles Moreaux – check! Okay, I bet you get the picture. Add a few famous Danish mid-century designers in there and you’ve got yourself one stylish pad. It’s interesting to see that Aparicio has moved from what looks like an older style building, with period mouldings, to a more modern looking space with barely any architectural details at all. The furniture really is the feature here, and I’m sure that’s intentional as he admits that his apartment is also used as a showroom, moving pieces between home and the shop. I’m not sure that I could live with such beautiful pieces and then bare to part with them so easily. I guess I’d never make a very good antiques dealer…but I wouldn’t say no if he offered me a job!

Current aparment

Previous apartment

First 7 images from Elle Decor March 2008, Last 6 images from Elle Decor, November 2003 – all photography by William Waldron.

Pritzker prize winning architect Zaha Hadid was definitely the drawcard for this year’s BODW forum, and drew what seemed to be record attendance. It’s unfortunate then that her presentation this afternoon was cut short because of program delays. Hadid spoke less about her foray into the world of architecture, the evolution of her career, and her inspirations than the previous two presenters; furthermore, there is probably not much that can be said about a woman of Hadid’s stature that has not already been said, but here goes!

Born in Baghdad in the 50’s Hadid first studied mathematics in Beirut before moving to London to study architecture. Upon graduation Hadid went to work for, and later become partner of The Office for Metropolitan Architecture – a practice set up by Hadid’s former teacher, Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and his former teacher, Greek architect Elia Zenghelis.

Hadid set up her own architectural practice in London in the 80’s and very quickly gained a reputation through some of the innovative spaces she created for international competitions, that she later went on to win.

Hadid learned early on that she was not able to use normative processes to express her ideas. The sketches presented to us were different from the standard architectural drawings that are normally produced, like none other that I had seen before. Full of life and colour, they are symbolic of a mind that works differently from that of its peers.

The themes of ‘fluidity’, ‘layers’ and ‘seamlessness’ were often referred to when she spoke about her spaces, because they are what defines her work. ‘Transparency’ and ‘volume’ are just as central to her philosophy. Her experimentation with vacuum formed furniture and buildings has created shapes that are almost calligraphic and are some of the most organic, yet elegant structures ever built.

As technology and building techniques improve with time, we will perhaps begin to see more exciting things from the unique mind of Zaha Hadid.

I saw a fantastic documentary last night, called “Sketches of Frank Gehry“and I must recommend it to anyone interested in modern architecture. Frank Gehry, most widely known for the Bilbao Guggenheim, is a very interesting character, and I didn’t know much about the man behind his architecture until last night. Its a very thought provoking film, and I think its worth the watch even if you don’t like modern architecture. The movie was produced and directed by his personal friend, Sydney Pollack (or Will’s Father, from Will & Grace as I knew him!) and gives a very personal look into the life of this incredible man. The film features interviews with some very well known celebrities who are Gehry’s friends and admirers, including the artist Ed Ruscha, architect Philip Johnson, artist and film maker Julian Schnabel, musician Bob Geldoff and actor Dennis Hopper, among others. I’m not sure whether it is available on DVD yet, but if it is I suggest you go get yourself a copy!

“Traditional architecture for the modern world” is the motto of Architectural and Interior Design firm, Fairfax & Sammons. Anne Fairfax and Richard Sammons are a husband and wife team, based in New York, who have created some wonderful homes around the world. They have a talent for creating traditional-modern interiors inside classical architecture. These are just a few of my picks from their portfolio..

There are many more images on their website if you’re interested, plus a great interview of the couple on the NYSD website where they showcase their own lovely West Village home. Check it out!