Category: Design & Travel

Ram’s Gate Winery

I came across a spread in the June 2012 issue of Interior Design magazine featuring Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma, California, and was immediately struck by the beauty of the place.

I came across a spread in the June 2012 issue of Interior Design magazine featuring Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma, California, and was immediately struck by the beauty of the place.  A collaboration between designer Orlando Diaz-Azcuy (of ODA Design Associates) and Backen, Gillam, and Kroeger Architects, Ram’s Gate Winery sits right at the entrance of of famed Sonoma Valley and features a stunning design worthy of its location.  It is just so beyond gorgeous, inside and out.  Diaz-Azcuy wonderfully embodied the vision of winery manager Jeff O’Neill when creating these sophisticated interiors that retain a casual, rural feel.

Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion, Norway

When I first came across photos of the Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion in Norway, the images took my breath away.

When I first came across photos of the Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion in Norway, the images took my breath away.  It is such a visually amazing place, just a rectangular box within this vast, gorgeous land.  The scene is almost too far-fetched to be believed, like nothing I’ve ever seen.

The pavilion is used by the Wild Reindeer Foundation, a charity which acts to protect Europe’s last wild reindeer herd.  Set against the backdrop of the Dovre Mountains in Norway, the Wild Reindeer Centre was designed by architectural firm Snohetta.  The exterior is constructed of a rectangular steel frame with one wall of glazed glass forming an observation point from which the entire sweeping landscape can be viewed.  The pavilion’s interior is dominated by an organic wood core built from pine beams by Norwegian ship builders.  Visitors reach the pavilion by way of a mile-long nature path.  Once they arrive, they can sit on the wooden form and be warmed by a hanging furnace.

When discussing the building’s formation, the architects state, “This unique natural, cultural and mythical landscape has formed the basis of the architectural idea. The building design is based on a rigid outer shell and an organic inner core. The south facing exterior wall and the interior create a protected and warm gathering place, while still preserving the visitor’s view of the spectacular panorama.”  I find it fascinating how the pavilion’s shape exudes a sense of permanence while the sweeping curves of the interior reflect the mountainous lines of the distant Dovre.  What an incredible place this must be to visit in person!

Cover image by Klass Van Ommerman.  Other images by Ketil Jacobsen and Diephotodesigner

Michael Dweck’s The End: Montauk, NY

Photographer Michael Dweck often turns his lens toward Montauk, NY.

Photographer Michael Dweck often turns his lens toward Montauk, NY.  His Montauk photos so perfectly represent the mood and feel of the area that simply looking at them evokes all of the feelings of my family summers spent in this old fishing village perched on the farthest point of Long Island.

Waiting
Calm Before the Storm
Wave 12
Surfing the Break

When Dweck published his collection titled The End: Montauk, NY in 2004, it was featured in several art fairs and exhibits that year.  The work is so chic and sexy.  I really like the black and white photography and am especially drawn to Dweck’s nudes.  I think the human body is a work of art, and the way Dweck exhibits it is so free and casual.  These images really symbolize summer, especially the summer of the young and carefree, full of potential and excitement.

Sonya Poles
Lilla 3
Surfs Up
Jacqueline and Friend 2

Michael Dweck’s photo collections, including his images of Montauk, are available in book format.   His website also contains stunning galleries of his work as well as essays on his collections that beautifully describe his photographs.

Uruguay

I think most people have a bucket list of places around the world they dream of exploring. I’ve been so fortunate to visit some beautiful places, but there are still many sights I’d love to see in person. Once such place is Uruguay.

I think most people have a bucket list of places around the world they dream of exploring.  I’ve been so fortunate to visit some beautiful places, but there are still many sights I’d love to see in person.  Once such place is Uruguay.

Uruguay may not be an obvious choice, or even a spot on the map most people can immediately point out.  When you think of South American destinations, it’s probably not the first place that comes to mind.  However, for me Uruguay seems like such  an interesting combination of development and wildness.  Its rolling plains and low hill ranges form a striking geography completely independent of the beautiful coastline.

The appeal of Uruguay for me lies in the contrast between the wild beauty of the landscape and the architectural lines of places like Fasano Las Piedras in Punta Del Este.  This is an experience I would love to have, walking up through this dramatic greenery with the clean lines of the modern buildings that still manage to look like an organic part of the area.  There’s no commercialized clutter, just this stunning architecture among a rugged landscape.

Fasano Las Piedras is a luxurious estate comprised of 32 bungalows designed by renowned Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld.  Weinfeld combines natural materials and sophisticated textures, weaving together the sensual and the severe.  His modern style has produced an artistically beautiful environment at Fasano Las Piedras.  Almost all of the color comes from the surrounding plants, a perfectly landscaped area that still feels casual and true Uruguay’s unique beauty.  It seems perfectly fitting that this resort is comprised of private bungalows instead of traditional hotel suites. The privacy and isolation of the bungalows simply reinforces the dwarfing effect of Uruguay’s sweeping skies.

What’s the most unusual travel destination on your bucket list?

Viceroy Anguilla, Caribbean Beach Resort

With its white sand beaches, lush landscape, and luxury accommodations, it’s difficult to imagine a more sumptuous and relaxing destination than the Viceroy Resort at Anguilla.

With its white sand beaches, lush landscape, and luxury accommodations, it’s difficult to imagine a more sumptuous and relaxing destination than the Viceroy Resort at Anguilla.  The most stressful part of a vacation here could be deciding how to spoil yourself rotten.  Snorkeling, swimming in picture-perfect pools, treating yourself to an incredible spa day, enjoying drinks at the cliff side beach bar, experiencing authentic local culture, or playing at water sports are just some of the ways guests can while away their tropical days.

But what makes the Viceroy Resort so stunning is the  incredible design of the resort and its guest accommodations.  The 116 guest spaces, from private villas to bluff top guest rooms, showcase amazing design by Kelly Wearstler.  The resort’s modern architecture interacts seamlessly with the surrounding nature, while the interiors feature organic, locally-inspired palettes, and textures.  Sophisticated and contemporary, with natural, complex textures, everything about the decor immerses guests in luxury.

 

Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao Spain

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, designed by architect Frank Gehry, is widely considered one of the most important and admired works of contemporary architecture.

Imagine walking through the old city of Bilbao, Spain, with ancient cobblestones under your feet, surrounded by buildings adorned with lively colors.  The shape of the alley naturally brings your eye up where, at the end, sits a massive modern structure that seems to undulate in the sun.  This is the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, designed by architect Frank Gehry and widely considered one of the most important and admired works of contemporary architecture.

Image: Damian Corrigan

I find the idea of this modern masterpiece in the heart of an old Spanish city so conceptually cool; I’d love to experience this!  Gehry designed the building to have an organic feel, with seemingly random curves.  Sitting along the Nervion River, the building looks like a ship about to head out to the Atlantic.  At the same time, the titanium panels covering those dramatic curves bring to mind schools of shiny fish cutting through the nearby waters.  It’s incredible how one structure expresses different aspects from varying angles.

Image by Pignatelli Massimo
Image courtesy of 2008 Gehry Partners LLP
Image courtesy of guggenheim.org

 

 

 

Les Lalanne at Les Arts Decoratifs, Paris

I recently came across these images of the Les Lelanne exhibit Les Arts Decoratifs and was entranced.

Les Arts Decoratifs, or the Museum of Decorative Art, in Paris holds more than 350,000 works in its collections.  I recently came across these images of the 2010 Les Lelanne exhibit at the museum and was entranced.

Les Lalanne is an artist duo comprised of French artists François-Xavier Lalanne (1927–2008) and Claude Lalanne (b. 1924).  The married couple co-created projects, with Francois focusing on animal sculptures and Claude preferring vegetation.  Their works have been exhibited in various venues, but I particularly love these exhibits  at Les Arts Decoratifs.

The appeal of this exhibit, for me, is the effect of the whimsical animals seeming to wander around in this vast architectural space.  Displayed in an area with minimal color, the exhibit produces a visceral reaction.

Pindar Vineyards, Long Island

On the North Fork of Long Island, 500 acres of vibrant green vines produce about 70,000 cases of wine each year for Long Island’s best-known wine producer.

On the North Fork of Long Island, 500 acres of vibrant green vines produce about 70,000 cases of wine each year for Long Island’s best-known wine producer:  Pindar Vineyards.  Dr. Herodotus “Dan” Damianos began living his dream of owning a vineyard in the early 1980’s.  Pindar Vineyards is still a family-run affair, offering not only tours and tastings at the winery in Peconic, but also a successful wine shop and tasting bar in nearby Port Jefferson.

Pindar Vineyards
Tasting Bar
Wine tasting

In addition to their commitment to produce quality wines, Pindar Vineyard uses green practices to sustain the winery.  They recently built a windmill to power at least 80% of vineyard operations and are converting to geothermal heat and cooling.  Instead of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, Pindar Vineyard composts clippings from local landscapers, scraps from local seafood suppliers, and their own grape skins to create a rich addition to the soil in their fields.  They also host annual events like the East End Hospice Annual Pig Roast and BBQ, Sunflowers for Wishes, and John Theissen Children’s Foundation Annual Toy Drive to give back to the community through fundraising efforts.

Photo by Bob McInnis

To learn more or plan a visit to Pindar Vineyard, go to their website or find them on Facebook.

East Asia Inspiration

The culturally exotic lands of East Asia offer a staggering wealth of design inspiration.

The culturally exotic lands of East Asia offer a staggering wealth of design inspiration.  Design inspired by China, Japan, Mongolia, and other East Asian countries is easily recognizable for its minimalist approach, clean lines, attention to space, and use of natural elements.

I like to use accent pieces and patterns with an East Asia influence.  A bold piece, like the dragon below, gives the room a focal point and a bright splash of color.  For something more subtle, look for a pattern or texture inspired by Japanese or Chinese art or design.

 Other designers I really admire have also been influenced by East Asian beauty  Isn’t it amazing how one design inspiration is realized in different forms by different designers?

by Kelly Wearstler
by Tony Duquette
by Tony Duquette

Block Island, RI

Block Island is one of our favorite places to vacation as a family.

Block Island is one of our favorite places to vacation as a family.  I remember boating to the island for the first time when I was younger and feeling entranced by the blue sky, green grass, and texture of the sand.  Now, making the annual trip with kids, a dog, and loads of stuff, we take the ferry for visits to the island.  When the ferry enters the breakwater, the surrounding beauty instantly relaxes me.  Block Island is absolutely one of the most casual places to gather.  I can happily leave my high heels at home!

While on the island, it’s family tradition to go clamming.  We also have favorite spots, like Winfield’s  for dinner or Aldo’s for great coffee and friendly faces.

What’s your favorite destination to leave stress behind and relax with family?