Top 13 Places to Travel in 2013

Reading other lists of top travel places for 2013 inspired me to create my own list!

With the start of a new year, plenty of “top ten” lists featuring everything from books to movies have been popping up on websites and news stations.  Personally, I can’t resist looking at the lists of top travel destinations for 2013.  Some places, like Amsterdam, seem be be on everyone’s list!  Looking at all of these amazing places to visit inspired me to create my own list of the Top 13 Places to Travel in 2013.  I like how not all of these destinations are beach oriented, which is what I typically gravitate toward.  Many would involve a lot of exploring and adventure.  Why not challenge yourself this year and try a new vacation place instead of the same-old trip?

1.  Amsterdam

2.  Basilicata, Italy

3.  Iceland

4.  Croatia

5.  Solomon Islands

6.  Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

7.  Sri Lanka

8.  Mayan Riviera, Mexico

9.  Turkey

10.  New Zealand

11.  Chan Chan, Peru

12.  Toronto, Canada

13.  Oman

Where will 2013 take you?

2013: Year of the Snake

Tomorrow marks the start of 2013, the Year of the Snake.

According to legend, the Chinese zodiac originated long ago with the Jade emperor.  The emperor decided there should be some way of measuring time, and so challenged the animals to a swimming race across a swift river.  The first 12 animals to complete the race would each have a year named after them.  The story says 13 animals raced, with the cat coming in last after being tricked by the rat.  The sixth animal to complete the race was the sneaky snake.

Tomorrow marks the start of 2013, the Year of the Snake.  Snake characteristics include traits such as intelligence, motivation, and influence.  In honor of the Year of the Snake, I’d like to use today’s blog post to look at the influence of snake imagery and snakeskin on the worlds of design and fashion.

Deco cast bronze ceiling mounts by Paul Marra.

Snakeskin is a very conceptual texture, something a lot of people love.  It’s not for everyone and typically works best in small doses.  Snakeskin is about confidence and bringing out your inner fangs!

Paul Marra snake lantern.

The use of snake imagery doesn’t have to be literal.  It can be incorporated into hardware or mirrors or simply suggested in shapes and lines.  Snakeskin is a dramatic choice as well.  I used this gorgeous Maya paper on the face front of interior doors in a NYC residence with really amazing results.  It’s high glamour, over-the-top chic that doesn’t scream “reptile.”

Slink™ Hand-Painted Vinyl by Maya Romanoff
Large Custom Karung Snake Skin Pillow – Lobel Modern
Gold Tone Serpentine Mirror
Snake Chain fabric in Dove from Dwell Studio
Ligne Roset Serpentine Outdoor Chair

In fashion, snakeskin is all about confidence and bringing out your inner fangs!  I sport snakeskin about once a week on my shoes or bag.  It’s a really bold pattern and I love it!

Lima by Brian Atwood – Serpentine inspired.
Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013 Runway Looks via Harper’s Bazaar
Python bag from IntermixOnline

What does the Year of the Snake have in store for you?

 

Quintessence Lifestyle Blog

Written by Stacey Bewkes, Quintessence focuses on “those special discoveries that make life just that much better.”

Quintessence is a lifestyle blog I really enjoy.  Written by Stacey Bewkes, Quintessence focuses on “those special discoveries that make life just that much better.”  After working as an art director in NYC for 17 years, Stacey left that world to raise her four children in Connecticut.  She then created Quintessence to continue to say involved in every aspect of the world of design and fashion.  Stacey attends design, lifestyle, and fashion events, and then blogs about them to bring the experience to her readers.  She also shares content on topics from art to movies and food to books, meaning you’ll always find something new and interesting at Quintessence.

Quintessence appeals to me because it is very cultured.  Stacey is worldly and involved and is always current on what’s happening.  She really does her homework and is clearly knowledgeable.  Her posts are interesting and relevant.  Having had the opportunity to meet Stacey, I know she is a lovely lady, very passionate and direct!

I like the segment of Stacey’s blog called Behind the Q, which is a monthly post showcasing an individual stylemaker.  I want more of it!  Stacey really creates an intimate behind the scenes look of people such as Thom Felicia and Miles Redd.  Her videos combined with the writing and several stunning photos is a clever new approach.  I can’t wait for the next installment!
Behind the Q
Before and after of Thom Filicia’s home, featured in his book American Beauty.

One of my favorite Quintessence posts was about NIBA rugs.   It jogged my memory of a source I had seen before but hadn’t logged into my mental catalog of go-to rugs.  I am so excited to incorporate some of these rugs into my interiors!

Hand knotted wool and silk rugs from NIBA.
Persian carpets from NIBA.
Since I was not able to make it to this year’s Southampton Showhouse, Stacey’s blogs about many of the spaces allowed me to think that I was there in person.  I love the dining room, with the large drum fixture and dining room chairs.  The combination is whimsical.  Thanks, Stacey for great observations and attention to detail in every room you visited at the Southampton Showhouse!
Showhouse dining room designed by Mabley Handler.
Study designed by Patrick Lonn at the Showhouse.
Guest suite designed by Jennifer McConnell.
Another fascinating blog post focused on Stacey’s visit to Tramshed during the London Design Festival.  Although her visit to Tramshed was quick, Stacey still managed to take plenty of photos of incredible products from a variety of vendors.  Sharing this kind of experience with readers is part of what makes Quintessence such a fascinating blog.
Quarry lights by Benjamin Hubert.
Porcelain by Karen Morgan.
Hand blown lighting from Bocci.
I love that I can use Quintessence as a catalog of great thoughts and a resource to turn to for inspiration!  I hope you visit Quintessence soon; you can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

Olio

Located at 934 Hope St. in Stamford, Olio is a favorite restaurant of ours not only because it’s practically in our backyard, but because the food is fantastic!

Located at 934 Hope St. in Stamford, Olio is a favorite restaurant of ours not only because it’s practically in our backyard, but because the food is fantastic!  My husband and I take advantage of their take-out option at least a couple of nights a week and are never disappointed.

Olio Restaurant on Hope

Chef/owner Steve Costanzo, along with his business partner Moira Hyland, have created a wonderful menu that includes a lot of locally produced and/or organic items.  The menu changes with the seasons to offer foods such as fish, meat, poultry, pasta, and salads at the peak of their availability.  The food is fresh and you simply cannot go wrong with anything on the menu.  The spare ribs are to die for!  Olio offers a warm atmosphere and reasonable prices as well.

Olio’s dining room. Image via Bon Vivant.

Olio is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday and for brunch on Sunday.  They only accept dinner reservations for groups of six or more, so keep that in mind when planning a visit.  On Tuesdays, Olio diners enjoy 1/2 price bottles of wine with the purchase of an entree while on Wednesday evenings the menu features the Chef’s special 3 course meal.

Ravioli Special
Spare ribs. Image via CTbites.
Bread pudding. Image via CTbites.

To see Oilo’s full menu or to learn about their catering services, visit their website.  You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Favorite Things: Holiday Mantels

Few things sum up the holiday spirit like a beautifully decorated mantel hung with stockings and lit up by a cozy fire in the fireplace.

Few things sum up the holiday spirit like a beautifully decorated mantel hung with stockings and lit up by a cozy fire in the fireplace.  Mantel decorations can be simple or extravagant.  Mix in different elements with traditional greenery.  You can make it playful and try something different each year.  I like to use real flowers and unusual greenery such as magnolia leaves, nothing artificial, to give the mantel more substance and make it truly special.

1.  This mantel uses white dishes and greenery for a classic, simple look.

2. An abundance of greenery looks fantastic!

3.  I love the idea of hanging a wreath on a mirror over the mantel.

4.  Mixed greenery and fruit create a fresh, lovely mantel.

5. Magnolia leaves make a substantial wreath.  Varying candle heights add interest to the greenery and pine cones.

6.  Sweeping swags of evergreens and a large wreath make the mantel a dramatic focal point.

Holiday Flowers

Incorporating flowers into your holiday designs gives your decor an unexpected and memorable twist.

When you think of decorating for the holidays or creating a centerpiece for your table, you might think of evergreens, holly, pine cones, and berries before thinking of flowers.  However, incorporating flowers into your holiday designs gives your decor an unexpected and memorable twist.  You certainly aren’t limited to poinsettias, either!

A unique and more modern way to cluster flowers. The hint of red suggests Santa is coming.
French tulips – a very white Christmas indeed.
Paperwhite flowers always remind me of the holidays.

Arrangements that include more than just flowers can also make a great centerpiece for the holidays.  Leaves, feathers, acorns, and fruit are items you can use in different ways.  Experiment with colors and textures, even adding elements you wouldn’t typically think of including in a floral arrangement.  The finished effect can be surprising and eye-catching.

Feathers arranged like flowers make an interesting centerpiece.
Oranges and acorns – great idea!

There’s no hard and fast rule that says your centerpiece has to be on the table.  Look up and around and take advantage of accessories already present in the room.  The materials in your arrangement an reflect the colors of the holiday without being composed of the typical trappings.  The chandelier below is the perfect example of making an unexpected jump and decorating for the season without being literal.  The green and red pieces evoke the holidays in a traditional, yet unexpected way.

Love the decked out chandelier and the red pomegranates that hint at Santa’s suit!

Do you make flowers and greenery part of your holiday decorations?

Holiday Wrapping

It’s always nice to receive a gift, but when that gift is carefully wrapped in a special way, the recipient can’t help but but feel spoiled!

I love wrapping presents for Christmas!  Putting together wrapping papers with coordinating bows and accents is like designing on a smaller scale.  There are so many thoughtful and beautiful ways to wrap presents with nearly endless options for colors, patterns, and accessories like ribbons and bows.  It’s always nice to receive a gift, but when that gift is carefully wrapped in a special way, the recipient can’t help but but feel spoiled!

A craft box layered with a fun wrap and simple red ribbon always looks custom.
Elegant use of two complimentary papers and greenery with the ribbon.
Very sweet wrapping paper for kids.
Owls in trees wrapping paper — adorable.

Adding just the right touch with decorative details is another way to create an especially beautiful gift.  Think of what you can add to the ribbon or bow to further dress up the present.  It can be something festive or personal, colorful or classic.  When you take the time to wrap the gift with extra thought and care, you show the person you give it to that they are worth the extra effort.

Berries and holly – a great addition to the ribbon.
Use a great tag with calligraphy writing.
I love the idea of mixing the metallic paper with pine cones and branches.

For me, gift wrapping is all about the presentation!  Do you have a favorite paper or embellishment for wrapping Christmas gifts?

Color Obsession: Red

Red excites people with an enticing, energetic jolt of color.

Red is simply a sexy, va-va-voom color.  It makes people think of lipstick, fast cars, love, and risk. Red excites people with an enticing, energetic jolt of color.  Brunettes and blonds look great in red, and it’s hard to think of a color that implies more emotion.  You can saturate an entire room in this bold palette or wear it all over for a glamorous night out!

1.  Stitched Puzzle wallcovering from Maya Romanoff

2.  Lantern by Urban Electric, custom colored for Amy Aidinis Hirsch Interior Design.  Photo by Neil Landino.

3.  Mark Rothko

4.  Chair by Duralee with Yoma fabric for a client of AAH.  Photo by Neil Landino.

5.  1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

6.  Living room with red accents, design by AAH.  Photo by Neil Landino.

7.  Christian Louboutin, Platform Red Pumps

8.  A-line Mini Dress from Victoria Beckham

9.  Custom sofa design by AAH.  Photo by Neil Landino.

10.  Red and white design.  Image via High Street Market.

**Cover image design by Brian McCarthy via Elle Decor

Amanyara Resort

Located on the coast of the Providenciales, one of the Turks and Caicos islands and part of the British West Indies, Amanyara Resort is an intimate, secluded destination.

Located on the coast of Providenciales, one of the Turks and Caicos islands and part of the British West Indies, Amanyara Resort is an intimate, secluded destination.  Situated away from the more developed areas of the island, Amanyara is surrounded by white sand beaches, ironshore rocky coves, and mahogany trees.  When not relaxing on the beach or enjoying the spa, visitors have access to fishing, golf, eco tours and adventures, whale watching, a nature center, and kiteboarding.  Amanyara itself features a beautiful restaurant and bar.

Map of Providenciales.
Amanyara restaurant.
The bar.

The setting is certainly amazing enough, but the resort itself is exactly the serene type of place I’m always drawn to.  The design is sophisticated, yet simplistic.  The quiet palette and minimalist decor give the place something of a spa feel with a decidedly tranquil atmosphere.

Amanyara Reception Pavilion
Oceanfront loungers at the Artists Villa.
Villas at Amanyara.

Whenever I go on vacation, I find myself constantly looking at the decor.  It’s something I can’t disconnect from, so when I have the chance to get away and relax, I want to go someplace where I won’t feel overly stimulated by my surroundings on my down time.  I look for peaceful places to relax and rejuvenate, and Amanyara is the epitome of intimate and serene with a design that’s been pared down to essentials.

Ocean pavilion bedroom.
Pavilion bathroom.
So peaceful!

To learn more about Amanyara, visit the resort’s website.  While there, you can explore other Aman resorts around the world, all of which are designed with the same attention to peace and tranquility.