All posts filed under: architecture and art

Lifestyle: For The Love Of Art, French Facade Art That Is…

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As I said before I always end my European vacation in France. Sometimes somewhere in the French Riviera or up north to my most beloved Paris. While in either location,  I’ve often pointed out to my hubs the facade of buildings covered and under renovation, admiring the efforts the French make in keeping the neighborhood aesthetically pleasing no matter all the work involved in their renovation projects or even not so much behind the facade. This sort of art – facade painting –   I adore and certainly felt the need to share. See the before and after pics here. 

Travel: Learning from The Ancient World

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I do love history, especially since the information learned helps cope with today’s troubling-troublesome-troubled world.  The most important lessons are those detailing that no matter how advanced civilization is, humanity acts the same when faced with issues that threaten its very existence.  Sad but true. And that’s all I am going to say about this topic. Except if you happen to be one who appreciates history as much as I do, then by all means this travel article is for you.

Travel: Past the London Eye There Is This Place…

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Past the London Eye there is this place, or rather, there are these places worth a trip, especially if you’ve been to London  and the areas more than once, sightseeing the same – the likes of the Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and even the wax museum of sorts. The discovery begin right… {The source of all photos and article here}  

Travel: Bypassing Paris and Going For The Small Towns In France

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My last stop in Europe is always Paris. Where I spend a week simply taking it all in, pretending to be a local. What I discovered recently was the following small town destinations in France, I heard about but have never seen.  I added them to my list for a late Spring trip in 2017 with a good friend of mine:

Boutique Hotel Pick – Hotel Panache – Paris, France

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There are those who understand Paris in the same way that I do.  I know you are out there. 🙂  But just in case… For years the hubs had trouble understanding my love for this wonderful city – not so much the romantic aspect of it. But because of the fact, Paris stands for everything  a creative mind needs to feel inspired, and from that infuse, be able to create the most magical of things, tapping into emotions within us that we often times have trouble seeing or not see… intentionally. And so I spend a lot of time in my day, researching for all things Paris that I find inspiring and this time around, I discovered Hotel Panache – the decor alone says it all…  

Decor: Think Like The French

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I’ve always know that  I had some sort of deep-rooted connection to the French way (in this case) of decorating. Something my immediate family doesn’t find so appealing, when I recommend the style to add a certain flair to their homes and such.  So you know what I did? I shared this article with them about 10 Things The French Always Do When Decorating, and it got them thinking since they are going to see more of these concept in my over the summer remodel. Maybe that will inspire them (smile).  Here’s what the article says in a nutshell or two or three:  “There is more perfectionism in American style than in France.” The French treasure family heirlooms and pieces that aren’t pristine. They won’t dismiss a chair if the leather is stained, and don’t mind a crooked hardwood floor. The result: a space that feels more lived-in than immaculate. “The French love to mix vintage and contemporary furniture, whereas there is more homogeneity in the American style,” “Don’t worry too much about how pieces …

Decor: Before and After I See Better Then The Hubs

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My hubs and I discuss revamping our home decor. Well, mostly me and he listens, which is nice of him. But he can’t see what it is I detail, motioning with my hands, about this piece going here, and that rug being the right choice, and how about blues, and grays and earth tones, and hardwood floor options. He simply nods. Which makes me laugh on the inside, and irritated on the outside – a common behavior among partners in relationship. So, I decided instead of telling him about my vision, I would show him via my blog some ideas running through my head.  For a more detailed look at each room, visit here:                        

Decor: Inspired By The Europeans

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Streamline and sensible is what I realized over the years, my decor should be. I mean I have never been a fan of clutter, nor felt the need to over decorate. I’ve kept my home to a minimal for decades. And now since I am planning a tiny space renovation, I can’t help but fall in love with these concepts:

Boutique Hotel Pick – Gran Hotel A Villa Feltrinelli – Lake Garda, Italy

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My head is always in the clouds, in a good way, when planning a trip to Europe.  And while I work on a draft of where I want to go this year, I stumbled upon this gem since I’ve always wanted to add Lake Garda to my trips to Italy but haven’t had the time. Since this year’s trip is more of a relaxation type rather than sight seeing, 2 nights, three days at the Gran Hotel A Villa Feltrinelli is going to be a must. I’ll let their beautiful online marketing do the talking:

San Francisco: SFMoMa Museum In Architecture

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I welcome all visionaries who posses the skill to be forward thinkers  – taking a risk to create something out of the norm, unique and unexpected. To leave their mark on society for decades to come. An example is the architect behind the San Francisco MoMA Museum which for the past 3 years has been going through a major renovation, one I have gladly monitored the progress  for the past 36 months. I’m serious – I actually walked by the construction zone daily to see it taking shape. And now, the grand opening on May 14, which I am invited to attend. In the meantime, you can read all about MoMA here, and see the photographs I’ve taken (not the aerial)  just in case you are as nuts about architecture as I am: I am also excited to report that since this marvel is complete, I am going to shift my focus  on the renovation of the convention center/Moscone center just across the street from MoMa. {photo credit of aerial view}