Contemporary art in a 17th century home.




This is a stunning apartment in Milan, the building has centuries of history, but the furnishing and art collection are contemporary, a perfect example of how to blend different styles and periods.  On the table a sculpture by Marc Quinn.


One of my favorite artists, the Anglo-Indian Anish Kapoor, created the vivid blue disc you can see in the entry hall, as many other works by him this one also reflects as a mirror. On the antique credenza a work by Francesco Vezzoli…what a scenography and magic atmosphere.

On the antique console table a photograph by Vanessa Beecroft

In the living room some beautiful romantic pink flowers give a different touch to an otherwise stark choice of furniture.


Another living has a large, so comfortable tufted sofa, with an impressive oil painting by Kate Thyson above. I also love the wallpaper and the herringbone wood floor.


A blue neon light, a work by Tracy Emin, harmonize with the portrait by Julien Opie, the large sofa help to relax the eye with its monochrome textile.


A vignette of the kitchen with a splendid round table and contemporary steel stools. I find the grey on the wall a perfect backdrop, specially for its irregular brush strokes. Notice the carved double doors.


Another surprise…the bathroom with old wood floor, salmon hue sponge-painted walls, an antique armchair and a stand alone tub. It looks like a living room!


The large and functional kitchen, with stainless steel, Carrara marble, reclaimed cotto floor.


A Mao portrait by Yan-Pei Ming, a Chinese artist the owner started to collect years ago, before he became famous. Obviously the Milanese art collector has a great eye for finding exceptional works of art. Decorating is her hobby, and it shows in the attention to details and the, at times daring, but always elegant choices!
Photography by Barbara Corsico
©2013 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".
If you receive this post by Email and wish to leave a comment please click HERE and go to the comments section.  I love your comments!
If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send me an email.  It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

The joy of cooking Italian style

I was recently in Seattle, WA, accompanying  my friend Interior designer Alda Pereira for a presentation and training for the Italian company Bertazzoni, famous internationally for beautiful and functional gas ranges, cooktops, ovens, ventilation hoods and accessories.

I discovered not only a great technology for cooking with electric, gas or dual fuel ranges with clean lines, balanced proportions, and functional, ergonomic design but also beautiful colors contrasting elegantly with the stainless-steel worktop and hoods to create a really distinguished style in the kitchen.
I fell in love with the cast brass burner top and I was excited to find one when I came home with a bag of complimentary items and material.
What intrigued me was also that the colors are applied using special processes developed for the luxury automobile industry, Rosso Ferrari was the starting point.

The event was hosted by Monde Home Products, a distributor of premium home appliances throughout the Northwestern United States and Western Canada, presentation and training ended with a delicious dinner, which was baked in Bertazzoni ovens.

 

I have to say at times I was a little distracted by the aroma of huge baking pans of lasagna, and the flavor and taste was equally delicious.

 

Not to mention the gorgeous to look at, and delightful to taste, special cake… did I say taste? I now admit I had two slices.

You can too cook Italian style with Bertazzoni!

©2013 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".
If you receive this post by Email and wish to leave a comment please click HERE and go to the comments section.  I love your comments!
If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send me an email.  It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

Are you dandy?

“I am Dandy. The Return of the Elegant Gentleman” is a new photographic book published by Gestalten with text by Nathaniel Adams and splendid  photography by Rose Callahan.

The book documents the life (and lifestyle) of contemporary dandies, from different countries, cultures and social levels. They are designers, musicians, stylists,  teachers, lawyers…photographed at home or in their favorite public places.

 

Well groomed, velvet slippers at home, eccentric accessories, soft gloves, three pieces suits, cufflinks,  immaculate handkerchiefs, always accurate choices in wardrobe and in interior decoration, the lifestyle of a dandy is elegant and unique, he does not follow trends, he creates them.

“Live life as a work of art” is their motto.

The interiors of their homes are personalized with images of the past, collection of art, not necessarily expensive but certainly pleasing the eye, objects of desire. Often textiles are luscious velvets, linen, always natural fabric…accompanied by the use of wood and leather. Contemporary pieces of furniture live together with vintage and antiques, colors are vibrant or subtle but always unexpected.

Exquisite china, proper manners, every detail counts.

  

Everything in the dandy’s life is studied to create an atmosphere  always  attracting and inspiring and yes, they love to entertain.

Are you?

This post is dedicated to all the dandies I know, in real life and in virtual life. Scot, Mitch, Grant, Philip, Luchino, Hutton, Barry, Barnaba, and so many others…I hope you recognize yourself and send a comment my way! Perhaps you can also tell me what makes you a “Dandy”.
Now talking about gender or no gender: what would be an appropriate term for dandy ladies? Is there such a thing without dressing in men suits?
©2013 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".
If you receive this post by Email and wish to leave a comment please click HERE and go to the comments section.  I love your comments!
If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send me an email.  It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

What I liked most of IDS West 2013

 

Here are a few things I really liked about this year Interior Design exhibition in Vancouver: The IDIBC, Interior Designers Institute of BC, launched the “2013 Student Charrette”, giving thirty selected students, in mixed teams of six, the opportunity to work together to solve a given design problem.

A panel of judges including Robert Bailey, the Designer of the Year (I am in the picture just …to be in the picture!) then selected the most creative way of solving a problem.
Another section I liked was titled “Future Masters – Young designers”




Finally a few images of “Dinner by Design” an inventive array of tablescapes by Vancouver designers.

I have a favorite tablescape which one is yours?

©2013 Brillante Interiors writes about new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas, or at times just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things".
If you receive this post by Email and wish to leave a comment please click HERE and go to the comments section.  I love your comments!
If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send me an email.  It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!