{D E S I G N} Glass Architecture

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I stumbled upon the unbelievable work of Milano-based design firm Santambrogio | Milano when researching glass formations for a project. To say I was awe-struck by these incredible structures is an understatement to say the least—I was mesmerized and perplexed all in the same breath.

With glass as their muse, Carlo Santambrogio and Ennio Arosio create these stunning homes that are highly cognizant of their environments and leave little to the imagination. From kitchen appliances, stairwells, and interior walls, every element is composed almost entirely from varying grades of glass. There's a tremendous amount of science and consideration that goes into each element of construction.  

So throw on Billy Joel's Glass Houses album and journey through these transparent homes...

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{F A S H I O N} Chloé Spring-Summer 2017 Collection

I realize it's February, but Chloé's Spring-Summer 2017 Collection has me daydreaming of springtime in Paris. The Grand Palais—one of my favorite landmarks in the city—lends such a gorgeous backdrop for these free-flowing garments and pretty florals to strut down the catwalk. And I just love the way Clare Waight Keller abandoned tradition with her sinuous setup of the runway and the audience. Enjoy the show!

{V I B E S} Living With Man's Best Friend

                       Einstein and Me

“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.”

— John Grogan

Einstein (or as I like to call him, Mr. E.) is a very handsome blockhead English black lab—a true gentleman’s dog. We adopted him in 2011 when he was 2 years old as a released guide dog from the GD Foundation. This means he was trained as a working dog, so he expects to come with you wherever you go. He is a gentle companion who will wait for you until you are done, anywhere you take him. He loves to go for a walk and sniff everything in his path. 

Einstein weighs in at 85 pounds and wants to cuddle with you on the sofa and run around the main floor of my house in and out of each room with his favorite toy. He has his preferred spots to nap in but loves to lay on the rug in front of the fireplace. 

As a designer, I have made my house dog friendly with polypropylene rugs, darker colored sofas, rooms that are not too precious. Dogs want to be wherever you are, and that is especially true of black labs. I put in a doggy door so he can come in and out as he wishes. Our house would not be complete without him.

One of my favorite times of the day is in the early morning when I come down to make coffee and he greets me by rolling on his back for his morning belly rub and gives me his goofy upside-down smile. So good!

Since the unconditional love and companionship of a dog can’t be beat, I've rounded up some beautifully inspired spaces filled with the essence of puppy love. See? It is possible to be chic and accommodate our furry friends. Enjoy!

1/Photo by Simon Upton via Architectural Digest. 2/Photo by Ryan Tansey via Design Sponge. 3/Photo courtesy of Zak + Fox via Town and Country Magazine. 4/Photo by Patrick Cline for EKB Interiors. 5/Photo via Art et Decor. 6/Photo by Kim Lucian via Apartment Therapy. 7/Photo courtesy Brian Patrick Flynn via DIY Network. 8/Photo by Ngoc Minh Ngo via Architectural Digest. 9/Photo by Scott Frances via Architectural Digest.

{R O A M} Chic Eats

I don't know about you, but I'm all about the ambiance when it comes to choosing a restaurant—especially when I'm traveling. I make it a priority to visit high-design eateries wherever I am and I've come across some real beauties. From The Musket Room in Manhattan to The Jane in Antwerp, Belgium (shown above), these chic restaurants satisfy both palate and palette. Check out a few of my favorites and consider their inspiring decor the amuse-bouche to their delectable fare...

And, like the rest of the world, I'm so mesmerized by the artistic geniuses that comprise Netflix food phenomenon docu-series: Chef's Table. These masters truly see food as art and the plate is their canvas—this is certainly an ideal that resonates with me and my approach to interiors. Here's a peek at Season 2...

{F A S H I O N} Mish New York: Experiential Jewelry

Image credit: Mish New York

Walking into Mish's 30 Bond Street studio in NYC isn't like shopping for jewelry at just any jewelry boutique. It's an unforgettable experience that speaks to all of the senses. Beth and I paid a visit to Mish a few weeks ago on a trip into the city—the purple door and green facade called to us immediately of course. (With the fashionable charm and historic architecture outside, you'd think you were on Bond Street in London.) Once we stepped inside, the feast for the eyes continued, from the hand-painted malachite mural, to the upholstered walls with nailhead trim, to the jewels themselves, all on display like pieces in a museum. Made with South Sea pearls and precious stones, Mish Tworkowski's fancy and whimsical baubles, bracelets, brooches and more will stop you in your tracks. See for yourself!

1/ Poppy Clasp Pink Pearl | 2/ Hydrangea Tassel Earrings | 3/ Pink Pearl Necklace | 4/ Rivergod Willow Pearl Necklace | 5/ Hanalei Stud Drop Earrings | 6/ Honeywood | 7/ Ratu Rings | 8/ Wakaya Cuffs | 9/ Lotus Brooch | 10/ Trapiche Cufflinks | 11/ Watering Can Cufflinks