There's a lot of re-issues out there and a surging interest in furniture and design of the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s, but it isn't always the case that the objects look like a specific era. Sometimes I see something that's Art Deco and at first think it's mid-century, or will assume something is 70s design when it's early 60s, for example. But when I look at the 1970 Hebi lamp ($199), I think it might belong in the set design for the movie Sleeper, fitting it's time squarely. The Hebi lamp was designed by Japanese designer Isao Hosoe for the Italian design house Valenti and is included in the permanent collections of museums around the world. The lamp comes in white, black, red and yellow—but I think I would have to have this guy in white.

Current lamp obsession: Lamp No. 1 by Italian designer Nicolo Taliani. Coming to the US very soon.


Have a great weekend!

I'm currently digging the new Cindy Lamp by Ferruccio Laviani for Kartell. I think it would look great in a super-sleek office—it's certainly got a lot of flash. I especially love the bold color palette including platinum, bronze, mint green, tangerine, ultramarine, flamingo, gun metal and violet—in true Kartell style. I don't know who's retailing yet, so not sure of the price, but will let you know when I know.

We put a placemat in front of Harrison's food and water dish because she's a messy eater—for her it's a two step process, get the food out of the bowl and on to the floor, then eat it. We use a Tair Mercier plastic mat and it looks pretty cool. After two years it's all banged up, so I've been eying some Luisa Cevese Riedizioni placemats ($50 each) as a replacement. Of course they'd look pretty spectacular on a dining table too! Bonus points: They're handmade in Italy from recycled industrial waste.

This beautiful guesthouse in southern Italy is called the Masseria Cimino. It is an 18th century building, renovated in 2005 and now consigned to San Domenico Golf as its guest House. Very romantic, furnished in a fresh, contemporary Mediterranean style. Ornamented with artfully rusted farm tools, dried plants and flowers, jars of preserves and painted wood furniture. Some of the rooms have a beautiful working fireplace and others have balconies with a little terrace overlooking the Championship golf course with a view of the Adriatic Sea.

Hope you are all enjoying this beautiful Sunday!



















Porcelain sockets.







Travertine stone basins.

Photographer: Nicolas Matheus

More photographs here and here.

Located near the Gulf of Grosseto, in the Tuscany region in Italy this barn has been completely renovated by architect Daniele Bedini with local materials such as the stones from Mount Labbro and chestnut for all wooden parts. The original small windows were kept but there are so many other big windows and doors that there is plenty of natural light inside. It is basically furnished with flea market finds and items that used to belong to Daniele's grandmother. Lavender and sunflower yellow are the colours that dominate throughout this warm rustic house.








The kitchen table belonged to Daniele's grandmother. In fact, all of the kitchen was designed to resemble her grandmother's kitchen as it brings back fond memories of her childhood.




Rustic bathroom with an antique stone sink.


The small window above the bed shows the thickness of the walls.


In the porch a typical Tuscan countryside table and chairs were painted white and lavender. Wicker chairs and coffee table for the seating area. Weather proof curtains provide sun protection and shelter this cosy space.


Photos Andrea Vierucci
All images from here.

Second post today takes us to a farmhouse in the Alps. After living and studying for 10 years in Milan and Zurich, Chiara came back to Italy to live next to her mother's house. Like most Italians, she wanted to be near her family so she built an annex to her mother's home. Chiara kept the stone floors and country style but created an open-plan space and mixed modern styles with the old. Dark red walls are traditional to Alpine cottages in this region.

More colour for you today, dears!

All images from here.

A new installation from DESIGNwatcher fashion correspondent, Amy Fox!

Stepping up the sneaker
By Amy Fox

Sure everyone loves their favorite Chuck Taylor's, Jack Purcell's, Stan Smith's, Rod Laver's and Vans, but when you're ready to step-in to something a little more serious, check out some of the new wardrobe staples of the well-heeled. Counter-clockwise from top: Common Projects ($332 as shown) is making some of the most stylish sneakers out there right now. Above is their version of a cutting edge take on the classic hightop. I also love how their label signature is only the article number, color and size code stamped in gold on the heel. Supergas ($80 and up) are the must-have Italian sneaker. You can chose from hundreds of colors and patterns, but the original design dates back to the 1920s. Spring Courts (about $90) have been around since 1936 and claim to be the original white shoe. Perhaps the best way to describe them is the French Chuck Taylors—they revolutionized the game of tennis like Converse did to basketball; of course now they're a big hit with musicians like Thom Yorke and fashion icons like Kate Moss—who wears them with a wide leg trouser suit and simple tank. Very classic and very chic. Their website is not yet up for online shopping, but you can order them via phone from Steven Alan in Venice (310-452-3413) or from their Nolita shop in NYC (212-226-7482).

Well, speaking of coasters, the thermometer has been telling me lately that it's officially scotch season. Here in Chicago the mercury just peaked over 20 degrees and it's not even officially winter (hurrah!). Last year at this time I thought the cold weather was a fun novelty, but this year...well, that's what the scotch is for. Matt pours a glass of Dalwhinnie with a splash of water nearly every night around 9pm and asks if I want any. "Of course not," I always say, but I sip from his throughout the night in the amount that always garners my own drink. One of our Tervis Tumbler double old fashion glasses got water-logged in the dishwasher, so I'm in the market for something new. If I had it my way Matt would (we would) be sipping the Single Malt from these chic and whimsical Fornasetti Theme & Variations Drinking Glasses ($305 for six).

Good morning to all of you. Starting summer or winter? Winter here, not too cold yet but I'm looking forward to cuddling by the fire. Let's go to Italy now. Great bones for this Italian farmhouse with all its stone walls and floor. The interiors are mix of classic and contemporary styles with a rustic feel all over.















All images from here.