As we are all going to be extremely preoccupied in the kitchen tomorrow for the New Year feast preparations, well, I thought of creating an inspiration board of dreamy kitchens and the food I'd love to associate preparing in each of them. During the last few years of half domesticated life abroad, I'm doing the cooking myself. I love throwing dinner parties. With the limited period we have before our guests arrive, it is always a big help to have an organized kitchen. The whole relaxed vibe would definitely be absorbed by the food.
Food in this Kitchen: A spinach omelette with a mug of brewed coffee
I always adore windows overlooking the garden from the kitchen and the light that flows through the space.
Food in this Kitchen: Tagliatelle Carbonara
Food in this Kitchen: Pot Roast and Creme Brulee for dessert
The skylight is simply marvelous in this kitchen and I love the rafters.
Food in this Kitchen: Pad Thai and Penang CurryFor some reason, that's the taste I get from my palate looking at this photo.
Food in this Kitchen: Seafood Paella with Spanish White Wine
The warm tones of wall color, wood finish and slate of the kitchen below. I love the way the black appliances were matched against the wood tone. The intimacy of the breakfast nook next to the fireplace is very homely.
Food in this Kitchen: Ribeye Steak with Mashed Potatoes
& Gravy + Red Wine
I'm getting really carried away with this and I have to stop now as there are a lot of incredibly gorgeous kitchens out there by such talented designers.
I'm going to work on some last minute reports from home for a while despite my being on vacation. Hopefully, after 6 months of desperate search of dining chairs and table, I'd be able to find some on stock . Sadly, none of the affordable range of furniture shops of my preference here are even willing to place the order and are unsure when they would even make the next purchase. The custom furniture here are incredibly expensive so I might as well go for a signature piece instead, but then again being an expat, we would want these original pieces in our permanent home , right?
All these thoughts of kitchen and food, Bon Appetit!
I'm recently smitten by candlesticks as it is the perfect season to flaunt them. With all the feasting during these consecutive holiday weekends, the dinner party hosts are tempted to elaborately dress up the formal dining.
Eclectic Silver-Plated Candlesticks
Apart from the chandelier and pendants that are always at the center stage of illumination, Candlesticks are the eye candy of the season.
These Addison candleholders below from Pottery Barn are inspired by the 19th century bobeche. A handcrafted mix of solid and handblown glass that are available in various sizes with trays for decorative accents.
Huge array of stems and designs that would suit your tablescape theme.
Top tip: 'Your candles will burn for longer if you keep them in the fridge before lighting them,' recommended by Lizzie O’Prey, author of Create Your Dream House and Garden.
Overhead lighting is very un- flattering during dinner parties as they are too bright and they cast shadows. Dimmer switch will definitely make it better. Switch on lamps instead and keep the lighting low. Scatter tea light candles everywhere to create the glamourous mood. Unscented candles work best at the table. Always remember, everyone looks stunning under soft golden light.
2 Days left for 2010. Let's make them memorable.
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For a while, there had been a craze about hanging art shelves. It still is largely found in a lot of homes I visit mainly because it is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. One could either hang an art above the shelf next to a smaller art along with various decorative objects.
It adds flavor to a rather lifeless blank wall. The various depths found in leaning art works against the wall in contrast to books or treasured mementoes from travel provoke interest for guests to marvel on while waiting. These artworks could even overlap each other. Black and white prints are always very stylish.
I found this interesting image of Art Shelves in Apartment Therapy where two sets are aligned with the closest book shelf level above the height of the arm chair backrest. This creates a perfect balance between the vertical and horizontal arrangement of the shelves.
It's a stunning contrast against a statement couch.
Now, if I can convince my hubby to drill more holes in our apartment :) I don't think so..
Happy Tuesday!
If you're one of the lucky ones spending Christmas back home,
I'm so happy for you. Have a safe journey.
Enjoy your time to the maximum with
family, friends and loved ones.
Eitherway, for the rest of us expats,
There with the snow or rain, here with the sand,
May we all have a wonderful Christmas
Wherever we are in the world.
XOXO,
Arni
I am extremely inspired by Barbara Barry's design. I am drawn by her design philosophy of simplicity. Her beauty exudes and her femininity extends outwards towards her work. Her design is an emblem of quintessential elegance and sophisticated style.
A bulletin board of all things beautiful.
Her collage of inspiration.
I love her design approach of 'order' and 'calm'.
Poetical Linen
Her design is definitely classic and timeless.
Have a great Christmas Weekend to Everyone!
Images via: Traditional Home , Etsy
Christmas is definitely in the air! Shopping malls are packed with busy shoppers. I was searching for the perfect Christmas Card this evening and I didn't find any. Though most of us who are conscious about the environment would most probably be sending out E-greeting cards to most of our friends, may they be personalized or a random image we have found somewhere.
Admit it, there's nothing better than a good old greeting card. There's a high level of sophistication in a black and white Christmas card. I find them very unique.
A handwritten heartfelt message is definitely priceless!
Happy Holidays and Bon Voyage to those travelling home early!
" The purpose of life is to discover your gift.
The meaning of life is giving your gift away."
by David Viscott
Guess what: Either myself or my hubby took this photo.