{take me away № 19 | barcelona, spain}

The second largest city in Spain, Barcelona has a history that dates back long, long ago—2000 years ago, in fact, with a spellbinding vibe of light, passion, culture and character.



Here, somehow, the heavenly Mediterranean sunlight is seemingly more delicious when set against beguiling architecture, narrow alleyways, expansive waters, and in the gleam of each and every Barcelonian's eye.





Indeed, this seaside city calls visitors from near and far to walk alongside the works of great visionaries, of natural wonders, breathtaking points, and countless sights; to live as locals do, and to breath in the beautiful story of such an indescribably fascinating city . . .

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{places : at the apple store, paris}

. . . if you have been reading for a while, you will know about a longstanding love affair with vaulted, soaring and perfectly ornate ceilings, intricate crown moulding and wood panelled walls, and so, fell completely for the design of the most recent apple store, paris opéra, in the 9e arrondissement; known as the 'most un-apple apple store', the glass-and-steel of trademark elements like the staircase, have fallen away to wood and wrought iron, creating a perfect juxtaposition of old & new, traditional & modern . . .



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{décor inspiration: the new traditional}

above, boxes, books and art from china and paris flea markets

. . . must confess, has been far too long since have stopped to pick up a magazine, but after happening upon this dramatic and stunning home featured in house beautiful on anna's blog last week, had immediately made a note to purchase the digital version for the ipad, but after stopping by the bookstore on the way home one night, and gazing upon this west hollywood home again, completely fell in love with the glossy pages and this breezy take on traditional . . .


above, a dramatic entrance




above, the 'very dramatic and sexy' black lacquered guest bath, complete with a regency ebony-and-bone mirror

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{décor inspiration: rustic & refined}

. . . there is something about shades of silvery lilac and dusky lavender that can never resist, and especially when intermingled with rustic elements just in time for cosy autumn nights . . .


{image: styling by sarah hartill and michael penney; photography by stacey brandford via michael penny style}

{two lovely things: perfectly mismatched}

. . . two sinks, side by side -- his & hers -- a chrome and glass cocktail table as a shelf for perfume and hair pins, and perfectly mismatch mirrors before the busy-ness of the day begins . . .


{p.s.} if you're looking for us, we {p. & i} have traded in the hustle & bustle of the city for a place in front of the fire, in an impossibly romantic log cabin in the mountains, with very spotty internet access, a million miles from everything x

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recent two lovely things
* on display
* books & blossoms
* gilded chalkboards & garden sheds
* green & white
* open shelves & elegant black
* bar carts & blossoms
* books & bouquets
* a paris apartment & hermès
* secret gardens & on the terrace
* ruggedly refined
* rest & relaxation


{image: living gazette}

{places: in the kitchen}

. . . must confess, these days, would most likely find me anywhere {most likely in the office} other than the kitchen, unless it is to pour the champagne, or to linger about the hors d'œuvre, and of course, when there are cream-filled cakes and heart-shaped shortbread cookies sprinkled with confectioners' sugar . . .

{p.s.} a recent places feature, where one might also find me: here


{images: photography by anna kern; photography by sussie bell, styling selina lake for tesco; by yvestown, yvonne eijkenduijn on flickr & blogged here}

{décor inspiration: discothèque}

. . . have been known to be drawn to all manner of glittery things -- sequins and mirrors and, most certainly, chandeliers -- but with all of this seventies sophistication inspiring the streets and runways, it is nearly impossible to resist a little disco . . .





{p.s.} a gold tiled powder room

{images: 1 - elle decor; 2 - shoes, from a previous post; 3 - globe from here; 4 - stairs, from a previous post; 5 - blacksplash via tba; 6 - shoes via tba}

{two lovely things: all that glitters}

. . . always an affinity for glittery things -- sequins in the morning, chandeliers and gilded chairs, and so, easily fell for this pretty tray {a similar one sits on the counter and is filled with bouquets of spring roses}, and most of all, the thought of metallic gold for the powder room -- how could mornings ever be more elegant than sunrise and gold tiles?

{images: the michelberger hotel, berlin, via design shimmer}