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Kristina Klarin’s Color Stripes
I came across Kris Klarin’s blog, Color Stripes today and had to share it.
Kris is a jewelry maker and is branching into home decor, like these candlesticks.
But I really love how she focuses on two of my favorite things (other than design) – color and photography. It’s a joy to look at, and an inspiration.
You can purchase her jewelry at her online shop. Check it out!
Hotel Agua Barú: Day 2 Down Cartagena Way
If you read yesterday’s post about our stay at the Hotel Agua, then you really missed something! Arthur practically had to pry my hands off the front door to get me to leave. The lovely, 17th century boutique hotel felt like home – only bigger, with servants and a pool.
Today, I thought I’d show some photos of our one-night stay at their other location, Hotel Agua Barú. It’s on an island just off the coast of Colombia. We enjoyed our one-hour boat ride along the coast to Barú where we were once again greeted with cool water and a cool towel.
Like Agua in Cartagena, Barú is small. This one structure serves as both lounge, restaurant and …
a beautiful long table that served as both decoration display and buffet, when needed.
We travelled up a long flight of stone steps to our casita.
The room sleeps four. There are 2 twin beds on either side of this splendidly made bed. Ahh.. Comfy.
The bath had a stone floor and an open shower.
Just below our balcony we found the pool – our very own.
Who could wish for more?
After a wonderful stay, we headed back to Agua in Cartagena.
Read on for scenes of street and night life in Cartagena.
Hotel Agua, Down Cartagena Way
My family took some time off last February to enjoy some much-needed time in the sunshine. Our destination was Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, which lies on the Caribbean coast. We stayed in the old, walled part of the city – a World Heritage Site. That means, the city has been preserved much as it has been, for 500 years. It was a spectacular trip.I thought I’d share some photos of our hotel, Agua. This is probably the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed in. A private home was redesigned by the owner into an exquisite hotel with only 6 rooms. The staff were so kind and wonderful that I wanted to stay forever. I really felt like this was my home. Let’s take a peek.
Inside the entrance you’re welcomed by antique baskets and wooden bowls – and staff with cold cloths and lime-flavored water.
The living room (above) and the breakfast area (below) made up the public space. The perfect place to enjoy a cocktail before heading out to dinner. Need a dining suggestion? The staff knows just what you want and will make the reservations for you.
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The breakfasts were so delicious, we’ve started eating in the same style now that we’re home. That means fresh, tropical fruit, eggs, bread and jam. I haven’t figured out how to make those wonderful tortilla things stuffed with cheese. On my “to-do” list.
Follow the jump to see the rooms and rooftop pool!
I’m Back With Some Design Hole News
I would like to thank all my faithful readers for your patience while I took some time off to tend to some professional projects and personal business. My planned redesign of Design Hole is coming along. I’m looking forward to the new look and I think you’ll like it, too.
As I said, I have also been pulled away from work to tend to some personal things. Some of you may know that my son has Asperger’s Syndrome, a high-functioning form of Autism. If you’ve seen the HBO movie about Temple Grandin, then you will know that, like Temple, my son is very intelligent and a truly wonderful person. But Asperger’s comes with challenges and are especially difficult during the high school years.
After careful consideration I’ve decided that I need to focus on his well being as well as my business in the coming months. I appreciate all of my followers and clients and hope you will continue to subscribe to my blog. I want to let you know that my posts won’t be as frequent in the coming days and months. Thanks again for your support and understanding.
Design Hole Will Return Soon!
I know I’ve been gone for a month. I really miss writing every day. I planned to return to full-time writing by next week. But some great work has come my way that I couldn’t pass up.
I’ve been hired to work on an exciting special project and there’s nothing like a really interesting and challenging project to make my day complete. And I’ve learned through the years that fully immersing myself in these projects is necessary to ensure the process flows properly. The only downside is that this will require my full attention over the next four weeks. All of this means that I am extending my “vacation” for another month.
The good news is that, when I return, Design Hole will have a new look that I’m really excited about. I wish I could share more details about the project I’ve been hired to do. Unfortunately, it’s “Mum’s The Word.” This is a private client who wishes to remain, well, private.
Thanks to all my loyal readers for sticking with me. I’ll be back in February with give-aways, and lots of How-To’s. So get your decorating lists together and feel free to send your questions, photos and dilemmas my way via the contact link. I’ll read them over and collect them for future posts.
Happy Holidays
I took this photo a few years ago when we spent Christmas in Paris. Sigh.
I’ll off for several weeks, but might write a post here and there. I’ll be back to full-time blogging in mid-January. Design Hole will have a brand new look, which I’m really excited about. Next month Design Hole celebrates its third year! I’ll have more frequent Design Dilemmas and a lot more tips and how-to’s.
I’m looking forward to the holidays with my family and to seeing you all in the new year.
Have a wonderful and joyous holiday.
Vintage Table Giveaway Winner!
Thanks to everyone who entered this week’s giveaway and offered some great advice. I hope everyone found something to add to their repertoire.
And now, without further ado, the winner of the book is…
Alane M!
Congratulations, Alane! You wanted to add this to your wish list and now you can check it off. It will be zipping its way to your home on Saturday!
Thanks to everyone, again, for entering. Your readership and comments mean a lot to me.
Chair of the Day: Kartell’s FPE Chair
This is the perfect chair for your mother-in-law, or any other guest who’d you prefer to keep their visits short. Thanks, Kartell, for designing the FPE chair!
I’m reminded of an old Paul Simon song, Slip Slidin’ Away.
And on that happy note, I hope to see you all back here on Monday! Have a terrific weekend.
Last Day To Enter This Week’s Giveaway!
This week’s giveaway, a copy of the newly published book, The Vintage Table, is over at the end of the day today! If you haven’t entered, follow this link to get the details and enter now!
Mastering the art of French tabletop décor is not my forté. That’s why I found this book so inspirational. But I promise to send it to the winner when I draw the lucky name tomorrow. And, no, it hasn’t been dog-eared! No coffee cup marks either. :-)
Good luck – check this site tomorrow.
Friday Favorite: Decanters By Joe Cariati
Vintage glass is hot, hot, hot. But these new, handmade decanters made by Joe Cariati blows vintage out of the water.
These look best in a grouping. And you don’t have to fill them. They’re lovely all by themselves. You can find these at OK for $375.00 each.
Chair of the Day: Autoban Woody
What’s your opinion of this chair? It’s called Woody, and is made by Autoban.
It reminds me of something, but I can’t put my finger on it. Maybe it’s a porch swing. Hmm…. scratches head. I’m trying to picture it with plastic floral “fabric” with white fringe on it. Nope.
I much prefer it without the plastic fabric and fringe. But it needs a better fabric than this. I know, they make it plain so you can see the chair itself. It’s been a long day and I’m obviously in need of either a nap or a glass of wine. So I’ll cut it short and tell you that you can find this via De La Espada.
DH Giveaway: The Vintage Table
Have you entered yet? I’m giving away this terrific book, The Vintage Table, by Jaqueline DeMontravel, on Saturday.
Anyone who loves vintage tabletop dishes, linens, vases and more, will find this book inspirational. I did.
To get the detail about how to enter (basically, leave a comment under the post) follow this link. The winner will be announced on Saturday and is drawn at random. No tabletop design experience is needed!
Good luck!