Interior Design Sets From Nancy Meyers Films: It’s Complicated & The Holiday
I like Nancy Meyers’ films a lot. Yes, they’re fun to watch. But my number one reason for watching them is to enjoy the beautiful sets in her films. The movie, Something’s Gotta Give inspired many new trends. My favorite, however, is Cameron Diaz’s home in The Holiday. I want to live in that house. I like the mix of contemporary pieces mixed with antiques. Love the soft color palette, too. Read More…
Hotel Agua Barú: Beach Life Near Cartagena
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. Read More…
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!
Christmas Home Tour
Dearborn is headquarters for The Ford Motor Company. Back in the good old days, Henry Ford built a neighborhood of home for Ford employees known now as The Ford Homes. Last weekend, several of these homes were selected to be part of a Christmas home tour. One was a home I designed several years ago.
I didn’t do the Christmas decorations. Those were done by current client who owns her own floral decoration company. She did a great job.
It’s nice to see the house looking so good after several years with young children. This was such a fun project with 2 great clients. It was nice of them to send me these photos.
My favorite decorating ideas here are the mantle – I love the way Tracy did the lighting. I also love the basket filled with poinsettias. I don’t really like them, but they look great grouped like this.
What’s your favorite? Do you use lots of holiday decorations, or are you a minimalist? I’m a minimalist because I never have time to do much more than hang a wreath! I’m vowing to change my ways this year.
Labor Day chez La Cabane du Mont Fort
It’s Labor Day in the US. We take the day off from our labors and enjoy the last days of summer. Some of us have picnics with our families. Others use the day to make the garden ready for Fall. My family is in Verbier, Switzerland for our niece’s spectacular wedding (more about that in a few days).
Now that we’ve recovered from a tad bit of overindulgence, we’re taking our labor day to hike up to the Cabane du Mont-Fort for lunch with Daniel, Arthur’s brother-in-law and owner of the Cabane. The beautiful, old stone building is both a hostel (which means you can spend the night there in rustic comfort) and a restaurant. It stands at the top of a ski run – elevation 2457 meters.
When Daniel and Franny first took over the lease, the place had no eletricity, no heat, and was inaccessible by car during the winter. A lot has changed over the years. But the view hasn’t. It’s the most spectacular site my little eyes have ever seen.
Verbier has some of the best skiing in the world. We’re so lucky to have family living in the right place! Of course the fact that they’re such great people makes life joyful – no matter where they live.
