April 2012 | Luxury Lifestyle, Design & Architecture blog by Ligia-Emilia Fiedler

Kalea Kitchen by Italian Manufacturer Cesar | Kitchen design

via: www.cesar.it

Outdoor kitchen and entertaining area | Kitchen design,

Outdoor kitchen and entertaining area

Patterns for Wooden Floors: Enigma Collection by Jamie Beckwith

Throughout history, wood flooring has been found in the most humble to the most opulent of spaces. From the wide rough-hewn planks used in farm houses, to the intricate parquet patterned floors gracing palaces and castles, wood has been prized for its beauty and warmth.

Designers often specify wood for their projects because it brings a natural element to interior spaces, and because of its durability, availability and ease of installation and maintenance. However, their creativity has been limited by the traditionally linear strips or planks, most commonly available in the marketplace.

The Enigma® flooring collection invites you to rethink wood flooring. The Enigma® line was created to offer truly unique and custom wood flooring designs to the trade. Consider some of these options—use one of the 14 patterns as a wall to wall flooring installation, mix colors or patterns, or create an inset rug pattern in a traditional plank floor.

Finally, floors become a design element, instead of an afterthought.

via: jamiebeckwithcollection.com

Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco by Montblanc

Montblanc, the famous German manufacturer of writing instruments, accessories and watches, has recently unveiled he dazzling “Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco”, created in honor of the beautiful actress and princess consort, Grace Kelly. The launching ceremony was held on September 8, in the presence of 350 VIP guests. The luxury collection includes a high-end writing instrument, an elegant wristwatch and a fine jewelry set.

Finally, the Grace Diamond and rubies adorn the crown of the pen, which shows Grace Kelly’s monogram. The cone features a mother-of-pearl cabochon.ful Montblanc writing instrument is limited to only three pieces, honoring the three children of the lovely princess.

Tribute to Grace Kelly

Drawing its inspiration from the Grace de Monaco pink rose, which was crafted in 1956 to celebrate her marriage, the jewelry set is composed of a superb necklace adorned with diamonds and sapphires, a matching bracelet and a pair of matching long earrings.

The watch is made of 18-carat red gold and its production is limited to only eight pieces. The horns and bezel are adorned with 76 baguette-cut diamonds, while the dial and flange flaunt 177 perfect cut diamonds. A lovely monogram of Princesse Grace de Monaco is engraved on the case back. The white strap is made of alligator skin and the buckle boast 76 more brilliant cut diamonds.

Louboutin plans first US store for men

Christian Louboutin, whose red-soled footwear is coveted by women worldwide, is to open his first US boutique for men in New York next spring.

News of the 1,035-sqf shop in the Meatpacking District comes after the brand opened his first boutique dedicated to men’s shoes last September in Paris.

“The men’s shoes only represent a small portion of the business at present but we think it has huge potential for the future,” Alexis Mourot, CEO for the brand, said.

Louboutin’s current line of footwear for men includes a two-tone satin “John John” derby for $895 and a black leather sneaker-like boot for $995 that features corset-like laces running all the way down to the toebox.

Bruce Munro’s “Field of Light” projects

I just discovered Bruce Munro‘s lighting art. While all of his work is amazing, his outdoor and garden installations are breathtaking! Learn more about Field of Light® here.

Bruce Munro’s “Field of Light” projects

Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

The first Turkish member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul ensures wonderful and unforgettable times with its mystique style. Fascinating natural view, bright light shadows along the day and night adorn the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul in a sweet harmony. The former Sultan’s palace reflects a harmonious blending of the old and the new amid elegant surroundings, lavish décor and every modern convenience for both the leisure and the business traveler.

Since its original opening as a hotel in 1991, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul has hosted heads of state, royalty, movie stars, and celebrities. Its guest book contains the names of many esteemed luminaries drawn to the beauty of the hotel’s architecture and interiors and the attention to detail that influences every aspect of the property’s superb operation.

The adjoining hotel offers 282 rooms and 20 suites, including the luxurious Pasha and Presidential Suites. There are 11 newly-renovated VIP suites including one of the largest in Europe – the Sultan Suite occupying 458m² and has one of the biggest Bang & Olufsen 65” plasma TV’s displayed in living room. The Sultan Suite was located in a real palace, in which sultans lived in ancient times; this suite offers private butler service, unlimited use of the health club and other luxuries.

All restaurants offer a balcony or terrace overlooking the Bosphorus and seat between 90 and 200 guests. In the palace, the elegant and award-winning Tugra Restaurant specializes in Classical Turkish & Ottoman cuisine. In the hotel, Laledan Restaurant serves fish and mezze concept during lunch and dinner and it is open for breakfast.

The Gazebo Lounge & Restaurant, open 24 hours, serves light snacks and afternoon Turkish high tea. Gazebo is also the hotel’s private patisserie, specializing in traditional Turkish delicacies, innovative chocolate sculptures, and French pastries serves also offering continental breakfast as an alternative. The Ciragan Bar is a traditional English-style cigar bar. In the summer time, there is a barbecue in the Rose Garden that is open everyday.

The Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul also offers boutique shops, a business service center, a spa, a historical Turkish hamam, 20 newly-renovated function rooms and luxurious van, helicopter, boat, and limousine transfers.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is situated on the shores of the Bosphorus in a very convenient location between the districts of Besiktas and Ortakoy, a 45-minute drive from the airport. Within close walking distance of the Hotel is the harbor-side district of Ortakoy, a fascinating area full of seafood restaurants, specialty antique, ceramic and jewellery shops. (Istanbul Atatürk International Airport 25 km / 16 miles)