Milan, Italy
It comes as no surprise that there is a famous baby food book cherished among Italian families. Il Cucchiaino d’Argento was gifted to me at my baby shower. It contains recipes starting from 4 months old, guiding parents through the process of transitioning their babies from breastmilk or formula to solid foods, following the traditional Italian approach. You can learn more at the link below.
Il Cucchiaino d'Argento
Riccione, Italy
My husband’s hometown may not be as beautiful as the Mediterranean coast but it has in my opinion the best selection for clothing shopping. When Romeo was born I could not wait to travel there so I could hit all the shops for him. This is a knitted striped summer look by DouDou Kids. It is definitely on the pricier side but it is worth it. I can’t wait to take him to Capri in this outfit. You can bring a gorgeous outfit home for your baby as well at the link below.
Paris, France
When I found out I was pregnant with a boy, I did what any designer would do and immediately began designing his bedroom. I ran into quite a challenge though. This black iron French crib I envisioned quite literally didn’t exist in Europe. So I was forced to rethink the design completely and begin hunting for something else. In my search I stumbled upon the Parisian brand Charlie Crane. A revolutionary design to the baby crib industry made of wood, net, and shoe lace string. I loved it so much I got him the cradle pictured above as well which rocks himself when he moves. You can shop for baby cribs and cradles at the link below.
Milan, Italy
Villa Necchi now maintained by FAI is a post war gem that was way ahead of its time when it was built in 1935. Located within the center of Milan this Villa was owned by the Necchi family, part of the rich and elegant high society in Milan. I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this visit. The architecture and gardens and art curation is impressive yes but I think the personal touches from the people that lived here like keeping the closets still fully in tact and filled with her clothes on display and family images spread through out makes you really feel like you have jumped back in time. The original design details and furniture are also just so inspiring. They preserved one room with the original furniture which of course was my favorite. Not to mention they added Picasso and Matisse sketches in this room as well.
Villa Necchi
Milan, Italy
We are so honored to have been featured in AD Italia this summer! Please view the full feature in the link below. You can translate the entire page by highlighting the words and clicking “translate”.
“My collection reflects my path and history as an interior designer: it’s a mix of styles, eras and influences I’ve learned along the way thanks to all the people I’ve had the opportunity to work for” from this past Summers feature in AD Italia photos by Paolo Abate.
Paris, France
While in Paris over the summer I got to visit many museums for design inspiration. This post may seem like an obvious, however I know many people go to Paris with a long list of MUST SEE destinations and undoubtedly do no make it to them all (because it is pretty much impossible). Chateau Versailles is of course a major tourist destination attracting thousands of guests everyday which takes some effort and due to its location being just outside of Paris makes it a bit more of a trek but I want to emphasize from a design and historical perspective how incredible this place truly is. I actually fancy Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon and gardens located just on the outskirts of the Palace the best but still recommend you enter into Versailles and all of its regal grandeur.
Melides, Portugal
A modern day masterpiece. The newly opened Vermelho hotel located just South of Comporta in the village of Melides is here to celebrate craftsmanship, creativity, and art. Thanks to its owner, Christian Louboutin, who clearly has his priorities and attention to detail exactly where I like them. From hiring some of the world’s most talented artisans, like Italian sculptor Giuseppe Ducrot, to the hand painted frescoes by Greek artist Konstantin Kakanias, to the rattan furniture inspired by the 19th century by Parisian Maison Gatti, to the hand crafted silver leaf bar by Sevillian workshop Orfbreria Villareal, or the traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles by Fabrica de Azulejos de Azeitao, along with many other local Portuguese artisans who handmade decorative ceramic works. Be prepared to be blown away as every cm of this hotel was thought through from a design crazed mind that resonates much like my own. Nothing was overlooked, except maybe the lack of a red bottom on the hotel slippers but we will let that slide.
Vermelho Hotel
Lisbon, Portugal
When I walked by Luiz Ferreira shop in Lisbon I stopped immediately as I thought I just found an incredible antique jewelry shop. I also thought I won’t be able to afford any of it but I went in for a look anyway. To my surprise it was not antique but newly made and inspired by antique designs with a clear desire for good quality craftsmanship. They had a range of jewelry to home decor all offered in silver, silver inlaid with stones but also silver plated options that was a perfect price for the costume jewelry I was hoping to find. His use of a variety of materials in his decorative animals also attracted my eye. Luiz had been known since the 1950’s as the silversmith of classical style in Portugal. Since he passed it is now run by his son’s. They still make some of his designs but also have created new ones. It is both traditional and old world. I have really never found another jewelry company quite like it. And I love that they offer something for everyone.
Cascais, Portugal
Firstly, no trip is complete to Lisbon without hopping on a 40 minute train ride to the stunning riviera town of Cascais. Here is where the Portuguese royal family chose to spend their summers since 1870 and thus the Portuguese nobility followed and established a community here. It is one of the wealthiest Municipalities in Portugal and has one of the most expensive real estate markets. It is also consistently ranked highly for its quality of life. And lastly, it hosts many international events. I couldn’t help notice the billboard for Lionel Richie who will be performing there this summer. But beyond the charm of this seaside town there was a particular villa that stuck out to me. Casa de Santa Maria which was built in the 19th century by architect Raul Lino who was influenced by Moorish style. Located perfectly on the bank of a small sea cove which is breathtaking. Take a tour inside to view the Portuguese Baroque painted tiles originally from the Marvel Convent in Lisbon. I was also pretty obsessed with these floors!
Cote d’Azur France
Click below to view my guide on what to see, where to stay, what to eat, and where to shop in the South of France where I lived for one year. I hope you all get to experience the beauty this region of the world has to offer. There is really no where else like it. Bon voyage!
View Guide
Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, France
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is an impressive seaside Villa surrounded by nine botanical gardens from around the world. Built in 1907 by Beatrice de Rothschild the heir to the Rothschild banking family. Today it is a museum you can visit with some of the most incredible views of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. After your tour you can buy lunch in the tea room or order a lunch basket and enjoy your lunch in the garden. In the summer they host many events here. I have been for an event at night once and it was a dazzling experience. Plan your visit below.
Saint Tropez, France
Since 1933 K.Jacques has been passionate about making feet look beautiful. This store/workshop located in Saint Tropez created the famous Tropezienne sandal with a focus on quality and simplicity. They are the perfect summer sandal and comes in a large range of materials, styles, and colors. If you cannot make it to Saint Tropez don’t worry you can order online below.
Varese, Italy
Villa Panza is an 18th Century Villa with a large 20th Century contemporary American art collection featuring color field works, environmental works by Dan Flavin, light installations by James Turrell and Robert Irwin. Not to mention the incredible Italian gardens and stables surrounding it. This museum is a part of the FAI foundation which preserves many of Italy’s historical landmarks. Plan your visit below.
Villa Panza
Los Angeles, California
Ever wonder how all these designers are achieving that beautiful movement on their walls? Search no further, and check out Portola Paints. Their extensive variety of paints and specialty finishes are all made locally and in small batches in LA. Honoring old time traditions they blend every paint by hand. In the image above, from our Sherman Canal project we used their speciality finish Roman Clay in the color Saint Sauvant. It created instant tranquility. View all the colors and finishes available in the link below.
Hamptons, New York
Just off the Montauk Hwy awaits a beautiful museum within 14 acres of meadow. The Parrish Art Museum is a must see if you are heading to the Hamptons for a weekend. This is me there during the Helen Frankenthaler exhibit in 2019. Plan your visit below.
Brentwood, California
Our beautiful Mandeville Canyon project was featured in October 2022 in House Beautiful. See the full feature in the link below.
Venice, Italy
From furniture and upholstery, to the clothes, shoes, and accessories I wear, good craftsmanship is important to me. I recently went to Venice and found the original Venetian Slipper company Piedaterre created in 1952 who still to this day hires the local Venetians to make them. Learn more and shop from their website below.
Biot, France
While living in Nice I discovered the nearby town of Biot. Famous for their handblown glass. This company Verrerie Biot still produces hand blown glass in the original factory and has a shop and museum attached. You can shop with them online but it is worth a visit if you head to the South of France.
Saint Paul De Vence, France
Fondation Maeght is a modern art museum located on a hill overlooking the artistic Medieval village of Saint Paul De Vence. The biggest sculptors of the 2oth century including Giacometti, Miro, and Braque helped create it. It is France’s first private art institute. Plan your visit in the link below.
Milan, Italy
Inside Milan is a book displayed above on my bookshelf by a new friend of mine Nicolo Castellini Baldissera who is an interior designer, and the furniture designer of Casa Tova. He grew up in his families palazzo Casa degli Atellani which is a famous landmark in Milan. I actually had the privellage of attending his book launch at his family palazzo. His book takes you inside the palazzos and apartments of many creative Milanese residents. As a new resident of Milan myself the timing could not have been more perfect. You can learn more and purchase in the link below.
Paris, France
Atelier Brancusi is an exhibition space showcasing the artists works in his former studio. Brancusi is considered one of the most important sculptors of the 20th Century. Plan your visit in the link below and prepare to be greatly inspired.