Some 33 years ago, identical twin boys were born… and it is to my greatest design pleasure that they have chosen to both pursue the same career as designer and even to share the same roof. Despite their mirror image footsteps (no pun intended), both men have very distinct styles – as you’ll notice by their bedroom decors.

I have to admit that I am getting over the whole black and white chevron scheme, but besides that I am enthraled by the home… and its black kitchen! Added brownie points: the blue and white Chinese ceramics composition in the bedroom.

source: NY Times 

Martin Margiela, designer belge, est connu pour son approche edgy et intellectuelle de la mode. Depuis plus de 20 ans, il réinvente de saison en saison les conventions de l’industrie de la mode en questionnant et en réinventant le quotidien de l’homme et de la femme qu’il habille. C’est au tour du chapeau d’architecte d’intérieur qu’il nous surprend encore. Après Christian Lacroix ou encore Roberto Cavalli, la Maison Martin Margiela a accepté d’endosser ce nouveau rôle.

“C’est le Sofitel-Champs Elysées qui bénéficie de cette nouvelle création : cet hôtel de style Napoléon III accueille la touche du maitre. Les 40 chambres existantes dites « chambres boutiques » et 17 mini suites ou « chambres coutures » se teintent de noir ou de blanc. De la pureté et du trompe l’œil qui se poursuit dans l’hôtel : le lobby, le fumoir ou encore le restaurant prolongent cette esthétique, alors que les chaises suspendues au plafond illustrent la recherche d’absurde du créateur. ” – La Maison

source: La Maison Martin Margiela

Show me your kitchen and I will tell you who you are. All things being equal… in this case let’s take the fact that they are all white, kitchens can have very distinct personalities.

Which style would you say you are?

vintage romantic with a modern twist

Rustic retro

Neo traditional

Contemporary organic (that’s the best name I could come up with… other suggestions for this one?)

Traditional with a twist

source: Elle Decor

Pastels are no longer destined solely to nurseries & little girls rooms, they are both sophisticated and versatile enough to be used in any room of the house. Trending for a few seasons now, the sherbet colours have a way to make a home feel airy and light… as cotton candy!

Although I am embracing soft pastels with open arms, there is still a risk of making the ensemble tacky as it could get too sweet. In order to avoid such a mishap keep things simple. Sophisticated shapes and textures will look contemporary and will stand the test of time with grace. (Shall I remind you here the lovely 80′s era of salmon coloured walls with mint leather couches? Yes, I have first hand acquaintance with such a living room as both my mother and grand mother basked with ease into the theme).

Play with scale with your furniture as pastels can look dainty and will clash elegantly with larger pieces placed strategically and for effect. Contrasting colours too will bring value to the room’s decor by taking centre stage in an otherwise muted palette.

Need some inspiration? This home by designer Anne Hepfer is a neo-traditional rendition of delightful pastels… perfect to greet the month of Love.

Happy February lovelies

xoxo

v.

source: Anne Hepfer