Monday, January 31, 2011

Q&A with Miguel Flores-Vianna

Today I'm thrilled to share some images from one of my favorite Photographers, Miguel Flores-Vianna. Though Miguel is a Photographer by profession, he is a traveler by heart. You've seen Miguel's interiors, lifestyle and travel shots in all of your favorite magazines and he's been kind enough to share some of his most recent photos taken while traveling to Turkey among other places. His eye and own talent for art and design led me to ask him to do one of our Q&A's. Miguel is based in New York, but as you can tell he is influenced by an international taste for people, culture and style. Thank you, Miguel. You inspire me.
  1. Name: Miguel Flores-Vianna.
  2. Occupation: Photographer.
  3. Last purchase you made that is hanging on your wall: A roughly carved 19th Century Syrian wooden picture frame I bought in Aleppo a few weeks ago. To be honest it is not hanging yet, it is at the framer's. I plan to use it as the frame of a 100 year old photograph taken in Ephesus, Turkey.
  4. What is the item you have had the longest hanging on the wall: A reproduction of a Leonardo da Vinci painting of the Madonna and Child . My mother must have bought it in Europe when she was single and, when I was born, had it framed and hung it next to my crib. It has been with me in all the bedrooms I have had in my life.
  5. Favorite place to buy art: It is always the unexpected find, in the unexpected place,that gives me the most satisfaction. But I guess that buying art directly from the the artist, from his/her studio, seems special to me.
  6. Do you collect anything: To call my collections "collections" is a bit of an overstatement. I buy certain things I like: Mediterranean ceramics, central Asian fabrics and 19th Century and early 20th Century photographs of the ruins of ancient civilizations around the Mediterranean.
  7. Any special advice for anybody hanging art at home: Once I saw someone's bedroom where all the paintings were hanging remarkably low. I asked its owner why he had it done so. He explained that he got a lot of pleasure from seeing the images in the wall at eye level when he was laying in bed. It made such sense. I love that kind of reasoning. Thus hang art in a way that pleases you, don't hang it to impress. You have to live with it.

Lake Superior Woolens Forever and Always

Back to basics with Lake Superior Woolen Company blankets and throws.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

WineBotas

Winebotas are the iconic artisanal wine bags from Spanish craftsman Jesus Blasco. Buy a traditional design, contemporary or design your own.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Door Detail

Custom doors make me drool. These sliding shutter panels add so much character to this otherwise simple space. I tracked down a company that can do such work.
Image: Viva Full House

Bella Foster's Interiors

Painter Bella Foster claims that she likes to, "paint other people's stuff." Aren't we lucky? Her recent show, Interior just wrapped at New York's Art Since the Summer of '69 gallery, but she continues to keep us up to date on her latest bright and happy work seen on her blog, Here, There and Them.

You've Got Mail

Vintage French mailboxes from Old Plank Road.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Libeco Linen Love

This dreamy bedroom via So Mee is exactly where I want to wake up in the morning. It reminded me how wonderful the wear of linen can be and Libeco has certainly got my favorite selection.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Lotus Pendants

Studiomold sells these cream lotus shaped pendant lamps designed by Vanessa Battaglia.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Daily Affirmations

Check out these simple and sweet daily affirmation posters from SparklePower. Something fun for only $20.

Voila!

Voila Gallery offers a cabinet of curiousities. This L.A. treasure sells art, furniture, lighting, and decorative pieces that you won't find anywhere else."Waiting Game" black and white photograph, Los AngelesAntique Shoe Molds
Wooden Baskets

Train Station Clocks
Vintage Bins
Orbit Mobile
Antique Storage Unit

Photographer David Giles

Photographer David Giles captures functional open spaces.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Wood and Pattern: Selected Pieces from Oka Direct

Oka Direct sells everything for the home. I've selected a few of their terrific wooden objects and patterned pieces to share. The lot includes: a lamp, throws, a decanter, pottery, a pencil collection, a rug, bowls, a quilt, a carafe, garden umbrella, a bin, a tapestry and a chest. Additional items on the site include furniture, and paintings.