There is a long history of ceramic art in Italy, dating all the way back to the 13th century when red clays were dug from local river beds to create Italian maiolica, earthenware with an opaque glaze and colorful decorations. Although many of the techniques used to paint and mold these ancient forms still exist [...]

From the outside, the Saint James Paris looks like a traditional Neoclassical chateau in a quiet residential neighborhood. But thanks to a recent makeover by designer Bambi Sloan, however, the interiors tell an entirely different story. With leopard print carpets, pattern on pattern, and bold color galore, Sloan has given hotel’s interiors a wonderfully theatrical update.While there are a few rooms here and there, that are more on the traditional side, most are fun and fearless. Sloan definitely had a blast re-imagining the hotel and it shows. It’s a reminder not to take decorating too seriously. Why waste time agonizing over fabric swatches and rug samples? Let loose, go bold, and enjoy the unique results. Design is a creative expression after all. Plenty of bold ideas here to inspire your own rooms:

Need Architectural Details? Paint Them On: Why waste money replacing a perfectly fine standard flat door?  Painting the panels on with loose brushstrokes is quirky and cool.

Scenic Wallpaper Enlivens Any Space: Especially in a hallway or foyer, scenic wallpaper adds color, dimension, and lots of personality to a space.

All Colors Work Together: Take a cue from nature and pair a variety of colors together without worrying too much about coordinating. Here light blue, purple, lime green and navy share space with a vibrant wallpaper. The magic is that it works. Not everything has to go together in the traditional sense.

Red Always Adds Drama:  Want to create a dramatic, theatrical space in an instant? Layer on the red and add in the gilt. It is totally dramatic and hey, maybe just a bit like a bordello, but it definitely creates a mood.

Sneak a Peak: In a small space, doors can just take up much needed square footage and well, they are so…expected. Curtains separating one room from the next add some flair to a space. They also beautifully frame the adjoining room. Bonus if you can center a fabulous headboard in the middle.

Leopard Prints + Red = Fabulous: I’ve seen this combo in libraries and dens before and I always love it. It’s sophisticated while not taking itself too seriously. The perfect backdrop for multiple martinis.

One is the Loneliest Number: There is power in multiples. A dozen or so starburst mirrors make a gorgeous graphic statement along one wall.

All images courtesy Saint James Paris

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Meet the man behind VIETRI favorites, Old St. Nick and Blu Bianco Tableware… A ceramicist for 30 years, Alessandro Taddei studied at the Montelupo School for Ceramics, but he got his finest training by working beside some of the best ceramics maestros in the world, catching their many secrets essential for mastering the art of [...]

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In Ingelmunster a little village nearby our company, in the heart of Flanders, there are plenty of nice flax fields at this period of the year. We have the intention to take on a regular basis a picture of the same field so that you can really “see” this Belgian flax growing. The growing cycle of the flax plant is short : only 100 days between sowing and harvesting. As climatic conditions in Belgium are perfect for growing flax, we hope that we can show you a nice blooming field within a couple of weeks.

The farmer of the field that we will ‘follow’, has sowed the flax seeds in April.
Our first pictures dates from early May when the plant just started growing. At this stage you cannot really see that it is a flax plant. You do can see that the flax plant grows in nice lines. This is the beginning of the growth of an exceptional plant with very valuable characteristics.

On the pictures of early June we already see the stalk of the flax plant which has the unique flax fibers inside. A flax plant of a nice quality has a height of +/- 1,2 metre. So this is just the beginning, the plant still has a long way to go !

When we were at the field we saw a white sign at the border of the pasture which we definitely want to share with you : the farmer makes in his own particular way publicity for linen ! The text on the sign says in Dutch : “Ladies en gentlemen, the more linen in your clothing, the more you will be appreciated !” It’s a very simple but strong way to communicate the value of Belgian linen to passers-by.

Keep an eye on our blog if you’re interested to see the continuation of the growth of this flax plant. More images soon !