House tour: Naeem Khan

At first glance into Naeem and Ranjana Khan's Soho loft, you're almost not sure where to look first - the amazing, soaring Verner Panton Globe lights that float above the room like giant bubbles catch your gaze immediately. Slowly your eyes are drawn down toward the bright, colourful art. A taliored green velvet sofa is a playful addition to a low profile set including several mid-century classics.

Touches of bright colour are splashed througout the apartment - the striking triptych of Andy Warhol's Diamond Dust shoes series, jewel toned toss cushions and fresh florals and fruit bring a sense of vibrancy and energy to the space.

One of my very favourite things about this loft - above the 15 foot dining table, Peter Beard's (always a big personal favourite) Ele and Eland is so striking in it's earthy tones. I think this piece in particular is one of my favourites, for very personal reasons. Elephants have always held a very special place in my heart and I hold so many fond memories of watching them in the wild. Even more so with the inclusion of the eland - the largest of the African antelope - and also happens to be the family totem. (In Shona culture, each family has an animal which they revere and protect. In our family, it is the eland.)

To get the enormous solid wood dining table into the loft, the Khan family had to close down the street and hire a crew to hoist it through the windows.
(Definitely think it was worth the effort!)

I'm a little besotted with this vintage chandelier in the bedroom, it is a 1960s Lightolier. Raeem himself designed this faceted mirror art above the bed. A very glamorous headboard if I do say so, and a little tribute to Raeem's signature glitz. The intricately embroidered coverlet is by Raeem Khan Home.

Of course, what perfect retreat could be complete without a relaxing spa-like master suite. The perfect place to unwind. Simple, clean and light-filled, I feel a little zen just gazing at it.

Raeem's beautiful space speaks of wordly good taste and appreciation for fine art and design. Full of colour and even hints of sparkle, the place seems energetic and inviting. A carefully planned, truly personal space.

{All images: SimonUptonforElleDecorSept06, edited/scanned by A Life More Fabulous}

Work in progress

A beautifully arranged desk just makes the work so much more enjoyable, don't you think? I think conversations would flow a little more smoothly with a lovely vintage telephone.
(Doesn't the Yves Saint Laurent monogram make you want to design one for yourself? Me too.)

Busy, busy this morning - but lots of fun projects on the go! On the agenda today - a little scouting at a favourite Parisian inspired boutique, and lunch with one of very my favourite people, my always stylish and inspiring "other mom" :) Now, that's my favourite kind of busy!

Hope the busy-ness of today brings you some fun!
What are you all up to?

{Photos:viaHabituallyChic}

Warm

Lately we've been enjoying some lovely mild weather and sunny autumn afternoons. The leaves have turned to golden brown and all around the earth seems to glow with a warm radiance. Now is the time to gather around you all the things that warm your heart and home - a plush, soft scarf, a delicious new tea to try, comfortable cushions and blankets - and if you're lucky enough a lovely spot to curl up indoors and enjoy the warm autumn sun.

Warmest wishes from me to you for a lovely Monday!
x

{Photos: MatthewGilliamonFlickr,GaranceDore, FrenchCountryHomeviaDressDesignDecor,CarterSmithforAllureSept'08, viaSFgirlbybay}

A little under the weather...

Feeling a little under the weather this morning, seems I've finally given into catching Mr M's cold that I've so fiercely resisted. All I want to do is stay in bed with tea!
Off to seek remedies...

Hope you've all had a wonderful week so far.
Look up - the weekend's straight ahead!

{Photo:TwigHutchinson}

The Luxe Set: Gold + Neutrals

The combination of soft neutral tones and rich gold just speak of luxury and classic good taste. Soft, dusky greys, soft tans and caramels set against honey gold hues. I thought these two editorials blended beautifully - this is exactly who I imagine coming home to the Stark's gorgeous home. I fell hopelessly in love with both the second I saw them.

Hope your week's going well so far!

{Photos: Stark Home from House & Garden Oct'05, Photographed by Pascal Chevalier via Moodboard;
Mikhael Jansson for Vogue Paris, Aug'05 via SimplySeductive}

The last of the autumn leaves...

The last of the autumn leaves are floating through the air. Bright, burning bursts of flame against the cool blue and grey skies. Each gently falls towards the earth to join the collection of others forming a delicate carpet across the lawn. Nature is tucking itself in for the cold winter ahead. Rich amber and copper intertwined with scarlet - one final thrust of colour, and a spectacular show at that. Our walk through the park today reminded me of how beautiful and fleeting the autumn months are, and to take advantage of every opportunity to be outside enjoying the last of the autumn colours in the afternoon sun.

{Photos: 1,3,5 - *Peanut(Lauren)onFlickr, 2,4,6 - WanderlustonFlickr found at SimplySeductive}

Black / White Accents

Of course I'm compulsively drawn back to my favourite combination of all - black + white. Simple, uncomplicated, chic. A small accent of one against the other is always
so striking - it just works every time.

{Photos 1-ThreadSocialVogue06, 2-ElleDecorationItalyviaDesiretoInspire, 3-Domino,
4,7- viaDress,Design,Decor 5-TheSartorialist, ,6-MartynThompsonforAmica }

Seeing stripes...

Whether it's a smaller accessory or accent, or a large scale overall pattern - there's nothing quiet about black and white stripes. The perfect balance between bold and understated - at once they grab your attention yet there's nothing complicated about their message. Straight, clean uncomplicated lines in the clearest palette possible.

{Photos: MarieClaireviaPinkLemonade, OumaonEtsy, TheSartorialist, JohnRawlingsviaSimplySeductive}

Colour Escapades: Green + Yellow

A bright burst of colour is a quick pick me up on any dull, dreary day. There's something about vibrant colour that just seems to have a joyful feeling - a celebration of life at it's peak. Like the bright green grass after a thunderstorm, everything seems vibrantly alive. Bright bursts of fresh colour take us back to those memories of nature - the exciting energy of Spring and fresh rain, guaranteed to bring a sense of optimism and cheerful outlook as you set out on any dreary autumn day. Why not take it with you with bright, bold accessories.

Hope your Monday brings you a bright shot of colour!
{maybe some flowers?}

{Photos:Flickr, CatofImpossibleColour, TheSartorialist, DominoApr'08, Tumblr,
SimplySeductive, CottageLivingviaShelter, ErinFeatherstoneDominoviaMoodboard}

Happy Halloween weekend!

Hope you all have a very happy {spooky} Halloween! Filled with tricks, treats and hopefully lots of silly fun. Do you celebrate Halloween? Any fun costume ideas or halloween parties?

{Photos:MarthaStewart}

Understated glamour: Fiona Barrett

Fiona Barrett's sophisticated Chelsea apartment is study of simple, modern glamour. Nothing too fancy or outrageous, just clean simple lines and profiles in neutral, calming shades of grey. Far from being dull, there is a sense of sophisticated drama with strong black accent pieces, black and white photography, and of course shiny silver metallics.

Fiona found this dramatic vintage squares mirror while travelling in Cuba. The effect of the mirror in this room is like a large, sparkling piece of jewellery to an outfit - it automatically seems a little bit glamorous. Throughout the room - the chromed lamps, beautiful silver vases and pewter pillows - all tie together the grey and silver theme.

Fiona adds a shot of colour with regal purple tones.

I love this dramatic black trio of Jonathan Adler-esque candle sticks - and how they are used to display little silver pots filled with greenery.

Fiona's own favourite piece in the apartment is her antique, black Asian dresser it creates a focal point. The use of strong black stops the space from becoming too feminine, I think it's this balance between both that makes the space so soothing.

A large black and white self-portrait, taken by a friend is prominently displayed in the bedroom.

A simple bed dressing with moody blue tones and dove grey accents to match the walls, all set against crisp white linens. The night table is a dramatic black but it's more delicate frame stops it from looking to heavy.

On the dressing table, an Ochre table lamp and vintage crystal perfume bottles.

In the kitchen, a more rustic vintage Japanese dining with matching dining chairs is set against dramatic art work and high above, a pair of crystal chandelier with heavy black shades. The result is absolutely stunning. I think it may be my favourite room in the house.

And of course, what could be better outside a chef's dream of a kitchen than to enjoy your morning coffee (tea for me) outside at the black cast iron bistro table. Or perhaps share an intimate dinner al fresco. The trio of topiaries is just perfect - at once formal, sophisticated and a little quirky.

A state of the art kitchen tops off an already idyllic urban retreat - a soothing sanctuary to come home to. Fiona believes "a good interior enhance, not dictates, the way we live"."This is very much my style," she says of the space, according to her own standards I guess she has accomplished the mission of any great design.

{Photos 1, 4, 9, 10 DitteIsagerforAustralianVogueLivingMar/Apr'09, 2-8 ,11,12 FionaBarrettforInteriorsmagazineApr/May'09viaFionaBarrett}

A fantasy tour: A Fairy Tale Castle: Neuschwanstein

I've always had a deep fascination with beautiful homes and buildings. I've decided to start a little series here on A Life More Fabulous focusing on inspiring architecture and fantasy homes and spaces. Far too often as grown-ups we're kept locked inside the grounds of practicality and reason, our immediate world forms the basis of what we believe is possible. I think it's important to take a step outside the box every now and then, and realise the amazing wonders and magical spaces that exist all over the world, maybe even around the corner. Maybe it will even inspire you to turn some of your own fantasies into a reality also.
Enjoy!


For the first post in a series on fantasy homes, I thought I'd start at the very beginning, with my very first dream house. Like all aspiring princesses, the ultimate fairy tale castle would be the obvious choice, so nothing fits the bill quite like the Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria, Germany. Used as the inspiration for the iconic Disney castle it's become so familiar to many of us, without us even knowing its name. I remember being so disappointed I couldn't go through the whole castle at Disney World, so here's a small chance to take a peak into the ultimate fairy tale castle.

There really is nothing subtle about Neuschwanstein, the interiors, like the exterior are all created with a vision of grandeur and splendor. Intricate woodwork, mosaics and lavish murals cover almost every surface in the castle. In the lower hallway (below) high vaulted ceilings and marble mural portals astonish you with their opulence while silently showing you the history of the castle and its past inhabitants.

Dark oak panelling is a predominant feature interiors - intricately carved florals frame the portraits and murals that adorn each wall. Rich gold accents are lavished throughout the space in the gold-leafed murals and opulent chandeliers. Clearly the designers behind this space wanted to convey a message of extravagance.

Many of the murals throughout the castle convey the romantic imagery of popular legends such as the story of Tristan and Isolde, featured in the King's bedroom. Another prominent theme in the sculpture and murals of the castle, is the legend of The Swan Knight (seen in the mural below). A King sailing in on a giant scallop driven by a regal swan -just that kind of romantic scenery that surely is fixture in any fairytale Princess's bedroom.

See the romantic swan imagery in the upholstery and stained glass in the small
sitting area off the bedroom (below).

Of course, I saved one of the best for last - a magnificent kitchen with state of the art technology of that day and big enough to host a King-sized banquet. Perhaps a fairy-tale Royal wedding? I love the soaring vaulted ceilings.

Perhaps castles are the stuff of girl-ish fantasy but I still swoon at the sight of perfect peaks cresting above the mists of the mountains. There's just something magical there...

{Photos: Neuschwanstein.de}

All white

A grey, rainy day - my favourite kind of day off - and spent with my favourite person of all. Today calls for white sheets and robes, fresh coconut and maybe a cupcake? Big, white sketch pads and great big ideas. And then of course, there's laundry to be done (all whites, naturally). I always come back to the haven of all white to clear my mind and unwind a little.

I'm taking full advantage of the lovely mellow tone of today, will be back later with something fun!

Hope you're having a wonderful week so far!
x

{Photos: 1-NorbertSchoerner, 2-SweetHomeStyle, 3-NgocMinhNgo, 4-MartynThompsonforGucci}

Michael Kors New York Apartment

I figure Michael Kors knows a thing or two about pulling together a chic emsemble, so it was no surprise that his West Village apartment was fresh and sophisticated. He's pulled together a clean, balanced space focusing on design classics - a little Mies van der Rohe and Knoll - and a neutral black and white palette. Simply reading the previous text would be indication enough as to why I love this space - I can never get away from my addiction to black and white. Of course, never one to be dull Michael mixes in spots of bright colour and rich texture. Simple but bold botanicalss and of course, in theme with today, little shots of red. See if you can spot them below.

Note the black vertical blinds against a crisp white wall - adds a little polish and subtle drama.

See, red doesn't have to be so scary, it can be as simple as a collection of an autumn favourite - crisp McIntosh apples, or one of the items on my kitchen wish list - beautiful cookware by La Creuset (although, from the above quote, perhaps it may be a little more aesthetic than functional here.)


{Photos: DouglasFriedmanforInStyle Aug'08 from here and scanned by ALifeMoreFabulous}

*PS - Nothing starts the day off right like a great review! Thank you Danielle.

A touch of red...

That sweep of red lipstick. A simple red rose in a vase. A small spot of red instantly catches your eye and draws you in. There's always a little spark and a certain sexiness that comes from a dash of red. A guaranteed way to make a statement, without saying a word...

This charming little frame heart-art is from Sarah and Bendrix, on Etsy.

{Photos: 1-PatrickClineforLonnyMag, 2-SofiaCopolaforLouisVuitton, 3-DecorPadviaSimplySeductive, 4-SarahandBendrix, 5-viaBelleVivre, 6-BarnabyRoper, 7-GaranceDore}