Graphic Halloween

Though Halloween is not part of our culture down South, it is becoming more and more present every year. I still prefer the tradition we (my region in Italy, i.e. Venice) share with Catalunya, that is meeting with family and friends on the 1st of November and have some delicious roasted chestnuts (the Castanyada in Barcelona) and sweet potatoes with some sweet wine, a moscatel in Catalunya and vin brulè (mulled wine) where I come from. But I fell in love with these free printable from Mr Printables and I'll do a small exception this year by adding some of these here and there! 

Happy Halloween to you all...or would it better "Have a scary dreadful vapire-non free Party"? ;)

Llamas Valley

I'm extremely excited to share with you this Inspired Wednesday as it's entirely dedicated to Llamas Valley last issue. The Autumn edition is packed with great amazing elements: the Geometry of Note Design Studio's candleholder and Annaleena Leino's white coat rail, the delicate pictures by Christine Bauer and my IG friend andlyyli's gallery! 

And of course, finally the interview and photoshooting of my home I told you about here. Hope you all enjoy it!

Mini flat in Italy

"A flat with a view" is the perfect title for this small apartment in Camogli, close to Genoa in Italy. Designed by Gosplan office, it measures only 35 squared meters. In flats of this size, spaces need to be necessarily multi-functional as showed here with the main room being used for all the daily activities of the couple. The architects take advantage even of the window mill that is here used as a pensieve, the perfect place to enjoy the magnificent views towards the sea. The grey wooden wall defines the volume of the studio/guest room (a bed is hidden under the floor) and the master bedroom, surrounded by built-in wardrobe. I like the soft grey used to define the new elements. The Lampe de Marseille by Le Corbusier and produced by Nemo Cassina, fits perfectly the space.

Have you ever lived in 35 sq? We have and it was great: you really come to understand the profound meaning of Mies' quotation "Less in more". Our first flat as a married couple was a 36 sq loft, close to the Sagrada Familia, with views to Gaudì's masterpiece from the roof top. I kind of miss it sometimes! 

Via Living

Monday crush | Dripping world

Drip...drip ..drip...this week "Monday crush" and that Drip pillow by Linum is already in my wishlist.

All images via Pinterest.

Delicate Friday

In search for a bit of delicacy today, made of dusty pink, wood and grey tones on a white background from this apartment that belongs to interior stylist Anja Holdt Lange of DekoForm.


Via Femina

Wish you all a lovely Friday!

Renovation in Barcelona

 

Arquitectura-G, an architecture firm based in Barcelona, is behind this renovation of an old house located in the Nou Barris, the "New District" of the city and transformed to suit the need of a family of four. Originally, the re was no connection among the different levels, plus the basement had only 1.90 mt height. For this reason, this floor was excavated and metallic stairs and catwalk built. I find extremely interesting the development of the building in section as well as the way the new industrial feature fits within the historical environment.

Via Archdaily

Featured // Habitat by Argos

 I was recently invited to create a moodboard of favourite products chosen among the range of 1,000 Habitat items, now available within the Home and Garden section of Argos catalogue. I surfed the Argos website immediately and fell in love with their lighting section: they have many interesting and affordable lamps that can add the perfect accent to any home and workspace. For example, the Bobby floor lamp in black would be perfect next to our bed for its minimal and functional design and I believe the effect would be quite dramatic.

Another favourite is the mini Ribbon lamp, a sculptural metal table lamp in black powder coat finish inspired by Japanese origami. I have a real passion for this technique and that's why I couldn't help including both the Kami and the Kura lamp shades, the last one is hanging beautifully in our living room as you have probably seen in Instagram. Here you can see the full range of lights at Argos.

Note: This post is featured in collaboration with Argos but all words and opinions are 100% my own. I selected the products personally according to facing north with gracia style.

FOCUS ON | Bedroom details

Some detail can add lot of character and create just the perfect atmosphere like the small black lamp next to the bed or a few magazines tied together. And what about those elegant Monstera leaves?

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Monday crush | blues

Pantone Colour of the year 2014 is Dazzling blue, as they have announced recently. To me, this colour, combined with white and black elements, is gorgeous, very spiritual and fresh. My favourite declination would be a water-coloured feature, like the latest Marimekko collection Weather Diary.

All images via Pinterest. To see more Cobalt and dazzling blue, click here.

48 Open House Barcelona

Tomorrow 150 buildings in the whole metropolitan area of Barcelona will open their doors for the 48h Open House BCN 2013, a project part of de Architecture Festival that started in 2010 with the aim of allowing everybody to experience architecture in all its declinations. Old renovated factories, private apartment, public buildings and even greenhouses will be available during this weekend. Queues are usually very large: my tip is to select few special buildings are be ready very early. Some iconic buildings will be available, such Mies Van Der Rohe's Pavillion, a project by Miralles Tagliabue and some amazing apartments in Raval and Eixample district. Stay tuned in my Instagram to see more!

Moodboards by Jean François D’or

Jean-François D’or was awarded the prize for Belgian Designer of the Year 2013 and these pictures come from his solo exhibition that opened last September. The designer has a  rigorous approach but poetry and freshness are also at the base of his process of creation. I found extremely interesting the fact that he starts each project by collecting small objects, fragments of colours, samples that he combines later in a moodboard. That's why he decided to choose this arrangement for his first solo exhibition. The blue, white and black colour palette is gorgeous and it reminds me of Susanna Vento's home.

Via Designboom

Minimalism in Spain

This beautiful minimal house was renovated by Spanish office Borja-Garcia from Valencia. The core of the project is the large open space on the ground floor that connects to the first one by a very dramatic staircase, interpreted here like a concrete sculpture.  Few elements are used to decorate the interiors, among them the playful Mangas rugs from Gandia Blasco. The way the light floods the space and reflect in the pure white surface is almost moving for the ethereal effect that it creates.The light blue waters of the outdoor pool make me miss summer a lot.

Via

FNWG + OH yei!

Today I'm very happy because I'm guest posting at lovely  OH yei! blog as Carol is away for some well deserved holidays in Mexico. I love Carol's blog and when you head here you will understand why! Go here to see more pictures from my home workspace and to find out the selection I made expecially for OH yei!

Maison Martin Margiela inspired

Martin Margiela's new projects have been popping up in many blogs lately, either for its breathtaking interiors or for his last collaboration with Converse - that, by the way, are so desirable!  So when I spotted this apartment on sale at favourite Fantastic Frank's I couldn't resist posting it. Margiela's is the perfect inspiration for this classic flat, adding a great twist to the styling. I love the piles of white boxes and books arranged in the living room and the mirror cubic table, above which the Maison's famous nesting dolls are perfectly arranged. Another favourite is Seletti's Neon letters right above the eye test letter. Last but not least, the bathroom with the small square tiles and black grout finishing.

Shades of Muuto II

  

  More shades from Muuto Autumn winter 2013 catalogue: tangerine and pink tones are presented here along with the brand favourite neutral combination of grey surface and natural wood. To see Shades from Muuto I, click here.

Styling: ATWTP - All The Way To Paris

Photography: Petra Bindel

Via Muuto