This eye popping combination of craftsmanship and artistry, combined with the simplicity of well curated modern pieces is the perfect dessert to cap off this beautiful Labor Day weekend. We love how the ornate fresco paintings on the walls, ceilings and doors, perfectly define the spaces. The genius is in the restraint of juxtaposing such elaborateness with modern, sleek furniture.











(Images from Haute Design. Scanned via Côte Sud Fev—Mars’08 /photos by Nicolas Mathéus)

Recently, we came across a killer new blog by writer Lizzie Garrett. She hand picks women who embody that undefinable level of cool born of living by their own rules–a mantra we continually subscribe to.

Here are a few of our favorite inspiring women who do and did their own thing:

“I married adventure.” —Osa Johnson


“We went on a weekend drive, after a show I was in at the time. We were on a motorcycle, and there was a carload of friends behind us. It was freezing ass cold. We stopped for a bite to eat, and one of the guys said, ‘Steve, why don’t you let Neile ride with us? I can ride with you. It’s too cold.’ And I said, ‘No, I think I’m just gonna stay on the bike.’ Steve told me later, ‘That’s the moment I fell in love with you.’ “—Neile Adams


“Wes [Anderson] understands the dilemma, that when women become too forceful, they get accused of being masculine. If they state their opinions, or if they assert themselves, they won’t be thought of as lovable or feminine.”—Anjelica Huston


“When I was nine or 10, I wasn’t pretty anymore–which is a big advantage. It must be a nightmare to be a beautiful teenager. I got this strange kind of androgyny. I was everything girls don’t want to be—incredibly tall, incredibly thin, and unimpressive. For years it’s still been possible to hide as a sexual being.”—Tilda Swinton

Last weekend’s flea was stocked full of colorful finds. From textiles, art and antique kaftans, check out what caught our eyes:

Even though designer Serge Mouille started his career as a silversmith, he is best known for his mid-century modern lighting designs.

The simplicity of his minimalistic designs and his use of uniformly black painted metal materials make his lamps the perfect chameleons in any interior space.

After seeing the film I Am Love last Friday, I say run, don’t walk to see this movie. The plot is a bit caught up in aristocratic snobbery; but go to escape into its beautiful cinematography and jaw dropping interiors from the family’s home, Villa Necchi Campiglio. Since 2008, the villa has been open to the public as a museum. We want to go!
Take a peek:

That staircase!

The entryway

The library

The fireplace

The bathroom…yes, please!