by Joanna on February 27, 2013
Potentially the first of its kind, meet Sleeping Around, a Belgian pop-up hotel providing a comfortable, yet exciting experience. I absolutely love this quote from their mission statement: “We are all carried away by the thought of a relaxing yet stimulating retreat whether it be in our vibrant cities or in the quiet countryside.” This concept truly captures the spirit of the wanderluster, hopping from place to place, but never skimping on the ambience.
Each room is actually a 20-foot recycled shipping container manufactured in China and shipped to the hotel’s next destination. The container is then equipped with all the expected accommodations: box-spring bed, rain shower, and air-conditioning. Four shipping containers are placed together to form the hotel—complete with breakfast/lounge area and a sauna.
{All images via Sleeping Around}
When Meg, Alexis, and I were planning last year’s trip to Philadelphia—which you can read all about in Issue No. 10/Winter 2013—we asked about half a dozen locals for suggestions on things to do and places to visit. As a result, our days were jam-packed, and we were basically eating nonstop. (I can’t tell you how many people raved about the salted caramel budino at Barbuzzo! Luckily for those of us who don’t live in/near Philly, Bon Appétit published the recipe a few years ago.)
The images featured in the Issue No. 10 travel story were taken by Courtney Apple, who is not only a wonderful photographer, but was a terrific Philadelphia tour guide. (That’s her below, trying to get just the right angle for a shot of the donuts and fried chicken at Federal Donuts.) While Courtney was the professional photographer for our trip, Meg took a ton of pictures on her iPhone as well. Here are just some of her favorite snapshots around town.
P.S. Did you know that the city’s nickname, The City of Brotherly Love, is rooted in the literal meaning of the word “Philadelphia” in Greek?
I was introduced to the vibrant work of interior designer Kit Kemp years ago, when I stayed at the Covent Garden Hotel in London. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy the rooms and/or restaurants at several other properties in the Firmdale Hotels group—which Kit and her husband, Tim, own. Every time, I find myself marveling at the colors and patterns that she brings to the spaces.
When I found out that Kit was releasing a book, A Living Space, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. I can’t believe it took me this long! (The book came out in October 2012.) Since its arrival earlier this week, I’ve been reading at least a chapter every night before bed. Which has led to dreams about my next trip to New York City or London—and staying at the Crosby Street Hotel or Sixteen. In the meantime, I’ll continue to peruse A Living Space for design inspiration!
{ Photos from A Living Space by Kit Kemp }
Last year, during a week-long vacation on Bali, I squeezed in multiple trips to Jenggala—a pottery and ceramics factory/showroom located not too far from my hotel in the Jimbaran Bay area. (They also have a paint-your-own-piece program, which is a great activity if you’re traveling with kids!) While I was able to tote home a few souvenirs from Jenggala, I really wish I had been able to bring back more of their wonderful designs.
With the holiday season fast approaching, I started thinking that it would be awesome if I could buy some Jenggala ceramics for friends and family. And I was thrilled to find a U.S.-based, authorized dealer: Bali West Imports. Now I can get my Jenggala fix without sitting on a plane for 12 hours! I have a feeling that there are a lot of people on my holiday list who will be receiving some ceramics this year.
{ All images from Jenggala }
by kate on September 7, 2012
We have a few important shoots coming up, and we’ve been busy searching for the right interiors. Unsurprisingly, the more specific our needs are, the harder the quest becomes. Consequently, I have a newfound appreciation for people in the business of scouting locations, and even more appreciation for places like this home in West Sussex, a space reserved for the purpose of film and photography projects.
While it is a shame that such a gorgeous house would be vacant even for a minute, as a member of the group on the other side of the lens, trying to pull together a collective creative vision and needing just the right space to do so, I am thankful that such places exist. I spotted this home on the site of U.K. film location company Wilde & Watson, and it immediately leapt out at me, with its beautiful understated furnishings—and a treehouse in the garden!
I wish I could transport our whole crew to London, but in lieu of that, I’ll just admire the view from afar. If you have a moment this weekend, I highly recommend checking out all of the beautiful interiors on their site: it’s interior inspiration galore! Have a lovely weekend, everyone!
{All images from Wilde and Watson}
