Parisians Details We All Heart.

From architecture to the simple sunlight, Paris means a lot to all of us, doesn't it?

Every opportunity I had, Paris was mine. 

Walking down the streets, writing my journal in a cafe or falling a sleep in a garden chair, I think I've done it all.

Here's a few fragments of my last and short visit to Paris, the city where the ladies ride the bike in style.

It's always an enigma crossing these halls, though we all know on the other side there's a nice garden with a cosy entrance to a gorgeous building

This one here takes us to a nice hotel at the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré

French windows

Small shops | Big impact

Flowers to welcome yourself in your own home, why not?

Waiting for my monsieur, croque-monsieur

The last, but not the least

Conran | Paris, Rue du Bac.

Conran is probably one of my favorite shops in the design business. Love the contemporary and relaxed approach to design and decoration.

Every time I visit one, I always feel the idea "design is not an option, it's the only choice you have" and I must say, I love it!

I love to watch people checking furniture out. Sometimes crazy questions pop up yet quite pertinent when you think about them. We all have different life choices and different habits, therefore furniture different needs. 

Plates are the new paintings. Glassy finish the only option. 

Huge coffee tables in wood finish is all you need at home. Your home parties appreciate. 

Light wood is the new black.

When working at home is the option for many of us, a good desk and chair are the key for success. Though a lamp by Studio Ilse is the key for happiness. 

White and silver plates on the wall to recall our grandmothers' home.

A great shelving unit, but if books are the main decoration, forget it. Not an option.

White on white.

More plates. More walls. More colour. 

French(iness)  

The right touch if you're in a country mood.

I've always loved everything about laundry, specially the smell of washed bed linen.

Paris Design Week 2012.

Tomorrow morning I'm off to Paris for a business meeting. Sunday afternoon I'm back in sunny Lisbon, though I promise to report as much as I can from the city center and the Maison & Objet.

Stay tuned.

Fonte dos Frades | Thermal Baths.

For the first time in my life I took 3 weeks holiday! It was great.

First days I spent in Lisbon, where I live, and the other 18 days by the beach in my hometown, Maceira.

In Maceira I don't have only the beach to enjoy. I have thermal baths which is often referred to as a spa. To wrap up what was a great holidays I went there to enjoy well-being.

Here's a few pictures. Get inspired.

The entrance of Fonte dos Frades (Friars Fountain)

Ladies chit-chatting

The building on the right where the baths happen 

The fountain where you can taste the mineral water,

TECHNICAL INFORMATION |

Fonte dos Frades source is chlorinated with sodium chloride-magnesium, and has a mineralization level of 3,200 mg/liter.

Skin | eczema, acne, cellulitis, ulcers
Gastro-intestinal | gastro-oesophageal, colitis and hepato-biliary pathology
Circulatory | varicose veins, haemorrhoids, hypertension (controlled) and migraines
Respiratory system | chronic rhino-pharyngitis, chronic sinusitis, chronic laryngitis, asthma and chronic bronchitis

Of course, everyone is welcomed to enjoy a simple relaxing bath, the gardens and even the space itself, which is inspired on its own.

Blue Is The Sky | Happy Holidays.

If that's the case, Happy Holidays!

Sky Blue | Blue Sky

Summer Pavilion | Serpentine Gallery.

This year the Summer Pavilion is by Herzog & de Meuron and Ai Weiwei, a perfect combination. Allthough I think what really makes it very special is what it is made of - CORK, the trendiest product in the architecture and design world.

For more information, please click here.

The material softness is inviting to seat on and enjoy the sun.

Steps which become seats and seats which become tables - quite engaging, isn't it?

It's indeed all about the cork.

The cover could be a huge fish tank, don't you think?

Are these stool, tables or simply cork?

From 27 July to 12 August 2012 


Other Pavilions |
2010 by Jean Nouvel

By Nord | Where Design Meets Nature.

One of the biggest pleasures I have in life is to sleep on smoth bed linen with a fresh scent. I definitely sleep much better!   

At Rost  in Bergen I came across with this Danish brand called By Nord. Do you know it? 

Click here for the bedlinen collection.

Romantic Weekend.

Nothing better than a cosy sofa in a romantic environment to charge the needed energy for the week ahead.

Grey on an earthy background makes always a statement. Crochet detail, don't forget it. 

Photographs taken in Living, Oslo Skullerud.

Bella Bambina | Oslo.

You don't need to pay a fortune to enjoy a delicious meal on a beautiful space.
Bella Bambina right next to the central station in Oslo is a perfect example.

Italian food, earthy interior styling, very kind people and a menu with 2 different size plates: medium for someone like me (rather taste different things in small portions) and large for someone with more appetite.

Now, get inspired! I already did, both on food and interiors.

High ceilings and windows bring in all the light form the outside.  

Counter styled with Italian food.

They've several Olive Trees inside. My favorite tree, by the way! 

Open kitchen. Great smell. 

Natural light.

Details on the table.

Bruschetta and pasta with spinach & ricotta. 

Røst | Bergen #1.

If I have to define Scandinavian design I would probably call it "Quite".

The lines and colours always hand in hand with the Mother Nature feeling make everything very peaceful and cosy, don't you think?

Røst,a shop in Bergen, has an amazing amalgam of brands which I would love to take them all back with me to Portugal. Maybe one day, who knows?