Design Driven Destinations

I don’t know about you, but this time of year I’m thinking about exotic destinations. Thanksgiving and Christmas are over and there are no major holidays left until Spring Break, which means it’s the right time for a vacation. For the design obsessed, our getaways have to inspire as well. Travel can provide the visual inspiration to not only recharge our batteries but to bring a fresh perspective to our projects, or simply fuel our imagination.

Here are some of our picks for design getaways that will have you packing your bags:

Hotel Le Bellechasse What do you get when you combine Alice in Wonderland and the epitome of French high fashion? A hotel designed by Christian Lacroix of course. The Hotel Le Bellechasse will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a fantasy dreamland of oversized butterflies. Showcasing his interior design talent, each of the rooms has it’s own distinct character and style, featuring unique atmospheres, rich materials, and even large murals and decorated ceilings in some. And the location, of course, is prime as well, sitting on the left bank of the Seine River and only steps away from the Musée d’Orsay.

The Upperhouse, Hong KongIf you fancy a stay in the Far East, we recommend The Upperhouse in Hong Kong. Designed by architect Andre Fu, a highly sought after young architect, The Upperhouse is a 5-star hotel with a mix of suites and studios offers a peaceful, serene escape from the city. Lush with natural materials and minimalist design elements, Fu’s goal was to create “a haven of calm and quiet taste” and it surely accomplishes that with the clean lines of the architecture, furnishings, and room details.

Palazzo MargheritaFrancis Ford Coppola. I mean the guy wrote, directed, and produced all three Godfather sagas, makes respected wines in the Napa Valley, and has created a string of luxury hotels all over the world. His latest venture is a collaboration with the iconic French architect Jacques GrangePalazzo Margherita is located in the not very touristy part of Southern Italy’s boot where Coppola’s grandfather was born, the small town of Bernalda. This is what your Italian countryside fantasy is all about. The palazzo was built in 1892 and features stunning gardens and painted frescos, the entire property surrounded by a thriving agricultural countryside which grows local grapes, fruits, and vegetables.Palazzo FendiI know I’m a bit heavy on Italian destinations, but the Italians do have style to spare. The ultra exclusive Palazzo Fendi offers 7 exclusive suites in the palace of the Ludovisi Boncompagni family, originally the headquarters of Fendi until 2005. Completely restored, you’ll find history as well as signature Fendi style, which means luxe, luxe, luxe.

Mumbai India's Gem PalaceAnother exotic locale that inspires us is the new outpost of the original and world famous Gem Palace in Jaipur. The Gem Palace was established in 1852 and has seen the likes of celebrities and royalty of past and present, being court jewelers to royalty and such throughout history. Their new Mumbai boutique is absolutely STUNNING, it’s hard to look away from the emerald green and sky blue color palette, as well as the striking furnishings and details in every corner. We’re obsessed.

 

 

See all the images in our post as well as links to more retail/interior/hotel inspiration at our On Madison Pinterest boards.

 
 

Lifestyles of the Rich and Fabulous!

We may not admit it, but most of us are curious about how the rich and famous live. With all that money, they must have the most fabulous homes, right? Well, not necessarily. (Donald Trump’s penthouse apartment in the building that bears his name is not exactly the paragon of good taste. )

Ellen DeGeneres however, really does have some pretty fabulous homes. The amazing thing is: she designs them herself! On Madison has perused Ellen’s new book, Home, and is hard pressed to decide which of her many homes is the most gorgeous. Celebrities tend to have gaudy taste, or worse, no taste at all. But Ms. DeGeneres, along with her spouse Portia DiRossi, have purchased and renovated 12 homes over the last decade or so that are perfectly edited mixes of rustic and chic, refined and primitive, mid-century and classic.

Here are a few images from Home that showcase her talent as a designer and her passion for home design.

Ellen DeGeneres "Home"

 
 

On Madison 2016 Design Trends

Happy New Year to all of you fabulous readers! Can you believe its already 2016? Last year flew by just like that, but we’re ready to bring you another year full of beautiful design and interior inspiration in true On Madison style.

We like to think we’re ahead of the curve when it comes to design trends, and for 2016 we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites:

INDUSTRIAL APPEAL

Let’s start off with steel and metal windows which are making a big impact. This look, adopted from industrial building and factory architecture, is a great way to modernize and usher the classic French door into 2016, while adding sunlight and openness. Use it to replace doors, walls, or even as a room divider. It adds a super modern appeal and masculine edge to any space.

NATURAL ELEMENTS

Following the industrial/steel, we are seeing a contrasting trend: natural elements. Driftwood, branches, and leaves are making their way into interior design trends and furniture. Mixed with glass, resin, and other modern materials, these natural elements reach a new dimension of chic. Raw edge selvage slabs make a beautiful impact as coffee or dining tables and add warmth and life.

POLISHED SURFACES

Marble walls are making their rounds this year as well. It may seem extravagant to do an entire wall or bathroom in marble, like some of the examples below, but there are also some really amazing wallpaper options to mimic the look. See ferm living for lots of beautiful marble inspired wallpaper options. Along with marble, we are also seeing a lot of polished nickel detail in home fixtures and lighting that are beautiful paired with marble as well.

DECADENCE

We’re talking high gloss, lacquered surfaces, and dramatic colors. Jewel tones look amazing when used for high gloss lacquered walls and furniture and make a bold and memorable statement for any hallway or room. Don’t be shy, paired with complimentary colors and the right accessories and this look is anything but gaudy. Be adventurous with this trend; the payoff is stunning as shown in the collage below.

REFLECTIVE SURFACES

In line with the polished look, mirrored surfaces, especially antique mirrors and mercury glass, are making a big comeback. Find the perfect antique mirror in your favorite style, be it mid-century, gold framed, or distressed, and create a beautiful vignette using it as a focal point along with other accessories while the mirror creates the optical illusion of a larger space.

 

2016 Interior Design Trends via On Madison

 
 

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