A couple of new decor books

I am pretty excited to share a couple of new books with you today while I head out to the cottage to enjoy a beautiful summer day and spend time with my mom (Happy Mother's Day Mom!!). 

The first one I was REALLY stoked to receive, as it was written by a fellow blogger. Maryam Montague has been living in Morocco for several years now and it is because of her and her blog MyMarrakesh.com that I have fallen in love with the country of Morocco and especially it's absolutely gorgeous interiors and architecture. The textures and colours are mesmerizing and such beautiful inspirational decor. Maryam's book, MARRAKESH BY DESIGN, (Artisan Books, May 2012), is filled with wonderful photos that she took herself (several are of her own home and boutique hotel called the Peacock Pavilions)  and gives quite an introduction to the Moroccan culture and elements of decor they are so well known for. I even busted out my vintage Moroccan wedding blanket Jo sent me as a wedding gift to use as a backdrop for the photos I took of the book. (That blanket is SO gorgeous and one of my prized possessions). I can't wait to devour every word and photo of this book - I think I'll bring it to the cottage. :) Congrats Maryam - you should be so proud of this book! P.S. Maryam's home is featured in this month's Lonny and last month's Elle Decor!

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Ashli Mizell encore

New work from  Philadelphia based interior designer Ashli Mizell. I love the rustic look of the tiles against the marble and cabinets. It's rough vs smooth, modern trad with a twist of ethnic. A clash of tiles reminiscent of the pattern riots of the riad plays with the calm of the white while smoky hues play with earthy oranges. A hint of Morocco. It's the layering that comes through in Ashli's designs. Pattern on pattern, texture on texture. Rustic on the modern. (Original post on Ashli Mizell here.)

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Warm winds

So evocative of the warm wind and a warm welcome. For those in the northern climes who need a little cheering as winter sneaks towards them. Fab shot by photographer Dylan Thomas. (See my previous Dylan Thomas post here.)

Faded luxury

Thank goodness that week is over. I seem to find myself musing over holiday getaways on Fridays. I wonder why? I smell rose and musk, orange blossom and exotic spice. Water gurgles and staff whisper just out of earshot. There is  rhythmic music slowly pulsing somewhere in the riad but here in the salon it is cool and dark, peaceful but oh so decadent. From the rooftop terraces the view extends across the city to the Atlas Mountains. Perhaps it's time to sun like a cat by the pool. Life is just too difficult isn't it? Dar Darma in Marrakech via Welcome Beyond.

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Pure and General

When I was in Sydney last week there was one place I just had to visit, one store that has been calling me like a siren ever since I heard its name. Pure and General, a wonderland of an emporium in Potts Point. Owner Linda Gregoriou and manager Cassie Karinsky made me feel welcome and shared the stories behind their beautifully curated wares sourced from exotic locales around the world. These women share a passion and it shows. Although I had seen shots of the space as a whole nothing prepared me for the beauty in the detail. Everywhere I looked there was something exquisite, something I soooo wanted. My little point and shoot camera just can't do this store justice. If you are ever in Sydney this jewel of a shop is a must visit.

Pure and General is at 114 Brougham St, Potts Point, NSW 2010.

  

  

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