The Temple House is a luxurious 16,350 square foot building in South Beach. It was originally designed and constructed in 1933 as a single-family residence by world famous Art Deco architect L. Murray Dixon.
In 2003, the property was renovated to maintain the architectural features and make necessary upgrades. It is now available for private events. Now onto the lovely images!
I'm super excited to be a contributing writer for the amazing magazine and website Wedding Nouveau! Check out my first post about adding decor elements from Indonesia to your home environment!
{CREDITS: (Top Left) West Elm catalog Spring 2006, (Top Right) Balam Bali Villa, (Bottom Left) Indonesian batik baskets, (Bottom Middle) Pan Pacific Bali, (Bottom Right) Crate and Barrel catalog, (Bottom Row L to R), Reclaimed Teak Dip Dyed Stool, Batik Pillows found on Etsy, Ceremic Balinese female statue, Ikat bean bag/pouf, Indonesian parasols}
Hi there! You can also find me on Pinterest!
Above is a photo from our recent vacation in Sedona, Arizona. There is a place called Buddha Beach where you can witness in awe thousands of stacked rock sculptures near a Vortex site at the Red Rock Crossing in Sedona. It was amazing! I love Sedona!
Hello LotusHaus readers! So sorry for the hiatus. Life is hectic with running a successful DJ service, chasing around a 2 year old and keeping up with the everchanging world of music, art and design! Anyways, I came across some inspiring images of the work of Jiun Ho Interiors and just had to share. Enjoy!
Revel Spa - San Francisco
Thai Spiced Tea. Ginger Lemongrass. Kaffir Lime Rosemary. Lavendar Lotus Blossom. Cilantro Mint. Papaya Ginger. Mangosteen White Tea Bergamot. So many glorious scents, how does one choose? I recently had the honor of trying several of these luxurious Asian inspired organic soaps by Unearth Malee. Made with all Organic Olive Oil, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter, let's just say that I didn't want to get out of the bath tub - the scents and suds were divine!
Marie Pechkam is the founder of Unearth Malee and her Thai American background sets the tone for an amazing variety of organic soaps, lotion bars, soy candles, bath teas, and essential oil diffusers. The packaging is also eco-friendly, made with flower seeded paper that you can plant later. "Malee” in Thai refers to a jasmine flower. It is also a name passed down three generations in Marie’s family. We are very fortunate that Marie has created Unearth Malee! Now we can also experience the savory essence of Thai herbs and spices that she grew up with on a daily basis!
Also, if you are having an Asian inspired wedding or event and being organic and eco-friendly is important to you, why not honor your guests with these wonderful soaps that can be customized as favors! Love it!
I took an iphone pic of Hotel Maya while reading Sunset magazine at the doc's office! I just love the window grill and colored panes! See more images here and here and on Facebook.
I'm a fan of Donna Karan. I especially like her Urban Zen foundation and retail collection. In the March issue of Architectural Digest, Donna Karan debuts a glamorous, organically shaped tabletop line. In collaboration with American tableware company Lenox, Karan has created dinnerware, vases, flatware, stemware, and serving pieces made from porcelain, stoneware, glass, wood, and metal. The collection ties together Karan’s two sides – the urbanite and the nomad. Check out more photos here. Photos by Martyn Thompson for Architectureal Digest.
These are some detail shots from the room... Some inspiring figurines, a pagoda mirror, a Ukiyo-E Japanese Wood Block Print (thrift find!), and a kimono fabric scrap that I plan to make into a pillow...
In the crib you can see a teal and lime colored "Tummy Time Play Mat" that I will be using as a changing pad at first. I think it's so cute and practical and it has a measuring tape printed on it so I can watch our baby boy grow in length right before my eyes! On top of the play mat is a brown Boppy Noggin Head Support that prevents the baby from having a flat head. The crib is outfitted with an organic cotton flannel sheet and a Nojo fleece sheet saver from Target.
Anxiously awaiting the arrival of the baby are two friends, a Yomiko Classics baby panda, and a homemade doll (made by my friend's aunt) swaddled in a Kiddopotamus bamboo fabric swaddle blanket. Also pictured is the Utterly Yours Pregnancy Pillow (folds into a square) that I used for a bit, and a hand crocheted baby blanket from my cousin! These things will be removed when the baby comes because it is much safer for the him to be in a crib without extra things like pillows, dolls and crib bumpers (prevents suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
This is the adult side of the room. In case you haven't noticed, the bed wall and ceiling is painted a chocolate brown and gives us a sense of privacy and intimacy, while the rest of the walls are painted a neutral khaki color. The bedroom artwork consists of Chinese scrolls and artwork I've found over the years at various antique stores. We didn't have it in the budget to buy a new bed, so we updated our existing Ikea rattan frame by staining it dark brown. I really love how our bedroom turned out! Can't wait until our boy can enjoy it too!
Isn't this lovely? I finally know what to do with the loads of toilet paper tubes that I've been saving for a rainy day project! Via Apartment Therapy.
I really would love a mini vacation to NYC! If I were there, I would check out the new eco-luxe restaurant Rouge Tomate. The food and decor are all sustainable and the venue boasts an impressive mult-level design... The Cranberry Pool is my favorite (pictured below) and this would be where I would have wanted my bachelorette party or bridal shower! At the Rouge Tomate site, click on the Event button to check out the very cool floor plans.
If you are in NYC, check out the Eco-Luxe / Go Green Expo on Sept. 22 to be held at Rouge Tomate. More info here.
Check out these beautiful interiors from designer Jose Natori's New York home via Elle Decor Magazine. Apparently, the renovation took 7 years! Wow! I love the Asian details and refined style!
This image is courtesy of Rooted in Style a most amazing design and style blog! I just love the look of this room! I don't know the source of the image however, I will check back when I find out.
I think this pink and green scheme for indoor/outdoor living is simply divine... add a stone Buddha, a ceramic Kuan Yin figurine or a Thai Temple house and some carved teak wood panels and I'm all set!!! Check out more stunning photos by Pierre-jean Verger. Via Desire to Inspire.
I saw this wire momentum bowl in the Crate and Barrel catalog and just love the idea of an organic style wedding centerpiece using orchids, spongy moss and a see-through basket (that you could give away to guests). For a rustic look you could make your own basket out of chicken wire. For a modern look, scout your home improvement center for mesh you could spray paint and mold into your own shape. You can purchase the orchid potted plants in bulk at Aloha Orchid and the reindeer moss at Save-On-Crafts.
I'm loving the colors and details of the Witt Istanbul Hotel Suites designed by Autoban. Check out the laser cut flowers, the pointellist styling, the organic woods and the blend of warm modernist design. I can see envision these elements as the basis for a great party or wedding theme! Via the Contemporist.
These metal light panels are gorgeous inside or outside! I really love the chrysanthemum designs. Learn more about these beautiful works of art at Napa Home.
I saw this lovely bedroom photo over at An Indian Summer. I love the calm neutral colors, the stone like walls, the carved lantern, and the framed Asian advertisement art/poster. You can find a smaller version of a lotus teak panel like this one at Viva Terra.
Pretty things await you at the Blissliving Home website with their new Spring 2009 collection... I love the Chrysanthemum Wall Vase, Harajuku Duvet Set, Chrysanthemum Side Table and Bonsai Pillar Candles.
Signoria di Firenze makes divine bedding! These neutral suites make me feel warm and relaxed.
If you're like me and love watching martial arts movies and cultural films for their depictions of food, lifestyle, costume and shelter, you can envision how this 200 year merchant courtyard house (above) must have looked in its prime. If you're also like me and love modern architecture, global culture and design, you will really appreciate how Studio Pei-Zhu, a husband and wife architect firm, renovated this house so that it "belongs to old beijing and to the modern city." Studio Pei-Zhu describes the house (below) as, "Simple, free of ornament. The houses, although narrow, are deep, you enter into high-walled entrance courtyards and then into inner courtyards that are double-height living rooms. Behind the kitchens are gardens to courtyards and on top of the bedrooms, there are roof terraces...courtyards within courtyards, offering privacy, daylight and space." I'm in love with this courtyard house! Via Designboom.
The Awagami Factory is a historic Washi Paper mill in Japan. Just recently, I've just discovered Awagami +1, a beautiful new washi collection in collaboration with Craig Anczelowitz, a multi-faceted American designer based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The Awagami +1 line is made with traditional stencil dyed yuzen papers and syuro or rice straw papers. The collection consists of journals, albums, and desk accessories which "harmoniously fuse traditional Japanese craftsmanship with elements of simplified Western design." These beautiful items are available in the U.S through Hiromi Paper in Los Angeles and Kate's Paperie in NY.
In addition, Craig's experience includes many years of product development and buying for design oriented retailers like ABC Carpet & Home, Urban Outfitters, Pottery Barn, and Habitat. His work includes pottery, ceramics, wood, paper, and textile home accessories. Below are some of Craig's other works that I simply adore:
Craig Anczelowitz Business Card
"A daily bathing ceremony is one of life's simplest luxuries. It is a chance to prepare yourself for the day ahead or reflect on the day just gone."
Experience the beauty and calm of Abahna, a most splendid bath, body and fragrance line from the UK. Abahna borrows its name from "nahana," Urdu for "to take a bath," as well as the Russion "banya," and Portuguese, "banho." If only we could smell through the internet! The packaging and gift sets are simply gorgeous!
I'm savoring these images of Good Earth's flagship store in New Delhi! Big hugs go out to ArtnLight and India by Design for sharing this loveliness with us!
I'm jonesing on this architecturally inspired flower gift box...not to mention the fab combo of purple, lime and black! If I could read Japanese I would tell you the source for this origami like mystery packaging...but I can't - so I won't. I just had to share!!! (from Hanajikan Magazine)
Oh my goodness, my heart skipped a beat when I discovered Wasara, a truly magnificent concept in disposable paper table ware. With aesthetic beauty and thoughtful ergonomics, this Japanese concept has created an impressive way to display your culinary creations and serve your guests. But wait, the Wasara collection is also sustainable! Even though these items are disposable, their content is eco-friendly in design because they are made from reed pulp, which is quite renewable, and bagasse, which is pulp waste produced when juice is extracted from the sugarcane...the result is a tree-free, compostable and absolutely stunning collection of entertaining pieces. I have contacted Wasara to see where this collection is available on line and for purchase in the United States and will keep you posted! Via Kelley Moore
Related Posts:
Hands Giving } Thankful Gestures at the Table
Tast.es } Modern Disposable Servingware
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.“ ~Melody Beattie
Subtle, caring and functional is how I would describe these lovely ceramic "hand" bowls by Japanese design firm Tonerico. I wish I could find these stateside as they are inspiring my Thanksgiving decor...which is beginning to look like white tablescapes, with lots of organic materials like branches and dried foliage and pops of persimmon, plum, lemon and sage green... See last year's Thanksgiving Decor which shared a similar palette but with more of a retro modern feel.
Absolutely incredible! I am blown away by the work of Seattle artist Deloss Webber, a second generation rattan weaver influenced by traditional Japanese and Native American basketry, wicker furniture,
loom weaving, fly-tying, and nautical knotting. I am so in awe of of his stone and basketry work... Each stone is selected
and wrapped with a unique design made of various materials including
bamboo, cane, rattan, and reed. The smaller stone pieces are called "Small Blessings" and I would be so blessed to have one of these treasures in my little family. You can purchase them in Seattle for $185 at Kagedo Japanese Art Gallery.
How can I possibly describe in words the true beauty of Rikka's floral design work... "Rikka" means standing flowers in Japanese and all I can say is, "standing ovation!" Combining modern east west floral decor with the art of giving and celebrating, Rikka Floral in Utah is an innovative floral studio and intimate event space (my dream business!). Check out the beautiful event center in the photos below. Just my style...I'm lovin' it!
Get emotional with your decor...Pick Your Mood at Stylkist, a naturally modern online decor boutique based in Mumbai, India. I love the calming colors and natural materials found at this easy to use website. Today, I'm seeking inner peace via An India Summer, one of my favorite blogs.
I'm loving the texture, the hexagonal style and the muted brown colors of Ferrer, a new fashion store in Nieuwpoort-Bad, Belgium. Designed by Studio Arne Quinze the retail vibe is clean, modern and tactile. The wallpaper has linear texture and I absolutely love the fringe beaded curtains. Great ideas for party or wedding decor! via Dezeen.
Oooh, I'm sooo in love with these sneak peak images from Jules Bianchi for a new book called, The Art of the Gift by Soolip's Wanda Wen. These are just my style!!! The book is not out yet, but I will keep you posted!
Be modern. Be green. Be quirky! I love these Eco-Notes from Fabulous Stationary! Not only are they made from 100% Recycled and 80% Post Consumer Waste, but these Eco-Notes come in many organic and modern looking designs that are customizable to your party or special event. Create your own modern Save the Date or Thank You Card, or send out a fabulous invitation to your birthday party or shower. Gotta love 'em!
With joy I discovered that we have some Crocosmia in the backyard...Also known as Coppertip or Falling Star, Crocosmia is a member of the Iris family and is native to South Africa. They must really enjoy summer in the Northwest, because I am seeing them in everyone's gardens! I love the red orange color and the shape of the blooms and stems. They add flair and texture to floral arrangements and remind me of the way orchids sprays look. The photos shown here are of an incredible garden design using crocosmia, the color red, and some really cool geometric walls and cut-outs - from the 2007 Royal Horticulture Society Flower Show in the UK. Check out the panorama of the garden here.
Via Inhabitat, you can check out Xeritown, an amazing new sustainable urban community in the new part of Dubai, which is based on the concept of a xeriscape - "an urban garden area designed to minimize the use of water." The community was designed so that the cool sea breeze is sucked into the town and the hot desert breeze is blocked out. Read more here. I love the artist renderings and the architectural details infusing traditional graphic elements with modern sustainability!
Today I'm inspired by the idea of eco-travel in Africa...Here's what I found on my web safari hunt... khaki trouser suit by Stella McCartney | floral sculpture by Junko Miura | mango wood vases by LA-Decor | bamboo cloud chandelier by Roost | lace horses by Viva Terra | sustainable sectional sofa by RC Green | Stockholm leaf chair by Ikea | and pillows by Inhabitat.
If I were a rich girl, I would redo my 1969 bathrooms with some globally inspired and geometrically modern tile mosaics from Ann Sacks tiles! Check out Facet, Pacca, Medina and the Angela Adams collection.
Today I am inspired by these Zen design principles adapted from The Wabi-Sabi House book via Care2.com.
Zen’s seven ruling principles are guiding lights of design. Once you read them they make real sense for an authentic design plan for your home.
Asymmetry (Fukinsei): Stiff, formal symmetry, suggesting frozen finality and artificial perfection, can be fatal to the imagination. Asymmetry lets us be loose and spontaneous—more human than godlike. It means we can get by with one—or three—candlesticks, and all the china doesn’t have to match.
Simplicity (Kanos): Zen eschews gaudy, ornate, and over embellished in favor of sparse, fresh, and neat. It’s the triumph of craftsman style over the cluttered Victorian parlor.
Austerity (Koko): Zen asks us to reduce everything to “the pith of essence.” Don’t love it? Can’t find a use for it? Let it go.
Naturalness (Shizen): Zen is artless, without pretense or self-consciousness. It’s bare wood, unpolished stone, and flowers from the backyard.
Subtle Profundity (Yugen): Within Zen lies a deep reserve, a mysterious, shadowy darkness. The hint of soft moonlight thorugh a skylight would be yugen.
Freedom from Worldly Attachments (Datsuzoku): The Buddha taught us not to be bound to life, things, or rules. “It is not a strong bond, say the wise, that is made of iron, wood, or hemp,” he said. “Far greater an attachment than that is the longing for jewels and ornaments, children and wives.” It’s the simplicity movement, not keeping up with the Joneses.
Silence (Sejaku): Inwardly oriented, Zen embraces the quiet calm of dawn, dusk, late autumn, and early spring.
Krislyn Floral Couture is based in LA and this incredibly innovative team creates beautiful, modern and organically inspired designs and floral sculptures. Nothing short of awe-inspiring!
I'm gettin' love and color therapy from these beautiful handcrafted ceramics from Bison Homewares in Australia! Via Style Files.
I have long been inspired by Aviva Stanoff and her amazing body of work since I discovered her Brooklyn design studio many years ago. (Check out my eco-luxe color & trend board). Aviva embodies the union of her Japanese heritage and the modern metropolis lifestyle.
"From her North Hollywood roots in 1970’s bohemian California to tending to the flowers surrounding her grandfather’s Buddhist temple in Okayama, Japan, Aviva Stanoff represents a cultural tapestry...She finds inspiration in the subtle palette of nature, the deliberate minimalism of tradition, and the city sunset seen every night from her design studio window. She translates these inspirations into pattern, color, and beautiful environments."
With roots in the fashion textiles industry, the Aviva Stanoff collection is known for its high end, heirloom quality pillows and soft goods that are hand-dyed, etched, and painted one at a time in her Brooklyn studio by skilled artisans. Real foliage is used to create the prints you see and with a special technique these elements are embossed into plush velvet leaving the texture and essence of nature for you to enjoy. For more inspiration, check out this video and watch Aviva explain how she creates her work. I guarantee it will awe and inspire!
Featured Event Theme: Coral Fixation via ThirteenMinutes Magazine
This post is inspired by an amazing fashion spread I saw in ThirteenMinutes, an avant garde Asian American magazine. I just love this sleek and modern take on the traditional "Seaside" theme. Coral is fascinating with it's varying textures and dynamic forms. Hair styling by Philippe Paschkes, photography by Richard Warren, and makeup by Viktorija Bowers. Seashell takeout favor idea by Pink Pearls, rare black coral ring by Art Deco Rings, modern seashore tablescape by Rebecca Thuss, and coral sea shell arrangement by Zofia Design.
Uphold the well being of the planet & celebrate Earth Day in style...enliven your inner space with some modern organic green! Treat the planet, it's inhabitants and yourself to these charitable & eco-chic floral arrangements. Each of these beautiful organic bouquets not only support the environment, but they give back to the beautiful people of the world. Pick up some flowers this week and feel good about the world you live in! You'll be happy to know that these blooms are also delivered in gorgeous sustainable packaging. Trust me, this will be an awesome experience! Don't forget to compost these lovely things of beauty and they will be enjoyed forever.
Here's some more global green! Check out Ann Demeulemeester's green boutique in Seoul, Korea. Designed by Minsuk Cho of MassStudies. All I can say is WOW!!!! Click here for a slideshow and click here for more examples of modern greenery in retail environments.
I'm really soothed by this backyard garden with global touches. The colors are refreshing and the details divine. I especially love the tea station for two! Via Sunset Magazine.
Bohemian Rhapsody was the theme for this lovely garden by Vanessa Kuemmerle a landscape designer and the founder of Vee Horticulture. I just love the wooden Balinese doors and the batik cushions!
Here are some of Vanessa's tips for what I would call an eclectic and global garden:
Via Sunset Magazine.
I just love this sweet bench made of reclaimed Chinese Fir! Check out this lovely bench and many other inspiring lifestyle products for your Body, Spirit and Home at Acacia.
Kelly Hoppen: Kelly Hoppen Style: The Golden Rules of Design
Kelly Hoppen: East Meets West: Global Design for Contemporary Interiors
Colin Cowie: Colin Cowie Wedding Chic: 1,001 Ideas for Every Moment of Your Celebration
Cindy Ng: Girligami: A Fresh, Fun, Fashionable Spin on Origami
Robyn Griggs Lawrence: The Wabi-Sabi House: The Japanese Art of Imperfect Beauty
Thich Nhat Hanh: Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Maureen Whitehouse: Soul-Full Eating: A (Delicious!) Path to Higher Consciousness
David Kundtz: Quiet Mind: One-Minute Retreats from a Busy World
Michelle Cornell: Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging for Today's Interior
Sakul Intakul: Tropical Colors: Art of Living With Tropical Flowers
