Nestled in the colourful fishing village of Trancoso on Brazil’s idyllic Bahian coast is the one of a kind, UXUA Casa Hotel {pronounced ooo-SHOO-ahh}.  The creator of UXUA – Dutch fashion designer Wilbert Das, first arrived in Trancoso whilst traveling in 2004, instantly falling in love with it’s beauty and pristine natural spirit, sense of preservation and tradition roots of the community.  Wilbert felt at home and after 10 days left with the typical Brazilian ‘saudade’ – a Portuguese word meaning a nostalgic longing for something. Within a year of leaving, he returned and started searching for a property to buy and build a home which would later become UXUA Casa Hotel.

“The colours and energy of this town really offer something magical and as much
as I have traveled, I think Trancoso is one of the most visually stimulating and relaxing
places one can imagine; a true harmony of human habitation and nature, and a place with
a wonderful warm native population with deep and extremely diverse cultural and ethnic ties’
- Wilbert Das

On Trancoso’s historic ‘Quadrado’; a grassy cliff top square, Wilbert purchased the first UXUA casa named ‘gulab mahal’ which was built and restored to an Indian-style pousada. From there Wilbert set out to create a property of houses {ten in total}, each completely different but combining the rustic elements native to the village.  The casas range from authentically restored one to three bedroom fisherman houses; self catering or fully serviced, to sleekly opulent, but ecologically-conscious treehouses hidden amongst the lush tropical gardens. Trancoso’s rich 500 years of history adds to the design of UXUA, taking inspiration from it’s Portuguese founders in the 1500′s, Jesuit missionaries, Indian tribes, African slaves, and Brazilian hippies of the 1970s. Resulting in an amalgamation of architecture, showcasing southern Bahian and Indian influences alongside a rustic modernism that nods towards Wilbert’s work in contemporary fashion and furniture design.  Wilbert collaborated with local artisans, using traditional building methods, reclaimed and organic materials and Brazilian antiques and art. The fusion between interior and exterior runs throughout the property seamlessly and this can be seen in the choice of colours. The rich, earthy tones and floral brights reflecting the nature that surrounds UXUA.

The eco vibe runs throughout the properties, even the kitchen utensils are recycled coconut shells carved by Bahian cowboys. Shower-heads are carved from the trunks of eucalyptus trees, & sofas are upholstered using canvas taken from the backs of old transport trucks. Further up-cycling can be seen in the beach lounge that is built entirely from old local fishing boats. Wilberts creative use of up-cycling and re-cyling is not only intelligent but inspiring. His keen eye for detail shows up in my favourite feature at UXUA… the lake-like pool. The stunning pool is created entirely from 40,000 specimens of unique green aventurine quartz, a native Bahian stone considered by many to have powerful healing qualities as a therapeutic mineral.  The traditional technique used to build the quartz pool walls is called ‘pau a pique’ – creating a stunning finish, especially when lit at night.

Prices start from R$1710 (around £455) per night. For further information on booking the UXUA Casa Hotel please click here.

Whilst sitting at my desk, my mind often wonders and I find myself staring at my pin-board.  It’s full various bits of wallpaper, fabrics and tear sheets of things that inspire me or items that I want to buy.  Anyway, today I found myself gazing at this tear sheet of simply gorgeous sinks.  I think subconsciously I started thinking about ceramics after seeing Carole’s lovely post this morning over at Dear Designers.  The sinks are made from large Chinese bowls and are perfectly suitable to use in the bathroom.  The magazine has suggested asking a tile specialist to cut a hole in the bottom using a diamond drill bit.

If you are interested in trying one out in your bathroom then I have found this company, New Star China, below.  If any of you know of any other suppliers then please do share it with us as I would love to see some more design options.  Thank you!

Magazine tear sheet

All images from New Styke China

Half rough, half luxury. Transformed by internationally acclaimed designer Rabih Hage who’s stance on luxury is, “that physical comfort is not as important as the intellectual and human exchange.”  The idea of ‘a little bit of luxury in a rough part of London. A little bit of rough in a luxurious London,’ might not be to everyone’s liking – as some see Rough Luxe more as an art installation than a hotel.

Rough Luxe is the antithesis of a conventional luxury hotel; based in a non- assuming Georgian building on a side street in King’s Cross.  Rough Luxe blends heavily distressed walls; chipped and rough edges, with bold & opulent artworks; both modern and ancient. I couldn’t help but be reminded of the academy acclaimed, The King’s Speech, and the speech therapist’s consulting room.

The styling’s of Rough Luxe is a mix of old and new, furniture and art; combining colours and beautiful fabrics with cheap materials and existing deconstructed walls.  The contrast between harsh worn textures and sumptuous fabrics is stark. The opulent fabrics & characterful furniture, was mostly scooped up at the Savoy Hotel auction. The colour scheme focuses on a greyscale with splashes of colour – most notably in plum & postbox reds.

Prices start from £177 per night.  For further information please visit their website.

Named and discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, St Barthélémy has captured the hearts and imaginations of it’s various settlers. Who, after the initial search for gold, were overwhelmed and taken back by the natural wonder of paradise on this central Caribbean island; flanked with long white sand beaches and unspoiled land.

The famous French cabaret owner Jean-Marie Rivière chose a plot on St. Barts close to the Baie de Lorient (one of the islands many splendid beaches) where he built an archipelago of nine bungalows around one main house.  Jean-Marie Rivière’s brought the Parisian nightlife to St. Barts, performing his famous cabaret ‘la banane’ on the site; leaving it’s name to the site.  Over time La Banane went from a destination for Rivière’s family and friends, to welcoming a broader clientele and establishing as the hotel it is today.

New owner Jean-Marc Israel has taken La Banane away from traditional styles and opted for adding his own personal passion for modern sleek lines and exuberant interior design.  Graphic design duo ICH&KAR are also behind the hotel’s new visual identity.When re-desiging La Banane, Jean-Marc Israel wanted to maintain the spirit of the very special site, and uncover the essence of a place dedicated to sharing.  Attention was paid to every little detail; buildings were restored, retaining the traditional wooden architecture. Inside, the framework has been set off in white, with a 1950′s shade of bold yellow and a design of azure circles created by the sandstone floor tiles.  The open-air bathrooms and translucent turquoise glass blocks hesitate between an evocation of the sea and the sky.

In each room unusual works by the likes of Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Serge Mouille, Jean Royère and Juliette Derel, form the highlights of an ever-changing tapestry.  1950′s design is truly celebrated with a fruitful crossover between post-colonial India and the ideals of European culture, giving La Banane a new lease of life.  Some pieces have been adapted; such as a library table now used for impromptu breakfasts, while others have been given a makeover with new fabrics and vibrant colours.

For further information on booking and rates please visit the La Banane website.

After much deliberation we have finally decided to update our kitchen but rather than spending thousands on a new refit; we will simply make some small changes that will give the impression of a totally new design.

The blue cupboard doors are now white white gloss, the tatty vinyl floor has been exchanged for large stone tiles and the very chintzy wall tiles have been replaced with ‘old school’ white rectangular ones.  The image on the right shows them in a bathroom, and they are often seen in industrial kitchens, schools and cafés.  I chose this particular style as the design is timeless; I know that in five years time the they will still work within our scheme.

We are also thinking about a glass splashback (image on the left) but can’t decide on the colour? I am tempted to go for a clear glass as I am not a big fan of colour in kitchens.  The tiles and Splashback are both from The Tile Depot (one of the UK’s largest tile and wooden floor companies).   If you are thinking about a new kitchen or bathroom take a look at their website as they are surprisingly affordable.  My tiles were just 59 pence each!  I will post you more updates as we go along, including a before and after pic…