“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.

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

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.

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…

Jura Lodge – originally The Old Distiller’s house – has been transformed by Paris based, American interior specialist; Bambi Sloan, into a shabby chic, vintage inspired luxurious getaway. Sloan’s quirky display of colour, décor and stylistic touches runs throughout the house; from the curios filled glass cabinets, to the white suit of armour & relics from the past. The White Room {the biggest bedroom} has fresh white walls, antique French linens & lace, ornate mirrors & a central Victorian roll top bath with panoramic sea views. Each room is decorated in it’s own unique style; but ultimately following in Sloan’s creative, eccentric manner.

From the pictures you can see that the decadent interior offers a playful & humerous touch with the collection of trinkets and vast collection of deer antlers. The attention to details is exquisite & appropriate to the rich history on the Isle of Jura, which Sloan took great inspiration from. Unique features include a writers chair made entirely from deer antlers, the kitchen fridge that originated from a Brazilian cafe in the 1950s, and a large bass drum coffee table in the sitting room.

Activities such as shooting, hunting, fishing, fell walking, lobster eating, sailing and whiskey drinking can all be organised upon request.

You can hire on a room-by-room basis but availability is limited – costs start at £625 per room per night for a minimum of three nights. “Trust us, it’s worth every penny” – Jura Lodge Diurachs. For further booking information please visit the Jura Lodge Website.

The owner/host, Floriene Bosch, says that she is very passionate about interior decorating with a very personal style characterized by daring colors and flower designs.   Well, you can certainly tell this from the pictures.  Each room has been lovingly put together using a mix of bright pastel colours for the walls & furniture teamed with pretty floral fabrics for the soft furnishings.  Floriene has then filled the rooms with flowers to add that final injection of colour.  Love it, love it, love it!

For more information about this B&B & to enquire about availability then vsist their website. Enjoy the pics and let me know your thoughts…

The pricing isn’t bad either, something that BHS always seem to get right. Click here to see the full range

If you get a chance then grab a copy of the September issue of Homes & Gardens as there is a lovely feature called ‘Country Chapel’ on page 109.  The owners live in a converted a chapel and have lots of vintage/country accessories as seen in the pictures above.

If you want some help on how to create this look then I would suggest buying the following book by Cath Kidston.  It’s only pocket size and one of my favourites.

How about this for great design!  Whether you are looking for a Minimal Italian bathroom, a Travertine clad Mediterranean style en-suite or an Iconic Phillippe Starck cloakroom, Taylor’s Etc have a bathroom range that is simply hard to beat.  They are by no means cheap but then you are buying a uniquely tailored piece of craftsmanship.  I think if money were no object then I could be tempted…Price’s start from 5,000.  Click the link above for more information or Telephone: 01920 487867 for more information.

The above baths are a little more conservative and from the well known company Sottini

The first is my all time favourite called Lassco (image above).  They sell everything from pictures, fireplaces, doors, baths and lots of retro curiosities.

If it’s radiators you are looking for then try The Cast Iron Reclamation Company-from early 19th Century to Fifties classics and the good news is they are all converted for modern central heating systems.

Probably one of the most well known companies is called Drummonds.  As well as reclaimed products they also sell fantastic repro items like this gorgeous roll top bath.  They will set you back a few pounds but that is because they are handcrafted.  Each bath takes several weeks to make by using a traditional process involving casting the raw metal, enameling and finishing by hand polish or painting. Some others to look up are Renaissance London Retrouvius Reclamation and Design.