Diane von Furstenberg's NYC Penthouse Oasis

The March issue of Architectural Digest featured fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg's live/ work space in Manhattan's Meatpacking District. Being a big fan of her clothing line and newly debuted home goods collection, I was thrilled to see behind her closed doors. I love her bohemian style which effortlessly blends 70's glamour, tribal accents, bold colors and lots of pattern. In 2006 the designer went against the grain and purchased two redbrick Victorians in NYC's Meatpacking District. "Everybody told me when I came to this neighborhood that I was crazy- that it was full of drag queens, that it smelled awful because of all the butchers." With the help of architecture firm WORKKac, DVF converted them into a 35,000-square-foot corporate headquarters complete with a penthouse oasis she calls her "tree house". The six-story structure houses her design studio, flagship store, a 5,000-square-foot event space and showroom, and an executive suite. Of the many features that stand out are the Spain-made faceted glass Olot perched above the green penthouse rooftop, and the 80-foot Swarovksi adorned concrete staircase that conjoins the two redbricks. Approximately 8,000 crystals facilitate light throughout the floors.

The office/living area is my favorite with an Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann table flanked by Franz West chairs serving as a dining table & desk. Family photos & some of the designer's collected artwork are displayed along the window.

DVF epitomizes effortless bohemian

The bathroom features folding screens for privacy and a freestanding teak tub.

I love her ability to blend bold colors and mixed patterns

Global accents

In the master suite the bed is tucked away under a linen-draped bamboo pavilion with a curved painted wall separating the bathroom. This screams more African safari than NYC penthouse.

Amazing views!

An aerial view of the penthouse provides a little perspective on how the space is arranged.

The space surprisingly blends into its surroundings.

Lower level

The "staridelier" is seen here which connects floors and distributes light throughout the building

Another view of the stairwell. Look at the sparkles!

Glimpses of office space in the design studio

The Olot shimmers like a diamond in the evening light.

images via AD and here

Monday Quote

image found here

WANDERLUST FRIDAY: PERU

In just over a month I will finally set off on a long awaited adventure to Peru. Growing up I often daydreamed of being an archaeologist, so words cannot describe how excited I am to have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu. While I know MP has become extremely popular and touristy, it will truly be a dream come true. I will start off by spending 3 days in Cusco acclimating to the elevation and exploring the markets and ruins of the Sacred Valley. Then, the real adventure will begin. The Inca Trail. After 3 days of hiking the pinnacle moment will occur when we arrive at Machu Picchu at daybreak. The next day I anticipate a long train ride to Puno where Lake Titicaca and the native Uros await. A possible side trip to La Paz, Bolivia will be considered before traveling on to Colca Canyon, which is the 3rd largest canyon in the world. Yes, that's right. It's larger than the Grand Canyon. The rest of the trip will be on autopilot with stops in Chivay, Arepuipa, and finally Lima where I look forward to good food, relaxing on the beach, and meeting new friends.

Cusco

2nd thing I'm most looking forward to

any many miny moe?

Looking forward to getting lost in these streets of Cusco

Inca Trail

I had best see a llama at MP for a photo op

The views I imagine on the train to Puno

Lake Titicaca

Floating Islands

Colca Canyon- 13,640ft

World renowned white water rafting

Arequipa

Cathedral in Lima

I plan to take a cooking class to learn how to prepare ceviche

YUM!

followed by a few Pisco Sours

and relax time at the beach

*image credits can be found on my Pinterest

SPRING STYLE INSPIRATION: PASTEL DENIM

With the change of seasons comes the great excuse to go out shopping for a few new things to add to the wardrobe. As many of you know, I am a big fan of colored denim. This spring season pastel denim is everywhere. There are a few reasons why I love colored denim options with one of them being that I can get away with wearing them to work. Let's face it, though, they are fun! When it comes to making these types of purchases I try to find affordable options from Forever21, H&M, etc. and splurge when it comes to traditional or black denim. I already have a coral/orangish pair from last summer, so I'm leaning toward green. What color are you looking to add this spring?

all can be found at Net-A-Porter

* image 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Ooh la la Olatz

I have longed for this room since the first time I set eyes on it in House Beautiful. The colors inexplicably draw me in and that bed. Oh that bed. The luxurious linens are designed by the lady in question Olatz Schnabel. You have more than likely seen her linens featured in many home decor magazines. I would love to curl up in a set, however, their high price tag would break the bank. My current bedroom walls are a tad lighter than those seen here but the purple and magenta would still look great.

You may be wondering who is Olatz Schnabel? She is a Spanish-born, Paris-raised former model who was married for over 17 years to artist (amongst numerous other things) Julian Schnabel.  In addition to having created her own line of silk nightwear and luxurious linens, she is now launching an interior design company, Interiors by Olatz. New York Times Magazine recently featured her King Street tri-level town house in SoHo. 

I'll take the sheets, blanket, headboard, oh, and that fabulous dress she's wearing (photo by Ditte Isager)

here that beautiful headboard is seen in her former residence at the controversial Palazzo Chupi

 Olatz Schnable in her dressing room at her new residence

tres French kitchen

18th century French doorway framing the back entrance w/ artwork by her borther

intimate garden area

the living room doesn't do it for me but I do like the Moroccan rug

here's that headboard again..a fiberglass replica of one in her San Sebastian, Spain home

wonderful use of a checker board pattern in the bath

great windows bring lots of light into the kitchen

Olatz designed the raw linen cerise curtains and the bed linens can be found in her store

another view of the dressing room....cute built out closets

dressing room

love how the checkered floor contrasts the bold color used throughout

Images 4-10 via NYTimes Magazine with photographs by Jason Schmidt, 11-15 via Olatz Interiors