Wednesday Whim - The Sea Captain's House

 all images via The Contemporist via Patsios Architecture (photography by: Paterakis Vangelis)

Greece is one of those destinations I would love to see in person. The food, the sights, the scenery. It all seems like the perfect getaway. 

In my dreams, I'm mostly sightseeing or enjoying food somewhere overlooking a gorgeous view, but I never considered where I would sleep...until now. This updated luxury hotel called The Sea Captain's House is set in Santorini island and was once (as the name suggests) a 19th-century sea captain's home. 

There are several suites available to rent, but this specific Cave Suite is what struck me the most. Designed by Patsios Architecture, the abundantly white setting creates an airy, dream-like atmosphere, especially given the limited natural light from the windows. The minimalist design aesthetic keeps the space modern and surprisingly comfortable even with the stark white and Flintstone-esque curves.

The private courtyard overlooking the sea seems especially on par of my dream where I sit and enjoy food with a gorgeous view. Swoon. 

Greece, one day, you and I will meet.

Wednesday Whim - Miu Miu + Herzog & De Meuron

all images via  Miu Miu / Herzog & de Meuron via Design Boom

While it wouldn't take much convincing for me to walk into any designer store, this Miu Miu store in Tokyo's Aoyama district would be especially attractive - and not just for the designer pieces inside.

The building is designed by Swiss architects, Herzog & De Meuron. Due to zoning regulations that inhibited the height of the building, the designers tried different architectural elements to explore a smaller and more intimate building design. Working with the notion of designing more of a home than a department store, being more hidden than open and being more opaque than transparent, they decided on featuring a sloped,metallic façade that creates visual interest towards the store underneath versus an ostentatious logo display. The rounded, soft edges of the copper surfaces inside meet the razor-sharp steel corners on the outside of the metal box. Once inside, the bold use of green and orange colors, sofas and armchairs and copper material invites the customers to linger, shop and enjoy the store's ambiance.

Well, Miu Miu, I wouldn't mind stepping inside and staying a while. 

Wednesday Whim - Vipp Flower Workshop

images via Vipp via April and May Studio and That Nordic Feeling - Photography by: Anders Hviid

In June, 2014, Vipp celebrated 75 years. While some may celebrate by throwing a grand party filled with special decor and flowers, Vipp decided to celebrate by inviting their favorite European bloggers to participate in a Flower Styling Workshop competition using flowers. Led by professional Danish florist, Louise Moestrup, 13 bloggers were first shown how to create flower decorations (like the flower ball above) and then they were divided into groups to style their own.

Fans were asked to vote for their favorite designs on Vipp's Instagram account (competition now closed). I'm seven months too late but I would have loved to vote! What an amazing event to have been a part of.

Here was the winning design!

Vipp Flower Styling Workshop from Vipp on Vimeo.

Wednesday Whim - Gothenburg Apartment

 all images via  Alvhem Mäkleri & Interiör via Home Adore

In keeping with my recent adoration for minimalism and clean design, I came across this beautiful apartment in Gothenburg, Sweden. I love the light-colored interior with pops of color and pattern that keeps the space from being too stark. The apartment preserves its tiled floor and showcases stucco work, ceiling medallions and beautiful woodwork.

For more images and details, check out Alvhem Mäkleri & Interiör.

Wednesday Whim - Trio of Treehouses

 all images via photographer Lindsay Appel for Jane Field-Lewis for My Cool Shed via Ignant

When I was growing up, I dreamed of having a treehouse. A secret retreat. A place of my own. A spot to "get away" from adults and play with whatever I wanted. It was a kid's dream! Imagine my delight when I across these beautifully constructed trio of treehouses designed by environmentalist, Peter Bahouth and built by Nick Hobbs.

These treehouses are in the middle of a forest in Atlanta and they sit 50 feet above the ground. Aptly named, "Mind," "Body," and "Soul" they are meant to stimulate the senses. Naturally, his inspiration for these magical treehouses came from a childhood dream of building the "biggest tree fort imaginable." After six months of planning and six weeks of construction (using spare windows and 80-year-old windows) his ultimate tree fort became a reality. Suspension bridges connect each treehouse and each space is decorated with flea market finds and personal mementos. 

Pretty dreamy, eh? For different photos, read this.

Wednesday Whim - Allure of Dior

all images via Bureau Betak 

There is always a clear focus when it comes to fashion runway shows; the clothes and the models who wear them. The runway is utilitarian in nature compared to the imagery of the clothes. But, for Christian Dior's Fall-Winter 2014 couture show, a living installation created a magical environment to help showcase the collection. Paris-based creative agency, Bureau Betak, used the most perfect orchid flowers to serve as a stunning backdrop in the Musée Rodin, which emphasized the romantic couture pieces. The crisp, clean setting definitely helps make the clothes stand out. 

What do you think?