Home Journal

One of my favourite moments was when icons from the Louvre’s paintings took a FOMO-fuelled dip in the Seine to soak up all the action. The neon-painted Venus de Milo at the French National Assembly was also a standout. And let’s not forget the real MVP – Paris itself. Turning the French capital into a grand sports stage was pure genius. People – my sister included – flocked not just for the games, but for the iconic spots hosting them. It’s a reminder that Paris isn’t just a city of design – it’s a city of dreams for athletes and dreamers. My first brush with Paris was as a kid, staring at a tiny cut-out of the Louvre Pyramid above my desk. Small, but mighty, it sparked a lifelong itch…

SMELL OF STYLE Aesop has hit the right note aromatically with its latest line of fragrances that blend essential oils from seeds, bark, stems, roots, and flowers. From the aromas of Moroccan spices, to the fresh notes of traditional colognes and the Mediterranean coast, to lush temple moss gardens and garden roses, these scents, done in partnership with French perfumers Barnabé Fillion and Céline Barel, are not only aromatic, but also do wonders for your skin and hair. Its most recent line, Othertopias, infuses a metaphysical touch to the scent that toys with the concept of real and imagined, here and elsewhere. aesop.com Colour Codes Jazz up your home with Jim Thompson’s home collection this fall. For your living room, consider the navy Phoenix Cushion Cover or the rouge Eden…

Jewel tones are perfect for adding glam and pizzazz to your home. Rich hues such as teal, sapphire, and ruby bring depth and elegance, whether in small touches or bold statements. Start with a centrepiece, for instance, Arflex’s Edo sofa, and pair it with marble or terracotta accents to make sure your home shines without going overboard, while keeping the backdrop neutral to avoid visual chaos. If big changes aren’t your thing, introduce a ruby red cushion or a vibrant carpet for flair. For a bolder approach, layer different jewel tones, mixing textures such as velvet, satin or glass for added glam without the heaviness. Balancing these vibrant hues with soft hues is crucial. Keep the right dose of pastel shades or neutral tones to create contrast and harmony. BALANCING…

The latest addition to London’s luxury hotel scene, the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair blends modern architecture with artistic flair to create a new beacon in one of the city’s most sought-after areas. Dreamt up by the legendary Stirk Harbour + Partners, the brainchild of the late architectural guru Richard Rogers, the hotel flaunts a rare Vierendeel truss structure. This unique design not only gives the building a sleek exterior, but also opens up the interiors like a breath of fresh air. The facade, a striking combo of Britain’s longest continuous red brick stripes and glass, marries the traditional Georgian vibes with a contemporary and minimalist touch. As you enter, you’re greeted by a reception area with sprawling light green marble walls, bringing the tranquillity of the outdoors inside, and creating a…

Named Itsu Sho Sha, this private residence in Karuizawa, in the southeastern section of Japan’s Nagano Prefecture, is the home of architect and designer couple Ed Ng and Terence Ngan of respected Hong Kong design studio AB Concept. Completed in the summer of 2023, after almost three years of planning, the home reflects the couple’s personal taste and thoughtfully nuanced design approach. Ng explains the residence’s name – Itsu Sho Sha – has three meanings. It refers to how the house sits alongside iconic Japanese red pine, its function as a home, and how it encapsulates a leisurely state of mind. “Itsu Sho Sha is just an hour from Tokyo by bullet train. It’s not a typical house – it’s more like a small village, with four separate buildings, each…

Palm Springs, famous for its clear skies, gentle desert breezes, and the imposing San Jacinto Mountains, has long been a magnet for artists and Hollywood A-listers. When Los Angeles interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard and his partner Michael Green discovered this mid-century villa in the desert city, it was love at first sight. “I fell in love with the drama of the architecture from the very first time I saw the house,” Bullard reminisces. “It has so much character and really makes the strongest impression on all who enter the home.” An architectural marvel by James McNaughton, a Hollywood set decorator-turned-prominent-architect, the villa features towering six-metre-high arches that frame a circular bay window. With terrazzo floors both inside and out, a striking sunken fireplace in the living room, and an…