I HEART YAKY

Along a busy street in the center of Rome, just a few blocks from Largo Argentina, a little oasis of Chinese splendor can be found.  Yaky’s (www.yaky.it) collection of Asian antiques, predominately hailing from the Qing period (1644 – 1912), is mixed with rare found objects as well as modern furniture-- leather trunks, petrified wood tables, painted cabinets, bronze figurines and apothecary cabinets.  This great shop has the ability to construct reproductions and custom pieces of the utmost quality, and an important aspect of Yaky’s ethics is that all pieces have been authorized for export by the Chinese Cultural Heritage Ministry.  This dedication to heritage definitely shines through…  

An Italian Celebration: B&B Italia

While paying homage to today’s 150^th anniversary of the unification of Italy, I also wanted to celebrate the Busnelli family for regaining control of their company, B&B Italia.  The company, founded by Piero Ambrogio Busnelli in 1966, lost majority share of the company in 2002, but now the company is back in the right, entrepreneurial hands!  Here are some of my most favorite B&B Italia pieces that I could use over and over again…

Patricia Urquiola’s Criniline Armchair with High Backrest, polyethylene weave

Loto Simplice Collection tables and stool

Febo Chaise from the Max Alto Collection 2009

Mida AC Collection 2010 with red lacquered interior with a sleek 270 degree door rotation…

Clean + Classic = “George”

Illuminazione

A few years ago during a summer trip to Puglia, specifically in Polignano a Mare (near Bari & so beautiful), my friend, a local, introduced me to one of the best kept secrets ever… the amazing pendants, sconces and lamps of Peppino Campanella.  I toured Campanella’s studio/ warehouse and awed at the colorful rocks/glass he uses for his pieces, as well as the extraordinary custom fixtures and sculptures that he does for special projects.  My next spa project or even an intimate residential foyer will be brought to life with the help of Campanella’s lighting…

Beautiful kitchen… lovely details

Way too big for Roman apartment standards, but I am loving the stark contrast of the white marble and cabinetry against the dark paneled, custom island in this airy kitchen.  This temporary kitchen is by Inspirations Kitchen & Bath of ATL and designed for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Luxury Living Show.  Lovely!