Simple but Great Designs- Studio Patro

Tea towels and bags made from beautiful handprinted textiles with simple but great designs. By Studiopatro.

I can’t resist the linen!

[images: Studiopatro]

Eating Design

Put design and food together. What do you get? Marie Vogelzang specialises in what is termed “eating design”. In fact, she can be considered a pioneer in this field. “Eating design is to design from the verb ‘to eat’.” This differs from ‘food designers’ which we are familiar with-- designers who work with the subject of food. The work Marie does spans from designing eating experiences, workshops, performances to social projects and a product line. Reading just a little about this has risen my awareness to the many creative projects out there that deal with food.

Oh, and I love her website so much!

[images: Marie Volgezang (via Black Eiffel)]

Pantone Hotel

It used to be that when I traveled, the hotel wouldn’t be the top concern. As long as it’s clean, safe, convenient, I’ll take it. I’m going to be spending most of my time outdoors anyway, I thought. Somewhere along the way, things started to change. I realised that staying in a nice hotel entices me to spend more time within its premises. Additionally, I’m always thrilled to check out the interior decor, especially that of boutique hotels. The entire travel experience gets enhanced. Hmm, perhaps it’s my attitude towards traveling that has changed.

So, I’m pretty enthralled when I read about the Pantone Hotel. Yep, you heard me right. Pantone, the colour authority. And yes, hotel. This boutique hotel sits in a shopping district of Brussels. There are seven levels, each wearing a different colour, so you can select a room to match you mood! And oh, the Pantone merchandise in the lobby boutique will probably tug at your purse’s strings.

[images: Pantone Hotel]

[Taipei] - Our Home

Did you have a good weekend? If you follow my tweets, you may know that I went for a little picnic. It was lovely being surrounded by nature. And later l laid in the open, looking up into the vast night sky. It calms me.

The other thrill I got over the weekend was finding out that Mr Cloud was on the Etsy front page! If you found this blog from that and via Etsy, I’m throwing you a little wave, “hi there, I hope you like it here”.

Today, I’ll wrap up the “Taipei series” with a lovely Bed & Breakfast I visited. I was hopping around snapping photos of the beautifully furnished interiors of this BB, aptly name “Our Home”. My favourite is the greek themed bedroom which you see here.

No, I didn’t stay over (I wish I did!). Instead, we had a delicious dinner that left me very satisfied. The dinning area had windows that overlooked the greenery and sea below. It was a feast of the senses.

Thanks for joining me on this Taipei series! Hope you had fun :)

[Taipei] - VVG Table

Hello there, today brings us to the last of the 3 related food/zakka establishments. More formal than VVG Bistro, and serving up equally good food is VVG Table.

I love all that gorgeous wood and bottles of wine in the cabinets. There are round tables and there are long tables, paired with chairs of various style. Yet, I appreciate how they come together so beautifully.

If the weather isn’t too warm, it’ll be nice to lounge in their outdoor space. A few friends, a couple of drinks. Nice.

[Taipei] - VVG Bistro

So, in the last post, you were introduced to VVG Something. Just opposite from it lies its sister bistro-- VVG Bistro. First thing I noticed even before entering is this pretty Volkswagen parked outside. And underneath a flowering tree, with flowers in matching colours to boot!

With a young kitchen crew who looks passionate about what they do, this kitchen serves up yummy food that I was definitely satisfied with. Boring me had pasta but there's lots more to the menu!

[Taipei] - VVG Something

Today’s post will be the first on 3 related food/zakka business that you read about here. Satisfaction guaranteed!

VVG Something had me at first sight. I was drawn to the entrance which was adorned with greenery, such that stepping foot into this zakka store, I felt that I was entering someone’s living space. The lighting in the store was slightly dim. It complemented some of those gorgeous old wooden furnishings they had, as well as the industrial feel of the interior.

There’s a little cafe right inside as well so you have an excuse to linger a little while longer. Design and concept-wise, this little store set my heart beating the fastest.

[Taipei] - Mogu

Hello there! I’m back from my trip but am trying to settle in and also cope with jet lag (it’s going to take a while). How have you been? I’m sure you enjoyed the previous 2 guest posts! Did you also like the Taipei Series? Because we’re not done with it!

Today, I’ll take you to Mogu, a really cool place! They have a retail shop carrying their handmade items on ground level and on the second floor, you’ll find yourself in a charming little cafe. Perfect to while the afternoon away as you doodle in your little sketchbook. I can’t help loving their mismatched chairs and wooden tables. And the flooring! How cute!