Belle Photos!

Photography always inspires me and today these by 19th century French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson caught my eye...Enjoy! 

The Gastropub

For the foodie, the hottest thing going right now besides "Rustic Italian" seems to be the Gastropub. A trend from England, the Gastropub serves up cheap gourmet accompanied by specialty cocktails and beers from boutique brewery's, all wrapped up in an amazing setting. Think designer burger bar. With the design of a new Gastropub in the pipeline for Kenan Interiors, I decided to do a little precedent research. Below are my fav NYC Gastropubs.

European Union was designed by the incredibly talented AVROKO - with exposed brick walls, dim vintage industrial lighting and lots of bar and high top seating, the space provides a cozy atmosphere for the European Comfort Food on the menu.

A cult classic, The Spotted Pig, actually started the Gastropub craze in NY. The vintage looking furniture, mis-matched fabrics, and tin ceilings create a haphazard cool vibe to go with the haute comfort food.

5 Napkin Burger, A boutique burger chain, has three NYC locations and others in Boston and Miami. This hip burger bar isn't your typical - along with the burgers, the extensive menu also features items like Pork Taquitos and even a sushi platter - how's that for variety! The decor is a little Keith McNally with a raw edge. In my eyes, you can never go wrong with a little Subway tile and industrial lighting - the filament bulbs hanging from meat hooks and vintage scales are nice to authentic touches.

I'll keep you posted on the Gastropub as it progresses!

Outdoor dining oasis

Loving Garden Designer Judy Kameon's outdoor dining area in Los Angeles. Many of the Designer's works are featured in the Spring Design Issue of The NY Times Style Magazine. Wishing I was in the picture and not in cold, windy, rainy NYC!

Things I'm Loving Right Now

The Coral red on my nails

The Gardenia perfume from Miss Kubelik I picked up at The Society Inc while in Sydney

This caramel colored leather jacket from Vince

And just about anything from John Robshaw!

A Latte in Paddington

Ahhh, Sydney, how I love thee! I thought I had found my perfect place in NYC's West Village, that is, until I visited Sydney. While I loved the city as a whole, Paddington left me wanting more! Paddington, like the city as a whole, is mostly comprised of townhouses, like the ones pictured above. From the street, they leave much to the imagination....behind these facades you will most likely find a beautiful garden and possibly a pool, similar to the pic below.

I was very surprised how modern the city was - especially the interiors, which were mostly very fresh feeling with white walls, minimal architecture, and lots of glass - real no-fuss living, taking advantage of the ability to live inside and out.

I really loved how Sydney seems to come alive on a sunny day.....not only are the homes made for al fresco living, so it seems are the shops and restaurants. Below is the courtyard of Jackie's restaurant in Paddington - I love how the courtyard dining area is shared with it's sushi bar neighbor to the left.

 courtyard @ Jackie's

 Jackie's

Sushi Bar neighbor

I love how everywhere in Sydney opens up to the outdoors with big sliding glass doors that seem to disappear when opened entirely. Just imagine....perfectly blue sky, birds chirping, sitting in this courtyard and sipping on the BEST latte....Ahhhh Sydney, take me back!

A girl with a passport

G'day blogger friends! I'm sorry for being MIA for so long. I've just returned from an adventure from the land-downunder - Australia and New Zealandand - and can't wait to tell you share my experiences with you! For now, I'll settle in and recover from my jet-lag, but I'll be back soon to tell you all about it!

Hope you're having a great Sunday!

Buccan Opens It's Doors!

As you may know, I've been working on the design for a new restaurant in Palm Beach, and last week Buccan officially opened it's doors! The restaurant is the vision of Chef Clay Conley, and described as a "progressive American grill" with an extensive and delicious menu of small plates with flavor influences from Clay's travels around the world.

We designed the interior as clean and modern yet simple, comfortable, approachable, and warm with nods at traditional Palm Beach design and organic touches. 

Above, the bar is a fun and lively atmosphere for a drink or meal.

Above, the communal table seats 12 and will be reserved for walk in guests. Though the idea of communal dining is common in larger cities, this is a new and exciting concept for Palm Beach!

The "Living Room" is a cozy spot to settle in with friends, a date, or a book and enjoy the many flavors on the menu and wine list.

Above, owners Piper Quinn, Chef Clay Conley, and Sam Slattery stand in the main dining room, where we used copper topped tables and rustic bistro chairs.

Buccan is located at 350 South County Road in Palm Beach and will be open for lunch and dinner.

Don't miss the Tuna Tartare or Butternut Squash Ravioli!

For more information on Buccan, please visit their website and check out the article in today's 

Palm Beach Daily News!