Even though it's the first day of spring, winter had other ideas as we awoke to find snow in New York. Hopefully, it's the last snow of the season! I think I've mentioned before that I've always loved spring since my birthday is in April. It's such a happy and optimistic time of the year as everyone emerges from the winter doldrums to enjoy the warmer weather and sunshine. So here's a spring bouquet of French tulips to herald the arrival of all the good times to come! Enjoy!
The photo shoot at the bachelor pad project went exceptionally well thanks to my fabulous photographer Jonathan Ragle! It was of course stressful and exhausting but also a very fun and collaborative process. Jonathan and I worked really well together and since he walked through the apartment yesterday to map out all the shots, we were able to work quickly and efficiently today. If you ever need a photographer for portraits or interiors, Jonathan is your man! He actually took a few portrait shots of me first and after that experience, I will never make fun of America's Next Top Model ever again! It's hard to remember to keep your chin up, look at the camera, square your shoulders, suck in your stomach and smile naturally all at the same time! Thank goodness for retouching!
Elle Decor says: La dolce vita is as iconic a film as they get. Fellini’s masterpiece has been referred to throughout fashion, film, architecture, philosophy and music. As the title suggests, “The sweet life” is about frivolity, glamour, fame, style and surrounding yourself with beautiful things and people. This shoot pays homage to Fellini and the film in its black and white style photography by Fulvio Maiani and luxury setting at Grand Hotel Rimini in Italy.
The styling by Chiara di pinto and Arianna lelli Mami is seamlessly co-ordinated with the vibrant, cleverly designed furniture and interiors. “Lounge chairs” scatter the foyer, poolside and club room as if to challenge the viewer with their positioning. Sky high heels indicating power and prestige work with designer swimwear, head scarves, capelets and jewels which allude to “dressing up” for a leisurely lounge by the pool.
Like the film, the series of images presented by Elle Décor end on a reflective note, showcasing the human desire for masking the tragedies in our lives by living and searching for beauty and enjoying the sweetness of life! - Kate Vandermeer 
The rooms are still decorated with Venetian and French antiques of the XVIII century, and the original wooden floor (parquet) and Venetian chandeliers have been restored.
Plaster work has been restored it original grandeur.
In the restaurant and the other banqueting rooms, the furniture, the paintings, and the lights, reinforce the original atmosphere of the past.
Here is the Grand Ballroom - done in lovely soft pinks. Notice the ceiling is also painted pink highlighting the plaster work. Also notice the arched french doorways. Stunning.
Here is a smaller more intimate dining space. Notice again the chandelier. Mirrors are also used very often - see the very large one in the far right of the photo.
Lets go up stairs to see the more private rooms. Notice the iron work on the staircase - again the large mirrors reflect the gorgeous interiors. Beautiful carpets add another layer of luxury.
Here is one of the sitting rooms and bedrooms in one of the Hotels many suites.
Here is the sitting room in the Fellini Suite. When I visited I had the opportunity to spend time in these famous and lovely rooms.
Above the adjacent sleeping quarters and bath of the Fellini Suite. Though difficult to see, the floor to ceiling french doors in the bedroom open to a spectacular view of the ocean. Again many mirrors, Venetian glass chandeliers, plaster mouldings and marble abound.
The outside grounds of The Grand Hotel are equally as beautiful.
Outdoor dining in the garden - Also the area where many parties and weddings have taken place.
Here a semi-outdoor pavilion has a permanent painted "tented" ceiling. Notice the gorgeous floor. 
More outdoor dining, with a spectacular view.
A beautiful tablescape with the Hotel as a spectacular backdrop.
Getting ready for a wedding - Oh so romantic!
Make sure to reserve your private cabana.
Evening parties on the outdoor pavilion!
Ahh - wouldn't it be fun to escape to Italy in Spring?!
I've spent the last two days styling the bachelor pad project in preparation for a photo shoot tomorrow! Laurie Reynolds was sweet enough to help me with the project since she has a little more free time on her hands these days since she is no longer with Katie Ridder. Not to worry though, she has already lined up two internships and I'm sure she will be offered a permanent position in no time! Laurie used to work for a florist so she was needless to say put to work on the flowers among other tasks. The photographer, Jonathan Ragle, stopped by today and we mapped out the shots. I was joking with him that it seems much less glamorous than shooting fashion week for Vogue.com which is what he was doing for the past few weeks! I am very excited to be working with him and to finally have professional photos of my favorite project. I also can't wait to share with you how much work and preparation goes into a photo shoot. Stay tuned for the behind the scenes scoop soon!
I was going through some old magazines recently and came across a Martha Stewart Living magazine from September 2005 that was a special decorating issue. In it was the gray apartment of the Martha Stewart Living creative director Eric Pike. It's very serene and calm looks very Martha. Since it was a gut renovation, space was created for Eric's collections, also very Martha. I wonder if the home has since been cluttered up with books and more collections or if it's still clean and clear. I would have definitely messed it by now! But it's still nice to look at. Enjoy!
Photos by William Abranowicz
