From Place To Space: Toronto

One week ago I had the pleasure to meet one of my Canadian fellow bloggers here in Munich. Tim lives and works in Toronto and speaking to him I was reminiscing about my visit to Toronto two years ago. Now I've decided to take you on a little retrospective trip to this fabulous Canadian metropolis.

Even though I'd spent just a few days in Toronto, I truly fell in love with the city. Its beautiful location on the shores of Lake Ontario, its laid-back inhabitants, the vibrant life on the street and the mix of cultures and nations made for an immediate connection between the city and myself. I could see myself living there. That was the feeling I gained after just a few days.

I was amazed by the bustling downtown area - walking around Yonge Street, Dundas Street, Church Street left me with the feeling that this is probably the most 'American' part of Canada. Just a few steps further I found myself in the middle of Toronto's Chinatown with its lively shops and restaurants. I was amazed by the richness of architectural styles in the city and enjoyed every new sight. The afternoon sun was perfectly savoured on the lawn in front of the Trinity College and I had an amazing dinner in a restaurant's super cute little backyard. Alas, I forgot the place's name! 

Anyway, the gist of today's little blogpost: If you happen to head to Canada any time soon, don't miss Toronto. It is such a welcoming city full of life and creativity. I am pretty sure you will feel as quickly at home as I did. Happy Monday!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

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From Place To Space: Bregenz, Austria

Are you ready for a new Monday adventure? Buckle up, I am taking you somewhere special - to the city where I was born: the small west Austrian city of Bregenz. Bregenz is located at the shores of Lake Constance in the bordering area of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. I was born here and spent my whole childhood and school time here before moving away for studies. My family, however, still lives here and due to the proximity to Munich I keep on coming back to see them and enjoy some family time.

That's exactly what I did this weekend and I couldn't help but share these Instagram snapshots with you. The weather was fabulous, almost like summer, and it was the opening weekend of my beloved 'Beach Bar'. Moreover, I was stunned over again by the spectacular stage design of the world's biggest floating stage on a lake! Bregenz is very famous for its grand summer festival 'Bregenzer Festspiele' with a biannual schedule. This summer, Umberto Giordano's 'André Chénier' will be played. And from next year, Mozart's 'The Magic Flute' will be reinterpreted on this spectacular stage. The little bonus: shows start around sunset hour so the audience enjoys two spectacular scenes. 

I admit, this week's 'From Place To Space' post neglects the 'Space' aspect a bit. But the weather was just too good to spend it indoors. Nevertheless, the western part of Austria is known for very modern and edgy architecture and interior design. A great focus is put on sustainable architecture, the use of local materials (lots of wood combined with concrete and glass) and a salient embedding in the vast nature. Thus, quite often you can spot very modern, cubic houses in a 'Sound of Music' kind of ambiance. In Bregenz itself I love the contrast between old and modern architecture. The 19th century main post office is adjacent to the glass cube of the modern art museum KUB, the medieval upper town bursts with historical houses and its landmark, the Martin's Tower, whereas the town's port has recently been renovated and combines modern and traditional aspects. 

So, today I've taken you on a little trip to my 'home' - a city that might not be on anyone's agenda at all, but hey, isn't it cool to discover new places with me here? Have a great week!

Photography: Top pic via Railtour; all other photography by Igor Josifovic

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From Place To Space: Barcelona

Here on Happy Interior Blog, Mondays equal to inspirational trips entitled 'From Place To Space'. And this Monday is no exception. Ready? Here we go, destination: Barcelona!

The Catalonian capital and Spanish metropolis Barcelona is one of the most lively and bustling cities in Europe. A rich history, multi-faceted architecture, a vivid art and design scene combined with a Mediterranean lifestyle and pleasant surrounding make Barcelona the place of choice for many people. Names such as Gaudí or Güell come to our minds and the quirky and unconventional facades of many historical buildings in Barcelona, the famous Parc Güell and the renowned Sagrada Familia. These two personalities marked the city's modernism period and defined a unique Art Déco style. But Barcelona has more to offer: the medieval Barri Gotic with the monumental cathedral, the romantic Plaça Reial, the busy Ramblas, the inspiring Mercat de la Boqueria (food market) and the lush beaches in Barceloneta. 

This huge variety of styles is also transferred into the city's interiors. Famous homes that are featured in Spanish and international interiors magazines showcase modern, minimalistic homes, mansions with historical details, but also quirky and colourful apartments. In Barcelona, everything seems to work and nothing seems to be wrong. 

For a perfect panoramic view head to the Parc Güell or to the top of nearby Montjuïc mountain. And don't forget to enjoy the culinary highlights with dozens of yummy tapas plates, a rich Paella, fresh fish, and the delicious Crema Catalana or Churros con chocolate. Hasta mañana, amigos!

Photography: Light flooded apartment via Nuevo Estilo; colourful apartment via Mi Casa Revista; other photography by Kathrin Braumann and Igor Josifovic.

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Resolutions!

Honestly, this time of year can get a little depressing in New England; the extra chilly weather is just setting in, the scale is tipping in the wrong direction, my house is usually a post holiday disaster!!

Thank goodness for New Year's resolutions, they motivate and feel like a fresh start, and when they actually come to fruition it's quite satisfying....

I'm feeling great about 2010 and am of course very excited to meet our new baby bundle arriving this month!!

So onto my 2010 resolutions.....

ONE. to focus on saving to purchase a pretty home close to the beach!

Image: Martha Stewart, Backen Gillam Architects

TWO. To travel to Paris with my husband for my birthday. {In October}. I've been to France but never to the city of lights....

Image: Print available through Etsy

THREE. I read Julie and Julia in 2008 but saw the movie just last night. Julia Child's story is very inspiring. I've always loved to cook but haven't been very motivated in the kitchen lately. I hope to refine my cooking skills, entertain more and try some new techniques and recipes in 2010. {all while sipping new wine selections}

Images: Andrea Wyner

FOUR. Is to purge and organize my "stuff" and life!

How great is this closet? It belongs to Nicole from the amazing blog "Making it Lovely" The cabinet is available here through IKEA.

To have a small dresser just for jewelry, belts and scarfs would be a dream wouldn't it?

{owww I just had a thought-I'll keep you posted}

FIVE. To set aside more time to exercise and whip this body into shape after my "little one" arrives.

SIX. To contiune to be inspired by and explore more cultural endeavors {something I rarely have time for since having a family}. This will include reading more novels {including a few classics}, seeing more movies {including vintage flicks}, and attending more art shows and museum exhibits.

Image: Tom Palumbo, Martha Stewart Blog, CecilyLowe

SEVEN. To continue to grow and develop SHELTER - The Blog and The Design Firm!!{I can't wait to share my new website - it's set to launch at the end of the month}

EIGHT. To lose the "grass is always greener" syndrome and live for the here and now!

Peace and Happy New Year wishes to you!

Cheers to your best year yet!

Julie

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"What" I'd like to decorate..

A BUNGALOW - inside + out!

I've always loved the potential that bungalow style homes have!

Their exteriors and interiors clean up beautifully because of their charming proportions and interesting architectural details. I know someone in the process of purchasing a bungalow. If they approve, I'll post the "before" + "after" transformation.

In the meantime here's some info. on the bungalow (Craftsman) homes and a bit of exterior inspiration!

Most Bungalows found in the U.S. were built between 1905-1930

Features

"Low-pitched gabled rood (sometimes hipped)"

"wide unenclosed eave overhangs"

"roof rafters often exposed"

"decorative false beams or braces under gables"

"porches - either full or partial-width, with roof supported by tapered square columns"

"columns or pedestals frequently extend to ground level {without a break at level of porch floor}"

{info. taken directly from A Field Guide to American Houses; Virginia + Lee McAlester}

Initially craftsman style homes were found in Southern California but they soon became a popular smaller style home across america. "Few were built after 1930."

BEFORE


AFTER

I love the fence and carriage house details

Images: Country Living, Martha Stewart, Country Living (before and after images), Cottage Living, Old Houses.com, L.A. Times, Old Houses.com {bottom two}

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Dream House Inspiration...

If you're a regular reader of my blog, I'm sure you'll recall my multiple mentions of the desire to someday build a home. I of course have a "dream house style file" that I add to on a weekly basis.. Maybe I'm onto something, how does a weekly What's in the D.H. Style file post sound? In any case, I came across the beautiful creations of Backen Gilliam Architects via Under a Paper Moon. {a fabulous blog} last week. I love the clean style, farm house inspiration, and welcoming facades. I do want a bright and airy home, so I may have to tweak some of the covered porches a bit. Enjoy!

The children's club house. Can you imagine? Go outside to the clubhouse kids!

I want my own clubhouse.

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