Tag Archives: ideas

Land of God

Posted on May 2, 2012 | 1 Comment


~ Marrakech ~

Marrakech, known also as the Red City because of its dusty terracotta architecture, is the most important touristic destination in Morocco. Its name is derived from the Berber words, “mur (n) akush” meaning “Land of God”, a proper title for an imperial metropolis with a rich and glorious past, situated within reach of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and the white-sand beaches of Essaouira.

The old city of Marrakech (the medina), part of the UNESCO patrimony, is home to winding, narrow alleys, numerous mosques (among which the largest one is Koutoubia), the El Badi Palace (a Saadian imperial residence) , the fresh  Menara gardens, the Ben Youssef Madrasah (disputably the most beautiful building in the area and a perfect example of Islāmic architecture), and last, but not least, Marrakech houses Djemaa El Fna, the largest and most chaotic square on the continent, stamping ground for a vibrant mass of dancers, musicians, magicians, snake charmers, and countless booths selling delicious food.

I grew up reading and enjoying Scheherazade’s one thousand and one stories and after looking at photos from the area for more than a week, I believe that Marrakech would make the perfect place to visit in order to start believing in magic.

Stay: Kasbah Bab Ourika (to counterbalance the sensory overload of the city); Heure Bleue Palais (when in Essaouira)

Eat: harira (lamb, lentil and chickpea soup), kefta (spicy minced lamb), kebabs and merguez (spicy sausage), sweetened mint tea at Mamounia, Café des Livres, Al Fassia or Djemaa El Fna food stalls

See: Koutoubia, El Badi Palace, Menara gardens, Djemaa El Fna, Ben Youssef Madrasah, Essaouira, Ouzoud waterfall

~ Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech ~


~ El Badi Palace, Marrakech ~

~ Menara Gardens, Marrakech ~

~ Djemaa El Fna, Marrakech ~

~ Colorful Spices, Marrakech ~

~ Ben Youssef Madrasah, Marrakech ~

~ Kasbah Bab Ourika ~

~ Essaouira ~

~ Erg Chebbi ~ 

Until next time,

Bodhi.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 , 8, 9, 10

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Posted in TRAVEL

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Peaceful Oasis

Posted on May 1, 2012 | Leave a comment

~ Nostalgic and retro, dark green seems perfectly suited for a bedroom, a place that requires peacefulness and solace. ~

My interior design preferences typically gravitate toward the discreet and minimal. However, once in a while I come across a room in a bold color that I cannot take my eyes off. This is what happened when I saw the image above. I was drawn to the coziness and the serenity of the space, attributes that seem to originate in the dark green primary color.

Generally associated with nature, hence with life, renewal and harmony, green is a positive color that has the potential to generate calm and equilibrium. Given its vegetal connotations, this tone fits nicely on the walls of an open porch or in a bathroom, but the kitchen and the living room are not exceptions as in these areas green tends to create a very chic and indulgent atmosphere.

In order to avoid creating an oppressive space, dark green can be paired with light materials and shades of white, gray and silver. Another helpful element for a dark green room is a mirror, or better yet, a couple of mirrors, which will add volume and confer light.

~ Forest green cabinets create a soothing and de-stressing ambience in this kitchen. ~

~ Dark teal green combined with gold accents transforms this powder room into a baroque – looking jewel. ~

~ Green stimulates productivity and calms the spirits being thus an appropriate choice for a home office. ~

~ A hint of phthalo green confers serenity to this elegant bedroom.  ~

~ Verdigris mixed with charcoal and copper are a gorgeous combination, giving this kitchen a captivating vibe. ~

Primary color: Benjamin Moore – Bavarian Forrest

Until next time,

Bodhi.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

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Posted in DECORATE

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Solar Touch

Posted on April 26, 2012 | Leave a comment

Even though Pantone selected tangerine orange as the color of the year, yellow remained a designer favorite for this upcoming summer.

Due to its natural luminosity and my preference for muted shades, yellow has typically played a secondary role in my wardrobe. I used it sparingly, mostly as an accent color in a belt or a scarf, and when feeling bolder, in a skirt. Come this spring though, my relation with this hue experienced a full-blown transformation and I now reach for it almost every other day.

My usual approach to wearing yellow is to not overdo it, to use it in a piece of clothing that I really love to wear (a skirt or a dress) and to soften it somewhat with white or neutral colors, like Emma Hill did for the Mulberry spring 2012 ready-to-wear collection. However, for this summer I am planning to get out of my box a little and go for a spicy vintage look by pairing yellow with a dash of purple.

1. Anthropologie – Soja Crossback Blouse 
3. Yoox – Diesel Bag

Until next time,

Bodhi.

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Posted in WEAR

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