Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Design details that caught my eye

My oh my, have I missed all of you! I was away on a family vacation and completely unplugged. Since returning I've had so much on my plate that even squeezing in one of my favorite activities, blogging, wasn't an option the past two weeks. Glad to be back!

While vacationing I took notice of design details from Atlantis in the Bahamas that are worth sharing. The chevron stone tile in this bath was eye catching.   
Look at it close-up, it is little pieces of stone laid out in the chevron pattern. Very impressive installation.  
In one of the lobbies I found several of these side tables. The natural element of the twig coated with a varnish made for striking, yet practical tables. The tops were super smooth. Fun for a beachside resort. 
Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill was such a culinary treat. The decor combined with the food made for a memorable dining experience. In the past I've mentioned pushing boundaries when it comes to the backs of dining chairs, as they aren't spaces that normally get wear and tear. Look how cowhide was used on the chairs.     
The waiting area consisted of several chic, vinyl covered seating surfaces. I'm a huge fan of using vinyl in areas with high traffic. 
Every morning poolside, we were greeted with these towel creations. I enjoyed them so much that I asked one of the workers for a tutorial. I will now be making these all summer long. Simple happiness!   
In a lobby I found these chairs with roping and knots.    

I have a love for orchids. The usage of bamboo to hold the individual stems up caught my attention. I wonder if I can duplicate? Have you seen this look before?  
Are you one who is inspired by your travels?

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

So glad you had a chance to get away, unplug, and enjoy your family, Lisa. I have heard such fun things about Atlantis. Looks like the resort has some really cool design elements... it's quite the place, huh? xo

Francine Gardner said...

I would say that travel is my main source of inspiration for designing furniture, interiors and also for fashion.

Annie at PlumSiena said...

Cool details!
Always inspired by my travels, even just going across town.

We use bamboo quite a bit at Pieter's studio. He orders it from the farm in Puerto Rico, but Caribbean Cuts is at the NY flower market where they have bamboo out the wazoo. It also makes for a fun vase if it's cut with a node at the bottom to hold water. We use it fresh and green, but it will fade to pale over the months.

The Buzz Blog said...

Makes me want to book a trip ASAP! What fun to find design everywhere you go... Happy to have you back!
xxoo

uncoolmom17 said...

Atlantis is such a treat. Hope you and the family had a blast. Did you do the Leap of Faith??!

STYLE'N said...

Lisa-How fun to have a family getaway. We went to Atlantis 2 years ago so much of this looks familiar and definitely brings back some good memories. And I know what you mean about getting back and playing catch up. Nice to see you back here and love seeing your comments on FB too :)
Naina

Anonymous said...

Sometimes you just need to get away. Glad you're back with new inspiration. Thanks for sharing.

designchic said...

What a wonderful family vacation spot and beautiful inspiration. Love all of the decor, but I can't get over the swan...hope we all get a tutorial!! Welcome back...

therelishedroost said...

Missed your posts! Love the great photos from the Atlantis.. those rope chairs are fantastic!!!I am sure you are back rested and full of inspiration after that trip!

The enchanted home said...

Glad you had fun...nothing like a vacation to a hot tropical place and The Atlantis is such a fun place....so agree with you it really is all in the details and you sure captured some beauties!

Anonymous said...

Not a detail left out here, and I am in love with the walls!
Happy Thursday.
Teresa
xoxo

Lili said...

glad you all have a fantastic time! LOVE all the design details that caught your eye!

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

Welcome home and I am sorry for being so delayed in your last comments to me :) What a fabulous vacation and that tile is ridiculous!! How cool...and the towels :) I would ask for the same tutorial and totally smiled when I read that. That's like the perfect kick start to spring/summer! XO, Kelly

quintessence said...

OK - I was in Atlantis too -and didn't see any of these pretty design details. Your room is much more glamorous than ours were and the pool near our tower did not have these lovely towel covered beach chairs - it's as if we were at two different resorts!!

Luciane at HomeBunch.com said...

Hello sweetie!


We haven't talked for ages! It's great to be bak here and see such an inspiring post.

Wishing you a great weekend.

xo

Luciane at HomeBunch.com

Unknown said...

Well, we have missed YOU!! Welcome home and back to blogging!

Love all of these design elements from Atlantis that escaped me in my hurried vacation there. That swan towel creation is the best!!!

xoxo Elizabeth

debra @ 5th and state said...

welcome back

your blog lied dormant on my side bar keeping me wondering if all was well, and i see well indeed!

love the details you have shared with us, particularly that chevron tile, so minute but so effective

nice to hear from you!
debra

Lynne Knowlton said...

Your holiday sounded MAGNIFICENT !! It is soooo fab to be inspired by travels. I truly believe that is what shapes us as designers.
Loved the cowhide, went crazy for the rope chairs ( how funky !!) and the orchids...and ooh oh oh...the towels. I need a tutorial :)) teach me :)) This could be some great poolside fun this summer.

pve design said...

Lisa,
I always love traveling and appreciate nuances and details and how fun to bring some ideas home as a souvenir. So much better than more clutter or things that will easily become a distant memory.
Glad you had time away and some down time too.
Love those towel swans.:)
pve

the modern sybarite ™ said...

Those cocoon chairs rock!!!

SHERRY HART said...

Whoa mama.....love all of those details....so nice to get away right!!!

La Dolfina said...

I love noticing design details when I travel too!
Great post Lisa!
Welcome back.

My Notting Hill said...

The twig side tables are so creative. Looks like a wonderful vacation.

About Last Weekend said...

Hi nice to be back again visiting. I am loving the texture of that stone work, the browns are just so restful

Marie Söderberg said...

OMG look at that swan..

Lisa Mende Design said...

Love the swan towels, please do a tutorial! Glad you had a break with family!

annie@mostlovelythings said...

Atlantis...I missed the trip, but I must ask my kids and husband how they forgot to tell me about the pool towel creations! It's hard not to be inspired when you are away and unplugged. Even a day trip sometimes is all it takes...but I would prefer a week in the Bahamas!

Kathysue said...

Everyone needs time to regroup and relax. Glad to hear you had a wonderful trip. I just did a post on details today also!! I love to see details through others eyes, especially someone with your great taste, Kathysue

HAMPTON HOSTESS said...

Glad to see your back! Im in love with the chevron tiles, and the towels are so fun!!

About Last Weekend said...

Love those rope chairs are those Patricia Urgoi....(can't spell her name)

Unknown said...

oh lala - those rope and knot chairs had me at first glance!!!! -- ps whenever i go on vacay i usually find some inspiration in the room or resort - and i've ALWAYS wanted to book a trip to Atlantis - now i feel the urge to splerge and GO

Hanging Light said...

Hi Hamptontoes, I read your blog its looks very beautiful. I all furniture in your your house.

Rachel Wise said...

That wallpaper seems like such an interesting alternative to interior paint. Do you know where I can find it?

Kimberly said...

Love the natural stone countertops in the bathroom. Gives it a very beautiful clean look. Gorgeous dining room as well. Love the chairs.