Year: 2017

Eden Locke Hotel

Published by Lisa Wallace

Although well over 250 years old, Edinburgh’s New Town – a UNESCO Heritage Site – is a beautiful, if austere, collection of sturdy and uniform ranks of Georgian buildings. Rows of terraces and mansions clad in local grey sandstone are a physical embodiment of the Scottish Reformation. Refurbished by NYC-based architecture firm Grzywinski+Pons, Eden Locke is a new 72-room hotel with a café and bar that’s received a complete renovation and comprehensive fit-out. Celebrating its heritage details, the 18th-century Georgian mansion and its 20th-century extension was whittled down to its respective bones – and the chic new hotel created from there.

Hirst Bar by Ken Fulk

Published by Lisa Wallace

Working out of The Magic Factory, a 15 000-square-foot think tank in San Francisco, Ken Fulk specialises in interior design, special events, and architecture. His reputation is a fantastic one: He is a fantasy; an inventor and creator who pulls off simply the most imaginative sets. Whether he is creating staggering homes, throwing the opening party of a museum show, or planning large-scale events, Fulk’s work is always remarkable and stylish and over the top and I just love it. At Hirst Bar in San Francisco, a space designed by Fulk, the drinks are free – you’ve just got to be invited.

Cartier & Sofia

Published by Lisa Wallace

I’m a little in love with Sofia Coppola. Her films, her attention to detail, her soft yet assured style, her storytelling – but most of all her love for women, and the power of the female presence in a leading role. Cartier, a Maison synonymous with style and femininity, gave Sofia carte blanche to direct the film for the relaunch of the Panthère de Cartier collection. Both icons of taste and elegance – Sofia, an artist whose work transcends trends, gives sensitive expression to what femininity is today – and together, the campaign’s outcome was perfection.

The American Dream: pop to the present

Published by Lisa Wallace

The past six decades have been among the most dynamic and turbulent in US history, from JFK’s assassination, Apollo 11 and Vietnam to the AIDS crisis, racism and gender politics. Responding to the changing times, American artists have produced prints unprecedented in their scale and ambition. Now showing at the British Museum until 18 June 2017, American Dream traces 60 years of art, design and history in one major exhibition.

Bell-Lloc Winery by RCR Arquitectes

Published by Lisa Wallace

I published a story for House & Garden last week about RCR Arquitectes, the winner of this year’s Pritzker Prize. Considered architecture’s highest honour, for the first time since it began in 1979 it was awarded to three winners –Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigemand and Ramon Vilalta – for the trio’s intensely collaborative way of working together. 

Barceló Torre de Madrid Hotel

Published by Lisa Wallace

In 18 months my mom and I have committed to walking the Camino. That gives me 18 months, about 547 days – and counting – to get my financial shit together. I’m a terrible spender and an even worse saver. In September 2018 that needs to be revolutionised so that I can take a sabbatical (work logistics to be arranged then, don’t ask questions) and fly to Europe for two, maybe three, months. Deviating from my obsession with everything French (Paris will naturally be on the agenda), I find myself drawn to and inspired by the dusty colours and flavours of Porto, and the bold patterns and architecture of Spain. Hence, this hotel’s exquisite renovation and striking personality caught my attention.

Christina Lane

Published by Lisa Wallace

I have a thing for still lifes. Perhaps because they’re so rich in character, and my imagination scuttles to dreams of unique, textured, layered tales. And I really, really love them in stark shadow and valorous contrast. If any of this appeals, you will love Christina Lane.