emmadepourtales

The perfect beanbag.

November 2, 2013 by emmadepourtales

Whether on a courtyard (if you are lucky enough to live somewhere south and dry, at least during part of the year) or in a living room, I find these wool beanbags and rugs to be just perfect. Designed by the Spanish born London based designer Hector Serrano and produced by the Spanish company Gandia Blasco, they will give a warm and refreshing feeling to any space. I don’t know about you, but personally, I can smell mint tea just by […]

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS., REVERIES. • Tags: Beanbag, GAN, Gandia Blasco, Hector Serrano, rugs, SAIL, sitting room, sofa, wool

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Scandinavian plastic rugs.

October 27, 2013 by emmadepourtales

I love rugs and runners. They change the atmosphere of a space. But there are some areas of your home where they are more likely to get stained, say in a kitchen, beneath a dining table, in a hallway or if you have children around. Here come scandinavian plastic rugs. I do not want to get too practical but the fact that most of them are machine washable is definitely a plus to me. Here are some nice examples. See […]

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS. • Tags: plastic rug, rugs, runner, scandinavian

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Somewhere in Formentera.

October 27, 2013 by emmadepourtales

Given that we are heading towards November, which is never good news for me as I know I will be craving light for several months, I thought I would cheer up by sharing a post on a wonderful place somewhere south. Here are some pictures (via ADMagazine) of the house of Consuelo Castiglioni, the brilliant and creative founder of the brand Marni. This place has this sort of effortless chic with a hippie twist together with the scents of the […]

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS., REVERIES. • Tags: Consuelo Castiglione, Formentera, interiors, Marni

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Washi Paper.

October 21, 2013 by emmadepourtales

Washi paper is used in Japan since the 16th century as wrapping paper as well as a material for writings and paints as it is very strong and does not easily tear. Though very hard-wearing, it is also very delicate and subtle which makes it a very interesting material. You might have come across washi paper tape, which is perfect to stick images on a wall, for example above a working desk, as it comes in all colours and patterns […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS. • Tags: japan, kamihimo, lighting, moodboard, sandra clodion, takayasu ueda, washi, washi tape

Kamihimo and creative ceiling lights.

October 21, 2013 by emmadepourtales

Washi paper is used in Japan since the 16th century as wrapping paper as well as material for writings and paints as it is very strong and does not easily tear. Though very hard-wearing, it is also very delicate and subtle which makes it a very interesting material. Kamihimo are long strings made out of this washi paper. Sandra Clodion, a French artisan trained in upholstery, discovered kamihimo during Maison&Objets in 2008. She was looking for raw material to use […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS. • Tags: centre du luxe et de la création, japan, kamihimo, maison&objets, sandra clodion, washi tape

Black Kimono Exhibition.

September 29, 2013 by emmadepourtales

I would recommend to go to the flagship store of the “Compagnie Francaise de L’Orient et de la Chine” (CFOC) in Boulevard Haussmann, Paris. The shop has been newly redesign by Sarah Lavoine as well as the YOKO exquisite restaurant (book your lunch in advance). From September 2nd 2013 to November 9, 2013, it will be exhibiting work from Hiroko Takahashi which mixes tradition and provocation. The kimonos and fabrics are incredibly delicate, using the finest and most traditional craftsmanship, […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN PARIS., ON THE AGENDA., PARIS • Tags: Compagnie française de l'Orient et de la Chine, Hiroko Takahashi, japan, kimono, Paris, Sarah Lavoine, Yoko

“Money is the cheapest thing. Freedom is expensive.”

September 29, 2013 by emmadepourtales

At the very beginning of his career, Bill Cunningham started a hat business. He borrowed money to launch it. Then the war started and he enrolled as he thought it was his duty. But his lender, a rich family, was rather of the opinion that his duty was to stay, make the business grow and reimburse the loan. I think it was 1’000 USD in the 1930’s. He decided to quit the business and enlist. After serving in the army, […]

Categories: QUOTE. UNQUOTE.

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Modulables.

August 13, 2013 by emmadepourtales

I found myself moving about once a year since many years for various reasons. Most of them very sound and reasonable, such as moving to another country because of a new job, or moving in with someone, or needing a larger space for the kids. But to be entirely honest, the main reason explaining all these changes is that I like to see and find new places and imagine how a new space can be arranged. It is a endless process. I must […]

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS., Uncategorized • Tags: adjustable, adjustable furniture, bo concept, christian werner, fusion, ligne roset, modulable, muuto, nomad, Prado Sofa, shelves system, stacked

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A lovely retreat ….

July 14, 2013 by emmadepourtales

This beautiful Grade II listed house is home to Mark and Sally Bailey, who run the online store Baileys where you can buy beautiful retro findings for the home (try http://www.baileyshome.com/). It has been comprehensively restored and refurbished by the couple and has this lovely feel of a timeless place. To add a little background, the property was built at the beginning of the 19th century at a time when a nearby church was being refurbished and some of the finer elements that […]

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS., GUESTHOUSES., IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN LONDON., LONDON, REVERIES. • Tags: B&B, baileys, countryside, listed buildings, wales

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Moroccan modern.

March 26, 2013 by emmadepourtales

Originally posted on owl's house london.:
The villa is built from locally sourced Ouriko stone, its reddish color associated with nearby Marrakech, the ‘Ochre City’. Internally it is the rawness of the materials that create a wonderful, earthy quality. Raw, but utterly refined. The restraint continues in the palette of finishes. Each of the materials is kept in isolation, so that a bathroom is executed solely in black cement render, another in pale render, yet another in slabs of white marble…

Categories: Uncategorized

Design and Philosophy. Unto this last.

March 7, 2013 by emmadepourtales

Unto this last is originally an essay on economy published in 1860 by John Ruskin. Broadly speaking, Ruskin advocates for the importance of moral values in the economy and criticises the industrial revolution. Although published in the 19th century, this essay sounds quite contemporary in some respects as it shows concerns about the impact of the industrialisation process on our footprint and promotes the return to local craftsmanship. Unto this last is also a shop in East London. Well, more […]

Categories: CRAFTS., DESIGN & INTERIORS., IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN LONDON., LONDON, ON THE AGENDA. • Tags: craftsmanship, design, London, Unto this last

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A bed I like from every point of view.

January 30, 2013 by emmadepourtales

The Mellow bed by Zeitraum is one of my favourite. Why? First, the lines clean and simple and yet, this bed has a lot of character. Not only it is beautiful to look at from the front and sides but also from the back. Hence you can place it in a middle of a room, perhaps in a straight line. Secondly, it is hand made with care and great attention to details. As a result, the wood is soft and […]

Categories: DESIGN & INTERIORS. • Tags: bed, daybed, mellow, wooden bed, zeitraum

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emma de pourtales

Art de vivre & Craftsmanship

Author Archives: emmadepourtales

The perfect beanbag.

Scandinavian plastic rugs.

Somewhere in Formentera.

Washi Paper.

Kamihimo and creative ceiling lights.

Black Kimono Exhibition.

“Money is the cheapest thing. Freedom is expensive.”

Modulables.

A lovely retreat ….

Moroccan modern.

Design and Philosophy. Unto this last.

A bed I like from every point of view.