Unique, intriguing and imaginative – these are three qualities you should take into consideration when buying a gift for a designer lover. If this sounds challenging, scroll down for Dreams & Design gift ideas for design lovers, all under 100 euro, that will please the aesthetically-minded people in your life. No matter if it’s for Christmas, their birthday or without any occasion (the best ones). Or maybe you want to reward yourself with something beautiful for all your efforts in the past year?
Dark and cold months are a great time for introspection and germination of new ideas that will turn into new projects come spring. If you agree, check out this list of 10 most exciting art and design exhibitions in Italy, an all-year-round destination for art lovers.
Here I don’t mean only great masterpieces of the past, but also current exhibitions devoted to art, design, photography and architecture. Below you will find a Dreams & Design roundup of the most interesting events on show in various Italian cities between now and early 2020.
Warsaw Home is the annual interior design fair that takes place at the Ptak Warsaw Expo, just outside the Polish capital. This emerging trade show, now in its fourth edition, aspires to be the leading design fair in Central and Eastern Europe. It’s divided into five sectors: Selected Design, Selected Furniture, Deco, Kitchen& Dining and Interior Finish, featuring local brands and manufacturers alongside international companies and guest speakers.
Azure waters of the Aegean sea, gentle light caressing the pastel facades of Provence or the raw beauty of stone architecture in the Balearics – few other regions offer as much visual poetry as the Mediterranean. The southern coasts of Europe invite us to dream and enjoy the moment, while local design promotes the idea of slow life. Already feeling nostalgic? Sadly the long summer days are gone, but the good news is that you can prolong the summer vibes by adding a few Mediterranean touches to your own home. Scroll down for a Dreams & Design guide to Mediterranean home decor that includes some wanderlust-inspiring interior projects, exciting brands on my radar. And let’s not forget about affordable, trendy picks that will elevate your everyday home decor.
Looking for amazing places to relax and admire greenery, when you’re out on summer vacation or a city break? Here’s a Dreams & Design curated list of the most beautiful gardens in Europe, which includes must-see botanical gems and historical landmarks in Italy, Spain, France, Denmark, Poland, Bulgaria and England. Visit them this summer or in the early autumn, before the weather becomes too cold and gloomy.
When it comes to creating a stylish and comfortable home, the exterior is as important as the interior. Summer is a perfect time to get closer to nature. Preferably on your own terrace. Below you can find a Dreams & Design report on outdoor furniture trends – Modern Mediterranean, Tropical and Colourful. It will help you to create a relaxing summer space that responds to your needs.
Gentle light, Mediterranean flora and deep blue sea can only enhance visual sensations triggered off by great works of architecture. My recent holiday in Spain gave me the chance to admire two landmarks of contemporary architecture – La Muralla Roja by Ricardo Bofill and the City of Arts and Sciences by Santiago Calatrava. Read on if you need inspiration on things to see in Calpe and Valencia. There are already many guides on historical and culinary attractions of the area, but this post is about a feast for the eyes and hopefully, it will inspire your future trip to the region.
Besides fashion and design, the capital of Lombardy is known for its vibrant art scene. And here I don’t mean only Leonardo da Vinci and masterpieces of the past, but also contemporary art in Milan. There are still a couple of days left to see two exhibitions at the local galleries – the works by Dan Flavin at Cardi Gallery and ‘The Accursed Hour’ by Carlos Amorales at Fondazione Adolfo Pini. Even if you can’t make it this time, I recommend that you keep an eye on their future events that will surely inspire anyone working in the creative industries or simply art lovers. Scroll down for more information and my photos from the exhibitions.
Summing up the events of FuoriSalone 2019, I can’t really omit Brera, the centre of old Milan with many of the city’s historic churches and palaces. Here’s my final post on Milan Design Week with 5 highlights of Brera Design Week 2019 – from scenic installations to modern showrooms, with a touch of the bohemian and the conceptual, in 5 different locations across the district.
As many of you already know, the Fuorisalone, a part of Milan Design Week that takes place around the city, outside the main furniture fair, is split into a few separate districts, each of them bringing its own flavour to the mix. This year I wanted to take a closer look at Fuorisalone events organised by the 5vie design district. What is exactly 5vie? It’s the historical heart of Milan with many landmarks and charming courtyards, but also a project of territorial marketing that promotes this part of the city through art and culture initiatives. Something that feels truly unique in the era of mass tourism. If this concept appeals to you too, scroll down to see my selection of design events organised by 5vie for Fuorisalone 2019.