Ølsen: Where Design and Food Meet

This Scandinavian restaurant in Buenos Aires' trendy neighbourhood of Palermo is housed in an old warehouse. A popular spot for weekend brunch- be sure to make a reservation! Ølsen is also known for it's large selection of vodka.

The entrance:

Inside, Swedish design takes over.

A view from above- lots of natural light. Such a great spot for weekend brunch, friends and cafe con leche!

Here's the menu- I'd definitely go for the B+C+D extravaganza!

Luxe outdoor seating.

Swedish Design

Sköna Hem, the Swedish design magazine, is filled with magnificent inspiration for home interior fashion. I love the clean, freshness of all Swedish design and I'd like to think that translates into simple, luxe living. The online version of the magazine is entirely in Swedish, and even though I understand less than 2%, it allows me to focus just on the pictures and design elements.

Libraries

During the winter I love cozying up with a good book, a glass of wine and my dog Max in front of the fireplace. Eventually I want to build a 'hidden' library behind a swivel bookcase. Here are some inspiring libraries.

Classic White

A notable trend on the spring '10 runway is white. Elegant, delicious shades and textures of white. Below are some of my favourite silhouettes and designs.

Yves Saint Laurent

Stella McCartney (always fabulous shapes and clean lines)

Chanel

Carolina Herrea

Hermes

White translates so well into interior design as well, don't you think? There's always that fine line between lush extravagance and clinical sterility. I think these rooms have hit the right mark.

Outdoor Living

One of my fantasies is to have a beautiful outdoor space to entertain in. This amazing garden area by Brazilian designer Antonio Martins is breath-taking. It is intimate, lush and perfect for throwing extravagant summer parties or curling up with the morning paper and an espresso. Pictures from New Zealand Trends magazine.

Paperie

Kate's Paperie in NYC has the most amazing selection of all things paper! I really like the selection of travel-related journals and accessories. Such beautiful designs and textures.

My favourite hotel

This boutique hotel nestled in the majestic neighborhood of San Telmo, Buenos Aires is completely ethereal. I love that there are only 4 suites and each one is completely private from the others. The owners did a magnificent job of restoring this beautiful old mansion and have incorporated lots of cozy nooks and outdoor space to relax in. www.thecocker.com




It is also just minutes away from El Britanico- a great cafe where a scene in the Motorcycle Diaries was filmed.I could (and did!) spend hours there.