At home: World travelers lead a colorful life

Tony and Charlotte Perez, driven by a desire for freedom and a life of travel and volunteer work, designed and built their 280-square-foot tiny home on wheels. Tony, a builder with over two decades of experience in custom homes, constructed the dwelling for an estimated $35,000. Their motivation stemmed from extensive international travel, having visited nearly 60 countries and lived in Africa for four years, which cultivated a preference for a minimalist lifestyle and enabled them to work less and dedicate more time to volunteering. Currently situated on a friend's five-acre property in Northern California, their tiny home offers mobility, though the couple has found a stable base. The exterior of the home features white-painted standing-seam metal combined with cedar accents near the front door, offering a modern aesthetic with warm, organic touches and requiring minimal maintenance. An expansive deck with an outdoor kitchen extends the living space, seamlessly integrating the structure with its natural surroundings. Inside, the walls and ceiling are adorned with white-painted pine shiplap, and the floors are laid with waterproof vinyl planks, chosen for their practicality and ease of cleaning, even extending to the shower wall. The interior design emphasizes an open and airy feel to compensate for the compact footprint. The kitchen showcases pale gray cabinetry, custom-designed online and flat-packed for on-site assembly. These cabinets are primarily drawers to maximize efficient organization and feature soft-close undermount slides. Practicality is evident in repurposed elements, such as upper shelves crafted from a beloved coffee table that was too large for the tiny space. Innovations include three taps in the kitchen for carbonated water and home-brewed beer, reflecting the couple's personal preferences. An office area and storage are integrated beneath the stairs, and a sliding door separates the kitchen from the bathroom. The bathroom is notably spacious for a tiny home, housing a stackable washer and dryer, a large shower, and a six-foot closet system with ample hanging space and customized soft-close drawers, designed to accommodate varied clothing needs for international travel across different seasons. A thirty-inch sliding wall devised by Tony separates the washer-dryer unit from the toilet area, also concealing a full-length wardrobe mirror. In the loft bedroom, cubbies serve both as storage and a partial screen for privacy. The couple devoted a year to planning their home, meticulously considering every item they owned and its place within the small space. Specific features like a designated spot for a vacuum, cleaning supplies, a Vitamix, a juicer, a coffee bar, a wine area under the stairs, and a pull-out pantry were incorporated to ensure comfort and functionality. A wood-framed chalkboard folds down from the kitchen wall to extend counter space for food preparation or dining. The Perezes completed the construction of their home in two months, acknowledging the challenges but ultimately celebrating the fulfillment of designing and building their personalized living space, which they continue to cherish daily. #TinyHome #MinimalistLiving #DIYHome #SustainableDesign #TravelLifestyle #CustomBuild #NorthernCalifornia #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #CompactLiving

The world is home to an incredible array of diverse buildings, with some standing out for their vibrant hues. This article explores 38 of the most colourful homes across the globe, showcasing how cultural, architectural, and social circumstances contribute to their striking appearances. From candy-striped huts in Portugal to hillside neighbourhoods in Mexico transformed with murals, these properties demonstrate that personality can be expressed boldly on the exterior of a home, not just within its interiors. Key examples include Zhengbin Fishing Port in Keelung, Taiwan, where 16 vibrantly-hued houses line the river bank, and Rainbow Row in Oklahoma City, USA, featuring six three-storey, candy-coloured homes designed by architect Sam Day. Indonesia's Kalisari Rainbow Village, or Kampung Pelangi, received a government-funded glow-up in 2017 to attract tourists, transforming buildings and bridges into multi-coloured murals. In New York, USA, artist Katwise and her partner transformed a rundown farm into a psychedelic wonderland with every colour imaginable, funding their renovations by making patchwork coats from old sweaters. The Bo-Kaap neighbourhood in Cape Town, South Africa, is known for its brightly painted houses, a tradition that began when freed enslaved people painted their homes in celebration after being allowed to purchase them. Jodhpur, India, is nicknamed the 'Blue City' due to its many blue homes, a colour believed to help keep interiors cool and deter termites. Italy’s Cinque Terre region features vividly decorated houses cascading down steep hillsides, where fishermen reportedly painted their homes in bright tones to spot them from sea. Las Palmitas in Pachuca, Mexico, saw a community project by the 'German Crew' transform a downtrodden area into a living art mural with rainbow-hued homes. Yves Saint Laurent’s Villa Oasis in Marrakesh, Morocco, is a vivid celebration of colour, Art Deco, and Moorish design. Poznań, Poland’s Old Market Square boasts Renaissance-style merchant houses, each unique with mismatched colours and patterns, rebuilt after World War II. Venezuela features old, traditional houses resembling abstract paintings, with strong colour pairings and bold lines. In Pattaya, Thailand, the Xanadu Beach Resort showcases elaborately painted accommodations. Burano, Italy, one of Venice's islands, is known for its rainbow-painted homes, a tradition thought to help fishermen locate their houses in the fog. Valparaíso, Chile, has houses painted with leftover ship paints, creating a vibrant, colourful town. Vienna, Austria, features the Hundertwasserhaus, an unusual apartment building designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, with an art-like quality and colourful exterior. Portland, Oregon’s Nob Hill neighbourhood is filled with historic Victorian and Craftsman homes painted in pretty hues. Singapore's Little India district is home to many bold structures, including a multicoloured, century-old Chinese villa. Ilulissat, Greenland, features brightly painted buildings where colours historically indicated function, and now serve as decoration. Guatapé, Colombia, is dubbed the world's most colourful town, with everything from doorways to balconies painted in eye-catching colours. London’s Primrose Hill and Notting Hill boast pastel-hued and brightly coloured terraced houses, respectively, with trends starting in the 1960s. Muizenberg, South Africa, has colourful bathing boxes along its beach. Caminito in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a street museum revitalized by artist Benito Quinquela Martín, featuring brightly hued houses. Varanasi, India, has chaotically structured, radiant houses on the Ganges, with colours reflecting Hindu symbolism. Tenerife, Spain, shows coastal houses painted in bold colours, likely to help fishermen see them from afar. Bristol, UK, is known for its vibrant buildings, with theories ranging from sailors' navigation aids to a mayor's influence. Innsbruck, Austria, features buildings painted in every imaginable shade against its mountain scenery. Stockholm, Sweden’s Stortorget public square showcases Renaissance-style buildings with uniquely painted façades. Getsemani in Cartagena, Colombia, highlights colourful colonial homes, reflecting its diverse cultural history. Diessenhofen, Switzerland, has adorable painted houses in its main street, thought to welcome visitors. Stykkisholmur, Iceland, and St. John's, Canada, feature unique, bright structures, with traditions rooted in individual expression and making homes visible in fog, respectively. Lüderitz, Namibia, displays colourful Art Nouveau buildings in a Bavarian style, a relic of its German colonial past. Finally, Istanbul, Turkey’s Balat district is recognized for its vibrant, historic wooden homes, and Costa Nova, Portugal, is famous for its candy-striped huts, originally built to shelter fishermen and later painted to attract tourists. #ColorfulHomes #Architecture #GlobalDesign #HomeExterior #TravelInspiration #CulturalHeritage #UrbanArt #VibrantCities #CoastalHomes

The article, "Life in Bold Color," explores the profound impact of color on human psychology and physiology within home design. It emphasizes that while neutrals are often a safe choice, a reluctance to use bolder hues can lead to uninspired spaces. To showcase the transformative power of color, Midwest Home and ASID MN collaborated on a "Life in Bold Color" competition, sponsored by Hirshfield’s, inviting interior designers to present their most vibrant projects. The article highlights that interior designers, possessing a deep understanding of color theory, are adept at utilizing color to establish specific moods and achieve client objectives. It delves into the psychological associations of various colors: red, a warm and stimulating color, signifies passion and strength, and was incorporated into several winning projects to create dynamic spaces like a red bathroom. Yellow, another warm hue, evokes feelings of happiness and optimism, making it suitable for infusing cheer into areas such as a pantry adjacent to a blue and white kitchen, as demonstrated by Martha O’Hara Interiors. Blue, known for its tranquil and soothing properties, is frequently chosen for bedrooms, with winning designs integrating various shades of blue balanced with warm accents to create restful yet sophisticated environments. Green, a color associated with nature, generally leans towards cooler tones, although its versatility allows for warmer variations like chartreuse when mixed with yellow. Examples include kitchen cabinets that stand out and an apple-green chair in a Pure Design Environments project. The competition's judging criteria focused on how effectively design solutions met project goals, the innovative and creative application of color, and the designers' mastery of color theory and psychology. The article then presents several winning projects. Brooke Voss Design’s project, "Keen on Color," addressed clients' desire for a vibrant, fun space by using chartreuse, bright blue, and teal, balanced with neutral whites, honed blacks, and natural wood. This approach created a cheerful yet sophisticated atmosphere, notably in the kitchen cabinetry. Orfield Design & Construction, Inc.'s "Good Energy" project transformed an empty-nester couple's midcentury modern rambler bathroom into a fun and functional guest space. The design utilized Sherwin Williams' “Red Alert” on the walls, complemented by colorful mosaic tiles and balanced with Carrera marble countertops and wood-plank floor tiles. Martha O’Hara Interiors' "Sunny Farmhouse" integrated the homeowner’s earthy style with bold colors in a new North Dakota farmhouse. The white kitchen with a blue island and blue wallpaper was enlivened by a sunny yellow pantry, praised by jurors for its restrained yet impactful use of bold color. The same firm's "Boho Bedroom" project updated a 1913 Victorian master bedroom with deep turquoise, pinks, and eclectic patterns and textures, creating a vibrant, unforced Bohemian aesthetic. LiLu Interiors' "Pattern Play" project transformed a NE Minneapolis master suite, drawing inspiration from the homeowner’s distinctive style and vintage collection. The designers skillfully balanced finishes, patterns, textures, and bold colors, featuring cool blues with warm coral accents. Finally, Pure Design Environments' "Living Color Condo" combined two condominiums into a linear space. Facing challenges with natural light in areas like the spa room and closet, the designer used luxurious finishes and an interplay of light and color to create sophisticated, yet complementary and engaging, spaces. The article concludes by listing the jury members for the 2017 competition: Caren Martin, Ph.D., Patricia Undlin, ASID, and Chris Lee. #HomeDesign #ColorTheory #InteriorDesign #BoldColors #DesignCompetition #BrookeVossDesign #MarthaOHaraInteriors #ASIDMN #HomeDecoration

The article presents an interview with Rachel Valenziano, ASLA, an associate at TEN x TEN Landscape Architecture and Urbanism, and the first recipient of the Roger Bond Martin Travel Prize. This $10,000 fellowship, established by the ASLA Minnesota Chapter and the University of Minnesota, is awarded annually to an emerging landscape architect. Valenziano recently returned from Rome, where her project concentrated on the city's "everyday and the in-between" aspects. Valenziano explains her choice of Rome, highlighting the city's rich history, politics, and constant change, which she describes as a "lasagna" of layers. Her project intentionally focused on exploring areas exclusively within walking distance, anticipating that every location would offer meaningful narratives for investigation through pedestrian movement. Preparations for the experience involved extensive reading and discussions with individuals interested in walking as a practice. A significant part of her preparation centered on experimenting with various drawing techniques. She aimed to create long, linear drawings to document her walks and refined these methods before her trip to effectively capture her observations. Valenziano details how her experimental drawing approach influenced her perceptions during the walks. She realized the impracticality of creating a single drawing that encompassed an entire day's journey across the city, leading her to concentrate on distilling ideas. During her time in Rome, she also utilized GPS to track her movements, generating a map that visually represented her path through the city. This digital trace, she notes, revealed the main thoroughfares and the underlying urban fabric, effectively becoming a form of drawing with her body in space. She found inspiration in Richard Long's work, which explores the traces left by walking, with her digital tracks serving a similar purpose. She recommends three influential books that guided her project. The first is Francesco Careri’s *Walkscapes*, which examines walking as an aesthetic practice and chronicles its history as an art form. The second, *Through Time and the City: Notes on Rome* by Kristi Cheramie, is noted for its ability to distill Rome's complex, layered history. The third, Will Self’s *Psychogeography*, helped her to frame her role as an observer and a designer, maintaining a degree of detachment from her immediate surroundings. Valenziano acknowledges the inherently romantic nature of her project, emphasizing her desire to find inspiration and delight. She contrasts this with the potential for cynicism, particularly concerning contemporary issues like climate change, and advocates for designers to appreciate intriguing moments and develop a keen eye for detail. Despite the romantic ideal, she admits there were moments of unpleasantness and days when she chose not to draw, opting to engage in the creative process only when genuinely inspired. Timothy A. Schuler, a contributing editor at the magazine, conducted the interview. Schuler's work has appeared in various publications, including *Metropolis*, *Bloomberg CityLab*, and *Places Journal*. #RachelValenziano #RomeTravel #LandscapeArchitecture #WalkingResearch #RogerBondMartinTravelPrize #UrbanExploration #DrawingTechniques #Psychogeography

This article highlights the transformation of a classic Georgian-style home in Cherry Creek into a vibrant and elegant space for a young family. The homeowners, Alexis and McAndrew Rudisill, desired a departure from their previous monochromatic New York City residence, seeking a home that was both magical and whimsical while maintaining sophistication. They enlisted Andrea Schumacher, principal of Andrea Schumacher Interiors in Denver, along with senior designer Nikki Cohn, to achieve this vision. The design process began with the family room, where Schumacher proposed using F. Schumacher & Co.'s vibrant Chiang Mai Dragon fabric for the chairs, setting a bold color story for the entire home. This initial design choice became a foundational element, guiding subsequent color selections throughout the residence. The custom swivel chairs in the family room are designed for versatility, allowing occupants to face either the navy sofa or the television. The room's neutral elements, such as the custom gray tufted ottoman, are given a playful touch with a Kelly green contrast welt, demonstrating attention to detail and a commitment to integrating color throughout the space. The subtle peacock blue from the Chiang Mai Dragon print in the family room inspired the dining room's design. Schumacher extended this color, allowing it to play a more prominent role in the dining area. The dining room walls are upholstered in padded blue Brunschwig & Fils embroidered fabric, an application that Alexis Rudisill noted as both classic and fresh, reminiscent of old Park Avenue apartments but with a contemporary, almost beachy feel. The room is anchored by a custom walnut table and features chairs upholstered in lush velvet, complemented by a modern Modo chandelier from Design Within Reach. A painting by Carol Corell, titled “On the Way,” was chosen by the owners to further personalize the space. The kitchen area features fiberglass Dowel Counter Stools from Modernica at the island, chosen for their aesthetic appeal and ease of cleaning. Industrial clear glass pendants add a modern touch to the otherwise traditional kitchen. Adjacent to the kitchen, the breakfast nook is painted in a bold emerald green, specifically Cat's Eye Green by Benjamin Moore. This choice serves as a deliberate "surprise" at the back of the house, fulfilling Alexis's desire for a home with an edgier aesthetic. Upstairs, the master bedroom offers a serene contrast to the more vibrant communal areas. The design for this space was inspired by Alexis's mother's bedroom, incorporating Osborne & Little wallpaper as a foundational element. The master suite features a soft palette of silver and watery aqua, with glamorous touches like nickel nail heads on the custom tufted headboard and antiqued-mirror nightstands. This quieter scheme maintains elegance while complementing the bolder design statements found elsewhere in the home. Andrea Schumacher emphasizes her personal philosophy that "the more, the better" when it comes to color, contrasting with the calmness of neutral designs. She shares practical tips for incorporating color, such as using green due to its versatility as a neutral color, and paying attention to details like extending patterns onto air vents for a seamless look. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of paint sheen, noting that high gloss offers glamour, while lower sheens provide a more traditional appearance. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #CherryCreekHome #AndreaSchumacherInteriors #LuxuryInteriors #FamilyFriendlyDesign #DenverRealEstate

Lizzie Fortunato, a jewelry designer, and her husband, Peter Asbill, endured a year-long wait to finalize the purchase of their 1924 shingled home in Bellport, New York. Despite the delay and other properties appearing on the market, the couple remained committed to this particular house, which is located just 55 miles from their Brooklyn apartment and offers a manifestation of their desired lifestyle. The home's potential for transformation, unlike their city rental, was a significant draw. Upon acquiring the property, Fortunato collaborated with her childhood friend, Kate Towill of Basic Projects, on renovations. Key changes included converting the kitchen into a mudroom and a porch into the primary bedroom. The most substantial alteration involved removing a wall to create an open-concept first floor, a process that necessitated adding a structural header. This renovation aimed to create a more fluid and interconnected living space. The decorating process was deliberate and personal, avoiding big-box stores in favor of unique, meaningful pieces. For instance, Fortunato sought a vintage draper's table at counter height to serve as a kitchen island. After an extensive search, she discovered an 1800s-era French model on Jayson Home. Its delivery during COVID-19 required coordination with her contractor to move it from the lawn into the house. This island has since become a central gathering spot for the family, including their toddler daughter. Another custom piece is the patchwork chair and ottoman in the sitting room, designed by Studio Sam Klemick. This involved a 10-month collaboration, featuring vintage kantha cloth sourced by Fortunato during a trip to India. The floral chandelier in the dining room was an Etsy find, though its delivery was delayed due to pandemic-related shipping restrictions, arriving only after most of the house was decorated. Some design elements were immediate additions, such as the Alexander Calder bicentennial tapestry, inherited from Fortunato's maternal grandparents. This piece, previously stored in their Brooklyn home, was among the first items hung and influenced the selection of red and blue textiles throughout the house, creating an Americana aesthetic without being overtly patriotic. The style aims for a beachy feel while avoiding common coastal clichés. Fortunato made some spontaneous design decisions, like installing Moroccan tiles in the primary bathroom backsplash, originally intended for a future pool. The vanity cabinet in the bathroom was repurposed from a removed kitchen cabinet. Upstairs, the three bedrooms were furnished with family hand-me-downs, and Etsy headboards were primed and painted to add character. The focus was on creating inviting gathering spaces, reflecting the home's role as a social hub for family and friends. Despite its smaller size compared to properties owned by nearby relatives, Fortunato's home is frequently the preferred spot for gatherings, a testament to its carefully curated and welcoming atmosphere. #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #Renovation #VintageDecor #CustomFurniture #BellportNY #LizzieFortunato #DesignInspiration

Meagan Cignoli, an LA-based sculptor, has found a unique way to travel extensively and affordably by leveraging home-swapping networks. Her journey into home swapping began in 2005 through Craigslist, driven by her desire for a change of scenery and to accommodate her dogs. While her first experience involved swapping her Venice Beach home with someone in New York, the process was somewhat precarious due to the lack of a formal platform. Her experience improved significantly with the advent of dedicated home-swapping platforms. Initially, she used Love Home Swap, then transitioned to Thirdhome, and currently utilizes Kindred, a members-only network. Kindred, unlike some other platforms, does not involve direct exchanges but instead uses a credit system. Members earn credits by hosting others in their homes, which they can then use to stay in other members' properties worldwide. This system provides flexibility, as there's no need for a direct, simultaneous swap. Cignoli's one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles earns her sufficient credits to travel frequently. Her membership with Kindred costs $300 a year, plus a $300 service fee per stay. This fee covers insurance, a concierge service, and professional cleaning. The properties available through Kindred are typically high-end, often valuing over $2 million, and include amenities like private chefs, saunas, and swimming pools. Guests are expected to treat the properties with respect, as they would their own. Over the years, Cignoli has traveled to numerous destinations through home swapping, including Lake Tahoe, Hawaii, Colorado, Turks and Caicos, and Italy. Her stays range from a few days to several weeks. She highlights the significant cost savings, estimating that a trip to Italy that would normally cost $20,000 was reduced to just $3,000 through home swapping. The financial advantages are a major draw, allowing her to experience luxury travel without the exorbitant price tag of hotels or rental services. Beyond the financial benefits, Cignoli emphasizes the sense of community within these networks. Guests and hosts are often in communication, exchanging tips and local recommendations, which enhances the travel experience. She also appreciates the flexibility of being able to bring her dogs, a luxury not always available in traditional accommodations. While home swapping requires trust and open communication, Cignoli sees it as a valuable method for frequent, high-quality travel. She plans to continue using Kindred and explores new destinations, proving that a modest home can open doors to a world of luxury travel opportunities. #HomeSwapping #TravelHack #AffordableTravel #LuxuryTravel #KindredNetwork #MeaganCignoli #TravelCommunity #BudgetTravel

This article showcases a Maryland home designed by Mona Hajj, emphasizing a global-inspired aesthetic that blends multicultural elements with comfort for a young family. Hajj's design philosophy integrates antiques and textiles sourced from various parts of the world, creating a cohesive and inviting living space. The article provides a room-by-room tour, detailing the design choices and key pieces that define each area. The living room's design is centered around a 19th-century Persian Tabriz rug, which dictates the room's color palette. Two distinct conversation areas are established, featuring a skirted sofa by Gérard and a wooden-legged sofa from A. Rudin. An armchair by Dessin Fournir and an antique Regency walnut table from a Parisian flea market further enhance the room's global and timeless appeal, showcasing a mix of historical and international influences. The dining room is highlighted by a custom walnut table with rosewood banding, designed to extend and accommodate up to 16 guests, indicating a focus on both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality for entertaining. This piece reflects a blend of craftsmanship and scale suitable for family gatherings. In the family room, a linen velour sectional by Verellen serves as the central furniture piece, offering comfort and anchoring the space. A cocktail table by Kerry Joyce complements the seating arrangement, while curtains in Ralph Lauren Home linen contribute to the room's refined yet relaxed atmosphere. The walls of the family room feature a faux finish, with trim painted in Benjamin Moore's Soot, adding depth and a sophisticated backdrop to the decor. An Arne Jacobsen Egg chair, upholstered in Moore & Giles leather, is illuminated by a 1960s Italian floor lamp, introducing an element of classic modern design. The daughter's bedroom is designed with a regal canopy, adding a whimsical touch, while glass nesting tables from Donghia provide a sleek, contemporary contrast. Nevis curtains by Lady Ann Fabrics, adorned with a Samuel & Sons pom-pom fringe, further contribute to the room's decorative layers. Throughout the home, the design seamlessly merges diverse cultural influences with functional and stylish elements, creating a uniquely personalized and family-friendly environment. The overall design narrative emphasizes comfort, global aesthetics, and thoughtful integration of various design periods and origins. #GlobalStyle #InteriorDesign #MonaHajj #MarylandHome #AntiquesAndTextiles #FamilyHome #EclecticDecor #DesignInspiration

Perng Aw, the General Manager of Greater Club, shares a curated list of her favorite things, offering insight into her personal passions and what brings her joy and fulfillment. Her selection highlights a diverse range of experiences and interests, reflecting a life driven by connection, personal growth, and appreciation for various forms of art and culture. Her first and arguably most significant favorite is her dog, Dre, a Lab and Alaskan Malamute/Husky mix. Dre is presented as a profound teacher of unconditional love, care, and loyalty. Aw emphasizes the simple yet incredible nature of life with a dog, recounting how Dre inspires her to be more caring and empathetic. Weekends spent watching Dre play at dog runs or pools are particularly cherished, serving as a reminder to live in the moment and appreciate the infectious energy of her canine companion. This bond underscores the deep emotional connection she shares with her pet and its positive impact on her daily life. The second item on her list is longboarding, an activity she picked up during the pandemic. Longboarding has become her 'happy place' amidst stress and uncertainty, offering an 'adrenaline-fueled meditation.' Beyond the mental relief, she highlights the physical benefits, including health advantages and vitamin D exposure, as factors that keep her engaged and 'hooked' on the activity. Third, Aw expresses a profound appreciation for tiling art, describing it as a 'feast of texture, color and intricate tile pattern.' She finds herself captivated by its timeless quality and its significant contribution to extraordinary interior design. Her admiration extends to the talent and dedication required to create world-renowned decorative tile arts from centuries past. An accompanying image of tiling from the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, taken during her first international trip since the pandemic, illustrates this passion. Good American BBQ ranks fourth among her favorite things. Having lived in the U.S. for nearly two decades, American barbecue serves as a comfort food deeply tied to her fondest memories. She reminisces about summer traditions of grilling and socializing with friends around a fiery pit. In Singapore, she continues this tradition with her closest friends, particularly enjoying the challenge of cooking brisket due to the skill it requires to tenderize. For Aw, food is not just sustenance but an essential element for community building and creating lasting memories. Fifth, running at dusk is featured for its multifaceted benefits. Beyond the well-known health advantages like improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and stress reduction, Aw particularly values the opportunity to witness beautiful views during her runs, adding an aesthetic dimension to her physical activity. Being a gastronomic tourist is her sixth passion. She believes that food and culture are inherently intertwined, making local cuisine an invaluable avenue for understanding a country. For Aw, planning restaurants and local dishes to try is the most exciting part of travel planning, emphasizing that an authentic travel experience is incomplete without experiencing the local culinary landscape. A traditional Turkish breakfast from her Istanbul visit exemplifies this interest. Seventh, Aw highlights her commitment to striving to be better, particularly in her professional life as a community builder. Singapore has provided her with opportunities to thrive in building professional communities and ecosystems across various industries, including women in tech, entrepreneurship, empowerment, and fashion, now extending to business professionals at Greater Club. She enjoys bringing people together, a role she initially didn't plan for but has grown to love, valuing her position as a facilitator connecting inspiring individuals and witnessing the positive impact of community building professionally and personally. Finally, her eighth favorite thing is being fashion-forward, a passion she pursued by transitioning from a stable banking career to fashion in her mid-20s. Despite the inherent risks, her dedication to fashion led her to spearhead an initiative at the Textile and Fashion Federation (TaFF) that helped a local designer debut a collection at Paris Fashion Week 2022. This experience reminds her that her initial small step into fashion created a significant opportunity for someone else, underscoring the ripple effect of pursuing one's passions. #PerngAw #GreaterClub #PersonalPassions #CommunityBuilding #Travel #CulinaryExperiences #InteriorDesign #FashionJourney

This article offers a virtual tour of 14 spectacular homes belonging to renowned artists and architects around the world. These residences, usually open to the public but now virtually accessible, provide a glimpse into the personal spaces and creative environments that shaped these influential figures. The article highlights unique architectural styles, interior designs, and personal touches that reflect each artist's personality and work. The tour begins with Frederic Church's Olana in New York's Hudson Valley, a 19th-century landscape painter's home that blends Victorian and Middle Eastern motifs. Oscar Niemeyer's Casas das Canoas in Rio de Janeiro showcases his signature curves and reinforced concrete, with organically positioned boulders integrated into the design. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin in rural Wisconsin is described as his architectural autobiography, an 800-acre estate that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Philip Johnson’s Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut, features wraparound windows designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape, a meticulously sculpted environment inspired by a 17th-century painting. Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell’s Charleston House in Sussex, United Kingdom, embodies bohemian charm with hand-painted cupboard doors, patchwork chintz curtains, and stenciled paisley walls, complemented by a vibrant garden. Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul in Mexico City, the site of her birth, death, and many years of her life, is a cobalt-washed residence with chartreuse floors and bright white walls, showcasing local folk art, handmade ceramics, and pre-Columbian sculptures. Auguste Rodin’s La Villa des Brillants in Meudon, France, served as his workshop, business place, and home, filled with dazzling white sculptures. Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner’s East Hampton home has remained untouched since Krasner’s death, featuring paint-splashed floors in the studio and an eclectic interior with a broken anchor and Krasner’s seashell collection. Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio in Abiquiu, New Mexico, radiates natural light and includes surprises like a rattlesnake skeleton, along with an extensive potager garden. Clementine Hunter’s modest cabin at Melrose Plantation in Louisiana showcases her prolific artistry, with thousands of paintings depicting daily life. Frederic Church's Olana, a Persian-inspired fortress, is rich with hues of mustard, cherry, and clay, lavishly draped in Turkish rugs and ornate frames. Jim Thompson’s teak Thai-style home in Bangkok, though not an artist's own work, houses an extraordinary collection of traditional Thai art. Sam Maloof’s 1952 California ranch-style home, relocated to Pomona, features treehouse vibes with redwood walls, a hand-carved spiral staircase, and whimsical stained-glass windows. Irma Stern’s The Firs in Cape Town, South Africa, is a colorful collage of portraits and tribal artifacts, painted in mint green, sunny yellow, and and vivid corals. Finally, Claude Monet’s home in Giverny, France, is famous for its poetic interior with a stream of copper pots in the kitchen and lemony yellow dining room, alongside his collection of Japanese art. #ArtistHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #CulturalTourism #VirtualTours #ArtHistory #HistoricHomes #TravelInspiration #GlobalArt

The article explores the rich history and diverse traditions of pottery from various corners of the globe, focusing on locales where ceramic craftsmanship is deeply ingrained in the local culture. It begins with a personal anecdote about collecting locally made ceramics during travels, highlighting the universal appeal of this ancient craft. The narrative then takes the reader on a virtual tour, showcasing five distinct pottery traditions. First, the article delves into La Chamba, Colombia, where women have been producing inky, satin-finished pots for centuries. This tradition, originating from the Pijao people, involves a unique process using three types of clay, red glaze, and a specific smoking technique with organic matter like rice husks to achieve its distinctive black, glossy finish. The article also suggests contemporary ceramists like Faye Toogood and Danny Kaplan who create similarly sleek black pieces. Next, the focus shifts to Tamegroute, Morocco, a village on the edge of the Sahara Desert known for its emerald green glazed earthenware. This tradition, dating back to the mid-1600s, is carried on by seven families who use a local clay called _taligit_ and a unique glaze mixture of manganese, barley flour, and local rock, combined with traditional kilns fueled by palm branches. The resulting uneven coloring is a hallmark of Tamegroute ceramics. Modern alternatives are presented through artists like Niko June and Casa Veronica. The journey continues to Grottaglie, Puglia, Italy, referred to as the "city of ceramics." Here, the _smamriato_ or _schizzato_ method of splatterware has been used for centuries, originally to disguise imperfections. The abundance of red clay in the region has sustained pottery production since the Middle Ages. Today, Grottaglie boasts a ceramics district with workshops and a museum. The article notes how this splatterware technique has spread globally, with artists like OWO and Helen Levi adopting similar styles, though traditional Pugliese pieces are often green. Following this, the article explores Imbe, Okayama Prefecture, Japan, the origin of Bizen ware. This wabi-sabi, unglazed stoneware dates back to the sixth century and involves a meticulous, year-long process starting with the creation of the clay from _hiyose_ soil, which is aged for extended periods. The firing process is slow and can take up to two weeks, resulting in unique earthy colorings and patterns like _goma_ (speckled from ash) and _hidasuki_ (vermillion from rice straw). Contemporary ceramists like Veronica Morris, Clair Catillaz, and Jonathan Cross are mentioned for their work inspired by the wabi-sabi ethos. Finally, the article introduces Horezu, Romania, where a ceramics tradition is closely linked to the 1690 monastery. Potters here use local clay and glazes made from materials like _ruseala_ (iron-rich soil) to create warm reddish-brown, cobalt blue, green, and ivory pieces. Horezu ceramics are distinguished by intricate decorations made with traditional tools like wild boar bristle brushes and hollowed ox horns, creating patterns resembling peacock feathers. Spiritual symbols like the tree of life and the Horezu rooster are common motifs. Modern interpretations by Noelle Hiam and Henry Holland are highlighted. The article concludes with practical advice on how to safely transport fragile ceramic treasures, provided by Paul Speh, a fine arts packer at the Brooklyn Museum. Key tips include cushioning items with a "bird’s nest" of packing material, allowing two inches of air space around pieces to prevent overpressure, protecting delicate surfaces with plastic wrap, and opting for hard-shell carry-on luggage for air travel. #CeramicTraditions #GlobalPottery #LaChamba #TamegrouteCeramics #ItalianSplatterware #BizenWare #HorezuPottery #HandmadeCrafts #HomeDecor #TravelSouvenirs