Cord Lights

Cord lights.  Very popular right now.  Cool and retro.  Done really well in this Italian bistro in Milan.  I talk a lot about working with the existing elements and here they strike again.  Original brick barrel vaulted ceilings meet kickass cord lights.  A genius fix.  Instead of running some traditional metal pipe (conduit) to get the power to the cord lights they opted to order/design the fixtures with additional cord. The cord becomes another design element and runs exposed along the ceiling following the brick and mortar patterns completing the connection.

via Yatzer

Italian Restaurant Remodel

This is the Santa Marta Restaurant in Mazze, Italy. It's a historic chapel dating back to the 18th century that they restored and converted into this restaurant and bar. I like the contemporary, edgy feel to the space. The brickwork and the vaulting of the original ceilings, however, are what make the space. So crazy, yet so normal for that location and time period. I'm sure the food is amazing too. Italian food. Italian architecture. So good.

photos via Arch Daily

Tuscany

My wife got me hooked on vacation rental sites over the years. I now not only check these sites for our travel, but also to get inspiration. This Tuscan Farmhouse is pretty cool. The setting is pretty crazy, but the stonework just makes it.

I'm all for exposed brick or stone in a living space. I have always been a fan of bringing the exterior materials into the interior of a house.

No caption necessary. I want that pizza oven.