Design Debate

The new Le Jardinier restaurant by architect Joseph Dirand is opening in New York, and what a breath of fresh air. Bathed in generous white light and surrounded by house plants this place feels well established before it's began.  So much green! The decor reflects the food - fresh, creative, French and verdant. The menu makes vegetables the star, deliciously healthy. Lashings of green marble mix with brass and gloss-white.  The French architect has definitely carried over some of that homeland style. Even with the open plan space there are private corners and you feel conversation can flow without being too overheard.  Like eating in a lush garden, I love the design details, mainly by hand-picked French artisans living in the city. Worthy of the buzz.  Originally found at Yellow Trace . 

On this dreary wet day in England I thought we'd take a trip to the dazzling sunshine of Alicante in Spain. Back in time too, to the 1970s and to the riot of colour that is architect Ricardo Bofill's La Muralla Roja.  Translated as 'The Red Wall' this renowned urban architect took his inspiration from the higgledy-piggledy walled North African cities and kasbahs. There is order though, with varying heights in complementary shades. The deep blues remind me of Essaouira in Morocco, the earthy pinks of the villages on the edge of the Sahara. Views are framed, sliced in slithers showing the cool blue sea.     Photographed here for Vogue by Nacho Alegre  in slightly faded glamour, the chalky paint changes shade as the light moves throughout the day. Often modern architecture is all about the view in a location like this, La Muralla Roia is not that humble! This building takes the focus away from the sea, holding your...