If It's Hip, It's Here (Archives)

Villa Amanzi, A Modern Cantilevered Villa on Phuket's Coast Available To Rent.

I don't know if you're planning a trip anytime soon, but if you were considering Thailand, this Phuket villa ought to be on your list. This jaw-dropping vacation rental is located on a little-known stretch of coastline in Kamala, with its sheltered coves, dramatic cliffs, tropical forest, picturesque hills and crystal waters. The area is one of Phuket’s best-kept secrets, and home to this incredible six bedroom residence of outstanding modern architecture and design.

The land plot size is a large 27,000 sq ft, 8,000 sq ft of which is dedicated to the villa designed by Original Vision, Ltd..

The Infinity Pool:
The modern cantilevered home includes a 15m infinity swimming pool that juts out over the rocks below, offering the most dramatic sea views imaginable:

The Exterior:
Flooded with light, glass catwalks, views to die for and an expansive, open-plan living area, the tranquil design features 18m long glass doors that slide back to provide a natural flow from the entrance garden.

The Interior:
Villa Amanzi offers six spacious guest rooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom and private balcony with uninterrupted views over the Andaman Sea. There are three king bedrooms and three twin rooms, which can also be brought together to form three king size beds. The master suite also has a large outdoor terrazzo bath tub in addition to separate showers. The bedrooms all have high quality cotton bed linen.

The stunning photos of this home are by Marc Gerritsen

In room features include:
• Individually controlled air-conditioning
• Remote controlled sun blinds and curtains
• 32inch plasma screen TV and DVD player in Bedroom 1, 2, 3 and 4
• Complimentary wireless Internet access
• Luxury Paresa bathroom accessories

Rates:
• Daily rates from US$2,000 to US$4,500 for the villa (depending on Season)
• Daily rates include a full time Chef (food and beverage costs charged to guests on account)
• Minimum stay of 3 nights (14 nights Peak Season)
• Rates shown are for a maximum of 12 (twelve) Guests (including children)
• Rates are inclusive of VAT
• Airport transfer: approximately US$35 per trip for a maximum of 7 passengers in private mini bus or car
• For weddings and private parties, a surcharge may be applicable depending on number of guests

For reservations or more information visit http://www.villaamanzi.com

Design team: Original Vision Ltd
Project architects: Adrian McCarroll, Waiman Cheung, Jamie Jamieson
Location: Kamala beach, Phuket, Thailand
Project year: 2008

Images courtesy of Villa Amanzi, Original Vision, Arch Daily and Welcome Beyond

An Illuminating Book From Bentley Meeker; Light X Design: 20 Years Of Lighting

If you didn't think that lighting and staging can completely alter one's experience, you haven't seen the extraordinary work and talents of Bentley Meeker. The lighting designer to the stars transforms events, personal nuptials, dinner parties and more into enchanted, elegant and magical venues.

above: from weddings to corporate events, Meeker's designs completely transform a room

Lighting is as important a design element in creating an atmosphere as the choice in furniture, flowers or architectural space. If you don't believe me, Bentley Meeker's work, which is showcased in the hardcover coffee table book from Glitterati, Light X Design: 20 Years of Lighting, will prove it.

An eye-popping list of clients which include the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Billy Joel, Chelsea Clinton, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, Clive Davis, HBO, Versace, Hermes, Cartier, Tiffany, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Ford, Infiniti, Cadillac, ABC, NBC, PBS, Diffa, Harvard Business School, New York City Ballet, The Whitney, The Guggenheim and MoMA have used Bentley Meeker's extraordinary eye to turn simple sites into lavish affairs. Meeker is even ranked amongst New York's Daily News' Fashion's 50 most powerful.

The finest and most memorable weddings, fundraisers, charitable dinners, Grammy parties, fashion shows, movie premieres, museum spaces and more are transformed by the technical and inspirational talents of the New York based company.

The stunning 160 page over-sized book is like having a portfolio filled with eye candy. With a foreward by preeminent event designer Preston Bailey, the photo-filled tome serves as inspiration for anyone planning a party or wedding as much as it is a treat for those who like admiring beauty. Spaces shown as before and after images, a peek at some very famous weddings, images indoors and outdoors and a look at everything from simple tabletop candle treatments to breathtaking projections of shadow and light are featured.

The text of the book is as much instructional as it is inspirational. Helpful references, style tips and more can illuminate both the amateur and expert event planner or room designer.

Buy Bentley Meeker Light X Design: 20 Years of Lighting here

Walrus, Octopus & Rhino Chairs by Maximo Riero

The Animal Chair collection by Maximo Riero consists of a diverse range of species; an octopus, a whale, a rhino, a walrus, a lion and even a beetle. Each unique chair is faithful to the animal's image and yet has incorporated traditional tufted seating in its appearance. Thus far Maximo has completed three of his intended collection, the first being an Octopus, followed by a Rhinoceros and a Walrus. A Lion, a Beetle and a Whale are the next three to come.