We recently went to Antwerp for an inspirational visit to Graanmarkt 13. It was pointed out to us that there was this amazing place in Antwerp that we had to see. Before heading over, we read into the concept and really liked the sound of it. Moreover, the interior design was done by our favourite architect Vincent van Duysen so there wasn’t much that could go wrong.

Our expectations were easily met when we arrived. It was as if we could take a look in the mind of the makers; every detail was very mindfully thought off. From the restaurant to the gallery, the Apartment to the store, there was a synergy between all. We especially enjoyed the terrace where they even have beehives and are growing their own herbs, proving to us that things are done with great care around there.

Please have a look for yourself! http://www.graanmarkt13.be/

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For more than two decades, Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen has created exquisite buildings and residences with profoundly elemental spaces enriched by a refined palette of materials. The results are sublime, rich, minimal yet tactile. He has designed furniture and decorative objects for such leading international manufacturers as Tribù, B&B Italia, Poliform and Swarovski. Van Duysen celebrates the essence of form, the elegance of proportion and the refinement of hidden details.

Whenever you feel like going to New York anytime soon, you might want to consider staying at the Whyte Hotel. Why? Well, stop reading and take a look at the pictures posted above. We feel it’s very well designed and beautifully decorated. And we were told the lobby features a floor-to-ceiling illustration depicting the history of Brooklyn, where the hotel is situated. One fine example of raw Brooklyn style.

It might look like a plain bunker from the outside, but inside you will find one the most impressive art collections of Berlin. During the Second World War it functioned as an air raid shelter, now it is the home of Christian and Karen Boros, who live with their son amidst paintings by Elizabeth Peyton and a series of installations by groundbreaking artists such as Olafur Eliasson. It is a dream home that once seemed impossible to realize, but has now become an art manifesto for Berlin’s historical Mitte district, where change is the norm. Simply wonderful.

Todd Selby likes to peak into talented people’s homes and occasionally even shoves his lens into their bedroom drawers. This always results into intimate portraits of people you’re not likely to come close to. You kind of feel at home in their homes. This time The Selby was in Eric Werner and Mya Henry’s place; restaurant Hartwood in Tulum, Mexico. Fresh food, great interior design and beautiful people. Muy gran.

Whenever you feel like working out of the office, but you’re not a megalomaniac enough to book a Playing Circle location all for yourself, there’s always the new Starbucks at the Rembrandt square.
It’s the biggest Starbucks in Europe and its interior has been composed by 35 local artists under the supervision of designer Liz Muller. She’s managed to create a cosy atmosphere in this vast space, with rather strong nods to Dutch culture, like a wall made of ‘speculaas’ molds and antique Delft blue tiles.
Its original marble floors (dating back to 1926) were left intact. And it seems the manager posts a Tweet whenever their fresh baked cookies come out the oven.

If you feel like heading for Austria, go to Graz and stay at the Wiesler. Why? They understand that luxury isn’t about gold plated taps and glossy leather sofa’s. The Wiesler has been around since 1909. They know their business. As they quite nicely put it themselves; it’s a place where you can be yourself but also reinvent yourself. Somewhere between soul and art nouveau, but always in the here and now. Well done Wiesler.