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Curate Like Lagerfeld: Sophisticated Coffee Table Books from Taschen and Assouline

oleh admin | Agu 12, 2024 | fashion and style, home decor, home decoration ideas, home design, interior design

The late fashion icon from Chanel opened his own bookstore named 7L, which was replicated in The Karl Lagerfeld Hotel in Macau. Meanwhile, Pier Djerejian-Shiever, an interior stylist based in New York, consults for Hyatt and Rosewood hotels regarding books used as decorative items.

The selection of books you showcase in your living space reveals more than just your individual preferences; they also eloquently convey your sense of style and sophistication—pardon me for the play on words.

In Victorian times, having a lavishly filled library with numerous books represented the epitome of elegance for affluent homeowners. Today, however, owning a thoughtfully selected collection of coffee table books is considered indispensable in every tastefully decorated residence.

“Incorporating books into interior design isn’t novel; however, as individuals face overflow from their bookshelves or private collections, many have begun experimenting with coffee table displays within their living spaces. This trend has evolved and moved upscale, now seen in places such as high-end hotels,” explains Pier Djerejian-Shiever, a New York-based interior stylist who counts major hotel chains including Hyatt and Rosewood among her clientele.

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Books have become coveted items among both thinkers and connoisseurs. It’s common to see celebrities flaunting their personal libraries in publications such as Architectural Digest. The late fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld was an avid bibliophile who possessed more than 300,000 volumes; this passion led him to open his own bookstore named 7L. Prominent publishing houses like Assouline and Taschen have capitalized on the trend by producing visually appealing yet educational books designed to enhance both public and private settings.

“Books serve as powerful visual indicators of a homeowner’s areas of interest. They instantly convey information about someone’s passions… acting as a discreet but potent means of influencing others’ perceptions of the individual,” explains Valeriane Moyersoen, the international sales director at Taschen.

As books have transformed into more of a decorative element, crafting the ideal coffee table “display,” as Djerejian-Shieber refers to it, requires some skill. Although personal preferences should guide your choices and can encompass various subjects like art, design, fashion, and cuisine, aesthetic aspects are just as crucial.

Just like a well-organized library typically sorts books by alphabetical order, subject, or author, there’s usually some method to the arrangement. However, with your coffee table collection, anything goes. It has become trendy to organize or pile up books according to color or size — think of those eye-catching travel-themed volumes from Assouline that create striking visual displays perfect for social media posts. Yet, professionals recommend opting for a more natural and unforced appearance instead.

Alexandre Assouline, who leads operations, branding, and strategy for Assoulin, expresses his fondness for “a structured form of disarray.” He enjoys assembling various groups while deliberately disregarding norms through the use of varying dimensions and hues.

He enjoys placing various objects next to his books, arranging them either horizontally or vertically. This method introduces an eclectic and aesthetically pleasing component to the space, resulting in a vibrant and distinctive presentation.

Although candles and home scents are common choices, additional suggestions encompass petite plants or blossoms to introduce elevation and vibrancy. Meanwhile, ceramics and various art pieces can further reflect your individuality. Djerejian-Shieber suggests incorporating board games into the mix if room permits—these frequently encourage dialogue and interaction just as effectively as reading materials do.

“The coffee table plays a central role in the social area. When advising my clients, I recommend they view the table from above to grasp its size and proportions more effectively. It’s important not to make the table feel overcrowded since functionality remains crucial. Ultimately, you should ensure there’s enough room for a drink,” she explains.

If you have enough area, books can function not only as decor for coffee tables or bookshelves but also as functional elements within the room. A popular trend involves arranging them into stacked columns that highlight significant items like fireplaces. You could place a piece of wood over these piles to create a temporary console table. Additionally, they can act as chic platforms to lift up decorative pieces on shelves, including statues, potted plants, or vases.

There’s no need for your book collection to be limited to living rooms or libraries. Today, many individuals are displaying their favorite reads in unconventional spots like kitchens and even bathrooms. Professionals recommend selecting lighter fare for these zones, such as Taschen’s Gourmand Series.

Djerejian-Shiever mentions how delightful it is to find cookbooks or any literature related to cuisine nestled among piles of mugs and dishes in the kitchen. Joke books and travel guides make perfect additions to the bathroom shelves. Whenever visitors stop over, he enjoys handpicking several books they can flip through during their downtime in the guestroom.

Finally, feel free to shake things up and alter your displays periodically.

“Never bore, always excite” remains one of my favorite mantras, and I consider it both significant and applicable to modern-day design,” explains Moyersoen. “Books ought not to remain static or collect dust; instead, they should be regarded as dynamic entities that you can rearrange however you wish. It’s perfectly fine to display a book prominently, enjoy discovering it, grow tired of it over time, place it on a shelf, and swap it out for something else—only to perhaps revisit and rediscover it again in the future.”

Suggestions for arranging your books at home

1. Older and hard-to-find books appear more natural, adding character to your bookshelves, whereas novels can bring additional charm to your displays.

2. Rather than using color-coded displays, try out a monochromatic scheme or opt for books featuring distinctive textures or cover designs.

3. Do not dismiss bookends; they enable experimentation with various heights and depths, and are available in contemporary materials like acrylic.

4. Merge vertical and horizontal spines for a more haphazard appearance.

5. Convert your bookshelf into a display stand for various decorative items.

Why Hard Work Alone Isn’t Enough to Climb the Career Ladder – International Edition (English)

oleh admin | Agu 10, 2024 | business, career advice, jobs and careers, work and pay, work life balance

READ MORE:
Research indicates that working from home doesn’t increase your productivity.

Staff members must do more than simply put in long hours to advance up the career ladder, according to experts who suggest that individuals aiming for a promotion ought to highlight how well they are performing their duties.

Colliding with a colleague in the corridor isn’t merely an occasion for casual conversation; instead, it’s an ideal moment to discuss a recent success and highlight its beneficial effect on the organization, as noted by scholarly authorities.

“We constantly get chances to share our narrative, but we often discard them,” says Alison Fragale, an organizational behavior professor at the University of
North Carolina
, and the author of an upcoming book about the science of status
shared with the Wall Street Journal.

Fragale suggested that if someone is concerned about coming across as overly boastful, they might reflect on the fact that their colleagues who are being promoted before them could be engaging in similar behaviors.

She additionally mentioned that employees ought to reflect upon the aspects of their work that are positively contributing but go unnoticed by management, since an increasing amount of effort is being put in discreetly.

Actually, Tessa West, who is a psychology professor at New York University, discovered that 80 percent of individuals take on various responsibilities at their job, such as leading a committee or working alongside another division on a project.

Over fifty percent of these additional duties receive no extra pay.

“People frequently believe they receive recognition for their efforts, yet that acknowledgment only exists in the boss’s mind,” West stated, adding that the boss might not even recall it at all.

Occasionally, the manager may refrain from informing the boss about all the additional tasks you’re undertaking, as they could be concerned it portrays them as disorganized, she mentioned.

Consequently, West suggests bringing up the extra responsibilities you’ve been handling during yearly performance discussions, which occur when managers assess their staff members in private settings.

She likewise recommended telling yourself that even individuals at the pinnacle of power frequently reject offers and safeguard their time—dedicating it to honing their singular defining skill.

If you can’t come up with a way to manage the additional workload you’re accepting, it might not be beneficial for your career, West mentioned.

South Africa’s Top 6 Culinary Delights You Must Try

oleh admin | Agu 10, 2024 | africa, cuisine, culture, food and drink, south africa

A nation brimming with historical significance and cultural richness, South Africa boasts an array of distinct ecological zones—from interior woodlands to idyllic coastal shores. This multifaceted country continues to astonish with its unexpected delights. Let’s explore its intricate culinary landscape.

While
South Africa is renowned for its wine estates.
With its numerous safaris showcasing the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalos), stunning national parks, and bustling urban centers, South Africa’s culinary scene merits greater acclaim. This gastronomy offers an extensive array of flavors and textures, transporting diners on a sensory adventure spanning multiple continents. Influences permeate from various corners of the globe—from Dutch settlers to Boer farmers, Zulus, native tribes, Britons, Indians, and Malaysians. At the heart of this cuisine lies a focus on high-quality meats—sometimes including unconventional choices like ostrich or crocodile.

Interested in visiting South Africa? Check out these articles for tips on planning your journey:

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Braai, which includes barbecuing and the traditional Boerewors.

A visit to South Africa isn’t fully realized until you’ve sampled a classic braai, which stands as one of the country’s quintessential barbecue traditions. This dining event is typically reserved for festive occasions and offers an unparalleled taste of local cuisine. Be sure to savor some boerewors, a savory blend of pork, beef, or game meat flavored with spices like coriander, pepper, and nutmeg—a dish that captures genuine authenticity better than what can be found at restaurants.

Biltong, dried meat

Biltong closely resembles its relative, the dry sausage. It’s an immensely favored South African treat crafted from salted meat—a practical preservation technique before refrigeration was available. Typically prepared using beef or various types of game such as ostrich, zebra, kudu, springbok, or antelope, this cured meat is flavored with vinegar, salt, sugar, coriander, and/or chili.

Chakalaka:

when spicy meets veggies

Often referred to as “spicy relish,” Chakalaka is indeed a dish consisting primarily of raw vegetables typically enjoyed alongside meats. Composed of ingredients like onions, carrots, tomatoes, chilies, bell peppers, and various spices, this culinary creation boasts numerous renditions. Each household tends to have its distinct method for making it.

Spicy Bobotie, a variation of shepherd’s pie.

Bobotie is a meat dish that appears to have existed since the 1700s.
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It closely resembles a classic shepherd’s pie but is prepared using tomatoes and chutney, along with crisp veggies and dried fruits. The recipe for this dish includes more spice, particularly curry. Ideally served alongside saffron-infused rice.

Bunny Chow, surprise bread

Originating from Durban, Bunny Chow has become an exceedingly popular staple, even finding favor in the markets of London. Essentially, this dish consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with flavorful curry. The uniqueness of this meal lies in its versatility; you can get it in both vegetarian options—such as those made with lentils and beans—as well as non-vegetarian choices like chicken or pork varieties.

Koeksister,

a honey

twisted doughnut

To conclude this classic South African menu, indulge in koeksisters—sweet honey-dough pastries. These braided treats are first deep-fried and occasionally topped with shredded coconut to enhance their taste.

4 Hidden Gems in Central America and the Caribbean You Need to Explore Now

oleh admin | Agu 9, 2024 | cities and towns, cuba, latin america, Travel, travel destinations

From Havana in Cuba to Antigua in Guatemala and Panama City in Panama, all the way to Willemstad in Curaçao, these four enchanting destinations should definitely not be overlooked when exploring Central America and the Caribbean.

Antigua, a refined colonial town nestled high above Guatemala.

Listed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Since 1979, the former capital of Guatemala has stood as a vulnerable but impressive colonial gem. Established five centuries ago, this city nestled among three volcanoes has endured multiple floods, frequent eruptions, several earthquakes, and even an avalanche. Despite these calamities, the city consistently rebounded. Today, numerous monuments dot the landscape here.
Barroco antigüeño
Style – featuring Santa Catalina Arch, which serves as the emblem of the city – along with numerous churches, whether restored or preserved in their ruined state – create an architectural ensemble possessing an unparalleled allure.

Trinidad, Cuba’s museum city

Nestled at the base of the Sierra del Escambray, the city of Trinidad (with 50,000 residents) boasts proudly against expansive areas.
Havana
Its ancient homes featuring tile roofs, meandering cobblestone lanes, and slender thoroughfares.
chinas pelonas
(literally, “bald stones”), magnificent colonial remnants and stylish 18th-century buildings
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– century structures create a delightful mosaic of designs and hues. This countryside town, once the leading center for Caribbean sugarcane production, truly stands out as the main attraction.
a trip to Cuba
.

Curaçao’s Willemsted, the vibrant Amsterdam of the Caribbean

Facing Venezuela
in the Caribbean Sea
The Dutch island of Curaçao overfloweth with riches: beyond its pristine coves, lush tropical forests, and extensive coral reefs, lies its vibrant capital, Willemstad. This waterfront city, known for its vibrantly painted facades akin to those found in Amsterdam, boasts numerous attractions such as a bustling floating market, an array of captivating street art murals scattered throughout neighborhoods like Otrobanda and Pietermaai, intriguing museums—most notably Kura Hulanda, which delves into the region’s slave trade past—and six historic colonial fortresses.

Panama City, the sharp blend of ancient and modern

It is frequently simplified to just its skyscrapers and casinos, yet Panama City boasts many additional attractions. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
Casco Viejo
The city’s historical neighborhood, along with Panamá Viejo—the remnants of the first European settlement on the Pacific coast established in 1519—create an intriguing mix of Spanish, French, and Italian architectural styles. This combination includes 19
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-panamanian city features century-old districts alongside a cutting-edge business center, making it a surprisingly (yet effectively) mixed combination of different styles and time periods.

Jane Austen’s UK Odyssey: 6 Sites That Shaped the Author

oleh admin | Agu 9, 2024 | cities and towns, culture, culture & history, lifestyle, society, tourist attractions

From Hampshire to Dorset, Jane Austen witnessed the expanse of traditional England throughout her life. Embarking on an exploration of the novelist’s personal landscapes, we delve into six locations that significantly influenced the fabric of her refined and skilled prose.

From Steventon to Winchester, Bath, Southampton, Lyme Regis, and Chawton, every phase of Jane Austen’s life contributed to her development into one of the most distinctive and impactful authors in English literature.
English literature
Her collection of works, reflecting her journeys throughout England, offers a vibrant depiction of a nation and its customs in transition.

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pieces to assist you with planning

out

your trip:

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This delightful small town has been crowned as the top location to reside in the United Kingdom.

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Steventon, the birthplace of

her love of words

At the Steventon rectory, a young girl writes passionately. This was Jane Austen, born in 1775, who established the groundwork for her literary universe.

The picturesque landscapes of the Hampshire countryside and its close-knit rural community provided ample inspiration: attending village dances, making polite calls on neighbors, and taking leisurely strolls honed her powers of observation. This idyllic backdrop served as the stage where she developed her keen eye for detail.
drafts of
Pride and Prejudice
,
Sense and Sensibility
and
Northanger Abbey
were first written down.

Bath, the social game

In 1801, the Austen family relocated to Bath. This move came as quite a surprise for them.

The
hubbub of the spa town
Provided a sharp contrast to the tranquil atmosphere of Steventon. Jane keenly observes, often with significant sarcasm, various social customs and events. Though she might appear unenthusiastic towards Bath in her writings, it undeniably left a lasting impression on her literature.

The charming streets and distinctive ambiance of the spa town are vividly depicted in
Northanger Abbey
and
Persuasion
. Although Austen initially disliked Bath, she eventually came to portray it as a distinct character in her literary works.

Southampton, the siren song of the ocean

In 1805, a significant change occurred. After her father passed away, Jane relocated to Southampton along with her mother and sister Cassandra.

The harbor presented fresh opportunities for the writer. The constant arrival and departure of vessels along with the lively activity at the docks expanded her understanding of life. Even though Southampton wouldn’t directly appear in her released writings, the city’s maritime impact is evident.

The naval references in
Mansfield Park
and
Persuasion
This coastal setting is referenced throughout, such that every location subtly influences Austen’s prose at times.

A Seaside Interlude in Lyme Regis

In 1804, Jane Austen came across
Lyme Regis
This short visit to Dorset instilled in her an enduring memory: the untamed allure of the Jurassic coastline and the ambiance of the coastal town enchanted the author. Lyme Regis emerged as a key element in her work.
Persuasion
The final book she finished includes an iconic scene where the character falls onto the Cobb, that legendary jetty. This moment exemplifies the influence this location had on her imagination.

Chawton, the creative refuge

In 1809, Jane decided to embrace her origins when she relocated to Chawton, which was situated in Hampshire yet again. It was here that she spent the final eight years of her life, a period marked by intense productivity as an author.

In this tranquil village, Austen attained the height of her artistic abilities. The serenity and calmness of the rural surroundings enabled her to refine her skills as an author.
Mansfield Park
,
Emma
and
Persuasion
came to be.

Chawton House, which currently serves as a Centre for the Study of Women’s Literature, stands as evidence of that significant era when Austen’s inventive talent flourished.

More information at
chawtonhouse.org

Winchester, the final chapter

Jane Austen’s active life would conclude in Winchester. In May 1817, she fell gravely ill and traveled there seeking medical care.

On July 18th, she passed away, leaving behind a legacy that would endlessly enhance English literature. Her remains were laid to rest in
Winchester Cathedral
turned into a destination where devotees from across the globe would come to visit.

And so concluded Jane Austen’s time on Earth, yet her literary essence endures, continuing to captivate fresh audiences and transport them to early 19th-century England.
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-century England.