Rem Koolhaas lights up the Venice Architecture Biennale

This year’s Venice Architecture Biennale, which kicks off in just a few days, will display an illuminated archway designed by biennale director, Rem Koolhaas, and created in collaboration with Swarovski.

Luminaire is installed at the entrance to the Monditalia exhibition, where Koolhaas tells the history of Italy through its relationship to architecture. The wooden structure (some 20 feet high and nearly 65 feet long) was built by a family of craftsmen in Puglia and references the grand Renaissance façades of the city’s famed palazzi. The arch is decorated with over 30 pounds of tiny crystals that sparkle against thousands of colorful glass lights.

A brief video from the biennale’s set-up (oddly set to music that sounds like Sweet Home Alabama) gives a glimpse of the arch’s installation, and perhaps new meaning to Koolhaas’ famous quote, “Infrastructure is much more important that architecture.”

The 14th International Architecture Exhibition of la Biennale di Venezia runs from June 7 to November 23, 2014.

Good advice from Hutton Wilkinson

I stumbled across Hutton on television this morning... just in time to hear this little kernel of wisdom: 

"If you hate your house, you hate yourself." 

He's right. 

Make your home beautiful and comfortable, a respite and an inspiration. You'll feel so much better for it.

Playful palaces designed by Alessandro Zambelli

I first learned about Italian designer Alessandro Zambelli when I included his recently released 3D-printed pendant lamps in my Whole Home column for Take Part (which you can find here). But I've only just now seen the Palace line of porcelain and glass table wares that he designed in 2011. (Where have I been?!?)

The dishes and glassware (all inspired by Italian architectural monuments) play on the idea of tourist souvenirs but are an entirely charming, practical, and cleverly designed presentation. Am absolutely in love with them. The rooftops double as serving dishes. The plates have floor plans! Part bento box, part doll house, part puzzle. It's a tabletop toy for grownups.

I'm sold.

Palazzo Ducale, with two bowls, a dish and a tray

Palazzo Signoria, with six plates and a serving dish

Battistero (my favorite!) is a breakfast set comprised of six cups, a creamer and sugar, a tray, and a covered container

Torrione, with six square dishes and a small container... for jewelry or hors d'oeuvres, you decide

Dainty but potent

I've been in love with the work of Swedish ceramist Åsa Lindström since finding her little snaps cups in a shop in Gothenberg years ago. She's long been involved with the Stockholm craft collective Blås & Knåda (such an incredible place!) but I think it's wonderful that she's also now opened her own little boutique in the city, as well as in Gustavsbergs. Though I'll always be partial to her original series (Torsten, Vera, Anton and Ellen are in our cupboard), her new floral designs are definitely calling my name... especially the blackberries, heather and tulips. Perfect for spring. Pass the akvavit!

When "seeing red" is a good thing

Cherish wearing red lipstick, 2000, Guido Argentini ~ Preiss Fine Arts

It's February, the month of lovey-dovey red, and I've just spent entirely too much time alighting the virtual galleries of 1stdibs looking for items in the rosy hue. Herewith, my favorite finds, and a few fun quotes about the color.

A pair of 19th century-style chandeliers in the manner of  F.C. Osler ~ Guinevere Antiques

“If you are inclined to a hasty temper, for instance, you should not live in a room in which the prevailing note is red. On the other hand, a timid, delicate nature could often gain courage and poise by living in surroundings of rich red tones." Elsie de Wolfe

Mario Cananzi and Roberto Semprini's Tatlin sofa in red velvet, 1990 ~ The Gallery 

Tiffany & Co. Venus and Cupid brooch, c. 1890-1910, Enamel, gold, rubies, diamonds ~ Chas. Schwartz & Son

“Red is such an interesting color to correlate with emotion, because it’s on both ends of the spectrum. On one end you have happiness, falling in love, infatuation with someone, passion, all that. On the other end, you’ve got obsession, jealousy, danger, fear, anger and frustration. It’s an interesting color to correlate with all the really intense parts of a relationship, whether they’re good or bad.” Taylor Swift

Christian Louboutin patent leather sandles with velvet trim ~ Exquisite Finds

“All reds go together.” David Hicks