Visiting London

I have been keen to visit London since I first had a taste of Europe, and the media attention following the Royal Wedding only made me more interested in seeing this historic city for myself. So, first stop: London!

I should mention that the riots were happening just days before we left, and I was, um, nervous. Fortunately, everything was calm when we arrived and the areas we visited had no signs of damage. Just beautiful architecture and lots (and lots) of people!

We stayed at the Andaz Liverpool Hotel in East London, and it was absolutely perfect for our vacation. The hotel had the most incredible scent (which sounds ridiculous, I know, but if I could've bottled it and brought it home...I would've...not for sale.) and was beautifully designed. Formerly a railway hotel, it had all of the modern amenities with an ode to traditional elegance. Perfection. (Any indoor shots here are from the hotel.)

And a delicious cheese platter from the hotel restaurant was the perfect way to finish it off (and spend a little more time surrounded by the beauty)!

I loved London's energy and culture, and can't wait to return.

Photo credit: Jenna @ The Beautiful Shelter

Homes of London

Source: Pinterest

LONDON

This Is London

A few months ago, I signed up for the GOOP newsletter - the very chic brainchild of Gwyneth Paltrow. It's a look at the finer things in life, like 5-star hotels around the globe and trendy restaurants serving the latest raw-organic-vegan-environmental-detoxing (did I get them all?) foods fit for a queen. I particularly love Gwyneth's travel recommendations, as it lets my mind wander to locations I'd love to see and hotels I'd like to...........see the lobby of.

Hotels like The Connaught in London, England are the ultimate design inspiration. Unlike many neutral magazines and home decorating shows, they push the envelope with colour and texture. I'm going to have to do a running commentary on this one...

Welcome to The Connaught.

The curved velvet sofas, classic lamps and incredible entertainment console....I'm in love.



Oh, Romeo...

I love the sophisticated-beachy feel that this suite has. The tall beams and curtained bed frame give this room great scale, but I think I'll pass on the two psychedelic chairs.

This chair, on the other hand, is so very Celerie Kemble (note: my favourite).

I'm adding this to my "Welcome to the Jungle" post. How did I ever forget about the sweetness of potted herbs for a kitchen?

Probably the closest I'll ever get to it...

Why thank you, Theodore.

I love the simplicity of this suite.

I love it all, including that amazing bath tub and nautical window/medicine cabinet.

The lamps are what won me over in this...

This bar and lounge area is such an unusual mix of colour, texture and pattern. I also love this space (primarily for its gray, rather than brown, walls).

Those bar stools are a piece of art.

Theodore, I change my mind. I'll take one of these.

Oh yes, and that countertop is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

It's a little blurry, but isn't the finish on the fireplace stunning! If this is what afternoon tea looks like, count me in.

All photographs courtesy The Connaught website.

Happy travels!