The United States, often celebrated for its diverse landscapes and cultures, is also home to some of the world's most enchanting wine regions. For wine lovers seeking to explore the beauty of vineyards, savor exquisite vintages, and immerse themselves in the wine-making traditions, the US offers a plethora of options....
There's an undeniable allure to miniature worlds, and bonsai cultivation offers a captivating journey into this realm. Among the diverse array of trees suitable for bonsai, the olive tree stands out as an exceptional choice for those seeking a sophisticated and low-maintenance botanical challenge. Originating from the Mediterranean, the olive tree...
The Martini, synonymous with sophistication and elegance, is a cocktail that has stood the test of time. While its origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery, there's no denying its iconic status. Let's delve into this classic drink. The Classic Martini Traditionally, a Martini is a simple concoction of gin and dry vermouth,...
The Negroni, with its perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and strong, has captivated cocktail lovers for generations. This iconic drink is more than just a concoction; it's a symbol of sophistication and timeless appeal. Let's delve into the world of this classic cocktail. A Bit of History The exact origin of the...
The world beckons, and for the intrepid traveler, staying connected is crucial. Whether it's navigating unfamiliar streets, checking in with loved ones, or sharing those postcard-perfect moments, a reliable international cell phone plan is a must-have. But with a myriad of US carriers and options, choosing the right one can...
In today's fast-paced world, carving out time for creativity is more important than ever. Social media, particularly Instagram, has become a vibrant hub for showcasing artistic endeavors and sparking inspiration. If you're looking to tap into your creative side and join the fun, here are 5 trending hobbies that are...
The Texas heat might be sizzling, but inside the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS), there's a cool and captivating world waiting to be explored. This summer, HMNS offers a vibrant lineup of permanent exhibits and captivating special exhibitions that will ignite curiosity and spark imaginations for all ages. Permanent Exhibits:...
The iconic halls of The Metropolitan Museum of Art are always abuzz with artistic discovery, but summer brings a vibrant energy with its lineup of special exhibitions. This year is no exception, offering a diverse exploration of artistic expression across cultures and centuries. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or...
Lisbon, the captivating capital of Portugal, boasts a rich tapestry woven from history, culture, and architectural marvels. This vibrant city has been shaped by various eras and influences, leaving behind a stunning legacy in the form of monuments, churches, and buildings. From ancient Moorish strongholds to the minimalist lines of...
Rome, the "Eternal City," beckons travelers with its rich history, awe-inspiring architecture, and vibrant culture. But navigating a new city, especially one steeped in tradition, can be daunting. Fear not, intrepid explorers! This guide will equip you with the essential "Do's and Don'ts" to ensure a smooth, respectful, and truly...
Travel hacking can feel like a maze of points, programs, and blackout dates. Our family needs flexibility and convenience because we spend more on travel than housing and car payments combined! As a frequent flyer with a family of travel enthusiasts, the Capital One Venture Card has become the key...
The allure of Muslim countries is undeniable, with their rich cultures, vibrant history, and breathtaking landscapes. But for female travelers, packing for these destinations can involve a little more thought compared to other trips. While the dress codes might seem restrictive at first glance, fear not! With a few key...
Europe, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes, is a treasure trove of family-friendly destinations waiting to be explored. From enchanting castles to vibrant cities and breathtaking natural wonders, Europe offers a myriad of experiences that will captivate both young and old. In this travel blog post, we'll...
Here's to putting up a stylish front to the coldest weather of the year. With temperatures dropping and style rising, here are some of our favorite picks from our online partners. Nevada Duvet Jacket by Perfect Moment Double down on cozy comfort with this insulated, Allied Down-filled coat, designed for adventures on...
More artwork than furniture, Kelly Wearstler's new NUDO collection fuses form and function in a collection made from stone with maximum visual appeal. Originally founded in 1995, Kelly Wearstler Studio is a multidisciplinary team of designers and architects dedicated to the highest level of detail and creative expression. With an inherent...
Seeking out the best brunch in London means diving into a pool that can seem, a little like the drinks offerings, bottomless. The sparkling sake flows at fusion restaurant TOKii, while at Vinoteca, sophisticated wines are perfectly paired to your eggs. For a sober—and sweet—alternative, head to Dobar, which is home to the...
For some, the holiday season brings as much stress and tension as it does cheer. Households across the globe are feeling the pressure of reduced financial capabilities and soaring inflation rates — which reached a 41-year high in countries like the UK — leading to the feeling of being stretched...
Bye-bye boring block soaps and say hello to new sculptural soaps by the Netherlands designer Lex Pott. These new knot shape soaps (NOUED in French) are not just sculptural, they’re also ergonomic. Handmade in the Netherlands with the best possible natural ingredients. Dimensions: 4 x 1.5 x 2.4 inches (10 x 4...
By drawing on the hotel’s legendary former past as Byblos, hospitality brand creators and strategists 01-20 brought the concept of La Zambra, a new 5-star hotel hidden in the depths of the Andalusian hills, to life as a new destination ‘for those who seek the extraordinary.’ A place where celebrities...
Nature is honored by exquisite deigned as living spaces are organized around a decades-old olive tree in this Santa Monica home, completed by Los Angeles studio Woods +Dangaran. The firm designed both the architecture and interiors for the dwelling, named Twentieth. Home to a couple and their three young children, the three-story house is...
Fourteen stories above Toronto, the all-season rooftop bar and lounge Evangeline has opened atop the Ace Hotel Toronto. The 80-seat concept was crafted by Shim-Sutcliffe Architects in collaboration with Atelier Ace to embody coziness—from its interior to the lushly planted outdoor terrace overlooking the city’s downtown area. “We were inspired by mountain lodges and lounge...
As part of the rehabilitation of the 1907 Colonial Exhibition pavilions, located in the Paris Tropical Agronomy Garden, the Tunisian Pavilion underwent a complete renovation. This trial garden was initially commissioned by the Jardin Colonial, an institution developed since 1899 under the supervision of the Ministry of Colonies, and was originally...
From design star Cristina Celestino in collaboration with Ceramiche Giovanni De Maio comes Abaco Celeste, an atmospheric collection of glazed floor and wall tiles based on memories of summers sul mare, or on the sea. The Mediterranean is all over the five SKUs in the collection, from the tidal patterns...
Water Memories is on view now for your consideration at the Met Museum. This exhibition explores water’s significance to Indigenous peoples and Nations in the United States through historical, modern, and contemporary artworks. In four thematic sections—Ancestral Connections, Water and Sky, Forests and Streams, and Oceanic Imaginations—diverse aquatic expressions feature...
Architecture studio OMA has designed a tiered residential structure with interlocking towers for a beachfront site in the Florida city of Miami Beach. Called The Perigon, the building will comprise seven interlocking towers that rise to a peak and then descend on both sides towards two separate waterfronts: the Atlantic Ocean...
Hotel Per La Los Angeles, a new lifestyle property at 649 South Olive Street in Downtown Los Angeles, has officially opened its doors. The grand opening of the hotel includes the opening of the ground floor restaurant, Per L’Ora, and daytime cafe and market, Café Ora. Housed in the former Giannini...
The Mediterranean diet is constantly touted as one of the best eating patterns to follow—and with good reason! Filled with anti-inflammatory fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and omega-3 fatty acids, it's a great place to start for overall health, as well as hormone health. Plus, it's not restrictive, which means you'll...
The word “puzzle” not only denotes a game but can also refer to the mysteries of life. Rebeiz searches for the meaning of life and her latest series gives shape to this quest. Like the child who questions what seems obvious, Rebeiz is not easily taken in. Totems, symbols of...
Not top be missed, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Yayoi Kusama, Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity, 2009, an impressive installation ade of wood, metal, glass mirrors, plastic, acrylic paint, and LED. As part of her body of work, Yayoi Kusama dazzles audiences worldwide with her immersive “Infinity Mirror Rooms” and...
What color is nude anyway? It’s a question Quincy Ellis of Facture Studio, based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, asked with “Tone,” his solo summer exhibition at Tuleste Factory, a Chelsea gallery founded by sisters Satu and Celeste Greenberg. On one level, the circular pieces are color studies, with gently blurred gradients of...
Reinvent the ordinary with the BOB family from Scandinavian Spaces. A seating system and family of products that offer endless solutions, BOB lends architectural freedom that challenges or adheres to all interior spaces. The multiple award-winning modular seating system cultivates creativity in the workplace and lends comfortable styling to hospitality environments....
ADHD primarily affects your eight executive functions; this is the part of your brain that, in short, deals with doing stuff and managing yourself: time management, working memory, self-monitoring, task initiation, planning, organization and impulse/ emotional control. Many people with neurodivergent conditions process everyday sensory information such as sounds, sights...
Each year, over nine tons of plastic end up in the world’s oceans. For designers, this presents an opportunity to do what they do best—solve problems—and when it comes to upcycling trash, one brand is at the forefront of innovation. Seattle-based LightArt first developed its multi-award-winning Coil Collection by transforming recycled...
The Olli system by Pair is a one-stop-shop for all your benching and desking needs—the core of it being a power and data beam that runs through each unique configuration. Add-on options are endless as frames can accommodate a hanging screen or planter hooks; plugs along the way allow users to...
Many harmful (or potentially harmful) chemicals that are regulated or outright banned in other countries are unregulated in the US. And they end up in our homes. It’s difficult enough to read a label on a supplement or beauty product and sort out what’s safe and what’s not. But harmful...
The modest oyster spends its life in one spot, immobile, filtering seawater for an average of three years until it grows to market size. While a fresh-shucked oyster comes bathed in that briny dressing, it also has flavors and textures that aficionados scrutinize with the rigor of a wine tasting....
Ginger is an extrovert, making pairing both challenging and rewarding. Few flavors as brash as ginger also have its affability. Equally at home in savory, sweet and pickled dishes, both fresh and dried ginger have a chameleonic ability to take center stage without overshadowing the other players in the dish. It’s...
It’s easy to find yourself paralyzed by indecision when faced with an empty room. Arranging furniture and deciding where to place each element of your living space can be a difficult and time-consuming task. Enjoy these expert tips on how to arrange furniture in a living room, many of which...
If you want to ramp up the intimacy factor in your bedroom, these interior design tips are a good place to start. As we all know, the bedroom is for more than just sleeping. It’s also a sacred space where you and your partner can cozy up and spend quality...
Art appraisal is a complex, often misunderstood part of collecting. Simply put, art appraisers help ensure one’s estimates on a work of art are in line with the market value. One of the most common reasons people require an art appraiser is to assess how much a work should be...
At OLIVA, our love for design is only surpassed by our passion for travel and exploring great works around the globe. While many of us are hard at work making plans for the upcoming travel season, here are some favorites to inspire your globetrotting, including some noteworthy sights along the...
Do you ever wish you could eat from your garden all year round? Enjoy these proven strategies to establishing a thriving edible garden. After you’ve secured the space for your garden, you can try out your green thumb for what most gardeners say is one of the most rewarding and...
A bedroom is a place of rest. You want calm colors, cozy furniture, and quiet. If your bedroom lets in noise from outside, you won't get much rest. Learn how to design a soundproof bedroom or upgrade the one you are using with these tips from real interior designers. Start with...
You want all the rooms in your house to be well lit, but good lighting is so much more important for bathrooms. Your lighting decisions should help you to do a better job of shaving or doing your makeup, but also promote safety in an extremely accident-prone area of your...
If you have never acquired a work of art before, there are a number of important things you should consider before making that decisive purchase. Remember that art collecting - on any level - requires research, patience and is a process that can easily turn emotional. However, taking practical measures...
Whether you are looking to acquire art for decorative purposes, as an investment, or for love and passion for the arts, building a strong art collection requires time and knowledge. Upon first sight, the art world may seem like an intimidating and daunting space that is tough to crack, however,...
From leaves and mushrooms to plants more, an expanding array of innovative and eco-friendly leather alternatives exists. Leather manufacturers argue that cowhides are a byproduct of the meat industry and that synthetic alternatives are reliant on fossil fuels, while proponents of alternative leathers contest that the leather industry too uses...
After carrying out your initial research, you will be able to determine the kinds of themes, genres, and artists that you are drawn towards. You should have a rough idea as to what styles you would like to start incorporating into your collection. Still unsure as to what exactly you...
By the 1960s, repetitive compositions and industrial materials had eclipsed the spontaneity and expressive brushstrokes that characterized Abstract Expressionism. The proliferation of grids, concrete cubes, and bare fluorescent lights into the gallery space frustrated some critics—and continues to puzzle many museum-goers to this day—but ultimately triumphed as a radical challenge...
Low-priced and highly resilient, vinyl and linoleum flooring have both been used by designers and architects for decades. While the two materials maintain many common characteristics and similarities, a number of important differences between linoleum and vinyl exist. The information that follows offers an overview of each material and a...