DVF for Claridges's

I've been dying to see one of the 20 rooms at Claridge's hotel in London designed by Diane von Furstenberg and finally I found one online at the Times magazine. I love the double headboard effect and the patterned fabric. It's pretty chic and stylish but then again, I didn't doubt that Diane would create anything less. Wonder if the have any vacancies!

Valentino at Home: London

You really didn't think I would post about Valentino without also posting photos from one of his fabulous homes did you? I've been saving images of his Jacques Grange designed London home for a while and was delighted to find even more on Studio Annetta. The home was originally published in the UK edition of House & Garden magazine in January 2006 which makes me wonder how it's changed over the years. A few other photos were seen in my favorite book Jacques Grange Interiors. While the apartment is the epitome of elegance with it's 1930's furniture and Francis Bacon art, it also looks surprisingly comfortable. I hope those pugs appreciate living in the lap of luxury!

David Collins at Home

I happened to pick up the December issue of Spanish AD this week and was left swooning over the London apartment of designer David Collins. Of course, I can't read a word of Spanish so I can't help you with any of the details but I think the photos speak for themselves. Mr. Collins has locked his online portfolio so I scanned in the article and also found some other photos online elsewhere. You can see the difference styling and finishing touches can make to a space. I love how the beige chairs above look reupholstered in two new fabrics below. The hints of lilac in the blue room also look amazing! I think it might be my new favorite color combination! Too bad we can't see what else David Collins has been up to online! I bet it's just as fabulous!

Photos by Simon Watson and Ricardo Labougle for Spanish AD

Strolling through London with Camille Styles!

A few weeks ago the very talented Camille of Style Notes mentioned that she was off to London for a little vacation, and since we've been having a few of our jet-setting friends blogging about their adventures in shopping here on c+k, would we like to have her? Let me tell you, ladies and gents, this fabulous post made me very happy that I said yes, of course I'd love to have her! Please welcome Camille!!

I'm Camille: event planner, style blogger, and (most recently) globe trotter, and I'm thrilled to share a taste of last week's holiday in London with coco+kelley's stylish readers! This city never fails to inspire with its unique mix of old world elegance and cutting edge modernity, and I've chosen a few of the best places to visit for a perfect day of shopping & exploring.

* Borough Market

Start the day with a mouthwatering tour through Borough Market, the oldest food market and one of my very favorite spots in London. Fuel up for a day of shopping with a pastry from the gourmet food carts, then meander through the seasonal produce, abundant flowers, & local cheeses. A true feast for the senses. Borough Market, 8 Southwark St, +44 20 7407 1002.

* La Fromagerie

Browse the most famous cheese shop in London for picnic supplies. Colorful bins of fresh produce, shelves brimming with just-from-the-oven scones & croissants, & jars of housemade jams & chutneys make this a foodie's paradise. Don't miss the impressive cheese room stocked floor to ceiling with selections from around the world. La Fromagerie, 4 Moxon St, +44 20 7935 0341.

* Green Park

There's no better place to spread out a picnic blanket than Green Park, overlooking Buckingham Palace & the tree-lined Mall. Lounge under huge Maples & watch the young couples & awestruck tourists stroll through the royal grounds... and the flowers are to-die-for.

* Liberty

Discover a shopper's paradise in the charming streets of the Mayfair neighborhood. Established in 1875, this department store is my hands-down favorite in London. A perfectly English mix of Victorian-glam with a dash of quirkiness, the collection includes Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and of course the eponymous Liberty of London that showcases old & new versions of its famous prints. Liberty, Great Marlborough St, 020 7573 9645‎.

* Brissi

An inspiration in shades of "gris" & "blanc," this shop carries little luxuries to turn your home into a sanctuary. French antiques coexist with modern white china & classic hemstitched linens to form an aesthetic that is so elegant, & completely effortless. Brissi, 352 Kings Rd, +44 20 73528686.

* Jane Packer

It was love at first sight when I passed the traffic-stopping window displays at Jane Packer. The visionary designers approach flowers like fashion, carefully choosing colors & texture to convey an innovative aesthetic. I was so blown away that I immediately signed myself up for a class at the Jane Packer Flower School for the following day (read more about that life-changing experience on Style Notes.) This shop simply oozes London sophistication. Jane Packer, 32 - 34 New Cavendish Street, +44 20 7486 1300.

Thank you so much Camille! I would have loved to experience that floral design class with you!!  If you're dying for more of Camille's experience, pop over to her blog to see her video tour or read more in-depth posts.

Inspiring London Interior

Since I returned from Paris, I've been busy and so I just realized that I haven't posted any interiors. I been focusing on a lot of other things that I have going on right now but decided to go back through my files where I found one of my all time favorite inspiring interiors. I was going to say that the London flat was designed by interior designer Alex Papachristidis but after I looked again at the article from the November 2006 issue of Elle Decor where it appeared, I was reminded that it was really a collaborative effort between Papachristidis and the owner, Fruzsina Keehn, a fabulous jewelry designer. The result is that great mix of styles, periods and pieces that is right up my alley. I especially love the modern 1960's Italian round table surrounded by 18th-century Swedish side chairs that sits under a 19th-century Venetian chandelier in the entry. It's full of interesting details that make it look more collected not decorated...my favorite type of design. Enjoy!

Photos by Simon Upton