designers i admire: catherine memmi

It must be said that I am not, nor will I ever be, a minimalist. I love shopping too much. I love objects with history and meaning and shape. I like to tell stories with accessories. But sometimes a little palate-cleansing is in order. At those times I can really fall for an utterly uncluttered room. Here's one. Isn't it quite a remarkable hotel room? It's the Hôtel Grèges in Fukuoka, Japan, designed by French designer Catherine Memmi. I first learned of her through Met Home several years ago. Here aesthetic is Jean-Michel Frank-meets-Donald Judd. Incredibly restrained but somehow still inviting. Her look would go perfectly in my fantasy barn-by-the-beach -- just add giant stone fireplace, a cashmere throw and linen slippers. Perfection. 

Here are 2 hotels I'm dying to stay at...

Hotel Julien, Antwerp

The Olde Bell Inn, Hurley, Bershire, UK (design: Ilse Crawford)