“All things beautiful”
With 2012 fast approaching and holiday festivities well under way, we know many of you are reflecting on the year that was and making resolutions for the one to come. Have you accomplished all the things you set out to do? What are your goals and aspirations going forward?
Then there are the questions close to our hearts at BottegaTokyo – Does your home support your needs, your hopes, and your dreams?
At BottegaTokyo we believe the energy in your home has a huge impact on all areas of your life, which is why we suggest making our Casa Cure one of your New Year’s resolutions. Follow Liezel’s Casa Cure articles in the next six issues of Tokyo Families and learn how to ensure your home is working for you. Liezel will also be writing for I’m Home magazine on how good art makes good interiors. We hope her words, as well as our regular blog posts and newsletter tips, will inspire and be as good a gift as any this holiday season.
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BottegaTokyo is excited to announce its collaboration with Karen Thomas of Toriizaka Art.
Here’s what Karen has to say:
Art is a living component of the home or office landscape and as such, should say something about you, the owner. I feel that every experience with a piece of art should be evocative and make a statement. Great art should be noticed – it isn't background filler. At best, it should have a memorable effect on the viewer, leaving a lasting and unforgettable impression. And while everything in a space should work together to create the intended effect, it's not worth spending money on art if it doesn't grab your attention, make you think or take your breath away.
"My passion is working with artists who create not simply with their hands and brain but with their heart and soul."
Take Vu Dinh Tuan’s work for example:
Vu Dinh Tuan's delicate silk works transfix us with his use of vibrant colors and a myriad of unexpected detail. His stylized faces rendered with contrasting animate and inanimate objects verge on surrealism. His exquisite paintings are not easily categorized since he work is truly unique. - Karen |
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OUR MESSAGE FOR THIS FESTIVE SEASON: LESS IS MORE
As a writer I see the benefits of editing every day. It never ceases to amaze me how many extra words we throw into our documents, emails, stories, etc. that aren't serving any purpose at all. Instead, they cut the flow and often dilute the style. The same exists in our homes when we over-consume and end up with useless objects strewn here and there, interrupting the flow and blocking the energy. This TED talk addresses EDITING and promotes LESS IS MORE, something BottegaTokyo supports and practices in all of our design projects. In many big cities (Tokyo being no exception), people are forced to live in smaller spaces. To some, this is a pain. To others, it's a chance to be creative. We encourage you to find the fun and benefits of living in small spaces as you watch the following link by TED talks:
http://lifeedited.treehugger.com/
‘Less is more’ is a motto BottegaTokyo lives by, and it’s something we’d like you to consider before you begin your holiday shopping. Often, stocking-stuffer knick-knacks end up being hidden away in cupboards, tucked away in drawers, or worse, thrown in the trash adding to landfill. That’s why we do not suggest you give them to friends and family this holiday season. Instead, we encourage our readers to avoid a lot of nothings and focus on that special something. - Katie |
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BottegaTokyo and Toriizaka Art held their first mini workshop on December 6th.
It was a beautiful inspirational morning with 26 ladies from around the world, we shared stories and tips, we giggled over scones and tea. Thanks to everyone who made it. We look forward to more creative sessions together in the new year.
Keep visiting our blog to find out when our next workshop will be held |
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MY JAPAN Part II now in Midtown
My Japan’s (http://myjapan.withtank.com/) current exhibition is in Tokyo Midtown at Nirvana Restaurant as part of their Art Series Program. The exhibition will run until the end of January.
For more details and the address visit: http://www.nirvana-newyork.jp/
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In Japan, often we are restricted to white or beige walls. So it’s a relief to have the option of interesting wallpaper to liven up our living spaces.
This month’s one to watch is Clinton Friedman.
To know Clinton’s work is to love Clinton’s work. Whether it’s his organic prints, his nature inspired wallpaper or his new line of scatter pillows, his pieces are bound to add depth and excitement to any home. Visit his website -- www.clintonfriedman.com |
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Cute Café
Scones and Tea at Hoco
www.hocoweb.com |
Must-visit shop
Established & Sons
5-3-10 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3400-1040
Opening hours: 11:00 - 19:00 |
Retro Cool Read
Harry and Horsie's second adventure COOKIEBOT! has received rave reviews. Named a best book of 2011 by Kirkus Review, your little one will love it. Written by BottegaTokyo's Katie Van Camp. Visit their online shop for cool H&H tees |
| Visit our blog at www.bottegatokyo.tumblr.com for suggestions on the best shops, cafes and restaurants, and design items available in Tokyo, not to mention great décor tips and more. |
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We are very happy to announce that our co-founder Briony Timmins, returns this month as senior design consultant after giving birth to angelic baby Olive.
Briony is a gifted interior architect with over ten years industry experience. She designed some of Australia’s top resorts & boutique hotels, high-end residential properties &corporate head offices.
Briony's work has been featured in a number of international magazines & she is also the co-founder of At The Table cooking school in Tokyo.
Congratulations Briony, we are so lucky to have you back! |
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Thank you for reading!
Please feel free to send our newsletter on to people you know who are into design or just plain love Tokyo and might like to visit our blog.
We look forward to hearing from old friends and to meeting new ones along the way.
Until next time, best wishes and happy holidays from
Liezel, Katie and Claire xxx
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Liezel Strauss
Liezel Strauss – Co-founder of BottegaTokyo and founder of My Japan, curator for Subject Matter, contributor to Apartment Therapy and I’m Home magazine
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Katie Van Camp
Design assistant, ballet teacher and author of award winning picture book Harry and Horsie and it’s sequel Cookiebot! |
Claire Tanner
Mother, wife, avid furniture shopper, 20 yrs experience of living and shopping in Tokyo |
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