Haunted House?

Located in the desert near Joshua Tree, California, this vacation rental named Rosa Muerta is kind of creepy and kind of cool all at the same time. Designed by architect Robert Stone of L.A. firm Levin & Associates, the structure is rooted in modernism but the structural and ornamental elements, including hearts and flowers are all in shades of black. We're intrigued....Click here to learn more and have a spooktacular Halloween!

Loft Love.

A good friend of ours reminded us of this project today and it's always been a favorite. Designed by Photographer Anita Calero, this 2,000 square foot West Chelsea loft feels as fresh and relevant today as it did several years ago when we first came across it. We find it incredibly inspiring and hope you like it as much as we do. To learn more click here! Photography by Anita Calero/GMAimages.com and Jonny Valiant.

Book Report-Muriel's World.

There have been a number of remarkable design books come out this fall, but one of our absolute favorites has to be The World of Muriel Brandolini. We've always admired Muriel's talent and her ability to layer pattern, color and texture. But it's her skillful way of seamlessly weaving together a range of furniture styles and artwork that really caused us to first sit up and take note. While we tend to like things a bit more understated, we can't help but respect Muriel's sophisticated design sensibility and impeccable taste level which this book illustrates beautifully.

Part I of the book is a deeply personal account of Brandolini's life, including her early memories of Vietnam, her arrival in New York City, and the accidental launch of her decorating career.

Part II is compromised of eleven residential projects, beautifully photographed by Peter Estersohn. The residences range from a New York City apartment with an intimate powder room delicately beaded in butterflies and blossoms, to an airy Southampton house awash in sorbet colors.

In conjunction with the launch of the book, Phillips de Pury & Company will present Brandolini's collection of furniture in a pioneering single-owner auction on October 21st, 2011. This is a great opportunity for those of us who have an appreciation for her work to see some of her unique designs in person. "I want people to enter the space and be transported. They should feel as if they are in a home, and see how a contemporary metal console can be placed next to a Regency style banquette." says Brandolini. We're certainly looking forward to seeing this installation and if you live in the city we strongly suggest you stop by to check it out as well. Regardless, you should definitely get your hands on a copy of her new book. The rich photography and stylish interiors are sublime and one can't help but exit Muriel's World feeling enthused and inspired. This is another book that gets an A++.

Knotty By Nature.

We're excited about R 20th Century's second solo exhibition of works by Brazilian designer Hugo França. The exhibition will feature a stunning new series of massive casulo -- Portuguese for cocoon -- sculptures in solid Pequi and Imbuia woods.

The casulo series of environments are carved from the trunks of awe-inspiringly large Brazilian trees. This series offers the viewer unique access to França's immersion experience of literally climbing into the tree, transporting the viewer to França's perspective by bringing them inside these massive natural forms. See the photo below of Hugo sitting in one of his designs to get a better sense of scale and then click here to read a fascinating interview with him done by New York Times T Style Magazine.

The opening reception is tomorrow night Wednesday, October 5th from 6 to 8 and Hugo himself will be there which is a real treat for those interested in his work. (bottom photo taken by Gabriel Rinaldi)