About Me

Mijn foto
Welcome! Thank you for visiting my weblog. I am Irene, Elisabeth Pouw, a Dutch blogger. As blogger I am connecting my readers with beauty, style, quality and craftsmanship in various subjects like interiordesign, architecture, haute couture, photography, art etc. I love decorating & bringing beauty and harmony into interiors. I created this blog to share my passion for decorating as well as the many other things which inspire me. From time to time I am also highlighting certain interior designers, decorators, architects, stylists, photographers etc. I hope you enjoy your visit. Feel free to give a comment on my blogs. I will react back as soon as possible. Best regards, Irene Pouw from Holland.

31 oktober 2018

Zang Toi's Fall 2013 Runway - Opulence en Vogue and on Display

I am completely in love with these fantastic designs by the Malaysian-born fashion designer Zang Toi. I am a huge fan of his glamorous, elegant and feminine couture designs. Below you will find the link to Zang Toi's Fall 2013 collection. Here he brought the opulence of Imperial Russia to the runway at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York. Toi was inspired by a trip to Saint Petersburg where he was fascinated by the Peterhof Palace's Grand Ballroom. Toi's runway look exuded luxury and class. His models wore Zang Toi precious jewels by Amee Philips inspired by the Faberge egg, made from 18K gold, amethyst and emerald. The jewelry brought a hint of seduction and glamour to an already impressive collection, filled with tones of sapphire, emerald, amethyst and plenty of gold. Be Inspired ...... I wrote MORE BLOGS about Zang Toi.
More about the fashion designer:
Zang Toi is a renowned Fashion Designer who has built a tradition of elegance for over 20 years. Coming from humble beginnings, Zang was born and raised in a small village, Kuala Krai in Kelantan, Malaysia. He was the youngest of seven children of a local grocer. Zang landed in New York City at the age of 20 where he studied at the distinguished Parsons School of Design. In August 1989, he opened his atelier and soon after, U.S Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour featured Zang in March 1990 issue and was one of the first Asian designers championed by the renowned editor. 
In 1990, Zang was awarded the Mouton Cadet Young Designer of the Year which recognizes the top, young, U.S. designer of the year. In a Newsday article published in 1991, Frank De Caro enthusiastically noted of the Malaysian-born designer and his success, “If anyone is THE NEXT BIG THING, it’s him.” (Newsday, New York, 29 April 1991). Since that time, Zang's work has been featured in major publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, Financial Times, etc. Not only has he dressed Hollywood celebrities such as Sharon Stone, Elizabeth Taylor, Farrah Fawcett, Kristie Alley, Patti LaBelle, Gong Li, Eva Longoria, Fergie (Black Eyed Peas) and Heather Graham, but has also created luxurious wardrobe for philanthropists and royalty including Melinda Gates and Saudi Princess Haifa Bandar Al Saud. 

Along with his passion for glamorous fashion, Zang has been an avid supporter of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LIVESTRONG) and has raised over USD $700,000 to help in the effort in finding a cure for cancer. He was recognized by the foundation in 2008/2009 when he was presented with the Lance Armstrong Foundation Top Fundraiser Award. Zang's continued success was most recently recognized by VividMagazine where he was named as one of the Top 8 most influential Chinese Americans (June/July 2011 issue). Today, the world continues to recognize Zang's passion for timeless beauty as he builds on a strong tradition of elegance.
Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Source: You Tube/IB Times TV.

Decorating Idea: Digital marbled wallpaper 'Milano' from Graham & Brown

While surfing on internet today I found this beautiful digital marbled wallpaper 'Milano' from Graham & Brown. What a great and stylish effect! It looks almost real marble. Be Inspired ........
Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Sources: VT Wonen NL and Graham & Brown

26 oktober 2018

Kitchens: 11 white kitchen cabinets to brighten up your cooking space

While surfing on internet this morning I saw these beautiful white kitchen designs and could not resist to share these ones with you. See below 11 white kitchen cabinets to brighten up your cooking space. From sleek to country chic. Be inspired ........

Open up hallways with bright white cabinets & shelving. Design Reynolds Architecture.
 Opt for contrasting bottom cabinets for a unique style by Architecture Randall Architects Inc
Create a striking contrast with black & white cabinetry. Design Laura Michaels Design.
Anchor white cabinets with classic wood ones beneath. Design S.B. Long Interiors 
Accessorize your kitchen with plants for added natural beauty. Design Corey Klassen Interior Design.
Add mirrored cabinets to the mix, rather than glass, to keep storage hidden. Design Reynolds Architecture.
Open up your kitchen space with a pass-through kitchen bar. Design Marianne Simon Design
Add crown moulding for more style. Design 2to5 Design.
Style colored chairs for a vibrant accent. Design by Kathy Marshall Design
All-white decor and stainless steel appliances. Design by Kara Cox Interiors.
Opt for an all-white backsplash for a clean & seamless look by Period Architecture

Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Source: ELLE DECOR

24 oktober 2018

Digital Art: Fly By by artist Catrin Welz-Stein (03)

Beautiful digital art by the German artist Catrin Welz-Stein. In 2009 Catrin started to create digital images by collaging old illustrations and photographs. At the same time she discovered online social networks and her private images were then open to the public. The positive responses Catrin got there were her motivation to go on with her art until now. I wrote MORE BLOGS about her beautiful work. Be Inspired ......
Fly By by digital artist Catrin Welz-Stein
More about the artist
Tell us about You - your philosophy and the experience in visual arts
As a child I loved to draw and liked to be creative. I almost was born with a pencil in my hand. I knew I wanted to do something related to arts. I have graduated from Graphic Design in DarmstadtGermany and then worked for different advertising agencies in GermanyUSA and Switzerland.
The artist, Catrin Welz-Stein
I stopped working in agencies after becoming a mother and after a short time of being self employed I decided to quit work until my children grew older. Because of my children (4 and 6 years old) I can go through childhood again and I can enjoy the world of fantasy and fairy tails. I like to look at childrens books and let them inspire me. „Where the wild things are“, from Maurice Sendak is a favourite book of all of us. Through the children books I rediscovered the love to illustration again.

As a professional graphic art designer I often had to make compromises for the clients. There were a lot of rules in visual communication and I often felt that I could not express my whole creativity. Now I enjoy creating art that does not explain itself from the beginning. My images have a dreamlike and surreal quality. They speak from inner feelings which we often hide in our daily life.

What are your greatest inspirations?
My inspirations are: fantasy, children stories, medieval, Jugendstil, Folklore and Surrealism. I am inspired by the work of Nicoletta Ceccoli, Kelly Rae Roberts, Sabrina Ward Harrison, Olaf Hajek, Maggie Taylor, Natalie Shau, Colette Calascione and Nazario Graziano. Well, there are so many great artists around!

How did you gain so much knowledge in this area?
As a graphic art designer I worked a lot with digital images.

What creative mediums do you prefer the most and why? 
My images are all digital made. I collect old images and illustrations and put them new together in Photoshop. The working process is based on combining and the division of photographs, with removing, filling and retouch. Using digital medium I have far more creative possibilities and I can work much faster then on the Canvas. Perhaps, my skills have been formed during the long years of working in front of my computer. Thanks to all that I can create my art best in digital.

Your art world is …
My art world is Otto Dix, Frida Kahlo, Picasso, Gustav Klimt, Magritte and Boticelli.

Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Sources: Blog Catrin Welz-Stein and Junique

18 oktober 2018

RUNWAY: BADGLEY MISCHKA S/S 2018 RTW

Be Inspired by this stylish and feminine Ready-To-Wear collection from Badgley Mischka for the season Spring/Summer 2018 RTW.


Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Source: VOGUE

16 oktober 2018

Interior: Vibrant & exquisite dining room with cheerful pops of yellow

A few colors seem as refreshing and visually engaging as yellow when used in neutral contemporary spaces. Just bring a yellow chair to the dining room filled with white, black, gray or beige and you will instantly see the energy levels in the room shoot up. Be Inspired by this vibrant and exquisite dining room with light blue drapes, invigorating yellow chairs & a snazzy chevron pattern rug. 
Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Source: Decoist

14 oktober 2018

Amazing Coco Chanel - Beautiful fashion icon from the 1920s

What a beautiful photo from Coco Chanel as fashion icon from the 1920s! Love the timeless and elegant designs from the brand Chanel. I wrote earlier MORE BLOGS about Coco and Chanel. Be Inspired ......
Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Source: Who What Wear

12 oktober 2018

Flooring: beautiful fish-bone floor by Nobel Flooring

While surfing today on internet I found this beautiful fish-bone floor by the company Nobel Flooring. Be Inspired.




Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Sources: HOOG.design and Nobel Flooring

10 oktober 2018

09 oktober 2018

Color Trends 2018: Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2018 - Caliente AF-290


While surfing today on internet I saw this beautiful Color of the Year 2018 from Benjamin Moore. It's called Caliente AF-209. A strong, radiant color, full of energy. Be Inspired ......

"Caliente is the signature color of a modern architectural masterpiece; a lush carpet rolled out for a grand arrival; the assured backdrop for a book-lined library; a powerful first impression on a glossy front door. The eye can’t help but follow its bold strokes. Harness the vitality.” - Ellen O'Neill, Benjamin Moore & Co.
Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Sources: Benjamin Moore and Google

06 oktober 2018

Interior Design: Three beautiful bathrooms with wood detail

While surfing today on internet I found these beautiful bathrooms with wood detail. Wood panels, vanities, cabinets and tubs - you may not think of a bathroom as a place to integrate wood into a design, but these spaces will show you how fabulous it can look. Not only does it warm up the room, but it pairs beautifully with sleek bathroom materials such as tiles, glass and porcelains. Be Inspired .......
Master bath of Marine Loft by SUBU Design Architecture.
Bathroom with wood detail by David Phoenix
Chicago West Loop Loft master bathroom by JOLIE ID

Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Source: Dering Hall

05 oktober 2018

Runway: Ralph & Russo S/S 2018 Couture, seen at PFW

Be Inspired by this beautiful couture collection from Ralph & Russo for the season S/S 2018, seen at Paris Fashion Week. 
Thank you for reading this blogpost. 
Source: VOGUE

04 oktober 2018

Steeltwist - Staircase with an industrial look by Upstairs Staircase Renovation

While surfing this afternoon on internet I saw this staircase 'Steeltwist' for stairs with an industrial look. Steel is being increasingly used to give interiors a sturdy, industrial look. The Dutch company Upstairs Staircase Renovation is keeping up with trends. Since 2011, they have been using blue steel as a staircase covering in the Sturdy-Chic collection – designed by Bertram Beerbaum – or in a steel and leather combination. Be Inspired ........
Thank you for reading this blogpost.