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Sleeping in a former church in Washington DC

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 21:29:12 GMT

When I'm traveling and not staying in the hotels for which I work, I always try to stay at a place where I can get some new inspiration. This is one of the best parts of my job of course, discovering and trying out new places. And I am always really excited when a place turns out to be even greater than first anticipated. This was the case with a church turned hotel in Washing DC.

Even if you're not much of a church goer, this one you don't want to miss! And forget about the boring government buildings. In the heart of the Adams Morgan district you'll find a huge building with big columns and a wide staircase overlooking the crossing inviting to take a peek inside. And I recommend you do. If its only for a coffee, a dinner in one of the 3 restaurants, a drink in one of the 2 cosy bars or a full stay, I promise you won't be disappointed.

The interior of The Line Hotel is a beautiful and clean mix of contemporary furniture, light fresh colors and some cool references to its former function. Like the enormous chandelier made of organ pipes hanging in the middle of the hotel.

There is very relaxt vibe in the whole hotel which is nice when you're traveling by yourself. And for dinner you don't have to go out to have good time and eat great. I had dinner at the bar at James Beard Award–winning chef Spike Gjerde's restaurant ' a Rake's progress '. Looking out over the lobby and the other restaurant 'Brothers & Sisters' the restaurant has a great atmosphere with a mix of hotel guests and guests from outside the hotel who come in to enjoy cocktails and great food.

The hotel is a perfect starting point to discover everything Washington DC has to offer. Just hop on an Uber Jump bike and visit all the famous buildings; from The White House to the Capitol and the Washington Monument. But also make sure to not miss the Hirshhorn museum and Artec House for a cool interactive experience.

Enjoy!

Creating new value to old furniture

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 21:29:11 GMT

Another thing that I love to do besides searching for new furniture, accessories or other unique items, is to re-use furniture. For example re-upholster a antique chair with a funky modern fabric.

Second hand becomes a whole lot cooler

Why buy everything new, when you can do so much with old stuff. I started a re-upholster course myself of which I will share a few pictures, but to be honest that's a whole other profession. It's a true craft. So while I'm still trying to finish my chair I have had another chair re-upholstered by a real pro.

I ordered this really cool and wild fabric from the beautiful South African brand Ardmore and combined this fabric with a more classic chair. Don't know yet for which project I will use the chair, but I think it will definitely be an eyecatcher in any interior.

Prepare for the best tip you'll ever get in Florence, Italy

Sat, 26 Oct 2019 20:29:12 GMT

Even though the clock just turned back an hour and winter is kicking in, I am still thinking of Ottantotto. The unforgettable boutique hotel I stayed in in Florence, Italy.

Bella Italia

Last year we had a wedding in Tuscany and before all those festivities would start me and the Lover made a little road trip, starting in Florence. And to be honest we couldn't wish for a better start of the holiday. Next to the divine espressos for only €1,- and aperitifs which are always accompanied by a few small snacks that are so good that you don't want to eat in the actual restaurant anymore (because you just ate too many), we stayed in a boutique hotel that is a feast for every interior lover and every hopeless romantic.

Now pay attention here: in a cute cobbled street behind a big (and I mean BIG, castle style ones) wooden door lies the beautiful boutique hotel Ottantotto (88 in English). The hotel has 7 rooms and are all decorated in their own style. Believe me when I say you want to come back to try them all.

We stayed in one of the superior rooms . After having checked in via a 'smart check-in' - which I love as I don't understand anymore why in most hotels you still have to write down your name and address 6 times when you're positive you gave all those details already when you made your booking, right? So instead of checking in taking 20 minutes we were checked in in 2 minutes. Then we walked up an ancient staircase (there is also an elevator) made out of "pietra serena", a typical Tuscan stone used in Florentine palazzos. LOVE! When opening the door of our room we entered a romantic sanctuary with an attic feel and decorated with antique and contemporary furniture. A headboard with a romantic floral fabric on one hand and a more modern cabinet taking over a wall on the other hand. The other side of the room consisting of 2 big floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the green lush garden where you would like to have your morning coffee forever.

Another thing that I am a big fan of is when classic furniture gets a modern twist, like the sofa in the breakfast area. You just want to take everything home. All the rooms are equipped with all modern amenities to make your stay even more comfortable. Oh and did I mention that the breakfast is also delicious!?

I can't think of any reason not to go...

You can thank me later!