Beautiful Vienna

Hi everyone! I'm back from my trip and I have to say that I think that Vienna is truly one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited. The Baroque architecture, the design history (this is after all the birthplace of Wiener Werkstatte), the people- it's truly a wonderful place and one that I'm anxious to visit again. However, I won't bore you with the details of my trip- listening to someone drone on about their vacation can be a bit like watching paint dry. The trip did, however, make me realize what a small world it really is.

First, I was thrilled to meet Viennese interior designer Christine Oertel who also happens to write a design blog. Christine was kind enough to provide me with a comprehensive list of must-see shops and sites, and I also had the opportunity to dine with her. It was very interesting to hear about Austrian interior design and design blogging. Evidently, design blogging is just starting to catch on in Austria, and clever Christine is at the forefront of this trend. Thanks Christine for your hospitality!

Also, I had to share some photos of a great looking Viennese design shop called Evamaria Thonet bei Steinwender (At least that's what the sign said. I'm flying blind here as I know absolutely no German). Unfortunately, I passed by at night so I was unable to go inside, but I thought you might be interested to see how many of the design trends that we're seeing here in the States seem to be popular as well in Austria.


A little bit of glitz and glamour with mirror and crystal. If you like carefully at the back of the room, you will see some trendy ikat panels.


I love this yellow wallpaper with little gold stars, and the Deco looking border at top adds some real flair.


OK- someone refresh my memory as to what this wallpaper is. It's a bit reminiscent of a Florence Broadhurst print, no?


One of my all time favorite prints- Josef Frank's "La Plata" fabric serves as a backdrop to classic Chinese blue and white ginger jars.


Some blurry Hollywood Regency in the heart of Vienna.


If the pastoral look is more your thing, what about this Pierre Frey "Les Trophees" print? I've always liked this print but have yet to find a place to use it.

Image at top: Belvedere, a former palace that is now a museum.