Darkness Retreats

"Space and time are the framework within which the mind is constrained to construct its experience of reality."

-- Immanuel Kant

Louis XIV Decor and Spring Roses:  Inside the Restoration of an 18th-Century French Château

13 JUNE 2016       VOGUE       VIRGINIA VAN ZANTEN

"In the cycle of seasons, spring takes its turn," writes Karina Water, the owner of the Château de Gudanes, an 18th-century property in the South of France her family has been thoughtfully restoring since 2013.  She continues: "The gardens have sprung into all variegations of green, and spring flowers bloom reminding us they are precious moments of the present." And as the earth begins to come back to life after a cold winter, Karina is beginning to see the fruits of her labor, like the fragrant flowers of 72 Princess Louise perfumed roses she planted late last year in the mud and rain.  "Just one bloom fills the room with the scent of French perfume."

While the attention for the moment might be on the revived outdoors, Karina, as well as the ever-growing number of skilled craftspeople, are still busy at work within the Château walls, painting, relaying original 18th-century tiles in the grand entry, and beginning to furnish some of the rooms.  "In keeping with our philosophy of sustainability and repurposing the furniture, decor and linen are all finds from local brocantes," writes Karina.  Finally, an antique La Cornue wood-burning stove made its way into the kitchen, both for cooking and to help heat the Château--which often dips below 5 degrees Celsius in the "warm" rooms--when winter rolls around yet again.  But for now, `tis the season to smell the roses and bask in the newness of things. Writes Karina: "Opening the windows and doors brings the outside in blurring the edges between the two, merging them together almost seamlessly." Read More

Japanese cook uses sushi-making as inspiration beautifully artistic bread loaves

The illustrated breads even include images that change colours halfway through the loaf.

14 JUNE 2016       ROCKETNEWS24       OONA MCGEE

We've been amazed by some of the stunning kyara-ben character bento lunchbox creations we've seen over the years, but if you prefer sandwiches for lunch, there's little chance of encountering a cute edible anime face during your meal.  That is, until now, thanks to a creative Tokyo baker who makes amazing loaves of bread filled with beautiful patterns and character designs.  With dozens of creations in her reportoire, konel_bread's creations are tantalising delights! 

 

... While the designs are incredibly cute on their own, they really stand out when they're served up with otherwise ordinary-looking meals. Read More