designer – Stylishly Zen

Vacation Dreaming – Masseria Moroseta

Published on August 24, 2020August 23, 2020 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Hi Everyone!

It’s hard to believe that we are already into August and the reality of not travelling this summer has finally sunk in. I had every intention of making the best of the situation and had planned to explore Montreal with the fresh eyes of a tourist. Unfortunately I allowed myself to be distracted and I have not had a lot of time to just relax. Lock down and quarantine have really put a few things into perspective though, and highlighted things that were previously taken for granted including the freedom to travel and explore other countries. To help to combat my sadness over the lack of travel in my life at the moment, I have started to dream about and plan trips that I would LOVE to take in the future.
Today’s Vacation Dreaming post is very special to me as it is a destination that I have been dreaming about for many years. Masseria Moroseta is a modern farmhouse in Puglia. Set on five hectares of organic olive fields, it boasts gorgeous views of the sea and the city of Ostuni.

Designed by one of my favourite designers Andrew Trotter, Masseria Moroseta design is both modern with traditional elements incorporated throughout. It seems like the perfect refuge for the weary to relax, rejuvenate and rebalance.

The rooms are minimal and clean but have a modern twist to the decor. They encourage rest and relaxation while not being overly stimulating.

The outdoor spaces throughout the property are incredible. From the chic but cozy pergola, to the gorgeous outdoor dining spaces, there is even an olive grove on the property. The olive oil from the grove is organic and is offered to guests and clients of the property and helps them to learn more about the flavours of the land, the history or the property and it’s traditional work. My absolute favourite space is the swimming pool. With the olive groove in the background the pool area looks incredible. Masseria Moroseta even offers yoga classes around the pool. I have have spent many hours dreaming of visiting Masseria Moroseta and in my dreams most of those hours have been spent at this pool.

The icing on this proverbial dream vacation is the food. The chef at Masseria Moroseta is the supremely talented Giorgia Eugenia Goggi. One glance at her Instagram (@giorgiaeugeniagoggi) showcases her great eye for gorgeous foods shots, her talent for cooking with seasonal foods and her creativity with always creating new twists on classic foods. Cooking classes are offered on site using exclusively organic and raw materials.

Masseria Moroseta is a dream destination for me, one that I hope to experience for myself in the future. From the design to the food to the many amenities it has to offer, it’s easy to see why Masseria Moroseta is the perfect place to escape to.

I hope that you have a beautiful day and stay safe! XXS

Photo credit: http://www.masseriamoroseta.it, @giorgiaeugeniagoggi, @masseriamoroseta

Behind the Design with Ahmed Hussein

Published on September 5, 2019September 5, 2019 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Hi Everyone!

I had the pleasure of interviewing the incredibly talented Egyptian designer Ahmed Hussein for this month’s Behind the Design. I first discovered Ahmed on Instagram when I came across a stunning marble bathroom that he designed, and I have been hooked on his work ever since. His clever use of luxurious materials, texture, colour and art demonstrate a talent for design that most people can only hope to have. If you are looking for a talented designer to follow then look no further as Ahmed delivers projects that are nothing short of fabulous every single time. Without further adieu, here is my interview with Ahmed Hussein:

Did you always know that you wanted to work in architecture and design? Has it always been your passion?

In the beginning, I decided to go to the faculty of engineering to become a chemical engineer like my cousin, to get big salary.

But at the end of the first year, in the engineering drawing class, one of the teachers noticed that my drawing was very different and distinctive,

Then asked me, which department you will join?

I answered chemical.

He asked me do you love chemistry.

I answered no.

Then he smiled and starts talking about architecture.

How would you describe your design esthetic?

Design as a musical melody has to touch your feelings

Where do you find your inspiration from?

From everything and everywhere

What has been your most challenging project so far? Why was it so challenging?

El Merghany apartment because of the painted 2 ceilings 7m x 4m and 3m x 4m

What has been your favourite project to date?

Every project I did has something in my heart

How long does it take for you to normally complete a project?

8 to 12 months

Any favourite travel destinations that you like to escape too? Why?

Paris, Rome, Athens & Barcelona

Historical cities, I love old stories

Describe your perfect day in Cairo – what would you do? Where would you go?

The week days I start my day at 10 am go to my office and finish at 7pm

Then I go back home to see my family

The weekend I try to relax and do something new and different with my friends and my family

What wellness practices do you incorporate into your lifestyle to help you deliver such beautiful projects? (This can range from workouts, nutrition, meditation practice, etc)

I take my bike at the night with my headphones for one hour before I sleep

(Workout and music give me the power)

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I hope to become one of the most famous designers in the world

Any words of wisdom for someone who is just starting out their design career?

Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and above all don’t let anyone limit your dreams

Thank you Ahmed for taking the time for this interview!

If you would like to see more of Ahmed’s work you can find him on Instagram @ahmedhusseindesigns

All pictures in this post were provided by Ahmed Hussein Designs.

I hope that you have a fabulous day! XXS

Inspiring Interior

Published on February 26, 2019February 25, 2019 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Today’s Inspiring Interior is the very definition of Stylishly Zen. Located in Carlton, Australia, this light filled family home is chic, unique and incredibly charming. It combines elements of a Victorian era home with Parisian chic and the result is heavenly.

The bold blue door and lovely Victorian details are the perfect welcome to this home. Inside, a clean colour palette of white walls and dark floors are the perfect backdrop to showcase the many gorgeous details of this family home. Dark herringbone floors, a marble waterfall island and unexpected furniture colour choices elevate this home to a new level.

I especially love the pink dining chairs and the blue couch which helps to carry the charm of the exterior into the home. Sculptural lighting and neutral furniture otherwise help to balance out the showcase furniture.

Plenty of large windows allow natural light to fill the home and it helps to bring nature indoors which adds an additional level of calm to this serene family home.

The attention to detail is incredible and I love how certain elements such as sculptural lighting, herringbone flooring and marble quietly repeats itself throughout the home.

This dreamy family home will have a consistent spot on my inspiration board for current and future projects, Love! Love! Love!

Interior design services by Biasol Design Studio

Photo credit: http://www.biasol.com.au

I hope that you have a beautiful and stylish day! XXS

Dream Home

Published on May 16, 2018May 13, 2018 by soreiyaLeave a comment

I suddenly realized a couple of weeks ago that it was already May and I could barely remember the last few months. Nothing traumatic had happened for the weeks and months to fly by for me but, I had done something that I normally try to avoid – I had gotten so caught up in the random everyday stresses of life that I had lost sight of the bigger picture. I was focusing on things that really didn’t deserve so much attention and I needed to hit the reset button. So in an effort to get back on track I have been taking some time to just dream, breathe and reconnect with what makes me happy and, what I would like to achieve in my life long term.

As many of you may know, I love interiors and architecture (some may even say that I am a little obsessed) so much of the time that I spent dreaming involved where I would like to live long term. And today’s dream home is positively swoon-worthy.

Located in Sonoma’s Wine Country, this home has breathtaking views, beautiful interiors, high ceilings, a swimming pool and fire pit.

The bright white walls contrast beautifully with grey accents and a warm neutral floor, and the incredible views provide the perfect backdrop for such a beautifully designed home. This home is a fabulous combination of refined luxury with a calm and comforting vibe – I am in love❤️.

All images are from http://www.sothebysrealty.com

I hope that you have a fabulous day! XXS❤️

Spotlight with Rachele Biancalani

Published on February 1, 2018January 31, 2018 by soreiyaLeave a comment

Hi Everyone!

Today I am so excited to introduce a new feature here on Stylishly Zen called Spotlight, where I will be interviewing incredibly talented designers, bloggers and entrepreneurs about their lives, their work and how they got started within their respective industry. Today’s Spotlight is with one of my favourite architect and designers Rachele Biancalani, and I was beyond thrilled when Rachele agreed to be the very first person to be featured on Spotlight. Rachele runs her own namesake firm based in Italy which means that she is a architect, designer and business woman extrodinare. It became clear from Rachele’s interview that she lives and breathes design, and this passion and dedication is clearly reflected in her work. A Tuscan farmhouse that Rachele designed has previously been featured on Stylishly Zen (you can check it out here) and I have no doubt that more of her work will be featured in the future. Without further adieu, here is my interview with Rachele:

Where are you originally from and where do you live now?

I’m Italian, I’ve studied Architecture in Florence and I live in Italy right now close to Florence, in Tuscan

When did you know that you wanted to be a designer?

When I was a child I enjoyed looking at similar apartments (at different floors of the same building) and discover how much they were different with various furntiure and different walls.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My main inspirations are my Clients and their desires; for this reason my works are so different one from the others.

What is your favourite city to visit for design inspiration?

I think Italy (with Florence, Rome and Milan) is very inspiring but also other European Cities as Berlin, London and Paris

From start to finish, describe your ideal day…

My ideal day is wake up early in the morning but without the alarm clock, prepare breakfast for my two children, go to gym, go to work in some of my building site and then work all-day-long with nice collegues and smart Clients, then meet my family for dinner and talk about all the beautiful things we have done during the day.

What is the best advice that you have ever received?

An Architect that I respect and esteem told me that in each difficult situation I have have to keep calm and always trust in myself

What is your favourite food?

My favourite food are vegetables and dark chocolate but not in this order 🙂

List three things that you always carry in your bag

I’ve always got in my bag a meter, my smartphone and a pencil

What is the first thing that you do in the morning and the last thing that you do at night?

The first thing I do in the morning is going in my children bedroom and the last thing at night is to fall asleep with them on the sofa watching some tv series that we love

How do you incorporate wellness into your life?

Unfortunately in this period I’m not able to incorporate yoga, meditation or fitness as much as I would… but it is one of my best intention for 2018.

What does living well mean to you?

Living well for me is definitely to defeat stress and learn to say “no” and take care of ourselves