Latest news with #OldWorld
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Washington Post
Europe's entry fee for visitors is going up — before it even starts
BERLIN — The great summer tourist invasion of Europe is in full swing, prompting the usual jokes around dinner tables — from Parisian cafes to Roman trattorias — about the unmistakable volume that only a group of Americans can inflict on the Old World's quaintest, most sought after locations. But travel to the sun and spritz will soon come with a surcharge. And before the fee is even off the runway, Europe's new travel authorization system is getting a price bump.
Vancouver Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Set against a forest backdrop, this family abode is stylishly cottagecore yet timeless
Like so many buyers facing a tough real estate market, Cody and Ashley Spencer had to get creative. In 2022, they pooled their resources with Cody's brother and sister-in-law to purchase a property in Langley. Since then, the couple's company, Homestead Design Build, has found its niche working with families in similar situations. 'The newer generation is struggling to get into the market, so I'd say about 60 to 70 per cent of our projects right now are multi-generational living,' says Cody. 'Kids are moving back into the parent's house, parents are moving into the basement, or they're building laneways in the back of the house. Those are fun projects to work on.' The Spencers' shared purchase was an aging structure on a deep lot, bordered by forest. Together, the group decided they'd update the existing house for Cody's brother and sister-in-law, and build at the opposite end for Cody and Ashley. Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Westcoast Homes will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. One of Cody and Ashley's earliest dream concepts for a custom home — a sprawling rancher — wouldn't work here due to the lot's narrow profile. So, instead, they went tall: 1,950 square feet over two storeys. 'We changed our mindset, because we couldn't have that footprint and go that close to the creek,' says Cody. The home's final form, with its steeply pitched roofline, takes inspiration from storybook European cottages, he adds: 'It's [modern] yet it has some features that makes it feel, not stark new, but new and cosy.' For instance, board-and-batten siding and cedar patios soften an exterior palette of charcoal on black. The back patio, set under a dreamy canopy of Douglas fir and cedar trees, is a perfect spot for soaking up the wooded setting and watching cousins play together. A vaulted cover with exposed beams shelters the space for three-season use, while a ceiling fan with lantern-style housing adds an industrial touch, and slim skylights slip in extra natural light. Dual-panel sliding-glass doors open wide to the home's living room, where a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace brings the European cottage influence inside. Furnishings are an eclectic and homey mix of vintage and modern pieces. A minimalist gallery wall displays family heirlooms and artwork, while a nearby dining area carries the balance of Old World and new, with spindle-back dining chairs and modern benches, alongside a traditional turned-wood console table and lamp. In the kitchen, the centrepiece is a striking custom-framed hood fan, with statuesque curves and built-in shelves to store cooking oil and other frequent-use items. Rather than a traditional backsplash, the couple opted for a seamless quartz slab in a soft green tone and — bucking design convention — a piece of framed artwork hung directly over the range. Fieldstone matching the home's fireplace reappears here as a feature wall, complementing a farmhouse-style sink and brushed-gold faucet. 'Ash did a really good job of bringing that stone over by the sink to tie the two areas together,' Cody says. A mix of white and rift-cut white oak cabinetry with polished-chrome hardware feels light and modern. A Caesarstone-topped kitchen island adds reeded side panelling for a bit of texture, along with a built-in feeding nook on the side for the family dog, Cali. Picking up the green theme, a powder room on the main floor brings a saturated dose to the mix, with walls and wainscotting colour-drenched in Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog. On the second floor, bathrooms become mini-retreats. The primary is a traditional-feeling space with a free-standing tub, ceramic herringbone floor tile and two-by four-foot wall tiles surrounding the tub — and mitred into the windows with quartz sills. 'We always find that using quartz as ledges, to remove as many seams as possible, is the best waterproofing system,' says Cody. The entire bathroom is one big wet area, he adds: 'We like to have hot showers and then jump in a cold bath; kind of use it as our recharge space.' The couple's daughter gets a cheerful bedroom in hues of bright pink, and a bathroom in green and rose, with playful terrazzo hex floor tile tying the look together. One quirky yet practical detail: the bottom drawer of the vanity pops out a stool to help the smallest family member reach the sink. And down the hall is the couple's home office, where the pair tackle upcoming projects from side-by-side desks, taking seamless design-build collaboration to a whole other level. Will they do anything differently if they ever do another home for themselves? Possibly a couple of things here and there, Cody says. But they designed and built this place intentionally to evolve and grow with their family, he adds — with a floor plan and materials thoughtfully chosen for timelessness and durability. And they can refresh the smaller details as they go. Project design and construction: Homestead Design Build
Metro
22-07-2025
- Metro
I stayed in one of Europe's grandest hotels — a time warp of Old World glamour
Sitting on the narrow bench of a funicular, backpack perched on my knees, my stomach churns with anxiety I hadn't felt since my first day of school. Will I embarrass myself? Will I fit in? Today, there are no GCSEs ahead of me, but a turreted fairytale castle of a hotel, overlooking Switzerland's largest city. I've been invited to spend a night at the Dolder Grand, a lavish time warp of Old World glamour where Europe's well-heeled elites have lived the high life since 1899, deep in the forest on the Adlisberg mountain. Affectionately known as the grand dame of Zurich, this place rolls out the red carpet for its A-list guests. I mean this literally: a red carpet leads to the hotel's front entrance. Elton John has laid his head here, as has King Charles III, back when he was still a bachelor prince. Now, the Lionesses have checked in as they defend their title at the 2025 UEFA Women's Euros in the semi-final tonight. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. England has stepped up its game for Sarina Wiegman's squad this year in a major way. The trappings of the Dolder are a far cry from the four-star Lensbury in Teddington, which was their base when England hosted the tournament in 2022. Having travelled relatively extensively only by filtering for the cheapest accommodation (friends will remember the pod hostel in Tel Aviv and the hut with a hole in the ground in the Philippines), the idea of staying somewhere so ultra-luxurious is strange, even a little uncomfortable. But after just a few hours floating above Zurich, soaking up Swiss Alpine views from the spa's infinity jacuzzi, I realise I could get used to the lifestyle of the rich and famous much faster than I thought. Good thing I'll never be able to afford it. The Dolder Grand is not somewhere you walk to. On a hill that boasts the best view in Zurich, guests arrive to this imposing palace by car (typically the Maserati or Rolls Royce variety), hotel shuttle or funicular. Even if you're slumming it like I was, using my trusty Zurich travel card on Switzerland's well-oiled public transport network instead of a £100,000 supercar, the journey from the centre of the city takes less than 20 minutes. Somehow, the hotel still manages to feel remote, like you're entering another stratosphere. In many ways, you are. I had steeled myself for airs, graces and a gaggle of influencers, but in the grandiose lobby, complete with a crystal chandelier and double wraparound staircase, I found a young American family, middle-aged couples and business travellers checking in with friendly staff, most of them locals from Zurich and the surrounding canton. The atmosphere is relaxed and, while I clock at least two Hermès bags that cost more than what I have saved for a house deposit, it's clear that here, every guest is treated like a VIP. On the go since 1899, the Dolder has seen some things. You can feel it, as you move between the original castle building (extensively renovated in 2008) and the modern, sleek wings that carry it into the 21st century. I close my eyes as I climb one flight to my room, imagining the people who went before me wearing drop-waist dresses in the 1920s, fur coats and miniskirts in the '60s. Anyone who comes to the Dolder Grand without visiting the spa has not really been to the Dolder Grand. Sprawled over 4,000sqm, this cavernous space is more of a wellness centre, with everything you can imagine to help you live a longer and healthier life. It's also the perfect place to rest and reset after a tough time on the pitch. The Lionesses will have use of the saunas and steam baths, plunge pools and whirlpools, hot tubs and aroma baths, plus a menu of beauty treatments I never knew existed. I could have spent half a day lounging on the sun terrace, taking in the view. The only thing that raised an eyebrow was the solarium I spotted in an alcove in the relaxation area. Hasn't science ruled that sunbeds are bad for us? The hotel also offers yoga, Pilates (including reformer) and even ballet lessons in the belly of the wellness centre. It may be of little interest to the England team, but in certain circles, the Dolder is best known for its multimillion-dollar art collection. Scattered throughout the corridors is a unique kind of gallery, containing 100-plus pieces by 90 artists from different eras. All are disruptive creations that challenge our perception of culture and the status quo, and most are displayed in public spaces. (There is a Dali on-site, but that's locked away in the private dining room. I did ask.) I came away thinking about the work of Jani Leinonen, a 47-year-old Finnish visual artist who subverts logos and corporate branding to criticise capitalism. Everything you'd expect from a five-star establishment where Di Caprio and the Rolling Stones have stayed. Divided between the historic castle and the modern wings, all of the suites (and most of the standard rooms) come with sunken whirlpool bathtubs, rainfall showers and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the bedroom with morning sunlight. If you're lucky enough to get a room at the front of the hotel, the main event is the south-facing balcony, which captures views of Lake Zurich and the sugar-dusted Alps in the distance. My favourite touch of how the other half live was the TV subtly embedded in the bathroom mirror. Much has been made of the Dolder's location and art collection, but it's culinary offerings deserve more attention than they get. The hotel's four restaurants have two Michelin stars and 65 Gault & Millau points between them, and the breakfast – best enjoyed on the terrace – is the most preposterously lavish spread I've ever seen. Frequent pop-ups keep things fresh; during my stay, guests were treated to a Lebanese mezze feast of fattoush, falalfel and Riz 'a Djej. The Lionesses will be travelling with two chefs and a nutritionist, who will work with the hotel's catering team to create meals of champions. I hope they can indulge in the Dolder's usual fare after the final. Prices vary depending on rooms and season. In summer, standard rooms start at £750 (CHF 819) per night, including breakfast. More Trending Luxury suites will set you back a whole lot more. The Golf Suite, for example, runs from £3,753 (CHF 4,100). For that, you'll get a sprawling living room and bedroom, and a terrace with a 270-degree panoramic view that surrounds the entire thing. Oh, and a private butler. Time: Switzerland is one hour ahead of the UK. Weather: The average daily maximum temperature in July is around 25°C. Adaptors: UK to EU travel adapter. Currency: The local currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Visas: You do not need a visa to visit any part of Switzerland, and can stay for periods of up to 90 days. Check in/check out: You can check in from 3pm, and you'll need to check out before 12pm, but you can enjoy the spa until you need to leave. Disability access? Yes. The hotel has a wheelchair-accessible spa, restaurants and check-in desk. Standout feature: The location, the spa and the breakfast. Perfect for: Couples and business travellers. Not right for: Anyone on a budget. This article was originally published on 2 July 2025 and has been updated. MORE: Sarina Wiegman drops hint on major Jess Carter decision and slams racist trolls MORE: Euro 2025 odds: Lauren James can fire reigning champions England to semi-final victory over Italy MORE: Lionesses to stop taking the knee as England's Jess Carter reveals 'vile' racist abuse
Hamilton Spectator
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Chanel marks 110 years with style - and stars - by supersizing its couture salon in a palace
PARIS (AP) — Only Chanel would call its legendary Rue Cambon salon 'too small' — then rebuild it, supersized, in a palace. On Tuesday, as the house marked 110 years of its haute couture — a century and more of Coco Chanel's revolution in how women dress — it blew up its atelier as a giant set inside the freshly restored Grand Palais, turning intimacy into spectacle for a nature-drenched show at Paris Couture Week . Chanel, whose founder banished corsets and reimagined luxury as liberation, showed just how far that legacy stretches — from the tiny salons of 1915 to its modern colossus. It was a flex only a handful of luxury giants could pull off — and perhaps, as one front-row guest suggested, a dazzling distraction as the fashion world counts down to the debut of Chanel's new designer Matthieu Blazy . Penélope Cruz, Keira Knightley, Naomi Campbell, Kirsten Dunst and the house's tightest VIP circle scaled gilded steps, sweating past marble and gold, to enter the reconstructed atelier. The set by Willo Perron was classic Chanel — intimate yet monumental, Old World yet futuristic. 'It just felt special,' Campbell said, 'like stepping into a memory and something completely new. There's warmth, intimacy, nostalgia. Chanel can recreate anything, and it works.' Chanel goes country More drama unfolded on the runway. This was couture as nature fantasy, filtered through the Chanel prism. Menswear tailoring added swing to sculpted jackets and coatdresses, while mohair suits in deep greens and plums channeled autumn's hush. Bouclé tweeds mimicked sheepskin; feathers and tweed created illusionary faux fur. Gold-sprayed wheat ears — the house symbol of abundance — were everywhere: stitched into flounces, embroidered on necklines, set on every guest's seat. The theme may have been country, but make no mistake: This was as close as Chanel gets to 'roughing it.' Technique dazzled at every turn: jewel-buttons, embroidered florals and a finale of lamé so luminous it mimicked sunlight on harvest fields. The studio team, holding the fort after Virginie Viard's abrupt and unceremonious exit last year, anchored the show in classic codes but played with wit and lightness. That obsessive handwork matters — not just for tradition, but for business. Chanel is fashion's juggernaut: Privately held, the brand reported $18.7 billion in revenue for 2024, cementing its status as one of the world's most powerful luxury houses. Couture may be the crown, but its influence drives global sales in fragrance, bags and jewelry, making it the envy of rivals. New era for the luxury giant Change is always looming at Chanel. For more than 30 years, Karl Lagerfeld transformed the brand from Parisian legend to pop phenomenon, staging ever-grander spectacles at the Grand Palais. After his death in 2019 , Viard, his longtime deputy, guided Chanel into a softer, more discreet era. Now the industry is holding its breath for Blazy, a Belgian talent with stints at Margiela, Celine and most recently Bottega Veneta, where he won fans for his blend of innovation and reverence for craft. Campbell said of Blazy, whom she knows personally: 'He's focused, open-minded — he'll bring something special.' Tuesday's show unfolded inside the Grand Palais' newly restored Salon d'Honneur, its gold and stone revealed after a 600-million-euro, multiyear restoration co-funded by Chanel. It's more than a venue; it's an advertisement of the house's power and commitment to Parisian heritage.
Style Blueprint
10-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Style Blueprint
15 Luxurious Birmingham FINDS for Your Home & Wardrobe
Share with your friends! 109 SHARES 33 Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit This month's FINDS are all about indulgence. From elevated fashion to chic home accents, each pick is designed to add a little glam to your everyday routine. Whether you're in the mood to treat yourself or just looking for a little daydream fuel, this collection of local FINDS is sure to deliver. FOR THE HOME Timeless troughs Often hand-carved from limestone or other native stone, French troughs date back to the 18th or 19th century and were once utilitarian fixtures used for everything from watering livestock to collecting rainwater. Today, their weathered patina and rustic elegance make them coveted additions to gardens — whether used as fountains or sculptures. Pick one up for $10,970 at Architectural Heritage. Pin Tech-forward sleep The Kava bed features a light bar for ideal ambiance and discreet hidden charging stations to keep devices charged without the clutter. Available in 'white wash' and 'walnut' finishes, the bed is a stylish yet smart upgrade for your bedroom. It's available for $3,799 at Scandinavian Design Gallery. Pin Burning beauty This candle's 'Sicilian lemon bergamot' scent is rich and layered, filling your home without being overwhelming. With a burn time of 250 hours, you're sure to enjoy it for a while. It's available for $200 at a'mano. Pin Shellfish chic Handcrafted by the famed faïencerie of St. Clément, this serving platter is perfect for lemon wedges or your favorite mignonette. The ultimate showstopper for summertime soirées, this luxe find makes every gathering feel a little more glamorous. It's available for $650 at Lolo French Antiques. Pin Garden glam With their weathered patina, ornate detailing, and undeniable Old World charm, this pair of 18th-century planters offers tons of character and will turn any space into a work of art. Pick up the pair for $7,000 at Postmark Paris Antiques. Pin Marble game masterpiece Crafted with marble playing pieces and an alabaster board, this is a luxurious take on a classic game — perfect for enjoying a rainy summer afternoon or unwinding poolside with a drink. When not in use, it doubles as a sophisticated conversation piece that sits on your coffee table or bookshelf. It's available for $1,422.50 at Rome Curate. Pin Designer diffuser Handcrafted in the same historic glassworks as Trudo's renowned candles, this diffuser offers multiple months of aroma, filling your home with soft floral notes of rose, jasmine, camellia, and iris, grounded by whispers of musk and sandalwood. Pick one up for $240 at Design Supply. Pin FOR YOUR WARDROBE Luxe links This vintage 18-carat yellow gold bracelet exudes elegance. Whether stacked with your favorite bangles or worn solo, its golden finish and weighty craftsmanship make it a forever piece you'll reach for time and again. It's on sale for $8,750 (reg. $11,975) at Levys. Pin Emerald-cut elegance Boasting emerald-cut diamonds that total approximately 1.45 carats, these earrings are just the right balance of structure and sparkle. They're perfect if you're dressing up for a gala or simply want to add a little drama to your date-night look. Pick up a pair for $6,250 at Diamonds Direct. Pin Playful pendant With a 36-inch drop, this paperclip necklace with watermelon tourmaline is easy to layer with your everyday favorites. Or, wear it alone to add a fresh pop of luxe to your ensemble. It's available for $450 at ALKMY. Pin Tanzanite treasure Featuring tanzanite with a lavender spinel and diamond petals, the bold hue and precision of this rare gemstone command attention. Set in a sculptural, floral-inspired setting, the ring is equal parts whimsical and high-end. It's available for $21,250 at Etc… Pin Cozy cashmere Finished with heirloom ribbon striping that adds just a touch of refinement, this cashmere wrap easily elevates everything — whether draped over your shoulders for an evening out or layered with loungewear for a day spent indoors. It's available for $448 (and in two colors) at Billy Reid. Pin Wrist candy From its two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold bracelet to the diamond hour markers sparkling on a silver sunray dial, every detail of this watch is elevated to feel heirloom-worthy. Find it for $6,575 at Bromberg's. Pin Scalloped dress From the crewneck and cape sleeves to the feminine flair of the tailoring, this on-trend summer dress is perfectly refined. It's the kind of piece you'll reach for when you want to feel both polished and playful. Pick one up for $850 at Lé Weekend. Pin Pearl wristlet Blending luxury with everyday ease, this compact wristlet's shimmering pearl finish adds elegance to any outfit, showcasing sophistication without sacrificing functionality. It's available for $395 at Hemline. Pin This article contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. ********** Looking for more great local FINDS? Follow StyleBlueprint on Instagram! About the Author Paige Townley Paige Townley is a Birmingham native with a soft spot for good stories, interesting people, and beautifully made things. When she's not writing about places that inspire or people who shine, she's likely spending time with her family, planning her next adventure, or cheering on the Crimson Tide.
