Wonderful Lifestyle Shops…

Rialto Living, Palma

I found this wonderful shop by accident, I do have to say this is certainly the beautiful shop in Palma and one of the most lovely shops I have ever seen anywhere in the world. The building is stunning a perfect blend of new and old and the wide range of products on sale totally desirable. Fashion and accessories, home ware and interiors, art house, lifestyle and interior design books, unique stationery, toys, perfumes, home fragrances etc. There is an in-house florist as well as an interior design service. The room sets are a world apart, I could happily move in. The Rialto Café serves drinks and food throughout the store’s opening hours, a relaxing sanctuary from the bustling city, the relaxing décor reflects the store’s distinctive style. There is a dedicated gallery space which displays contemporary art and photographs and private views and events are held. Friendly, helpful staff and a calming environment make this a perfect shopping experience.

 In 2007 Klas Käll (one of the three founders and designers of the global Gant brand) and Barbara Bergman opened their Rialto Living lifestyle concept store in one of Palma’s previous cultural centres. They sympathetically converted the former Sala Rialto theatre and cinema to launch it as one of Europe’s most exciting lifestyle store.

Rialto Living doubled in size from its original 800sqm, following its expansion into Can O’Ryan. When the owners bought the property in 2012 it hadn’t been renovated since 1911. Their 21st century renovation included the restoration of some of the original architectural features of this Baroque-style property, creating a superb setting for their enlarged range of departments and products.

The publisher teNeues in their book Luxury Stores, Top of The World, featured Rialto Living see below an extract:

"Since the first hunter-gatherers, humans have sought out things of beauty and excellence - a quest epitomized by the elegant stores displayed in this sumptuous 396-page volume which is packed with hundreds of stunning photographs, as well as informative texts. Each can be considered a pinnacle of the shopping experience. With a carefully chosen selection of goods and services located all over the world, these shops do indeed cater to every whim. Combining the aesthetics of high art with service worthy of royalty, everyone is an experience to treasure."

If you are in Palma you must visit, but be warned you might not want to leave…

C. SANT FELIU 3

07012 PALMA DE MALLORCA

INFO@RIALTOLIVING.COM

The Perfectly imperfect Home by Deborah Needleman

I have a question to ask, should the perfect home be perfect in every aspect or is the perfection in the imperfections?
In this wonderful book by Deborah Needleman she raises this issue.

 Deborah writes that the point of decorating is to create a background for the rest of your life, that decoration should be life-enhancing, making a charming and happy home. Beauty and comfort should sit side by side. A stylish home is highly functional and enhances your sense of wellbeing. Luxury cannot be defined by expense or by grandeur.

I remember when selling furniture been told that how comfortable a sofa was didn’t matter it was simply about how it looked. I feel that the point of a good design is not only about the look but how comfortable and practical the design proves to be. A chef can make a wonderful looking plate of food, but if this is inedible, how can it be successful as the taste of food is a key factor in the enjoyment of the diner.

Quoting from the Grand Dame of interior design Dorothy Draper, No room can be called perfect unless it has real comfort.

Deborah stresses the importance of paintings and drawings on the wall, a home needs these to finish off the look. I would also say that these give personality to a room.

Henry James writes; Houses of the best taste are like clothes by the best tailors- it takes their age to show us how good they are.

What makes a home feel alive? Strong pieces that make comments, Items with a history, objects made by hand, bespoke or well- loved collected items with give stability.  Many items get richer with age; rugs, textiles, furniture and antiques. I think that is echoes the sentiment of this blog.

Do read this lovely book as it’s an entertaining read and Deborah makes some very interesting points for design lovers. 

Sara x