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<p>San Francisco is known for its eclectic mix of residential architecture, from Victorian-era homes to modern high- rises. Among the city’s diverse array of living spaces, one home stands out, in terms of both distance and mood. Situated away from the urban noise, overlooking redwood trees with peaks beyond, its design pays homage to the beauty of the surrounding landscape while embracing a laid-back, cosy atmosphere.</p>



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<p>Dubbed ‘Golden Villa’ by its interior designer, Yana Prydalna, the house perfectly encapsulates her signature rustic style. The colour palette is an artistic conception of autumn’s golden breath. Ukrainian-born, Sacramento-based Prydalna is inspired by nature and the depth and texture of natural materials, devising concepts that encompass wabi-sabi, modernism and minimalism.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_006-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81087" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_006-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_006-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_006-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_006-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_006-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_006.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure></div>


<p>Full of exposed concrete walls, wooden beams, and an abundance of natural light beaming through large windows, Golden Villa is actually a converted warehouse. The young couple who own it moved here to escape fast- paced city life, desiring a home that felt warm and inviting while reflecting their love for the great outdoors.</p>



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<p>A large, airy living area greets visitors entering the home and serves as its focal point. A large white modular sofa reclines around a reclaimed wood coffee table, forming a comfy space that can be arranged in different sitting configurations depending on the occasion. At its centre, the irregular, round- edged low table is a talking point – it has a raw texture and is propped up by spheres.</p>



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<p>The double-height living space is a wonderful blend of light colour and warm wood. The strong industrial vibe of the concrete walls is softened by the beams high overhead that instils charm and character. It is these triangulated timber trusses, in particular, which transform the whole space.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_011-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81089" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_011-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_011-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_011-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_011-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_011-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_011.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure></div>


<p>Everything about the décor here is impressively distinctive yet very simple. Huge pots placed on a ledge just below the rafters serve as unconventional artworks. Down low, another ledge holds ceramic objects of various sizes and is raised from the floor by an artistic arrangement of logs.</p>



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<p>Straight, clean lines are softened by bohemian touches of wicker and jute in a wonderful combination of cool and warm materials. Pretty plates and woven table mats are displayed on the walls. Polished concrete, decorative plaster, natural textiles, wood and wicker harmonise with the earthy tones of the outside environment, creating an ambience that is both natural and contemporary.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_005-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81086" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_005-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_005-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_005-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_005-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_005-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_005.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure></div>


<p>An open-concept kitchen and dining area is located just off the living room, making it easy for the couple to entertain guests while preparing meals. The kitchen features custom- made shelves crafted from reclaimed wood, a farmhouse sink and a butcher-block island that also serves as a dining table with circular wooden- topped bar stools on one side. Huge wicker pendant lights add to the warm, natural vibe. A wide window along the back wall affords views of the forest.</p>



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<p>Moving onto the bedroom, the designer wanted to create a serene, relaxing space that would help the owners unwind after a long day at work. Built- in wooden closets with ribbed-glass doors flank a desk, where a computer brings the modern world into a rural setting.</p>



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<p>The bedroom walls are painted in an earth tone, picking out one of the colours of the throw pillows on the bed. Adorned with a plush duvet, the bed rests on a large, round jute rug. This rustic charm spreads to an oversized wicker lamp hanging down at one side of the bed and an artisanal blanket laid across a wicker chair. A sleek wooden ceiling fan and angle floor lamp have a more modern feel. This is a bright room during the day – a wall of windows doubles as a door out to the stone patio, where a pool allows for a dip amid a classic American pioneer scene of woodland and mountains.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_002-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81085" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_002-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_002-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_002-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_002-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_002-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/File_002.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure></div>


<p>The couple’s bathroom is the most unique space in the home, with concrete slabs serving as minimalist fixtures. Reflecting the view from the window opposite, two door-sized, wooden- framed mirrors behind a twin vanity give the illusion of opening the room to the outside world. In the absence of bathroom cabinets, a long wooden shelf gives a place for toiletries. The bathtub is hewn from concrete and pampas grass placed in one corner brings feathery greenery inside.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_9432-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81090" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_9432-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_9432-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_9432-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_9432-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_9432-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_9432.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure></div>


<p>Golden Villa is not just carefully styled and curated as an isolated living space; it is the epitome of aesthetics resonating with the nature around it. The juxtaposition of natural and manmade materials, of wood and concrete, of warm and cool, creates a delightful blend of vernacular and modern design that transcends time.</p>



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<p>Photos: Yana Prydalna</p>


American Dream: Exposed concrete and reclaimed wood bring a rustic modern warmth to a cool Californian home

<p>The Easter holidays – lurking barely a month away – may just offer stressed out Hongkongers with the perfect opportunity to escape the coronavirus-laden confines of the Fragrant Harbour. Be it a solo trip to explore an ancient city, dancing the night away at Coachella or relaxing with a delicious glass of port in Portugal, here are some of our top recommendations for stress-free Easter getaways.</p>
<p><strong>Istanbul</strong><strong>, Turkey</strong></p>
<p><figure id="attachment_51167" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-51167" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-51167" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min.jpg" alt="Easter Getaways" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-istanbul-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-51167" class="wp-caption-text">Topkapi Palace</figcaption></figure></p>
<p>A city bustling with a strong historical presence is just one way to describe the Turkish capital city Istanbul. From the exquisite Topkapi Palace – where you can witness the enduring legacy of the Ottoman Empire – to Byzantine highlights like Aya Sofya, Basilica Cistern, Kariye Museum and Hippodrome, these ancient monuments offer an unforgettable experience for any self-confessed history enthusiast. Beyond just its ancient allure, there are some quintessential things that cannot be missed out. For instance, ride the Bosphorus ferries – connecting from the <em>Eminönü</em> district to the Black Sea – to enjoy a view filled with alluring parks, mansions and palaces. Similarly, there are hammams where you can enjoy a warm and soothing Turkish bath to loosen all your muscles – isn’t relaxing one of the main purposes of a vacation. Lastly, make sure to go to Beyoglu at least once – a district known for its best dining and wining options among locals and tourists.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Toulouse</strong><strong>, France</strong></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51169" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min.jpg" alt="Easter Getaways" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-toulouse-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>Located in the Southwest of France, Toulouse – also known as<em> La Ville Rose</em> (The Pink City) – takes something of a backseat to the more popular Paris. With beautiful pink bricks that give it its aforementioned nickname and colourful flowers blooming around the region, it is an ideal destination for both solo and group travels. The Occitane region&#8217;s capital also boasts some of the world’s best museums, cathedrals, monuments. Place du Capitole – the city’s main square, which abuts the city hall as well as the building that houses Salle des Illustres (Hall of the Illustrious) and Vieux Quartier (Old Quarter). The town’s friendly and flat lanes make it safe and easy to skate or cycle around – an activity enjoyed by many tourists and locals. With artistic churches and cathedrals like Basilique St-Sernin, Cathédrale de St-Étienne and Église Notre Dame du Taur, it is a promising destination to celebrate Easter.</p>
<p><strong>Coachella Valley</strong><strong>, California</strong></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51165" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min.jpg" alt="Easter Getaways" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-coachella-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>What better time to visit California&#8217;s Coachella Valley than for Easter, which perfectly coincides with the dates of the art and music festival <a href="https://www.coachella.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Coachella</a>. Apart from that, venture onto the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, serving a 360° aerial view of the valley from more than 8,500ft, or try your hand at hiking the Indian Canyon trails, which vary from 1.2 miles to 12.3 miles. For a show-stopping experience, there is the Marvyn’s Magic theatre – described as “world-class entertainment” – to witness some phenomenal shows. Moreover, fauna aficionados will surely love The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens for its numerous interactive experiences, including feeding a giraffe and petting a kraal.</p>
<p><strong>Porto</strong><strong>, Portugal</strong></p>
<p><figure id="attachment_51168" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-51168" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-51168 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min.jpg" alt="Easter Getaways" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/EG-porto-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-51168" class="wp-caption-text">Douro River</figcaption></figure></p>
<p>Porto – an up-and-coming touristic destination that makes the final entry on our list of Easter getaways – is where you can witness the perfect fusion of classic heritage and modern architecture. Known for manufacturing port (a type of fortified wine that takes its name from the national name), lining the banks of the Douro River are countless city’s cellars where you can get a first-hand tasting of this famous beverage. If you&#8217;re looking to explore the location’s ancient ruins, Ribeira district – a UNESCO World Heritage site – is well worth a detour, while Oporto’s Casa da Musica’s peculiar geometric construction and the 5D theatre – Look at Porto – let you view and experience Porto in a more contemporary light. Literature buffs, meanwhile, should head to Livraria Lello, a delightful bookshop famed as much for its neo-gothic and magic-inducing aura as its books. Moreover, don’t forget to grab a Francesinha – Porto’s emblematic sandwich.</p>


Easter Getaways: Get your fill of culture, entertainment and history

<p>If you thought Hong Kong was home to the most luxurious mug of java in the world, it&#8217;s our duty to inform you that you are mistaken. In fact,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.klatchroasting.com/">Klastch Coffee</a> based in San Francisco and Southern California is now responsible for serving up the world&#8217;s most expensive cup of coffee&nbsp;— at US$75 a cupful.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-45684" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/White-Ceramic-Mug-Filled-With-Coffee-Beside-Coffee-Beans.jpg" alt="most expensive cup of coffee" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/White-Ceramic-Mug-Filled-With-Coffee-Beside-Coffee-Beans.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/White-Ceramic-Mug-Filled-With-Coffee-Beside-Coffee-Beans-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/White-Ceramic-Mug-Filled-With-Coffee-Beside-Coffee-Beans-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/White-Ceramic-Mug-Filled-With-Coffee-Beside-Coffee-Beans-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/White-Ceramic-Mug-Filled-With-Coffee-Beside-Coffee-Beans-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/White-Ceramic-Mug-Filled-With-Coffee-Beside-Coffee-Beans-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/White-Ceramic-Mug-Filled-With-Coffee-Beside-Coffee-Beans-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>The exclusive brew on offer is the Elida Natural Geisha 803, which is said to be US$803 per pound. What makes the beans so special is their victory as last year&#8217;s winner of Best of Panama coffee competition, also known as &#8216;the coffee world&#8217;s Oscars&#8217;, and have been limited to only 100 pounds (45 kilograms) of beans.</p>
<p>As the only chain in North America to secure some of the award-winning and indeed very rare beans,&nbsp;<strong>Klatch</strong> is wise to serve up their cups at such a hefty price, seeing as the other buyers are located mostly in Asia. While it may be true that coffee lovers have a bit of a reputation for going to extremes, we&#8217;re not so sure they&#8217;d be willing to hop a plane to Japan, China or Taiwan to find the other purchasers.</p>
<p>As for the taste, the coffee has been described as being a rare mix of Arabica from Panama including hints of jasmine and berries similar to tea.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Limited to only 80 cups, this is a cup of coffee you surely won&#8217;t be able to forget.</p>


Expensive Expresso: San Francisco Cafe sells out of the world’s most expensive cup of coffee

<p><div style="width: 640px;" class="wp-video">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-16908-1" width="640" height="360" autoplay="1" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="http://www.igafencu.com/video/1703/Jan17_Atelier_Cologne_Interview.mp4?_=1" /><a href="http://www.igafencu.com/video/1703/Jan17_Atelier_Cologne_Interview.mp4">http://www.igafencu.com/video/1703/Jan17_Atelier_Cologne_Interview.mp4</a></video></div></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The founders of Atelier Cologne, the first Maison de Parfum to create pure perfumes inspired by the legendary Eau de Cologne, were in Hong Kong recently to launch their latest product, the Clémentine California Cologne Absolue.</span></p>
<p>Sylvie Ganter and Christophe Cervasel, who met in New York in 2006, founded the perfume house in 2009 to blend citruses with precious natural raw materials to make their Cologne Absolue range.</p>
<p>Each Cologne Absolue tells the story of treasured emotions and powerful memories.</p>
<p>The Clémentine California tells the story of a movie producer looking for the actress of his dreams. He meets a young woman by chance with a fresh, natural beauty who has just arrived in Hollywood: his new muse.</p>
<p>In September 2015, Atelier opened a boutique in IFC mall. This was followed by a second store at Harbour City’s Ocean Centre.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sylvie and Christophe spoke to </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Gafencu </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">about their new Clémentine California Cologne Absolue.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Click </span><strong><a href="http://www.ateliercologne.com.cn/en/" target="_blank">here </a></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">to read more about Atelier Cologne.</span></p>

Tag: california

American Dream: Exposed concrete and reclaimed wood bring a rustic modern warmth to a cool Californian home

Easter Getaways: Get your fill of culture, entertainment and history

Expensive Expresso: San Francisco Cafe sells out of the world’s most expensive cup of coffee

Founders of Atelier Cologne discuss Clémentine California

Tag: california

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American Dream: Exposed concrete and reclaimed wood bring a rustic modern warmth to a cool Californian home

Easter Getaways: Get your fill of culture, entertainment and history

Expensive Expresso: San Francisco Cafe sells out of the world’s most expensive cup of coffee

Founders of Atelier Cologne discuss Clémentine California