Muriel Brandolini shares her go-to haunts in 3 favorite cities
Globetrotter
Muriel Brandolini is a bona fide globetrotter. Raised in Vietnam, Venezuela, and France, the lauded interior designer is constantly on the go for both work and pleasure, and her exuberant palette is directly inspired by her extensive travels. As Brandolini notes, when traveling, "The most important thing is to keep your eyes and mind open."
So who better, we thought, than Ms. Brandolini to give us the skinny on where to eat, sleep, and shop in three of her favorite cities? Read on for insider tips from the grande dame of interior design (not to mention the subject of our feature story, Setting the Mood).
VENICE
Stay at? Ca Maria Adele, a beautiful and intimate hotel close to the Salute.
Eat at? Naranzaria, on the Canal Grande. The view from the terrace is incredible.
Shop at? For table and bed linens, Chiarastella Cattana. For lovely jewelry, Antonia Miletto. And for unique silver and precious metal pieces, Missiaglia.
HO CHI MINH CITY
Stay at? Park Hyatt Saigon. It's in the middle of everything. And just a forty minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City, one can visit the serene beaches at Con Dao Six Senses [the area is protected as a national and marine park].
Eat at? Where to begin! An Vien. Incredible local cuisine in a romantic setting. [178A Hai Ba Trung, District 1] There's also Pho 24, the Vietnamese version of fast food: steaming bowls of beef noodles. [Multiple locations] And Temple Club is a hidden gem with a lovely atmosphere.
Shop at? Song for clothing—especially the traditional Ao Dai dress. [41 Dong Khoi Street, District 1] Thanh Thuy for intricately embroidered linens. [230 Lea Thanh Ton Street, District 1] And AA Deco for design and furniture. [Nguyen Van Thu Street, District 1]
BEIRUT
Stay at? Albergo Hotel
Eat at? Balthazar on Weygand Street, downtown
Shop at? Ceramist Nathalie Khayat (by appointment). There's also Orient 499, [a boutique featuring original handicrafts, fashions, furniture, and accessories by Middle Eastern artists and designers].
Thanks so much, Muriel!
More to Love
French Art Deco Wall Lights from Henri Petitot, 1930s, Set of 2
Brass & Agate Floor Lamp by Henri Fernandez for Maison Honoré, 1970s
Art Deco Chandelier by Henri Petitot
Silver Spiral Pendant Lamp by Henri Mathieu for Lyfa, 1970s
Vintage French Industrial Workshop Chair by Henri Liber for Flambo
Halogen Floor Lamp by Henri Fernandez
Sculptural Horse Lamp by Henri Fernandez
French Art Deco Corner Wall Light from Henri Petitot, 1930s
SaleFrench SK250 Armchairs by Etienne Henri Martin for Steiner, 1937, Set of 2
M42 Chair by Henri Liber for Flambo, 1934
Vintage Silver Spiral Pendant Lamp by Henri Mathieu for Lyfa
Danish Rosewood and Rattan Stool by Bernt Petersen for Henrik Wørts Møbelsnedkeri, 1958
Suspension Lamp by Henri Mathieu for Lyfa, 1970s
1500 Armless Seats by Etienne-Henri Martin for Thevenin & Mayet, 1970s, Set of 3
Ceramic Vase by Henri Bequet for M. Depose, 1970s
Long Cinema Wall Light by Henri Petitot for Atelier Henri Petitot, 1930s
Pendant Lamp by Henri Mathieu for Lyfa, 1960s
Lamp by Henri Mathieu, 1970s
SaleMahogany Table Lamps by Henrik Blomqvist for Tranås Stilarmatur, 1960s, Set of 2
French Lamella Lamp by Henri Mathieu for Mathieu Lighting, 1970s
Mid-Century French Floor Lamp by Henri Mathieu, 1963
Vintage Industrial Chair by Henri Libier for Flambo
Aluminum Pendant Light by Henri Mathieu for Maison Mathieu, 1970
Art Deco Style Table Lamp by Henri Mouynet, 1930s
Brass Tree Floor Lamp by Henri Fernandez
Mid-Century Helical Pendant Light by Henri Mathieu for Lyfa
Modernist Fractal Resin Coffee Table by Henri Fernandez, 1972
Illuminated Fractal Obelisk Lamps by Henri Fernandez, 1972, Set of 2
Fractal Resin Coffee Tables by Henri Fernandez, 1972, Set of 2
Geometric Brass Wall Console by Henri Fernandez, 1980s
Vintage Floor Lamp by Henri Mathieu for Maison Mathieu, 1970s
Art Deco Corner Wall Lamp by Henri Petitot, 1930s
Purple Spiral Pendant Lamp by Henri Mathieu for Lyfa
Calysse Armchairs by Henri Caillon for Erton Edition, Set of 2
Wall Sculpture by Henrik Horst
Long Cinema Wall Light by Henri Petitot for Atelier Henri Petitot, 1930s
Spoutnik 1:4 by Marc Baroud
French Industrial Chair by Henri Liber for Flambo
Bicolored Aluminium Lamello Pendant Lamp by Henri Mathieu
Model 4121 Vase by Hans Henrik Hansen for Royal Copenhagen
Spoutnik 1:2 by Marc Baroud
Spoutnik 1:1 by Marc Baroud
Aladdin I by Carlo Massoud
Sculptural Bronze Octo Coffee Table by Henri Fernandez, 1972