Kelly Hoppen Teams Up With Hotpoint (Limes, Artichokes, Fake Flowers and Aubergine Altars...)

Yes, the kitchen is an altar. (very interesting article) The altar of nourishment. The gathering altar. The epicenter of home life altar. Kelly's hair is smashing. Reminds me of Corine. (If you've been missing Hidden in France, she's home now.) Kelly discovered some pertinent percentages:

-37% of people questioned lack confidence when it comes to interior design
- 36.7% of people like their home but don't feel it's stylish enough
- The dining room has become the most redundant room in the house, with only 5% people saying they spend time in theirs
- The kitchen is becoming the new heart of the home with over 25% saying they spend most time in theirs
- 12.6% of people are so embarrassed by the condition of their home that they don't invite people in
- 26.5% of people say that the economic climate has prevented them from making the improvements their home needs with over 15% not moving because of the downturn

More Kelly videos here. See Kelly's paint colour palette here. Buy Kelly Hoppen books in my store! And....if you are heading to Barcelona in search of incredible altars or inspiration, why not book a room in the hotel that Kelly designed?

A Book of Women's Altars

How do women create altars-and more importantly, why? This slim guide by Cunningham (I Am a Woman by Rite) explains the background of altar making, which she demystifies by observing that "an altar helps you to quickly focus on the spirituality inherent in common things," such as photographs, candles or fresh flowers. In the opening chapters, Cunningham describes various kinds of altars-indoor and outdoor, temporary and permanent, entirely private or open for public viewing. She guides women through the process of selecting objects for their altars, choosing a theme and creating meaningful rituals. These chapters will be useful to a wide range of women who want help in establishing their own altars. - Publishers Weekly

"What am I thankful for?"

"What gives me peace?"

"What healing or blessing do I need?"

"What inspires me?"

"What is magical in my life?"

"What makes me feel special?"

"What in my life excites me, gets my juices flowing, makes me feel alive?"

Garden Altar

Being in nature can nourish us in so many ways every day. Creating a garden altar is one way to honor the power of nature to soothe and uplift us. It is so easy and so completely satisfying to spend a little time creating a special spot outdoors. Here are some simple, inspiring ways to begin:
A garden altar can be without any traditional religious significance but can reflect, instead, the beauty of nature herself. Consider an arrangement of treasured pebbles, a sand garden dotted with bonsai, a koi pond edged with protective grasses. Anything that touches your heart and brings you peace when you look upon it can be considered a garden altar.
Planting trees or flowers to cherish the memory of someone you love needs no altar or labeling; the quiet loveliness of a rose, the vibrant color of a hibiscus, the strength of an oak tree–any of these marvels of nature is enough to remind you of that special someone.

Meditation Altars

Ziji is a Tibetan word meaning "confidence" and "splendor" or "elegance." These qualities are said to be inherent in our own humanity. By creating uplifted spaces in our homes and workplaces, we reflect natural human radiance. At the same time, an elegant environment stimulates our innate wakefulness. Meditation altars are basically a space which you reserve in which to practice your meditation in peace. The word ‘altar’ is somewhat misleading in that it suggests a religious connotation. Whilst that’s perfectly acceptable for those who place religion as being of key importance in their lives, a meditation altar is simply a statement to all who live with you or who visit your home that this is a ‘special’ place which is extremely important to you when it comes to your meditation and any other kind of spirituality or contemplative thought. Different Types of Altars There are many different types of meditation altars which you can buy or design yourself.

Some of the most popular include:
Water fountain altars
Wind altars
Sea altars
Feather altars
Candle altars

The most important aspect is choosing a meditation altar which makes you feel a kinship with it as a ‘special’ place to go for meditation, comfort, solitude and quiet contemplation.

Vintage Altar of Heaven

The oldest-known altar used in Chinese state religious practice was unearthed, then reburied, this past summer in the city of Xian by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Uncontrolled development around a mysterious circular mound prompted a 30-day salvage excavation. Constructed as early as the Sui Dynasty (A.D. 581-618), the so-called Altar of Heaven is more than 1,000 years older than a similar altar in Beijing, and is the only one found so far pre-dating the Qing Dynasty (A.D. 1644-1912). It is estimated that 17 Chinese emperors conducted religious rites here.

NYC Apartment As Altar

Linda Rodin's entire NYC apartment could very well be described as 'an altar'. Of beauty. Of the sea. Of decadent girlishness. There actually could be an 'Altar of Vanishing Wrinkles and Age Spots' filled with Olio Lusso. Need I say more?

Amy Atlas Altars (ahem...tablescapes)

Who said an altar needs to be a religious event? Not anyone who has had a sweet awakening when they laid their eyes on an Amy Atlas event! These sugary vignettes are enough to make anyone happy.

Tracy Porter: A Penchant for Altars

WATCH TRACY'S ALTAR VIDEO HERE.

"I am a huge believer in displaying all of my little objets d’art in the form of “altars” – essentially any surface (foyer table, side console, bookshelves, bathroom vanity, boudoir dresser) is ripe for showing off all your cherished goodies. I’ve always done this, ever since I was little. I think my French grandmother, Lucy, really inspired me here… It all goes back to tantalizing LAYERS. And really, why have pieces of antique china, old love letters, postcards, perfume bottles, garden statuary, etc, tucked away in a box or cupboard somewhere?? Sure, they won’t collect any dust there… But if they’re not out and about, how can you truly enjoy them, tell stories about them… delight in the added charm they can bring to your space?? My altars aren’t themed, really (although I’m sure John would be all over a Michael Jordan shrine if I allowed one!!!). They’re more about creating a mood, or a feeling… some with more huntress elements… some are more Asian inspired… but mostly they’re all very different and eclectic… A London Wall for my tables, if you will. I especially love including pieces of wall art in my altars. They add yet another wonderful layer… some with vintage flair, others more mod or kitschy… some with frames, some without… I must admit I have a bit of a weakness here… nary a surface is left untouched in our home! My altars are ever-changing, and that’s what I love about them… I hope you’ll be inspired to create an altar of your own!!" - Tracy Porter

Rubie Green Altars (made by Michelle Adams)

The vignette queen does it again!

Altar Ingredients

A landmark in Manhattan's SoHo art district since 1993.
Evolution sells unique natural history collectibles usually seen only in museums. These include butterflies and beetles, fossils, seashells, skulls and skeletons, medical models, and tribal art. via Fiona.