TORRALBENC, A RUSTIC, BOUTIQUE DESIGN HOTEL ON THE COAST OF MENORCA

In the fall of 2012 we visited Mallorca and were so infatuated with its charm and natural beauty, we decided to return to Spain and explore another one of the Balearic Islands. Menorca is situated just north of Mallorca and is is its considerably smaller sister with a total population of less than 100,000 people. The vibe here is much more laid back and on the whole, its landscape is untouched by major tourist development (our only criticism of Mallorca).

Our chosen home during our stay on Menorca is a small boutique hotel called Torralbenc. Recently created by the force behind the stunning Cap Rocat on Malloraca, Torralbenc is a former farmhouse that has been renovated and expanded into a rustic, yet very sophisticated resort property. It features 27 beautifully furnished rooms, a chic restaurant with a Michelin-star chef, an infinity pool, workout facilities, and gorgeously maintained grounds with incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Every detail has been considered and contributes to the great success of Torralbenc – from the attentive staff to the ultra relaxing atmosphere. Each morning we enjoy a delightful breakfast on the sun filled patio as we gaze at the Mediterranean waters in the distance. Afternoons are spent poolside or exploring the charming towns and spectacular beaches just minutes away. Evening meals in the restaurant have been memorable experiences and keep us going back.

Overall our stay here (thankfully we still have a few days) has been well beyond expectations and has allowed us to relax and fully absorb the beauty of this magical island. We will be back!

For more information on Torralbenc, please visit their website.
www.torralbenc.com 

MARTHA STURDY 'BREAKS' INTO A NEW FORM OF ART

Martha Sturdy is known for taking what she sees in her surrounding environment and applying that to her unconventional artworks. In her newest works called "breaking", Sturdy observes the effects that once has as it builds up and breaks apart. The jagged forms are made of synthetic resin, which is then smashed and poured out onto steel canvases. The resins blue tint and rippling surfaces are a convincing likeness of ice. Sturdy satisfies the human impulse to seal down what is, by nature, ephemeral. In doing so, she allows for an even closer appreciation of this material. Strongly believing in throwing the rules out the window, Sturdy allows herself to get in depth with her creative process making the end result of these new works utterly unique.

For more from Martha Sturdy, please visit our website www.providehome.com

THE MOTHERS THAT INFLUENCED OUR LIVES

Mother's Day is this Sunday and we wanted to take a minute to appreciate our moms and how they've made an impact on our lives.

David's Mom,

"My Mother is very into crafts and making things to better her home. She was always knitting throws, sewing together scraps of fabric into quilts for our beds or crocheting doilies.

I think this really made an impression on me, as I have an incredible love for textiles. Although I was trained in graphic design, I worked for quite sometime in a fabric workroom making cushions, drapery and I even designed quilts for every bedroom of a famous comedian's New York town house.

My mother would love the knitted feel of the Cornucopia Cushions from Tabula Rasa." 

Robert's Mom,

"When I was a child my mother would always take me shopping, I was practically raised in a store, we mostly visited home decor shops, she loved to redo our home often, new accessories, furniture, painting, wall papering, etc. She was so proud of her home and made sure it always looked beautiful.

I definitely followed in her footsteps, one of my first jobs was in retail, it just seemed natural to me to continue her path of shopping for the home and open a home decor showroom. 

I think if my mother were alive today she would be proud of what David and I have created in Provide. I think she would be our best customer, she'd want everything. 

The AKMD mango wood candle sticks would be a favourite of hers. Happy Mother's Day mom!"

By Robert Quinnell

Megan's Mom,

"My mother is 100% the reason I got into Interior Design. Being an Interior Designer herself, I grew up going with her to job sites and helping her pick out finishes and furniture for clients. When she was a drafting/AutoCAD teacher I used to love going with her to her classes and listening to her teach white I sat at the drafting boards doodling out floor plans.

Her attention to detail and appreciation for hand crafted fine quality items has influenced me greatly. Teaching and mentoring me every step of the way, she is my role model and I would not be where I am today without my mom. 

My mother loves the unique patterns and intricate embroidery work in the Charlene Mullen cushions."

By Megan Harrow