When I think of a martini, I think 007 James Bond. I see luxury cars in pursuit, heroic slow motion shootouts (in 8K obviously), dimly lit rooms full of larger-than-life characters, and a tuxedoed icon with an exquisite drink in hand. Sleek. Sexy. Classy. Elegant. Broody.
Just as James Bond’s persona has been reinvented time and time again (by the likes of Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, and today, Daniel Craig…to name a few), the Vesper Martini lives on…timeless as ever, steeped in mystery, shaken – not stirred.
The martini may be the most famous drink order in history, but it is far from tired. It remains sharp, precise, elegant, graceful, fashionable, and refined. Reminiscent of the #bestsippedwith pairings I’ve been swooning over in recent days. These interior incarnations of Hollywood legend may just inspire you as well…
…but before we continue, why don’t you craft yourself one of these delightful twists on a secret-agent-worthy classic. After all, how are you supposed to truly experience these cocktail-inspired trends without a drink of your own in hand?!
SMOKED MR. FLEMING
- 3 measures of Gin
- 1 measure of Mezcal
- 1/2 measure of Vermouth “Antica Ricetta”
- 1 Thin slice of red chili
- 1 Pinch of Icelandic salt flakes
Shake well with plenty of ice
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Express and discard a lemon peel
Garnish with a dehydrated chili
THE LAST WORD
- 3/4 ounce Gin
- 3/4 ounce Fresh lime juice
- 3/4 ounce Green Chartreuse
- 3/4 ounce Maraschino liqueur
Shake well with plenty of ice
Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with a skewered maraschino cherry
Drink in hand? Sipping slowly? Then let’s continue…
#BestSippedWith: Alluring Interiors & Ornate Accents
Photo Credit: Image Source
Sensual. Spacious. Architecturally alluring. This sexy living room and dining room, suited perfectly for cozy Parisian evenings, conversation, and sexy martinis, combines ornate design with modern finishes in a breathtakingly beautiful way.
From the romantic color palette of blush tones and gold to the sleek curved furniture, this space elicits thoughts of those floor-length backless gowns that 007’s female counterparts don in the movies. Feminine and flirty while also elegant and sophisticated. The low-hanging globe light fixtures add a touch of whimsy and the combination of circular lines in the various elements have my eyes swimming about in a sea of aesthetic perfection.
Can’t you just imagine hosting your dearest friends for a perfectly chic brunch? Savoring a martini after work, basking in luxury?
From the architecture of the space to the thoughtfully-curated decor choices, this interior display of design genius had me at hello. You too?!
#BestSippedWith: Opulent Spaces with Luxe Decor
Photo Credit: Image Source
This luxury mansion of palatial grandeur is something even James Bond would dream about. The sheer opulence on display in this magnificent sitting room is almost beyond comprehension.
From the marble-inlaid walls to the geometric granite flooring…from the crystalled chandeliers to the velour custom furniture…from the metallic accent tables to the mile-high tray ceilings…this mind blowing space has me lost for words.
Like the perfect swipe of red lipstick as a finishing touch on the perfect night-out look, the garnet-colored throw pillows and curved sofa complete the high-end, thoughtfully-curated sitting room.
I can almost hear the smooth jazz in the background, surrounded by the din of intellectual conversation. This show-stopping space is clearly meant to be enjoyed with a martini in hand. I am absolutely drooling over its immense luxury.
#BestSippedWith: Formal Rooms with Whimsical Finishes
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Like the exquisite pairing of gin and vermouth, 007 films would be nothing without the likes of Tatiana Romanova, Jill Masterson, or any of the other Bond Girls…the female companions and luxe counterparts of our beloved leading man.
In this drop-dead gorgeous parlor, you’ll see the same intricate duality. The column-inspired wall details are masculine in nature…strong, rigid, chiseled. The gold-laden sparkling chandelier infuses a feminine softness, while the green, angled, velvet-upholstered chairs are both playful and flirtatious. Like a Vesper martini, this design perfectly marries the masculine and feminine elements in a beautiful harmony.
Classic interiors, like this one, with piped moulding on the walls and elite marble flooring pair perfectly with whimsical design elements, like the sumptuous textures and varied upscale-yet-fanciful finishes in this space. Traditional…not really. Formal…maybe. Extraordinary…absolutely!
#BestSippedWith: Regal Built-Ins for Impeccable Organization
Photo Credit: Image Source
Like the perfectly waxed exterior on James Bond’s infamous Aston Martin, this backsplash screams extravagance, elegance, and style. The glossy finish pairs impeccably with the crystal glasses, and contrasts flawlessly with the metallic shelves and faucet.
This wet bar backdrop is regal, bold, and classy. Paired with the unexpected abstract countertops and housing a complete collection of hand-selected and well-organized glassware, this space is fit for big screen royalty. The perfect place to craft a Vesper martini… Ah-mazing!
Now, it’s your turn…
I have shown you some seriously-chic and wonderfully-mysterious spaces (take a deep breath…I know your heart was racing there for a minute). But you’re probably wondering how to embrace the fast-paced, high-end iconic luxury of 007’s Vesper Martini in YOUR space, right?
Balancing allure, opulence, intrigue, and whimsy is a tall order, but with your imagination and my design savvy, we can manifest Hollywood style in your at-home bar. Here are my top picks to inspire a re-imagination of your space…
#BestSippedWith: Bar Cart Essentials
1, 2, and 3 / Straight off a cocktail-lounge movie set, these glasses are at once practical (for making the above-mentioned martinis, of course) and lavish…functional, as well as stunning bar-shelf decor. (Photo Credits: 1st Dibs: Handmade Czech Contemporary May Champagne Coupe Glasses, Urban Bar: Ginza Tall Cuts Martini Glass, and Orrefors: Cocktail Avantgarde Coupe)
4 / This flashy liquor cabinet either belongs in Casino Royale… or your own home bar. With clean lines, mid-century modern undertones, and those amazing circular details, this would make any space un-freakin-stoppable. (Photo Credit: Essential Home: Monocles Cabinet)
5 / Why not add a super cool secret bar that looks like a safe to your collection?! Something right out of old Hollywood, this bar makes my heart happy in so many ways. (Photo Credit: Jonathan Adler: Reform Circle Bar)
6 and 7 / An ode to Live and Let Die, these snake-graphic area rugs would bring authentic 007 flair to any home cocktail lounge…they are imperial, natural, and most definitely conversation-starting! (Photo Credits: Rug Society: Imperial Snake Rug and Rug Society: Botanical Snake Rug)
8 and 9 / Any bar worth its salt is well-stocked in top-shelf spirits, and also adorned with high-end instruments. These peelers allow for precision and creativity when crafting those delicious classic cocktails. (Photo Credits: Steelz: Alessi Apostrophe Orange Peeler and Williams Sonomaa; Prep Tools Straight Swivel Peeler)
10 / If you aren’t a martini expert yet, you will be when you get your hands on this book. Complete with the unconventional history of this cherished beverage as well as recipes galore, this book is essential for any at-home mixologist. (Photo Credit: Amazon: The Martini – An Illustrated History of an American Classic)
Just like the martini, precision, elegance, grace, and mystery are just a few of the critical elements of jaw-dropping interior design. From the lavish lifestyle of a jet-setting legend to the more realistic daily lives of those of us who watch classic films on re-run, these key design components can reawaken any space… and the people who enjoy them. 😉 Here’s to the next incarnation of us all!
If you’re ready to start reinventing your home with class, elegance, and a touch of mystery, let’s chat.
Cheers!
– Rydhima
