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Blog
Therme Vals
January 16, 2009
Happy New Year!
For 2009, I am starting my new year by doing what I love most: traveling. I am fresh from a pilgrimage to Vals, Switzerland, which I take annually each winter. For as long as I can remember, I have been traveling away from home. What’s ironic is that I often feel more at home while on the road. Oddly enough, my own home can seem like a hotel room after returning from a trip.
Despite typical travel agonies, I appreciate being a jet-setter, and I refuel my spirit while I do so. As a designer, I draw my energy from inspiration I encounter throughout my experiences abroad. When I travel, I not only cherish these experiences, but I am deeply moved by abstract design details. To hang onto these inspirational details, I capture them in a visual notebook, my digital photo library.
As the newest member of Cindy’s Salon, I am proud to share my inspirations with InteriorDesign.net’s readers. Furthermore, I hope the readers will interpret my travels and walk away inspiration of their own.
D.B. Kim in the Therme Vals lobby with Mrs. Annalisa Zumthor, hotel general director. Photo by D.B. Kim.
The inspiration for this blog comes from my first trip of 2009. Vals is famously known for its geo-thermal bath, Therme Vals—recently overhauled by Peter Zumthor, one of the current masters of architecture. I have visited the city every year since 1990, and the location is not only peaceful and beautiful, but it offers unlimited design inspiration. Early on, I liked starting the new year in Vals, and the ritual just stuck with me.
Reflections in baths at Therme Vals. Photos by D.B. Kim.
Today, I am going to focus on details from the guestroom in which I stayed at Therme Vals. I typically stay in a same room every visit, but this time I stayed in one of Zumthor’s newly renovated rooms. Being a design leader in hospitality world, I welcomed the opportunity and explored its inspirational opportunities.
Colors reflecting on the door to my room. Photo by D.B. Kim.
Visit my slideshow to see all the pictures from my breath-taking stay at Therme Vals.
Posted by D.B. Kim on January 16, 2009 | Comments (20)
Reader Comments
at 1/16/2009 7:44:51 AM, Rafe Totengco commented:
I can't wait to see Therme Vals for myself. It looks like heaven on earth!
at 1/16/2009 10:52:40 AM, John Maloney commented:
Such beautiful photos. Very inspiring!
at 1/16/2009 11:12:18 AM, Michale Estrada commented:
Thank you D.B....photos are super beautiful. I look forward to the next one.
at 1/16/2009 11:17:42 AM, China Young commented:
I am inspired by Therme Vals dreamy colors. Look forward to your wonderful insight .
at 1/16/2009 11:20:56 AM, Thomas Stallman commented:
I see why you and others go back year after year. Zumthor's architecture allows you to think and unthink, perfect for a resort.
at 1/16/2009 1:31:40 PM, s k ginder commented:
Vals is the most spectacular place indeed. It is quiet,beautiful and pure.I was lucky enough to experience the place
at 1/16/2009 3:15:43 PM, P.S. Brown commented:
How wonderfully calming and refreshing. I can only hope to experience this in person one day.
at 1/16/2009 3:50:35 PM, CD Stulpin commented:
What a wonderful way to start the year! The photos are amazing...always great to see how other parts of the globe interpret space.
at 1/16/2009 4:01:59 PM, Ret Taylor commented:
Warmth, water and color, things not normally associated with winter or even a winter holiday. How refreshing.
at 1/20/2009 1:31:50 PM, erin hoover commented:
beautiful! I'm looking forward to more-
at 1/20/2009 2:04:03 PM, Lia Cohen commented:
Beautiful photographs - did the author take ALL of them?
at 1/21/2009 5:41:03 AM, Denise Rush commented:
Hi D.B.! I hope you remember me from your PW days (eons ago :) Your pictures are absolutely beautiful and inspirational. Thanks for sharing.
at 1/21/2009 8:44:44 AM, D.B. Kim commented:
Many thanks for your kind comments!
Two of the pictures were not taken by me: ones I am in.
I hope that the pictures would inspire you in someways.
Denise, Please feel free to check: www.dbkim.com for my contact information.
enjoy your day!
D.B. Kim
at 1/21/2009 9:09:24 AM, Toni Dozier commented:
Hi DB love your blog the pictures are
very interesting.
at 1/21/2009 1:53:29 PM, Angela King commented:
I love green and that green is so engaging! thank you for the artistic photos
at 1/21/2009 2:18:37 PM, Sharon Avnon commented:
What wonderful photographs!
at 1/21/2009 4:34:27 PM, Aaron Duncan commented:
Db - thanks for sharing...great colors in the pics... Looking forward to your next journey... so you can share ....
at 1/23/2009 10:27:35 AM, Dinna Huneryager commented:
DB, Photos are beautiful and serene. Like you!!!
at 1/30/2009 12:42:32 PM, Robert Zemnickis commented:
truly inspired!...remarkable insight. Can't wait to see more.
at 2/4/2009 12:58:48 PM, Chuck Tomb - Integrity Hospitality Advis commented:
D.B. - Inspiring, eclectic and relaxing. I did not know you were such a photographer - knew you were an artist bottled up in designers trappings. Well done my friend and best wishes.
