Kamis, 31 Januari 2013

Danish inspiration from Oyoy

Oj oj oj (as they say in Sweden!), but what's not to love about the relatively new Danish brand Oyoy?! Led by designer Lotte Fynboe, Oyoy's vision is to design functional products using high quality materials in beautiful colours and shapes.








Oyoy

So many patterns and geometric shapes! Really lovely. It's definitely worth checking out their website here.

I am sitting nervously waiting to hear baby news from my wonderful friends David and Ullis who are in hospital on this stormy January day. Fingers crossed for you guys, thinking of you! x

Rabu, 30 Januari 2013

Swedish fireplace inspiration

So many of the Swedish homes you see feature a fab Kakelugn (tiled stove) in the corner of the room. These date back to the 1880's neo-renaissance era (today's history lesson!). Many of them are not used for heating today but can still look pretty with lit candles. This home for sale through Alvhem is lucky enough to have one in the sitting room AND in the kitchen.





Alvhem
There is something very cool and cosy about having a fireplace in the kitchen don't you think?! In fact I'll add 'kitchen fireplace' to my dream home 'must have' check list right now!

Selasa, 29 Januari 2013

Sitting pretty in Lund

Today I love the sitting room in this apartment currently for sale in the South Sweden historic university town of Lund. The mix of black, white, grey and pastels is such a pretty palet and combined with the beautiful Kakelugn fireplace in the corner: a perfect space!





Bo-laget

I know I'm a little obsessed by it at the moment.....but I think I've decided on a white, grey and washed out pastel colour scheme for my new bedroom. I love H&M home's 'Linne' collection and the Bodie & Fou linen duvet cover in blue/grey. My other discovery is these simple and pretty candles from LET LIV. Oooo such little time, and so much decorating to be done!

Senin, 28 Januari 2013

So you want to hire a decorator


Many people think that working with a decorator is out of their reach financially  or that the results of the pairing would create a space that wasn't personal.  Neither of these beliefs are true if  homeowners  matche their  needs with the right decorator's skill set
 
Professional decorators usually hold a set of  basic beliefs about designing spaces that support  their interactions with clients.   For example I believe
    everyone deserves a beautiful space ....

     
     Margaret Ryall
     
    interesting and inviting interiors can exist without a high price tag;
     
     
    Photography: Brian Ricks
     
    a space should reflect the needs and interests of the owner;
     
     Margaret Ryall 

    furniture arrangement makes or breaks a space;


    Margaret Ryall

    personal items are the best accessories;

    Margaret Ryall

    editing a space can transform it;


      
      Margaret Ryall
     
    layering objects, colours and textures create interesting spaces;

    Photography:  Brian Ricks

    art completes an interior design;

     
    Margaret Ryall

    harmonizing is more interesting than over matching;

    designing a room is the same as designing a painting; 

    and most important of all .... 

    listening is key to designing.
       As you can see these are broad beliefs that can be applied to most spaces. They do not dovetail into any particular look.   Everyone is different and their spaces should reflect  this individuality.  

      My approach: 
      I  compose spaces  in various ways, problem solve situations, use colour to harmonize or contrast; understand the various principles and elements of design and put them together to produce  interesting spaces.   I like to meet clients, find out about them as people, look at their spaces and what they own,  and then create a space  that is personal to them. The key to this process is listening and questioning.

       Do clients  have to love what I love?  NO! Are there projects that are easy for me?  Yes!  I love mid century modern styling and like to mix it with more contemporary pieces for a  clean edged  look with lots of neutrals, texture, splashes of colour and interesting lines to create quiet spaces.

       Can I create  traditional designs?  Yes!   How about eclectic?  Yes!  It's all about understanding the characteristics of these styles and working with the likes/dislikes of the homeowner.    

      Is there a decorator in your future? 

      Danish home with a romantic side

      Morning all! I was so excited to discover this Danish home as it was a while ago I featured a space with a soft romantic side. The home itself is beautiful in it's simplicity (original features, white canvas with brown accent). However, the chandelier and shabby chic style mirror in the sitting room, soft floral cushions in the bedroom and a candelebra with floaty lace curtains in the bathroom adds such a pretty, floaty feminine touch.






       




      With kind permission: Stylist: Katrin Martensen-Larsen from Kmldesign, photography Mikkel Adsbol
      We're currently moving our entire bedroom up one flight of stairs into a 40 metres open plan space - so exciting! I'm obivously driving my man nuts with all my bedroom moodboards! But I'm still a little stuck - do we go modern scandinavian or antique, floaty, romantic? Perhaps somewhere in between?

      Do you have two styles you can never choose between?!

      Jumat, 25 Januari 2013

      A dining space with a personal touch

      It's Friday yay! In case you're having friends over for supper this weekend I thought some dining room inspiration could be perfect (thoughtful, no?!). And who better to take inspiration from than Victoria from SF Girl By Bay with her fab sense of style (see her previous home here). 









      SF Girl By Bay with kind permission

      I love that Victoria's dining space is so personal. From the antique dining table, Tulip dining chairs and the vintage Eames rocker in the corner, to the collection of photographs, candle holders, and prints. What a lovely space to spend an evening with friends.

      What does your ideal dining room look like?

      This week I was interviewed by The People Stories about my work space, the article is up and running here. They have such a beautiful website, I'll definitely be keeping my eye on it in the future.

      I've had such a busy week I'm looking forward to some serious down time this weeked! Maybe a little ice-skating, some baking (I've promised to make Bear pops with my  girls) and lots of R&R! What about you?

      PS Just wanted to say how much I love all your comments, they are so interesting and add so much to every post. Thank you!

      Have a wonderful weekend!

      Kamis, 24 Januari 2013

      Old meets new in a Stockholm home

      It's all happening in Södermalm, Stockholm this week. So if you're looking for somewhere to live, this area of Sweden's capital city's got the place! Following Tuesday's all white affair, this beautiful apartment (which I found via one of my blog favourites, La Maison D'Anna G) has a lovely relaxed old meets new feel with a touch of industrial / shabby. 








      Burfors via La Maison D'Anna G

      So which style is more you - the fresh white or the relaxed old meets new?

      Me? I'm definitely for a little mix of old and new, I love an old floor with history like the ones they sell at The Reclaimed Flooring Co and antique / vintage pieces which tell a story. Plus if you're a bit messy (like I am) it this tyle is much more forgiving!
      PS Just a quick question before I leave, does your man / girl understand your love of Pinterest? My guy is finding it hard to grasp the context, or actually I think he gets it but doesn't actually get why. Oh how he's missing out!

      Rabu, 23 Januari 2013

      Kook; new on my wish list!

      One of my London friends is designing a bar which I'm sure will be fabulous once it's finished! This has got me really itnerested in bar and restaurant interiors. There are so many things to think about, from practicalities and ambience to location, economy, comfort and asthetics. Kook in Lazio, italy was designed byMohamed Keilani and Luca Gasparini from Noses Architects in 2012 and looks really wonderful. I can already see myself sitting on one of the leather chesterfields sipping on a cocktail waiting to be seated!










      
      Via Love is Speed
       What do you think (have you been here?!) Any aspect you particularly like? I'm all over the tiled floor and concrete surfaces.

      Do you have a restaurant in your city you would recommend? Here in Malmö I'd firmly recommend Bastard (book a month in advance) and in Copenhagen I've been longing to go to Noma.

      All this talk of restaurants is making me hungry.....:)
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