Senin, 07 Januari 2013

Guest post: Feel Inspired, Iceland

Hi everyone! I'm Dagný Björg the blogger from Feel Inspired. I was absolutely thrilled when Niki contacted me regarding doing a guest post for her blog, this is my first time doing this sort of thing. Normally when I see guest posts on blogs they usually show bits and corners of the writers home, but I don't have any proper pictures of mine - need to get on that. So after a long time of browsing through homes I stumbled upon this one which I really like and I thought it would be fun to share in this post. It's located in Gothenburg and with it's white and neutral color scheme it's really quite charming. I really like all of the details in the decorations, see the stripes underneath the coffee table for instance. 







Alvhem
Hope you enjoyed and hope to see you on my Feel Inspired blog. Love, Dagný Björg.

Minggu, 06 Januari 2013

Guest post: Nina's beautiful Norwegian home

Hi everyone! I´m Nina, the girl behind Stylizimo.com - the community site where we all can share our home to inspire each other. I love to inspire and since sharing inspiration is what I also do for a living, I thought I might as well share some corners of my home here in Norway as inspiration for you today.


I hope my home gave you some new decorating ideas..

You´ll find more pictures of my home on my blog or on my website Stylizimo.com - I hope to see you there!

Love,
Nina Holst

Sabtu, 05 Januari 2013

2013 decor trends with staying power

Here are predictions for 2013 that should  have some staying power.....

Geometric patterning
Really, geometric patterning has never  gone out of style; it has periods of resurgence and 2012-13 seems to be one of those periods.


Pantone's colour of t he year 2013 (Emerald) in a  geometric trellis pattern  with a botanical motif on cushions.  I've always loved the look of florals and other nature inspired themes  with geometrics.What is fresher than white and green?

Nature motifs 
Naural elements run the gamut from  flora or fauna to stones and seashells.  Use of feather motifs and faux furs are on the upswing .   Look for botanical or animal motifs in art,  fabrics, or accessories. 



 Peacock feathers are everywhere lately.  I just saw a great display on the Pier 1 website and here's another selection.  The colours are so fresh; you can't go wrong with a peacock blue accent in your home.  It works with so many colours from chocolate brown to cream.

 
 Laurie Pearson 

More feathers, but this time the real thing used as a centerpiece.  

 Etsy
Found treasures on a lovely printed runner. 

 source 



And feathers lead to birds of every variety.  The lovely black and white accent chair or the graphic bird sheets  would work well with bold pops of colour - remember the peacock blue? 

Lighter hardwood floors 
I know everyone was talking about dark, dark, dark floors and cabinets over the last several years, but the trend is swinging back quickly.  That doesn't mean you have to follow it.  Go with what you love.  Personally you would never get me to put dark wood in my home - too oppressive and heavy.  Whatever is in style my floors will be as light as I can get them. 



A move back to lighter and mid tone woods especially bamboo is  trending in the new year. Bleached  and grayed woods are everywhere.  Lighter tones are so much easier to decorate around and they provide a more expansive look  in smaller homes than the darker woods of the last several years. From Veranda magazine..."When wood flooring is reclaimed or has the look of being previously used even if it wasn't, it has a softer quality that allows it to blend in as another neutral without calling too much attention to itself or instantly drawing your eye downward."

Resurgence in gold toned accents


 

 Gold finishes are becoming more prevalent  in  furniture, lighting, and hardware.  They work especially well with complex grays and dark chocolate browns.

Open walls in kitchens

Pinterest 

Much of what is trending in kitchen design comes to North America from European design centres.  Travelling provides a glimpse into how different our kitchens are when compared to those in Europe where lighter and sleeker looks prevail. Slab doors, no handles etc.  Be prepared for a decrease in upper cabinets and more open space, supported by larger pantry areas.

Backsplash to the ceiling 

 Style at Home

With the appearance of open spaces on walls above the stove or around a window, tiling goes to the  ceiling. Stainless backsplash tiles in both glossy and matte finishes are popular and will have good staying power as long as stainless appliances are around.  They work with wood and light cabinets. 

Mixed colours in cabinets


 Cabinets in two colours are currently trendy, but be careful that you don't create problems in balance when you have high contrast colours.  Be especially careful of this look in smaller spaces where it can look very chopped up.

 Houzz

 A darker island is always an option if you want to use two colours. Visual weight can be balanced by other darks in the space.

Reclaimed materials/eco friendly 

 Stylizimo

The patina of reclaimed materials adds depth to a neutral scheme. Repurposing, recycling and reusing  has been a strong trend for a number of years now and will continue as an earth friendly alternative to the consumption of new materials.  In eco- friendly style only the basics are considered necessary and a  less cluttered, more zen-like environment is created.

 
 Pinterest 

 You will often see the use of simple materials  paired with more upscale objects like the zinc lamps and upholstered ottoman. You can create an interesting room by blending objects of low and high prices, textures and design elements.

Kamis, 03 Januari 2013

Beautiful Italian designer's studio

As the new year rolls in and most of us have either started or just about to return to work, it's time to dream about beautiful work spaces. This artist's studio in Reggio Emilia, Italy is simply stunning and the perfect base for Secondalinea, an upcycling furniture design company owned by Giovanni Mazza and Francesca Dalla Costa. Would you call it work if you sat here everyday?









Photography: Fabrizzio Cicconi via French By Design
I am in love with every item in the entire studio, simply beautiful pieces! What about you?

Speaking of work I'm heading off for a few days next week but don't worry, I won't be leaving you high and dry - I've asked some fabulous Scandinavian bloggers to write guest posts while I'm away! First off is the talented Nina from Stylizimo blog on Monday.

Before I head off I've got some exciting news too, a new sponsor! A big warm welcome to Loja Dada, a fab online shop selling children's clothes with attitude for 0 to 6 year olds! If you get the chance pop by and check out their very cool shop (shhh - the sale starts Monday!). 

Have a wonderful weekend all!

The funky side of London

Today is my last day in London before heading back to snowy Sweden. I thought it was only fair to do a small nod to the Big Smoke in today's post as I've had such a great stay. These spaces have been designed by London based interior design firm Precious McBain and have a definite touch of funkiness. It's not my usual style but if a new year's not for challenging your minds and to spread your interior design wings what is?






Precious McBain via Desire to Inspire

Although I'm not sure I could go for an all out patterned wall like the one shown I could definitely live with the furry pouff, light grey marbled bathroom with pretty glass cabinet and of course those fantastic views of my favourite city in the world. Bye bye London, I'll be back soon :)

PS Thanks for all your wonderful tips yesterday on where to go for design in Helsinki - I can't wait to go now! Exciting to hear all your get-away plans too, so many places to visit, such little time....

Rabu, 02 Januari 2013

If you're going to Helsinki....

On my list of places to go in 2013 is Helsinki, Finland. I absolutely love Finnish design and Helsinki is teeming with fantastic design shops and museums.






The Finnish Design Shop 'pop-up' shop in Helsinki which I think is now closed. But keep an eye out on their website for more pop up shops!

Have you been to Helsinki? (Or are you lucky enough to come from Helsinki?) Perhaps you can give me some tips?!

Which city do you have top of your list for 2013?

Have yourselves a very merry Wednesday all and I'll see you tomorrow!

Selasa, 01 Januari 2013

Happy New Year 2013!

Wishing you all a fantastic new year full of love, laughs, happiness, creativity and beautiful design!


Source


PS I found this photo on Pinterest, it's so cute don't you think?!

Tonight I'm going to plan my new year's resolutions, do you have any?
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