searching for the simple refinement in everyday things
Not too hard to guess what I’m looking forward to, is it? My goal for the spring is to create my own little indoor garden. Preferably one that is impossible to kill (given my record with household plants). Any suggestions as to what I should include?
Pictures from justina blakeney / decor8 / mike verbijlen / craftzine / purple area / apartment therapy
I discovered the work of stylist Susanna Vetro via Trendenser, a lovely Swedish blog. Girl’s got skills, yo.
I’m especially loving the stark contrast of the above pictures, but there’s plenty of eye candy on her website if you’re more of a color kind of girl (or guy). Definitely worth a gander!
I am trying to decide how to put up our art on the large wall in our living room, and it turns out that this is an agonizing decision for me. Every time I think I have committed to something, I see another picture that makes me doubt my original decision.
I love, love, love the floor to ceiling look, but I did that it in our last house so I am feeling a little “been there, done that” about it. But, I see all of pretty pictures like these and I think it’s not so bad to stick with something if you love it.
The Old Brand New / The Selby / The Selby / Hus och Hem / Remodelista
The cluster I could get behind because it’s really just a toned down, reined in version of the above option. It still has the whimsy, especially when the art seems to trail off, almost like there’s much more to the story! Another positive – it doesn’t require such an extensive art collection.
From the Right Bank / Rue Mag / Decor8 / Hilda Grahnat / Mint / Emily Henderson
The type-A in me likes the order and neatness of the straight rows.
Bolaget Inspiration / Sköna Hem / Lonny Mag / Rue Mag / Dress Design Decor
Argh, thought this would help. Not so much. My goal is to have the outlines up this week, so I’ll keep you posted on how it turns out…
My collection of favorites from last week’s wandering:
Mark and Sally Bailey, a couple who have made a living for the past 25 years by “upcycling” industrial scraps and other peoples’ trash, share this home in the English countryside. Called Whitecross farm, it was built in 1764 and now serves as their home and boutique. You can tell from the pictures that they have a sincere appreciation for the character inherently present in older things – from the furniture they collect to the house itself.
I am usually not a fan of the rugged, industrial look because it just never feels or looks cozy to me, but in this case I can admit I’m wrong. The small collections, earth toned palette and beautiful textiles bring a definite feeling of home. My hands down favorite room, though, is the bedroom. The African textiles set against a background of white walls and old yellow paint peeking through in the ceiling is, in my book, absolutely perfect. You can read more about the house (in Swedish) here at Sköna Hem.
I stumbled across this apartment today and it made me smile. I found a section of Marie Claire Maison called Visites Privées, and though I can’t remember most of the French I studied, I’m pretty sure this means “Private Viewings.” So, I think it’s a private look into Europe’s elite, which I am totally down for (if you recall I kind of like to stalk people with more money than me). This is the home of Anne Geistdoerfer, a Parisian architect, and I just love her use of color. The colors she uses are bold (see lime green and fuchsia), but they are tempered by lots of neutral features so it’s not at all overwhelming. I dig it.
Seriously, who wouldn’t want a bright pink sink? What are your thoughts?
Bolaget is a realty company in Sweden who (I think) takes some of the best pictures of homes and flats for sale. I love going to their website and just browsing their listings – the styling and photography never disappoints and I always end up getting an idea or two.
Today is my lucky day because I just discovered that they have an “Inspiration” section on their website where they have collected some of their best pictures over the years. Here are some of my faves:
I normally don’t like a lot of pink, but that last room just made me smile today. Hope you have your own Sunday Funday!
Sweden in winter is a lesson in different shades of gray – gray skies, gray slush, gray moods. That’s why this month’s picks are decidedly un-gray. If I can’t have blue skies outside, I shall create my own land of perpetually cheerful blue-ness…
For the Home:
For Me:
Still not convinced? Just look at these pictures and try not to smile…
Images via N.E.E.T. Magazine, Bolaget Realty, Pinterest
Images via Hus & Hem & Pinterest
In the fall of 2010, my husband and I made a big decision. We would sell our house and all of our possessions – that’s right, ALL of our possessions – and move to Sweden. Overwhelming? Of course. Exciting? Yes! But most of all, liberating. A tabula rasa; clean canvas; blank slate. Oh the freedom! I could now justify getting rid of those 1970s-in-a-bad-way dressers, that guest bed we hated but it was free, that “artwork” my husband couldn’t possibly part with…
I can hear your collective gasp of excitement! I too am ecstatic about finding that perfect flat and creating the house of my (ever-evolving) dreams. While in the house of my reality (a 300 square foot flat that is virtually empty), I will amuse myself with daydreams of all the things I will do when that day comes. I invite you to join me on my adventure!
We begin with some wishful thinking…
Those windows!
Nice and simple
Those antlers...that green chair!
Sigh. That is all.
Now this is a bookcase.
Kitchen envy
First four pictures courtesy of Bolaget. Last picture courtesy of Bülows.
