FOR THE LOVE OF CONCRETE

 

Today I am happy to share some experimental photo's I took last week in our garden.  It was a lovely sunny day and the light was bright and perfect for what I had in mind.    I had just finished my first concrete furniture piece (still have to seal it... hopefully today) and wanted to use that to try out my hand at a bit of styling.

And all I can say is that there is still a very long road ahead for me.  

To all the photographers and stylists and bloggers out there that so often share their beautiful and inspirational work - you are all so amazingly talented and thank you for keep inspiring novices and amateurs like myself.

This afternoon I will have another go, and perhaps try and create a slightly different mood and scene.

In these photo's are a few of my favorite things:

a Marimekko mug, 

a Bodum assam cast iron tea press, 

some inspirational books - one; the works of Saloua Rouda Choucair, a gift from a friend

a favorite quote

and some delightful tea-light holders by Broste Copenhagen

Images by me

IBIZA HOME WITH A BIT OF BALI FLAIR

 

 

I have never been to Ibiza... and sadly that's a fact.  

I would certainly love to visit the island and experience a bit of *Balearic Bliss* - perhaps more for the beautiful beaches and scenery than the all night parties... but then again a bit of a night out may be a welcome distraction right about now.

Indeed it's that time of year when we all start to dream up plans for our summer holidays; where we'd like to go and who with and when.... and we start exploring and finding dreamlike getaways like the minimalistic finca above.  

Now I did not know what 'finca' means, and for anyone else who may wonder - here's what Wikipedia says:  "A finca [ˈfiŋka] (Spanish for an "estate") refers to a piece of rural or agricultural land, typically with a cottage, farmhouse or estate buildings present, and often adjacent to a woodland or plantation. Especially in tourism the term has recently gained the colloquial meaning of a holiday home in a rural setting, situated on the Spanish mainland, the Balearics and the Canary Islands, and throughout the countries of Spanish-speaking Latin America. The fincas can typically look back on an extensive development history, and are often older than 300 years. In some regions however, though especially on the Balearics, new buildings are erected, which by their apparent style and settings, remind of, and are orientated along the lines of a finca."

Facing 180º sea views, terraces on different levels with more spectacular views and set on a 2000m2 plot within a natural protected bay with a hidden pebble beach down the mountain... oh and did I mention the pool?  

Looking at the beautiful interiors; this property has been tastefully modernized with lots of cool concrete, white modern furniture and rustic wooden pieces here and there adds just that tad of rustic charm to make this retreat top of my list!

Images via style-files and homedit

HANNAH LEMHOLT PHOTOGRAPHY

Today I am delighted to share some favorite images by a very talented photographer, Hannah Lemholt.  I have noticed her magical images a little while back; they are strikingly captivating and at the same time gentle and mysterious. After following the links I found her blog 'honepieLIVINGetc' - and what a treasure of beautiful photography and styling, subtle images captured in a magical dreamlike way... I am in awe...

I can truly say that up to now, I have not come across anyone who can capture a moment so beautifully; a moment that, in a second can capture your imagination and translate into a dreamlike story, something mystical and magical and just simply beautiful.  I am inspired each time I see Hannah's images and I think she sees the world beautifully too - I am very grateful to have stumbled upon such a talented and kind individual and I am happy that I may share these images with you all.

I hope you are inspired too... Hannah, thank you for being inspirational!

All images courtesy Hannah Lemholt, 'honepieLIVINGetc'

CONCRETE AND BLUE

Photo:  Lindé Davies

Tonight I'm very excited to finally share a sneak-peak of a little concrete project of mine.  All should be ready and sealed by the week-end.  I will share plenty more photo's then...

RELAXING OUTDOOR SPACES

These last  few days have really been feeling like springtime - fresh and bright and blue skies and sunny.  I have made the most of today and am working from the kitchen with the doors wide open and the fresh air and sunshine streaming in

I'm working from home because a couple of weeks ago I've had some unfortunate news:  I've been told that I have lost my job.  Quite a shock at first, but I guess there was really no other way- and I will write more about that at another time.  Some really great things have already happened in the two weeks since it all happened and I am so very grateful for some new opportunities that I can now explore.  I am working on some proposals for some new freelance work, and every now and then dipping into some inspiring blogs and off course *pinterest*.  Also started work on my first concrete furniture piece, it should be ready to photograph and share over the week-end... all I can say for now is that it's a lovely olivey-greeney-grey...

I have recently also found a beautiful and gentle and very inspirational blog called 'honeypielivingetc' and tomorrow I'll be sharing some of my favorite images by the author and photographer Hannah Lemholt. She is so very talented in all she sees and does and photographs and her blog is now a firm new favorite of mine... so please do check in again tomorrow

Have a lovely and sunny and bright day to all

x

ONICO BEAUTY SALON BY RYO ISOBE

This is 'Onico', a forest-like beauty salon in Osaka, designed by Japanese architect Ryo Isobe. The architect imagined the space as a magical woodland filled with antique objects and other curiosities, including a stuffed owl. 

I found these images on Dezeen while writing my Cool Copper Love blog post last week - and I just loved how original this was compared to more traditional Spa and Beauty salon's.  I love the scattering of birch trees that are wedged between the floor and ceiling.   And I can imagine this to be a real 'experience' and more than just a visit to a beauty salon.

"Our client likes DIY and he makes many objects and furniture by himself," said Isobe. "So we made the space as if it is a treasure hunt in the woods." 

Birch trees are dotted around the space, amongst a styling area containing assorted chairs and mirrors. A mixture of lanterns, chandeliers and bare light bulbs are suspended from the ceiling, while fairy lights are strung up beside a cluster of artificial ivy in the room behind. 

Other details include a decorative balustrade, empty picture frames and a golden dresser.

Did you spot that amazing concrete finish on the walls?

Images via the still blog and dezeen

http://www.dezeen.com/2013/03/02/onico-beauty-salonl-trees-ryo-isobe/

COOL COPPER LOVE

Wow... my Mac is now really slow... really really slow... I know and have known for a while that I will need to upgrade, and I guess I will need to look at this sooner rather than later, because what should have been a quick post all about 'Copper Love' and the latest trend of using copper and brass in interiors - has turned into almost an hour long struggle with not only a slow and unresponsive Mac, but also my gmail account keeps telling me I've signed in from another location.... Spooky...  I have now changed my password twice and every time I'm trying to log in I'm told it's the wrong password...

Anyhow, I'm here and logged in (for now) and think I need to get this done with before the morning is over!  Sorry for the uninformative post... but hopefully these images will inspire.  I think I'll be revisiting Cool Copper Love again soon, with a bit more flesh to the bone!

I have found some wonderfully inspiring copper and brass images from some wonderfully inspiring blogs and websites which you may find inspiring as well.

Images via: Paper & Stitch SF Girl by Bay Pink Flower Love Love Inspire Create

Easy Living Dezeen

MARIE OLSSON NYLANDER LIVES HERE

 

Today's beautiful home is by far the brightest and boldest and I may as well add, *most eclectic interior post* I have written thus far.... so dø enjoy!

This is the home of Swedish interior designer, Marie Olsson Nylander - what was a formerly shabby 1970's villa - has since had a fast transformation under the talented hand of Marie and her husband.  They decided to open up the entire lower floor, and create an open plan living space.

I love the exposed white washed beams, that front door, the rustic spiral staircase and the bright and bold colours, especially the blues... does really make one wish that spring will arrive in London soon!

via the designer pad 

HOLIDAY BLUES...

After a most wonderful and special 3 weeks with my family it's now back to life, back to London and back to reality...  And wow how quickly one's reality can change!

Some hard work ahead - and as for the work front some serious changes have happened in the past week.  Excited to see what's in store for me next.  And to anyone else out there with some uncertainties or challenges for the coming weeks... I hope the below quote will be just as inspiring to you as it has been to me.

Have a wonderful rest of week-end!

x