MUUTO REFLECT SIDEBOARD

Designer Søren Rose says "Reflect owes its stunning and unique look to the phenomenon that has inspired it: Scandinavia's natural light. The four corners of each front has a unique curve and thickness that contributes to the tray reflections. The design and craftsmanship also underlines the warm and natural feeling of the oak, it also sends a tribute to the masters of classic Scandinavian furniture craftsmanship. '  

Designer: Søren Rose is one of the hottest Danish designers and interior experts right now, and they have also discovered outside the country. For months he commuted between New York and Copenhagen to do his job, but at last he took the consequences of its success and established a design studio in NYC and moved over there. He initially worked on web design and is self-taught designer. In 2008 he started his own studio in Copenhagen, from which both performed furniture design, interior design and web design.

Info: The sideboard is made ​​of oak, and it is also available as black lacquered, l 180 xd 40 xh 69.5 cm.
You can buy it in MONK Shop, Torvegade 25, 1400 Copenhagen K.
See more at munkshop.dk .

http://munkshop.dk/
http://www.muuto.com/frontpage.aspx 

Image and text via urbankbh.dk
http://www.urbankbh.dk/stil/guide-koebenhavner-design-i-dit-hjem

GARRETT ECKBO (COURTYARD HOUSE) AND THE ART OF LANDSCAPE

I love outdoor spaces, courtyard spaces and interesting spaces with a bit of greenery.  This mid-century mansion is set on more than 2 acres in Holmby Hill (Southern California I think) and even though there are some hints here and there of mid-century design elements and furniture pieces - overall I felt the interiors just a bit overdone.

This wonderful courtyard on the other hand is just beautiful - inviting, spacious and a feeling of calm and tranquility; a lovely space to entertain in, but just a nice space to just relax in with a book and a cup of tea.  How wonderful is that tree growing into the courtyard and the proportions and colour tones are harmonious and well planned.

Images via LA Times

http://www.latimes.com/features/home/la-hm-garrett-eckbo-pictures,0,7993600.photogallery

DANISH MID-CENTURY MODERN HOUSE

I am so happy today - yesterday I finally managed to upgrade my Mac, and now I am working on a neat little Macbook Air - I can sit in the garden and work, or head out to a cafe, or take it along to meetings.  And best of all .... it is super speedy, and I have written this blog post in absolutely no time!  Very grateful for all of this.

I found these stunning images via the Scandinavian Retreat blog.  I think I would've been very comfortable to have lived in the 1950's - and even today still this style is so very timeless.  I have some furniture from that era; unfortunately they are in storage for the moment, but I know someday we will be reunited again.  In these images I love the whitewashed brick walls - and I also like the exposed brick walls, the open shelves and the minimalistic furniture - pretty much everything indeed!

Have a lovely day to you all - it's sunny and bright in London, and I am sat in the kitchen with the warm sun bursting in through the open doors.  Later on I will be doing some more concrete work outside, but first I have some project work to get on with...

Via Scandinavian Retreat

DAR BIBINE - TUNISIA

 

 

More images to entice all senses and this time to North Africa.  Dar Babine, a 4 bedroom boutique hotel is located on Djerba in Tunisia - and this seriously chic 'maison d'hotes' is packed with promise.

"Brilliantly white walls and cerulean blue doors impart a Greek island feel; the designer furnishings are straight off London’s Kings Road. It’s a bold design choice for this dusty village, where the locals travel by donkey and dress in long tunics, but the juxtaposition of the 2 is somehow cool.

Belgian owners Isabelle and Gérard spotted the houch (ancient house) in Er Riadh's medina 2 years ago; since then they’ve been carefully restoring it to be just so. It’s been a true labour of love and today it’s beautifully spruced up with a tranquil roof terrace, a small indoor pool and 4 stylish bedrooms. Antonio Citterio (of The Bulgari in Milan) has helped with design; Philippe Starck dressing tables sit alongside Descamps bathrobes. If you’re looking for an indulgent retreat and an insight to the culture that surrounds you, book in while you can. We think it’s going to be a big hit" quoted directly via I-Escapes listing.

I spotted Dar Babine on another lovely and inspiring blog called 'Lifestyle from Amsterdam to Marrakech'.  Blogger Melanie el Hadded also run a webshop called El Ramla Hamra with her husband.  Here you can find all kinds of original Moroccan interior accessories and home wares  - all sourced personally by Melanie and her husband.  Her blog has lots of really beautiful images and I am sure to visit again.

Images via Lifestyle from Amsterdam to Marrakech and  

Dar Bibine and 

I-Escape

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/