28 December 2014

Workspace Inspo

Yesterday was spent unwrapping and stashing away leftover Christmas presents.  There's still a few more to go through.  At the same time it calls for reorganizing closet spaces.  Don't know about you, but it doesn't seem to end in this house.

Minor frustration aside, the workspace corner continues to get ideas.  Remember I resulted to doing an affordable, krisp IKEA solution -- shown here.  My dream solution for a desk is really made of classic Scandinavian brand String.  But again, perhaps that budget will be met in the future digs.  At the moment perhaps stick to IKEA for a more budget-friendly outcome.  Besides, ALGOT can still imitate the String aesthetic for now.  So the inspo continues.










26 December 2014

Post Christmas; Budget Trending Hunt

What a wonderful Christmas holiday!  I hope you enjoyed yours to the fullest!  I don't remember receiving this many presents in the last few years.  Among the many, I got my dream turntable, some boots, and an Ann Demeulemeester bible-- just impressive!  I was blown away.  Needless to say, I spent Christmas day playing 30 year old records dug up from storage.  I was in heaven.

Back to reality, once the holiday hype tones down, it is time to renew and refresh some areas of the home.  Ah yes, the office corner with its out-of-control wires and stacks of paper…  Not sure how it happened, but it is beyond fixable and needs to get back into shape.  Looking into visiting IKEA for endless organization ideas!  Good ole ALGOT is currently 20% off, and coming in early 2015 is the new VALJE.











24 December 2014

20 December 2014

NY Kitchen Love

This Greenwich village brownstone got me thinking of what my dream kitchen really would look like.  Often I'd think it's all white.  Or is it all black?  Would it be minimalist? Or would I have industrial touches?  I normally like a combination of both open and closed storage, usually gravitating to a very clean Scandi style. Rustic textures a must!

Looking at these photos, I'd probably have matte black cabinets, white Carrara marble tops, long white 4" x 15" subway tiles, same open shelving statement using weathered rustic wood, all white and black crockery.  Large matte and solid dark floor tiles and black window trimming.  Tolix stools a definite yes.  I'd also add some Tom Dixon pendants above the island.






19 December 2014

Christmas Styling via IKEA Livet Hemma

Last call for Christmas styling, last call!  It's your last weekend to make it work.

Don't you just love it when styling heroes, interior designers, and your favorite photographers participate in IKEA's projects??  I'm ecstatic and swept away! Pella Hedeby does it again.  She captures IKEA in a very unique way.  Her Christmas styling its just one of many prime examples.






Styling Pella Hedeby
Photography Sara Danielsson
Livet Hemma



17 December 2014

Italian villa, a Chateau, or historical Scandi Castle

I got caught in the Christmas shopping frenzy!  Spent a week going through my list, and looking for heavily inspired and unique homes as well to share with you...

Perusing the web I kept running into the home of stylist Marie Olsson Nylander located in Skane, Sweden.  Needless to mention, I was immediately floored!  What a romantic, aristocratic space!  The eclectic mix is so tasteful.  The rough textures, vintage patina, but in modern compositions.  Is it an Italian villa?  A French chateau?  Or some ancestral, historical Scandi castle? You decide.  Whatever it is, we can all agree it's a dream.












07 December 2014

More of White Christmas

I admire artists who explore old objects in their home "stash" to create something new.  A simple thing can create visual impact.  Daniella Witte's simple white and green approach communicates yuletide greetings without getting too fussy.  Also, IKEA's GRUNDTAL rail can do so much!  Don't you just love it?!

As you know Danille Witte is one of my Scandinavian heroes, as I've blogged about her in the past. She was also featured here and here.










06 December 2014

Black + White Xmas

Can't help but love those that can do black + white Christmas theme so well!  As I peruse the web for ideas I came across this amazing DIY project.  I'm sure if you're very good with your hands this can be easily achieved!





Find instructions on My Dubio.




05 December 2014

'COS We Celebrate

Pardon the pun, but I haven't been this excited about a store opening in years!  It's good enough reason to celebrate!  COS is finally opening its doors in Soho here in New York City.  Just in time for the holidays.














04 December 2014

Nordic Christmas inspires me...

Each year I am mostly inspired by the Nordic style of winter holiday decorating.  I seem to gravitate to the same rustic look.   Goes all the way back to the days when I adored Martha Stewart table settings (it's true!) and farm tables set up in her stables.  

This renovated school outside of Leksand, Sweden is the perfect holiday setting!    I can't wait to decorate my branches again!