The Scans know best!

My trip to Oslo a few years back made me realize not only that design is an integral part of Scandinavian living, but also that children are integrated in everything that the Scans do as well.  There is always a kids' corner everywhere, whether it's a department store, a cafe, or a restaurant.  And surprisingly, using white as a main colour, with accents of bold colours and patterned fabrics!  

I am inspired by the home of Daniella + Fredrik.  I came across their home once again on IKEA family live.  It has a clean black + white palette that I love, wood accents, concrete, vignettes of various objects, industrial work lamps, and great art.  They used IKEA pieces mixed in with old collections.  All in all, it has a sophisticated appeal, interjected with humour and overall warmth.

 

IKEA family live

Modern Paris

Once upon a time when I lived in my parents' modern country home, my bed was a vintage hospital cot with a frame made of old pipes and the bed surface of bamboo caning.  My storage cabinet which belonged to my grandfather was beat-up with layers of paint peeling off.  I thought they were the coolest things!  My fixation with loft living started in the early 90s.  I bought "The International Book of Lofts" in NYC...  I visited The Candy Factory model homes in Toronto during my days off.  My appreciation for industrial touches stayed with me since then.  

I just looove converted spaces!  Tucked somewhere in the Bastille district in Paris, this flat was once a workshop.  I adore the exposed brick wall-- both raw and painted, the rusty metal staircase with perforated sheets...  Just about everything!  I could go on and on.  The best part is the mix of glossy and rough finishes.

french by design

Photography Nicolas Matheus

Modern Morrocco

Nothing is more intriguing to me than Morrocco.  The architecture is different than anything I have seen.  The courtyards, the pools, the arches, and layer of patterns and colours.  Made of mud and clay, mixed with ornate wooden carved walls, columns, doors and Moorish windows, it is so mysterious and often surreal to those who have never visited. The book Modern Morrocco illustrates the varied architecture and interior design.  It was the beginning of this endless curiosity.

This Marrakech home was featured in Weranda magazine.  Built in 1790, it was originally part of a mosque.  I am especially drawn to these types of white structures reflecting Mediterranean influence.  The mix of modern furniture pieces makes it even more alluring!  The travel bug hits me once again...

79 ideas

Photographs by katarina malmström

Kitsch

/kiCH/

noun

• art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way.  
  
  
  Simply type "kitsch" on google images and have fun with what's in store...
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  I must admit I have my own share of that gaudy garishness...  
  
  

  

  Meet Benji Franklin