More wall inspiration: wainscoting

For some reason I never really liked wainscoting. I always considered it to be associated with a very traditional country style of interior design, until I saw this dining room pictured above. By painting stripes on the wainscot and using modern white furniture, it actually adds something extra to this room.  It is also an easy way to add texture to a room. If the cap is big enough it even creates space for paintings or other decoration.

When I decided that wainscoting can actually look very nice, without looking too country, I found more examples that I liked and wanted to share with you. What do you think? Would you use it in your home?

pictures (1)(2)(3)

Wall inspiration: geometric patterns

Oh I just love these walls, and want to try this at home! I love the geometric patterns and the soft color palettes that are used. But what shapes do I pick? and how do I make sure I do not paint outside of the lines? : ) Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with a project like this? Love to hear about it…

If you do not want to paint your walls, but do like the geometric patterns, check out the IXXI Loco special.  IXXI  is a decorative and flexible wall system using x’s and i’s to create your own personal collage or you can pick one of their cool products like the one below!

pictures via: (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)

and pinterest

Friday finds: converted farmhouse in Sweden

Its been a while, but I am back blogging! In the last couple of months a lot of things happened in my life. I am choosing a new path and feel good about it.  Blogging about things I love (interior design, styling, architecture) is something I really like and now that I have lots of ideas and energy I want to start again!

Lets start with this lovely converted farmhouse in Sweden. Its the home of Daniella and Fredrik and their kids. Daniella worked for IKEA for years, which you can clearly see in the choice of furniture. The color palette reminds me of my own home, lots of white and grey combined with natural materials. Look at the rough wall in the dining/living, giving the black and white room a warm feel. Add  to that a herringbone floor, mix and match chairs, black and white picture frames and pretty subtle styling..et voila…its not that hard to create a beautiful living space! What do you think?

all pictures via ikeafamililylive

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Copenhagen shopping

Last week I visited Copenhagen. I was great, its a beautiful city and the weather was cold but sunny! Of course I went sightseeing, but I spent most of the time shopping! I visited some really great interior design stores such as Hay house, Illums bolighus,  Magazin du Nord and Normann Copenhagen and fell (back) in love with Danish brands such as Ferm Living, Bloomingville and Muuto. Yet some of my best finds I found  in shops that were not on the list I made at home such as Liebe, Gronlykke, Plint (I do wonder why Roger Sterling (MadMen) is on the frontpage of their webshop?) and Helbak. Have you ever been to Copenhagen? What were your favorite interior design and home decor stores? I love to know, because I will be going back for sure!

When going over some pictures I took I noticed a theme; pastels. I love using pastel colors in my home because they add some subtle color and are easy to combine with neutral colors (white, grey, wood).

And after a long morning of shopping, it was time for coffee and cake in Cafe Norden.

White & bright colors

Today I really like this Danish home covered in Bolig magasinet. This home has a white and grey base but pink and yellow accents that brighten up the place.  The house also caught my eye because of  a some interesting elements that I will show you now. First, a playful effect is achieved by painting only one corner of the wall grey and placing picture frames at different heights.

Look how these tiles really brighten up this all white kitchen. Personally these are a bit too bright for my taste,  I would go for the aqua and blue tiles only (see also my post on kitchen tiles : )).

Don’t you think this bookshelf wallpaper looks fun in this dining room. Its perfect for small spaces and makes your room more cozy instantly.  Want to try it yourself? What about this vintage bookshelf wallpaper by Young and Battaglia. The white bookshelf wall paper would look great in these all white interiors.

pictures via bolig magasinet

sunday special: all white interiors

I always love interiors that are all white. They look beautiful in one color, fresh and serene, yet I think it is really hard to pull this look off without making a room look sterile and uninviting. I found some examples in which “all white” actually works (in my opinion : )). Combining different  materials (wood, tiles, a mix of fabrics) and different shades of white, add texture to a room. Collecting different objects (shapes, materials) in the same color, makes a room feel more like a home. I love the collection of all white objects by Petra Bindel below, because everything is in the same color, any object can be added to your collection. What do you think of white interiors?

– S

(1) (2+3) (4)(5)

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Winter pinspiration

I am back blogging after some time off including a really nice trip to London! But I did not stop pinning, because I just love it. Especially since I have the pinterest app on my iPhone, not a day goes by that I do not pin something.

Lately I have been pinning many interiors that show natural materials, shapes and colors (white, beige, brown). Colors and materials that really warm-up a room.

I really love the idea of wooden boxes for storage of books or tableware. You can put them anywhere and collect as many as you want. These shelves on the right by Muuto are just perfect and come in different shapes, colors and materials.

pictures: (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)

Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year! I am taking a break from blogging and will be on a short trip to London. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas time with friends and family!

-S

Entryway inspiration

When people enter your house, the first thing they see is the entryway. Yet often this space isn’t that inviting and doesn’t reflect the style of the rest of your home (as is the case in my home). There are several easy ways to decorate your hall way that I really like (and want to try). First, placing a long rug, makes this space look warmer and easily adds some color or pattern.

Make a statement: add some color by painting one wall or hang a large painting. I  love the way the coat rack  is placed just above where the grey paint stops.

A wooden bench in your hall is multifunctional and looks lovely in an all white space.  This bench by House Doctor looks just perfect. Big buttons on the wall are great to display your favorite bags or other accessories.

Hope you like it, have a lovely weekend! S

pictures: 1–2,3–4,5–6,7

check my pinterest for more entryway inspiration

Friday finds: Unstationary

I just love stationary.  I have a crazy washi tape collection and more sticky notes, note books and writing paper than I could use really. I collect the stationary mainly for its design, and when I do not use it I just love to look at it while working in my office. Pretty stationary makes me really happy. I also couldn’t stop looking at this great stationary line Unstationary by Dutch design duo Ontwerpduo. Do you like it too? what are your favorite stationary designers, brands? -S

pictures by Ontwerpduo

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