Hello friends! I could go on and on about my trip to Stockholm and virtually drag you to every interesting street and shop but I don’t want to bore you with too much Stockholm talk. Ok, just one one more post….!

There are literally a zillion fun stores in Stockholm but today I am going to share two of my “secret” shops that are must visits for me whenever I go back to my old hometown — Garbo Interiors and Ebba & Jag (“Ebba and I”). None of them are painfully flashy, overly trendy, nor intimidating stores. I just find them interesting, tasteful, inviting and filled with unique things.

Garbo Interiors is located in my Mom’s neighborhood, Ostermalm, a lovely and classy downtown neighborhood filled with many nice design destinations.

Garbo Interiors offers classic high-end Swedish antiques and vintage furniture mixed with lovely accessories for the home. This store has many followers among interior designers and stylists. And rightfully so. It is just a gorgeous store!

Ebba & Jag is situated in Sodermalm, the neighboord where I was staying on my recent trip. I love this happening area which is filled with vibrant and funky stores and good places to eat.

Ebba & Jag is more of a lifestyle store and the lovely owner Mona and I have connected over the years and always give each other warm hugs when I pay a visit. (And we both just learned that one of Mona’s close friend’s happens to be one of my big brother Erik’s old girlfriend’s who we loved and viewed as part of our family! A crazy small world!).

Mona mixes Swedish antiques and vintage furniture with fashion from young Swedish designers and a bunch of other things she likes from around the world. I buy something every single time I visit this store and I always bring back a fashion item as a gift to my dear girlfriend Stacey in Seattle.

On my last trip I came home with several pieces of clothing by the Swedish brand Melmelli. These thin, high quality long cotton tunics are super comfortable and and look fabulous on. I have been wearing these tunics a lot this summer.

So, when you visit Stockholm — please don’t miss these two lovely stores. And if you meet Mona with “Ebba & Jag”, make sure to say hi from me!

Hello friends. I am now back to my daily routine — for real. Recharged and happy, summer is sadly officially over for us in Seattle and my children are ready for school equipped with tanned legs, new back packs and shiny shoes. I want to thank you all for the support you gave me during the summer months when I, at times, felt like a lousy blog friend. To my surprise, the blog statistics even show that my traffic is up quite a bit. I don’t know if I deserve it but thank you, thank you!

Now, let’s jump right back into business.

It is hard to miss the “Industrial trend” that has been going on in the design world for a little while — galvanized steel products combined with rough wood and a vintage look & feel. We have also seen a lot of educational posters coming back in vogue.

When visiting Stockholm a few weeks ago, I found a fun store around the corner from the apartment I was staying in, called “Brandstationen” (The Firestation). The store is jam packed with lovely and funky, mainly Swedish, vintage design things.

In one of the corners I found a whole stack of lovely vintage classroom posters. I put one on hold.

A few days later, I finally got to meet this lovely lady who I met in the virtual blog world about a year ago (thanks to our Ally!) . Her name is Mia and she is the stylish and creative soul behind the must read blog Solid Frog. 

I had invited Mia to join me in a design project (I will tell you more about that later) and she drove up to Stockholm with her family to meet up with me. This picture is taken about 20  minutes after we had officially met for the first time and what do I do? I drag her into my newly discovered store to look at vintage posters! No wonder we connected!

Mia and I spent the entire day together and it felt like we had known each other for 20 years. Later in the evening we went out with a couple of my close friends in Stockholm – and the fun just continued!

Anyway, Mia gave one of the educational posters a big nod and it came home with me. I find it very unique with its black dramatic background (I have never seen one like this before. It reminds me of Josef Frank’s famous fabrics). I think it requires a white wall and the guest room might just be the perfect space. I will share with you later where it ends up. Meanwhile, I am just enjoying the colors and the fun details. The poster is from the 40′s and shows all the intricate elements of a Violet. (There is a cheat chart in the back for the teacher). Very often these posters were made by well known Swedish artists.

With all the beauty it offers it also makes me stop in my tracks and reflect a little. Schools (in fact our entire society) are moving away from real books and anything that requires manual (or should we say real?) effort. Instead web based classroom education seems to be the future. I can’t help but wonder what that will do to our kids’ use of their senses? Will they even learn to see in color? I think this poster is a stunning piece of art and I would like to think that the students back then were inspired when the teacher went thoroughly through all the elements of this beautiful flower. Will beauty and art be lost in this web crazy, social media and often surreal world?

I am holding on to my old educational poster and it will work as a reminder to myself  making sure that my kids are exposed to a lot of color and realness in their daily lives.

Before I end today I would like to extend a big thank you to the lovely Manvi, Lana, Charlotta and Mackenzie who all helped out with the second batch of guest posts. You are all oh so so talented and always kind and mega supportive.

Thank you all — it is good to be back in the saddle again!

Images via:

1. Apartment Therapy, 2. Apartment Therapy, 3. Hannis Hem. 4. Olands Byggnadsvard, 5. Unknown (sorry!). All the rest via Splendid Willow.

This will be the last guest postcard for this summer. I hope you have enjoyed the series!

Hi, Charlotta here from Space For Inspiration! 

 My personal summer postcard to you is sent from:

Though my heart beats for Swedish Summer (the best in the world!), this little post card is stamped in Sydney Australia. Where I happen to live!

Despite being mid August, it is Winter here in Australia. Not at all warm or sunny! As if that is going to stop me from sending you my Sydney Summer greetings..!

The one thing you can’t miss when visiting this unique and fun city is:

 A ‘Sydney Harbour Bridge climb‘!

Not only is it incredible to climb onto a world-famous icon from 1932 (!), but also an exciting rush to stand 134 meters (440 ft) above the sparkly waters of the harbour and see this breathtakingly beautiful city beneath.

Climbing the bridge was one of the first things I did when I moved here from London 11 years ago, and something I definitely would do again!

My way of relaxing this summer:

One of my favourite Summer past-times is hosting and/or attending alfresco parties, and let me tell you, the Sydneysiders are great at this!

Be that a lazy afternoon BBQ, a poolside snack, a spontaneous picnic dinner on the beach, a full garden party, or a boat trip to the famous Sydney fish markets for some fresh seafood, I just love the idea of fun, uncomplicated and relaxed gatherings in the gorgeous outdoors!

In my opinion, the perfect hostess gift:

In my mind bringing a good bottle of wine is mandatory, and in the heat of the Australian Summer I love drinking a nice cool glass of Chardonnay from the legendary Leeuwin Estate Art Series.

Aside from, and in addition to the wine, I think Summer is the perfect time to be creative and fun with the hostess gifts. You know, a little more playful and casual than the more formal gifts that tend to come with Wintery events. One thing I love giving to friends with a garden is a hammock. I know no one who doesn’t love this restful way of spending an hour or so in the shade of a great tree, with a good book and cool drink! A gift that can be enjoyed by the whole family – old as young.

An absolute must read book this summer:

A book I have read many times and that I can warmly recommend to all & any of you is the legendary ‘Siddharta’. Written by German born, Swiss writer & artist Hermann Hesse in 1922, this book is beautiful and full of wisdom that is relevant to people of all cultures and ages. The perfect company for those lazy hours in the hammock..!

You will find me dreaming about this design item from my hammock (I want it so badly!)

Mamma Mia! What to choose.. The Hermes ‘Cape Cod’ watch? A set of Tom Dixon copper pendants for the dining room? A set of antique floor-to-ceiling mirrors like these, in Martina Arfwidson’s home?

Hmmm.. no, this Summer (ahem.. Winter..), I am dreaming of a large print of Nick Brandt’s ‘Buffalo Group Portrait – Amboseli, 2006‘. I saw this amazing shot in a 2m x 1m format at the fabulous Shapiro Gallery only a couple of weeks ago and I felll in love instantly!

With that I wish you all a fabulous rest of the Summer!

Sydney is slowly easing its way through the last of Winter, and soon I too will be skipping around barefoot and tanned! The fleeing weeks of relaxed and carefree enjoyment of Summer pass too quickly. Live in the moment, to the fullest, and have fun!

xx Charlotta

(For more on Charlotta and her fabulous blog go here).

Images for postcard art via: 1. Flickr, 2. Flickr, 3. Flickr (insert of photo by Splendid Willow).  

Hi, Lana here from Lanalou style!

 My personal summer postcard to you is sent from:

Cape Town, I’m so lucky to live in this beautiful city, there are so many amazing things to see and do here.

The one thing you can’t miss when visiting this city is: 

I can’t limit it to one, there’s so much to see! Here are a few musts: A trip to Cape Point Nature Reserve for walks, picnics, views and beautiful beaches. A day trip to the local wine farms for wine tasting and al fresco lunches. And definitely a visit to The Old Biscuit Mill on a Saturday for the best organic farmers market.

Photo credits: by Lana

My way of relaxing this summer:

Will be to have lots of picnics outdoors, walks on the beach and reading!

In my opinion, the perfect hostess gift:

Would be some fun paper napkins which are always useful to have and a small bunch of flowers

An absolute must read book this summer:

I’ve finally got my hands on a copy of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson and I can’t wait to start reading it! I’m sure I’m going to love this trilogy!

You will find me dreaming about this design item from my hammock (I want it so badly!): 

I’d love to have a Jielde desk lamp for my little office, I just love their classic design and bright colours!

Image credits: Caravanstyle and remodelista

Wishing you all a fabulous Summer and a great holiday for you, Mon!

Lana xoxo

(For more on Lana and her fabulous blog go here).

Images for postcard art via: 1. Flickr, 2. Flickr, 3. Flickr (insert of photo by Splendid Willow).  

Hello dear friends of the lovely Monika. Nice to meet you all. My name is Manvi with Mochatini. It is always a pleasure to be invited here by Monika.

My personal summer postcard to you is sent from: St Thomas

The one thing you can’t miss when visiting St Thomas,USVI is: 

Sailing aboard Lady Lynsey for a snorkeling cruise to St. Johns.

My way of relaxing this summer:

Enjoying the beach, reading books, sailing, and cocktails!

In my opinion, the perfect hostess gift: 

In addition to two staples, wine and flowers, I love to gift the hostess something to pamper herself with such as luxurious scented bathsoaps and salts. I love this bathball trio from sabonnyc.com

An absolute must read book this summer:

Finding time to read a book is big challenge for me. This summer I want to pick up “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson.

You will find me dreaming about this design item from my hammock (I want it so badly!):

Everyone probably already knows this one about me, but I am constantly dreaming about a Cellula chandelier from dwr!

Mon, thanks so much for including me in this fun fun series. I hope you are having a lovely vacation! xo Manvi.

 (For more on Manvi and her fabulous blog go here).

 Images for postcard art via: 1. Flickr, 2. Flickr, 3. Flickr (insert of photo by Splendid Willow). St Tomas images via Mochatini.

Good new week to you all!

During my stay in Stockholm I stayed at my former boyfriend’s (Mr. E) apartment on Sodermalm in Stockholm. Although we went separate ways many years ago he is still one of my closest friends and also a good friend of my husband.

I met Mr. E (he is anything but formal (!) — but pretty private so I am going to keep it that way) when I was fairly young and there is no doubt in my mind that my design style — that is truly me — formed during our long relationship. Mr. E loves art and has a most exqusite collection. When we met, his style at home was all contemporary with nothing old in sight.

I wanted more warmth and “personality” in his/our home, and perhaps a little of what I was used to from my home, so I made him purchase (poor man!) his first real antique – this beautiful Swedish 18th century console table, as a contrast to Olle Baertling’s oil painting from 1960. This was exactly 20 years ago, folks. He thought I was crazy at first but he went along for the ride. The vignette is still in his home and is, in my opinion, as beautiful and current as only great classic pieces can be. 

(I am sorry for the horrible image.Yikes! But I am still going to show it because it is key for those of you who might be interested in understanding my style).

Olle Baertling (1911 – 1981) was one of the Nordic countries’ leading and most internationally oriented artists of the postwar era. His paintings have become modernist icons.

(Olle Baertling via internationally recognized Swedish art gallery Nordenhake).

Yes, of course I follow trends but the core of my personal style, the mix of old and new, I will always remain faithful to. And the starker the contrasts the better. I am not saying that my style is good or right (if there even is such a thing).  But it feels good in my heart. At the time I did not see this elsewhere, I did not copy somebody else, it just came naturally a long time ago. And it still feels right to me. Having said that, I have tons of respect for other styles and appreciate and like many, many other ways of decorating. There are so many things out there that I love!

The TV area consist of Swedish sofas and classic Bruno Mattson chairs and table. And everywhere you look — lovely art.

I can spend all day sharing Mr. E’s art collection, today I am just showing a few of the pieces that I find very special. He loves sculptures and this bronze torso by Swedish sculptir Claes Hake is a a favorite of his. The art work on the wall is by famous American artist Quitman.

This art piece is an absolute favorite of mine. It is called the “cross” and is by Curt Asker. It is made of metal and forms the best shadows on the wall. I think it is absolutely stunning and wish I could afford one myself! (Mr. E once gave me a small wall art piece by Asker that I treasure so).

A corner view of the office. The bronze statue (3 ladies) in the back is by the well established French artist Louis Canes. I had the opportunity to meet him several times in Paris together with Mr. E.   He is just the nicest man. He is very tall, I can report, and quite funny! On the wall is an installation by American artist Kohlner.

Can’t remember the artist behind the black and white artwork. But I like it!

Pablo Picasso — 1881-1973 (etching).

A hanging sculpture by Swedish artist  Lars Englund, one of the best known Swedish contemporary artists.

An oil painting by legendary cuban artist Wilfredo Lam (1902-1982).

Lucio Fontana’ s (1889-1968) signature slashed papers. (Bad image again, sorry).

An oil painting by American artist Jonathan Lasker (widely regarded as one of the most influential abstract painters in the United States).  He came to Mr. E’s summer home a couple of times. He thought that our midsummer rituals (think lots of schnaps and marinated herring!) were the most exotic things. It was crazy fun to see this creative New Yorker sitting in the blooming back yard equipped with black sunglasses and a small black hat (think the Blues Brothers!) and take in the Swedish summer! He is a hoot!

I absolutely love this bronze horse head by Henrik Allert, one of the most outstanding ceramic sculptors in Sweden today. It is stunning, paired with the soft yellow painting by an American artist (unknown).

I can go on and on about Mr. E’s art collection and his exellent feel for good art. I feel so blessed to call him a very close friend and I have learned so much from him over the years including all the time we spent time running in and out of art galleries and museums and all the homes we renovated and decorated. He has been and will always be my no. 1 art guide.

When I write this I wonder if my style would have been different had we never met.

On Wednesday I am taking another week off — but this time with family. And that will be the last trip this summer. We are heading to Oregon coast (Bandon) to enjoy some quality time with family.

While I am diving in sand dunes, you will hear from a few more wonderful blog friends who will share their Summer Postcards with us. Please, check in and see what they have to share! (I know I will be checking in for new books to read!).

Hugs to you all! I am back mid next week with more reporting from my trip to Stockholm.

Image 1. via Flickr. Photos interiors via Splendid Willow.

Hello friends. I have missed you all! I am finally back and settled after my whirlwind trip to Stockholm. A very social and fun 10 days that turned into 14 days after I missed my flight back!

Those extra four days gave me a mini vacation outside of Stockholm where I stayed with my close sister-friend Sanne in her lovely home and finally got to breathe somewhat normally after my hectic city program and enjoy the summer in Swedish style (think laying in the hammock and reading Swedish gossip magazines, enjoying long walks by the water and eating wonderful Swedish food).

The plan for my departure was that I was going to go to bed early in the evening before I had to head to the airport at 3:00 in the morning and fly back to the US. That plan was interrupted at 10:30 pm by major thunder and lightning.

We are talking I thought the entire house was going to be whisked away! Only Sanne, her son Ludvig and I were home and the three of us huddled together in our pyjamas near the front door while we listened to sparks in the electrical cables along the floors and saw the house at times light up like a major Christmas tree! Sleep was no longer on the agenda.

(My dear friend Sanne and her son stick together during severe lightning!)

After that major lightening show came the rain. And boy did it pour.

Rain had already been on my mind. I had been looking all over Stockholm for some stylish “city” rain boots to wear in my rainy home town Seattle. I like the Hunter boots but this petite lady has stubbornly muscular calves and can’t get slim fitted boots to fit nicely. Just a couple of days before my departure I settled for some stylish rain boots by the Danish designer Ilse Jacobsen. (She also makes lovely shoes and clothes).

The rubber boots come in all kinds of lovely colors.

I was eyeing the blue ones but came home with a pair in camel color. I love them!

There you have it. My first post after my fun trip. And all I talk about is rain boots! But I have lots more to share with you from my trip.

Before we meet again I would like to thank my beautiful blog friends from Laura Casey Interiors, Belgian Pearls, A Perfect Gray and The Zhush for filling in while I was trotting the streets of Stockholm. You are always the best!

And to all my wonderful readers — enjoy your week and thank you for the lovely comments while I was away. You are all very generous!

Images: No. 1 via Flickr, no. 2 via Flickr, no. 4. via Splendid Willow, no. 5 via Flickr

My personal summer postcard to you is sent from:

 

Sea Island, Georgia. We have been going down to this lovely resort off the coast of Georgia, with our family for the past three summers, and plan on returning. In a word: fabulous!

 

The one thing you can’t miss:

 

I love traditions, and Sea Island is rich with them. One thing you can not miss, is enjoying a cocktail, at sunset over the Sea Island sound (outside of the “Lodge”).

 

Every Thursday night, a bagpipe player roams the grounds, and he plays his beautiful music until the sun goes down. You sit on Adirondack chairs, sip your Mojitos, and its pure magic!

 

 

My way of relaxing this summer:

 

With three children (ages 10 – 4) there really isn’t a whole lot of relaxing going on around here… However I was lucky enough to escape to a Spa with friends, this summer, and it was truly heaven!

I also love to catch up with friends over dinner and drinks, read, blog, and enjoy
casual summer meals with my family (preferably not at home…for relaxing purposes!)

 

In my opinion, the perfect hostess gift:

Lately I have been giving Cocktail Table Books as Hostess gifts….

An absolute must read book this summer:

 

You will find me dreaming about this design item from my hammock (I want it so badly!)

 

We spotted these fun Modern Palm Beach outdoor chairs on our last Spring Break trip, and I have been thinking about them ever since… I really love them in white!

 

 (For more on Sue and her fabulous blog go here).

Friends, I am guest posting on Sue’s blog today – pop over and see what my “must have summer things” are! Monika.

 Images for postcard art via: 1. Flickr, 2. Flickr, 3. Flickr (insert of photo by Splendid Willow) 

Hello, everyone! I’m Donna from A Perfect Gray and I am delighted to be visiting at Mon’s beautiful Splendid Willow. 

My personal summer postcard to you is sent from:

The beautiful Grand Canyon, my favorite spot in the United States.

The one thing you can’t miss when visiting the Grand Canyon is:

A sunrise over the canyon. Not only is it breathtakingly beautiful, it is a true spiritual experience.  

My favorite way of relaxing this summer is:

With a large glass of iced tea, and a good home décor magazine or two. If I can get a foot massage from my husband as well, then I am really in heaven!

In my opinion, the perfect hostess gift is:

Gourmet coffee (or tea). What a special treat for the family and friends you visit this summer – to wake up to a new and delicious flavor in the morning!

An absolute must read book this summer is:

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. It’s not a new book; but it is one that will stay with you long after you have read it. I highly recommend it!

Mon, thanks so much for having me and happy summer to you all!

 Love, Donna

(For more on Donna and her fabulous blog go here).

 Images for postcard art via: 1. Flickr, 2. Flickr, 3. Flickr (insert of photo by Splendid Willow)