Desire to Inspire is one of my top favorite blogs. I always find something interesting there – and I save and save and save so many of their excellent postings. Like this one featuring Parisian photographer Nicolas Mathéus.
What a talent he is! The way he uses natural light feels so Swedish to me. (Sweden is so dark winter time and the Swedes do anything they can to let natural light into their homes and their souls).
The Italian designer Paola Navone has created this stunning line of dinnerware in cooperation with the well established German Porcelain maker Reichenbach. The line is called “Taste” and I can’t think of a more suitable name.
Gorgeous and artistic lines and curves combined with a simple crisp, white finish. I think just about anything edible under the sun would taste better on these plates.
The pieces also make for very attractive collectibles to be showcased on walls or in display cabinets. I can easily see these white plates against a dark gray backdrop.
I have contacted the manufacturer who has promised to let me know where this line can be purchased in the US. As soon as I know, I will add the information to this post.
There are so many interior designers that I admire and follow but for years I have had a soft spot for the very talented design group Heiberg & Cummings Design (hcd3) in NY. Their design work revolves around Scandinavian contemporary design with a focus on blending the old with the new. Mr. Heiberg is a native Scandinavian, just like myself, and it is easy to see that he is very loyal to his roots. A wonderful example is this gorgeous beach retreat in the Hamptons.
If this is not relaxing for the soul – then I do not know what possibly could be!
One day (I have promised myself in my lovely dreams) I will team up with them so they can drive the design of our future kitchen… and dining room… and library and… I can’t wait to see them in action! For more of their portfolio go to: hcd3.
And look at some of their own furniture designs. Simply marvellous.
I found this nail polish Butter London at Fireworks, a fun design shop here in Seattle. (But the line sells all over the web). I was drawn to the cool and current colors and the fact that it does not contain any harsh and dangerous chemicals. (And the bottle is square and fancy). I picked the color “Tramp Stamp” a few weeks ago and my toe nails are still pretty! I will definitely buy some more colors. (About $14 each).
I have never quite understood why so many lovely American homes, which on average are a lot larger than Swedish homes, have so little closet space in their entryways. I can’t tell you how many times I have been a guest at someone’s home and my coat has ended up in a pile on the bed in the guest room or in the office space! (And believe me, it is not any better at my house!)
I think that the creative Swedes have it all figured out! For years my friends back home have been using wonderfully designed coat racks that look like true art pieces when not utilized. Splendid I say!
The Swedese Tree, designed by Michael Young and Katrin Petursdottir is already considered a classic. I can kick myself for not having one already. Mine is coming this spring (the white floor version)! See here for resellers worldwide.
A couple of years ago Karl Andersson & Söner (means sons in Swedish) launched its Nest, designed by Gabriella Gustafson and Mattias Ståhlbom. It is fun and decorative and comes in 8 standard colors. See here for resellers worldwide.
It comes in a handsome wall version as well.
The same company just launched a wall model, called ponoq. It is designed by Nils Gulin. The peg board cleverly folds up when nothing is hanging on it.
Photo: Dan GordanAnd now Swedish Gärsnäs is launching its botanical version, called LOOP, designed by Nina Jobs. LOOP is made of ash wood and produced using a bentwood technique. I find its looks very romantic. It is like it could have been from another era. See here for resellers worldwide.
I am happy to see that also Pottery Barn has something new in its coat hanging department – Twig. The coat rack would fit in almost any home – traditional or modern.
