When the incredibly creative Kate with Centsational Girl invited her blog followers to a link party, I just had to join in. It struck such a cord with me. Kate’s theme was “Mom’s cave”. My house is not exactly small, but even so, there is not one inch of the house that is not being used by hubby, 3 young kids, 2 cats, a fluffy hamster and a ton on visitors — young and old. (OH NO! I just realize that I missed the party by a day! I am an idiot… Oh well, I am posting it anyway).

The only place, and I really mean ONLY, I can claim as my very own is not a room but a small corner in the house. The corner next to my bed side. No one in the family dares to even get close to my sacred spot.

Here I surround myself with things that make me happy and content. I keep things organized and uncluttered. Call me crazy, but it feels heavenly and actually rewarding to have a spot where you can reclaim your power! I whole heartedly recommend it.

There you have it. My ”Mom’s corner”. Nothing big, nothing extraordinare. But all mine and very special to me.

(To see what the chest looked like before I painted it – go here).

Now over to something else.

From my corner of the room I have full view of yet another chest. But this one is a good quality empire chest from Paris and it will not get so much as a simple polish! On it, I keep two precious and sentimental things from two special men who taught me what true love means. My father (who passed away when I was 14) and my husband.

The lamp on the chest used to be in my father’s home office. I believe it is from the 50′s. Isn’t it handsome? Just like he was.

Next to the lamp is an Italian lecturn from the 18th century with a framed calligraphy text which my huband presented me with on our 5th anniversary.

Let me just say that I married a really good man. But romantic he is not. So imagine my surprise when I found out that he had commissioned a professional calligraphy expert to artfully hand write our “song”. The very classic jazz tune by legendary Duke Ellington — “In a Sentimental Mood”.

This song fills my heart and gives me goose bumps every time I hear it played. If you have a moment, turn on your speakers and take a listen to Ledisi’s jazz version. What a beautiful piece of music.

A little bit of a Mom’s cave and a little bit of sentiment. I hope you don’t mind me sharing.

Hugs to you all and happy rest of the week!

All images via Splendid Willow. Do not use without authorization.

Happy new week friends! I spent the weekend relaxing after a very busy week and also took some time to go through a pile of interior design magazines which have been staring at me for a while, wondering if I did not love them anymore. But I do — and I found so many lovely things in them! Here are just  a few (some scanned with less quality) that made me stop in my tracks.

I adore this Charcoal stripe ikat pillow from Madeline Weinrib Atelier. Like an art pice. (Really like the “bleeding” edges). Just wish my wallet was a tad ”fatter”.

How cool & unusual is this vintage gymnastics pommel horse as a bench in the foyer. (The legs have been shortened). Why did I not think of that! I must find one! And if any of  you say that you have — I will be so envious! (Just found a vintage one that sells for $3,000 on 1st Dibs. A girl can dream…)

This lovely gray velvet sofa by Jonathan Adler is getting my attention. I am helping my good friend Eva to decorate her living and dining room. And this sofa will be one of my candidates. Classic and current, feminine and masculine. It has sit all. I envision two of these facing each other with the fireplace in between, on the short end.

Here is another is another favorite sofa choice of mine. The always so classy “Chesterfield sofa”.

Another Chesterfield sofa, in a library setting. So perfect — for me!

This image works as a great reminder for me that my book shelf/cabinet can work double duty as a bar. Perhaps an idea for your own home during the holidays?

Oh, how I love this bathroom. I don’t like my bathrooms to be sterile and unwelcoming. This one is both elegant, current and inviting. Love the color choices.

A few times now, I have seen pieces of framed fabric identical to the one over the sofa. Someone told me that they are “money holders”. Help? Does anybody know? I don’t even know what to search for! (No, it does not say in the magazine).

Before I let you go, I would like to say Thank You for all the tremendous support and encouragement you offered me before my little design speech at the Nordic Heritage Museum last week. You gave me the self confidence I needed. My presentation was very well recieved ( I did not faint!) and I got quite a few comments afterwards from audience members telling me they felt ”inspired” and wanted to go home and make changes to their own homes, which is everything I had hoped for. I owe that to you.

And finally, An Extra Big Thank You to the talented and generous Tina over at the Sweden based blog Komma Hem. Tina featured my home in her Sunday post. It always feels a little surreal to see your own living space through somebody else’s eyes. But I am honored and touched. If you have a moment, pop over and say hello here. (Tina, you are such a sweet heart!)

(Blog friends: I did not visit one, single blog last week. I am quite behind. I am diving in this week and am looking forward to catching up. I know that you have tons of  inspiration up your sleeves!)

A warm hug to you all.

Magazine images: No 1 scanned from Country Living, no. 2 scanned from Elle Decor, no. 3 + 4 + 5 via House Beautiful, no. 5 scanned from House & Home.

Hello friends. Happy new week!

On Thursday I am guest speaking at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle.

I feel so honored (thank you Stina!). The stage is mine for 2 hours and and I am looking forward to sharing all I know about Swedish design, how to bring Swedish style into your home and what to  invest in when it comes to Swedish design. (I will also share a couple of DIY projects in time for the holidays). Appetizers & Drinks will also be served at this evening event — so I am looking forward to some happy hours! (:

I feel I know the subject fairly well. Interior design has been a life long passion of mine, I have decorated many homes, I have had my own Swedish antiques business for a few years and now with my blog I feel I am even more up to date. One book about Swedish design that I have just picked up, is the newly released book “Scandinavian Design“ by Lars Bolander.  I’m so glad I did.

What a treasure trove of great information and wonderful pictures about Swedish style from a successful US based Swede with impeccable taste! Bolander has such an amazing  eye for mixing old style with new. I find Lars Bolander so brave with his design contrasts and he is definitely someone I admire. I read in The New York Times that: “Wherever Bolander goes, “Bronfmans and Vanderbilts follow.” I believe that.

Preparing for my presentation I have also spent some time browsing through two books that I already own by the very talented design duo behind Eleish Van Breems Antiques – Edie Van Breems and Rhonda Eleish. I have known them on a more personal level for a a few years (when we still lived in LA). I adore them and have a lot of respect for their way of decorating beautiful rooms. I am hoping that yet another beautiful coffee table book about Swedish design will come out of their camp before too long.

The more about Swedish style and design — the merrier.

Hope your week is off to a good start. I know mine will be full, busy and exciting!

(Note to bloggers: I will be a little slow with my blog comments this week. Just give me a few days).

This family desperately needs a new kitchen table. Ours is looking more sad by the hour. This is the criteria:

One. a table that is rectangular and seats at least 6 people, two. it needs to be kids friendly & forgiving (think a 3 year old showing off his latest tricks with sharp utensils), three. it can’t cost $3000 ( with 3 young kids and a slew of young visitors, it will be trashed before we know it and I simply can’t justify the cost), four. white and grey are my preferred colors.

One of my all time favorite inspiration pictures is this casual dining area by Vicente Wolf. I have so much respect for this enormously talented designer. He can put rooms together like nobody else and I would love to camp out in his head —  if even for a minute – and learn how he thinks!

Another outstanding room by Vicente Wolf.

My fifth and final criteria is that the table needs to work well with a combination of these two chairs – the classic design icon white Panton chair (it is 50 years old!) and as you can see, also one of Vicente Wolf’s favorites. And the slipcovered Henriksdal from Ikea (looks better than the picture and it so easy to throw the slipcover in the wash after the green peas have been flying).

Now to the tables.

I have a beautiful, antique tavern at home, but it is unfortunately too small. So, on my hunt for the perfect table, I have been all over table land and have even been thinking about having one built ($2500 minimum). But now I have found two that I think might do the trick until the kids (and their parents!) are moving up in age.

First up, this white one from Ikea (Norden). I like the simple lines and the color and well hello (!), the price is only $279. I have been over to Ikea twice to see  first hand what the table is all about. And it is surprisingly sturdy. Now picture this table with the two different chairs.

Just stumbled upon this brand new beauty from Worldmarket/Cost Plus (who would have thought!). And it is not some cheap veener. It is solid oak, folks. It is very sturdy and looks wonderful with its gray color and rustic style. The price is $699.99 but it looks and feels custom made.

Two completely different styles but I think both work well with the two different chairs.

So, which one, in your opinion, is the winning table? (Bring it on, I can take it!) Or do you have any other recommendations? Any help is greatly appreciated. This family will soon consume their meals on the floor!

More about the Panton chair: Verner Panton created it back in 1960, and with the assistance of Vitra developed a version ready for series production (1967). It was the very first fully plastic chair made from a single section. Since its market launch, the Panton Chair has undergone several production phases. Not until today was it possible to produce it in line with Panton’s original idea – namely from consistently dyed, tough plastic with a matte surface. The Panton Chair has won various design prizes world wide and graces the collections of numerous renowned museums. Its expressive shape makes it a true 20th-century design icon.

Images. No. 1 via Weiweisbabies, images 2+3 via Vicente Wolf.

Hello new week!

Halloween is just around the corner, friends. I have my tree ready, the costumes are ready (1 statue of liberty, 1 Dorothy and 1 firefighter!) and tomorrow I am going to decorate our main entrance. That leaves me with a couple of weeks to come up with some edible Halloween treats and perhaps one more project… I found all these lovely ideas in the latest issue of Country Living. I am saying YES! to all of them!

I am so trying these silhouette cupcakes (the silhouettes are done with rubber stamps and black food coloring pressed onto “fondants”).

Or if I am too optimistic, I can at least make these bat or spider web cup cakes (the webs are so easy!).

Not for this year, but a collection of b/w plates as a back drop for a Halloween table would be fun to have. And these mini brooms as place card holders can be made without too much effort.

I am seriously contemplating making these ghosts to hang in the large drum chandelier over our kitchen table. They are made out of cheesecloth, soaked in fabric stiffener, and draped over small balloons (once dry, the balloons are popped). Aren’t they so friendly and cute!

A great way to decorate pumpkins, if carving is too intimidating, is to use stencils with black paint/marker.

Both decorative and tasty – roasted pumpkin seeds (perhaps seasoned with a salty blend).

First image via Nuska. All decorations and treats via Country Living.

Happy, happy to you all!