Rustic chic. You have heard the term a lot this year in the design world.  The concept of mixing rustic looking pieces with modern edgy objects.

Above is a an image from one of my photo shoots with images of Ilse Jacobsen’s high-end rubber boots from my store Splendid Willow Avenue – here, where I plan to use a few rustic and modern elements. (The store is going through a much needed makeover — you will see more soon!)  

Doesn’t this image from Elle Decor capture the theme beautifully? I love this room! This long table just invites long and fun dinner conversations. A rustic cabin with added modern accent pieces. A very lovely mix and atmosphere in my book. And the tall shelves are to die for.

My close blog friend Jill with Live Like You (who I have bragged about in the past ) recently launched her design business + store on-line. She keeps adding wonderful and smart design concepts to her store and her latest is called Earthy Modern. You will find lots of great inspiration and lovely objects for your home here. And Jill is definitely someone to team up with if you are looking for professional design help. Right now she is offering new customers all kinds of great discounts. Hop here to find out more! (And say hi from me if you team up with her!).

Another good friend/blogger/writer/artist, the wonderful Michele with Hello Lovely Inc. had a semi-soft launch of her new Etsy store. She has a great eye and I know that everything that comes from her is thoughtful, professional and filled with a lot of heart. Her things get snapped up pretty quickly (especially her art pieces which often don’t even make it to the store before they are sold!) — and more things will be added as she goes along. (She mixes her own art pieces with vintage jewelry). To celebrate her store she is offering a giveaway. And you can win as many as three (3) pieces from her store. All seen here.

Of course I am hoping that I will win (ha!) because I have my eyes on her quote board! Fits well into the rustic modern theme.

Go here to enter Michele’s giveaway. It ends on June 19th.

Hope everyone is having a splendid week! 

Images: No. 1 via Splendid Willow, no. 2 via Elle Decor, No. 3 + 4 via Live Like You, No. 5+ 6 via Hello Lovely.

Hello all, I am back after a couple of weeks in Sweden. It feels so good to be back. Thank you for not giving up on me!

I tend to not want to get too personal on my blog. But I am going to tell you anyway, since there have been many hints on my blog, that my wonderful Mom in Stockholm has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I am just going to say this once and only because there might be one or several of you out there going through the same thing with a loved one. If I can be of any support or help to any of my readers then use my strength and energy. Good news, in my case, is that all the hard work and nights filled with worries have turned into something good and my Mom is very happy in a new home — and we are beaming with her!

So, where did we last left off? Well, Rue magazine ended up being a wonderful experience (and it gave me two new design jobs!). You can see my home in the fabulous Rue Magazine here. Thank you all for you tremendous support and your heart warming e-mails and comments. I am a little overwhelmed by it all. There are so many generous people out there! I have lately only been focusing on my Mom in Stockholm, but now that I’m back in the saddle in Seattle, I am going to respond to each and every one of you. Your support means the world to me.

I have received quite a few e-mails regarding my book wallpaper. Seen here in my home office.

It is Andrew Martin and I ordered it from London via his showroom in NY. I like it a lot!

I also put up some wall paper behind my old sad and lonely plate rack. I have never picked anything with flowers on before but I was going for a look that was old yet new and interesting. Can I just say again how a little bit of wall paper can take a room or wall a long way! I am definitely hooked. And there are so many fun patterns out there.

Here are a few images from the photo shoot (via the lovely photographer Dorothee) that did not end up in the magazine. My favorite is definitely the first one with my old Swedish 18th c. secretaire and my favorite painting in the house by Swedish Peter Frie (perhaps the most well known landscape painter in Sweden today). You know what I will say — simple is beautiful.

My favorite light fixture in the house is this photo lamp by a NY designer. It is called “Picnic in the park” and I love putting it next to antiques.

Wall artwork by the talented Curt Asker. I am obsessed with his work.

Did any of you (more than Charlotta!) notice that my old Swedish mirror (new glass though) got a brand new old American icon – Dr. Seuss – quote? Swedish royal mixed with American royal! My good friend Allison wrote the quote in literally 10 seconds (her handwriting is much better than mine!) and she used a permanent marker!

And yes, those wonderful wall baskets are Ralph’s (!) via The Bootstrap project.

And how can resist showing Prince William? Charming and good hearted he is and the best sport in front of the camera!

I also would like to extend my deepest gratitude to these fabulous ladies and friends. They all decided to feature my Rue segment on their own blogs. (Follow the links). (Yikes, I hope I did not forget anyone! Let me know if I did, I am still a bit jet lagged!).

Haute Design

Mochatini

Solid Frog

Space For Inspiration

Komma Hem

Nancy Marcus Design

Belathée Photography Blog

Ladies, have you all gone insane?I had already received my day in the spotlight! I did not exactly need more! It was totally unexpected and such at treat. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! You are all amazing, generous and wonderful. Several of you I have met or talked with in person and I am hoping to meet all of you before the end of the year — and many other lovely bloggers as well!)

Finally, I am today featured on another dear friend’s blog, Julie with Belle Vivir (yet another blogger who I am all mushy for and look forward to meeting in person). She is starting a new series today called  “A Blogger With Style” and she is kick-starting it with little me. What an honor! Thank you Julie!

Hop over here to read her segment.

My first post back in the US. Great to be back in the saddle!  Next week I plan to unveil William’s big boy room (long due, I know).

Happy weekend to you all!

P.S What on earth happened to “Blogger” when I was gone? I hope it is fixed now because I want to connect with friends!

Images. no. 1 via Sky Horse, no. 4 via Andrew Martin. All other images via Splendid Willow.