Jun
07
2010
25

Brilliant & Fun Folding Chairs

Hello friends, happy new week to you!

I just came across these cool “Pantone” folding chairs. Love them! A set of six, please! (They come in 7 colors, including a gray…!)

Pantone is the standardized system for the selection and accurate communication of color. Every conceivable color has its own reference number, used globally throughout the design industry.

Finally a chair that I would have no problem mixing with a contemporary chair like this one (when extra seating is needed).

… or with old style chairs like these.

I think they blend in just about anywhere. They add a splash of color and are so fun. Guaranteed conversation pieces! (And so easy to fold and put away).

Friends, I am a little on the busy right now with everything wrapping up before the end of the school season, here in Seattle. Just give me a little bit of time and I will soon catch up with my blog friends and share some some good posts with all my readers. Love to you all!

Inspiration for this blog post via DesignersBlock.  Image 1. via The Holding Company, image 2. via Living Etc, Image 3. via Skona Hem.
Written by Splendid Willow in: Accessories,White rooms |
Mar
04
2010
21

Display (Help!)

Friends, for the longest time I have been searching for a wall display for my treasured handmade cups by Swedish artist Åsa Lindström (tomorrow’s antique  trust me).  I don’t know how many posts I have written about these cups - and yes I am absolutely obsessed with them! (BTW, Camilla at the Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm who I wrote about in my last “In the Spotlight” post, was the one who kicked off my collection. Thank you, dear!).

As a home for my cups, I envision something vintage with some edge. Maybe something industrial gray. (I don’t want glass, I know that). I see cubbies. I like things organized. And lately I have been googling for everything from vintage mail cubbies to industrial storage, but so far I have come up with zip, nada. (Or do you have any other display ideas up your sleeve?)

And then today I opened the new Pottery Barn catalog and out of a page jumps a brand new product – a cubby organizer. I started to hyper ventilate. Could this be it? I love the look and the dimensions are perfect. I like the hand written numbers. There are 25 cubbies in total. I only have 12 cups which means I need to collect more – and I really like that! The price is very low. But folks really, a mass produced shelf for my collectible cups that I so adore?

Have any of you seen an unique, vintage display cubby organizer similar to this, anywhere? I will give you a nice reward if you find the perfect one! Or should I settle for this??? What do you think? Help!!

I know that we are all pleased that the Holiday season is behind us – for now. But this wall display could also get a different look for next winter holiday. (All the Christmas knick-knacks collected in one spot). I know the kiddos would love it!

Have a lovely rest of the week, friends! You are always on my mind.

Written by Splendid Willow in: Accessories |
Feb
25
2010
25

Quotes On Mirrors

We have seen decals on walls for quite a while.  As well as numbers and quotes on just about everything. But what about taking that traditional, gold mirror to the next level, with a written bold statement or quote ? (Can you tell that I had Punk Rock tendencies in my younger days?!). If you don’t want to use your treasured family heirloom piece then there are tons of large, gold mirrors at consignment stores waiting for a new (& fun) home!. I am really fond of the second image!

Images via the lovely Lotta Agaton

All that’s left is to figure out what paint to use (safe on glass without being permanent as well as Windex tolerant, which has alcohol in it) and what the actual quote would be!

I am personally not a super fan of mass produced wall decals but the ones from the French company, Harmonie-Intérieure, are an exception. Their decals are really classy and beautiful and look like they were tailor made and hand painted.

Happy rest of the week, wonderful friends!

Written by Splendid Willow in: Accessories | Tags:
Jan
28
2010
18

Wallpaper Galore

When wonderful blog friend Ally, over at the From The Right Bank, asked her readers for wallpaper suggestions I immediately knew where to send her. It sounds crazy but I go all the way to Sweden, to a wonderful store in Malmoe called Tapetorama, for inspiration.

Their on-line selection is heavenly, I trust the Swedes to always be, tuned with current design trends. (And wallpaper is hotter than ever, people). They also carry a lot of historical & vintage papers. It struck me that I have not looked at their selection for almost a year, since I did some shopping over there myself. Here are a few lovelies:

 
 
 
 4. Nagoya
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
9. Sweet Bay, 10. By Mimou. Brand also represented at Tapetorama, 11. Magnolia. 12. Elisa, 13. Fashion
 
And here is something for all of you who are looking for uniqueness on your walls. Recently a dear friend introduced me to Elisabeth Westerlund. Elisabeth is an artist in Sweden who works a lot in paper. She has also taken her artistry into the world of interior design. And look what she does! She takes different kinds of wallpapers and puts together tailor made wallpaper collages for her clients. I have never heard of this approach before and I find it quite compelling!
Take this room for instance. The owner of this small 2 bedroom Stockholm apartment wanted her home to look like an English 18th c. mansion. Elisabeth put together her unique one-of-a-kind wall paper collage with a range of different patterns and styles. Didn’t it turn out great?!
This is what Elisabeth herself is saying about her work: ”We live with so many conventions in interior design. Even if not identical, we all have pretty much the same things in our homes e.g a sofa, a sofa table, a book shelf etc. Same with wallpaper. I just took what I know from the art world and applied it to the world of interiors. It is a crossover between art and home design.”
Look closely and try to see how many different kinds of wallpaper she has been working with. Whether you like wallpaper or not. You’ve got to admit that Elisabeth has a great feel for color and composition. I am looking forward to seeing  more of her work.
I just love all the talented and creative people that I get to meet in my blog corner of the world. You all make my life so much richer!
Written by Splendid Willow in: Accessories | Tags:
Jan
18
2010
19

Anthropologie Lovlies

Happy Monday, Friends! (And Dream Big on this Martin Luther Day).

I consider myself very lucky to be close to not 1, not 2 but 3 Anthropologie stores within a 30 minute radius! I have not been lurking at any of the stores for quite some time but I think I will be going very soon (like later today!) after visiting their on-line home section. It’s all to do with that “vintage industrial look” that is so hot right now. I personally can’t do a whole room in this style (but many others do it beautifully!) but a single piece here and there as an unexpected touch, I am all for.  Some lovelies here, wouldn’t you say?

How fun this distressed Ordinal dresser with a metal top is. (And if you don’t want to spend the money think consignment store +  stencils + black paint+ labor of love).

Handsome and sleek rocker. The Bresson Rocker

I think this Decker End Table is fabulous. It is made of iron and mango wood. (Can see that top packed with white orchids in weathered pots).

Who said a folding chair can’t be handsome and comfortable? Just look at this Terai upholstered chair.

Feminine and pretty Rose bathmat.

Ingegard pendant. Simple and lovely.

Nice, toffee colored leather Battersea sofette . I don’t know about the quality. But this two-seater with a fan back sure looks nice!

Add a touch of color to your room with this Iris Bolster pillow.

And for your sushi loving friends these twig chop sticks  make for a splendid gift.

What a unique & fun mirror! (Also, a great DIY project!). It is called Collected Memories.

I am about to start working on Prince William’s (2,5 y) big boy room. I know I will use some vintage looking numers as decor, but I am always concerned about the lead level in old signs. So this Take a number sign might be an option. ( (But I have invested in this great little lead test kit from Home Depot that I use when in doubt!).

And finally, there is always space for a simple & lovely recycled vase from Spain. Something, perhaps, to put your stunning cherry branches in. I think that combo actually makes for a really wonderful gift.

Written by Splendid Willow in: Accessories | Tags: ,
Dec
15
2009
5

More Holiday Gift Ideas

Most for her – and some for him….!

These items I am passionate about myself. Hopefully you can find some inspiration here too. (Or maybe I am the only one left out there who has yet to buy some gifts. Wouldn’t surprise me a bit…) Happy day lovely blog friends!

1. Design House Stockholm Bicycle Basket, 2. Pink Cameroon “Juju” Headdress, 3. 18K Wishbone Necklace by Jennifer Meyer, 4. Linen pincushion, 5. Dachshund pillows, 6. Leather passport holder, 7. Montblanc Rollerball pen, 8. All-clad fondue pot, 9. Prada cosmetics bag

Written by Splendid Willow in: Accessories | Tags:
Dec
14
2009
4

Perfect Holiday Hostess Gift

I haven fallen hard for these stag wine stoppers (the owl is also cute) from Pottery Barn. I am loading up on a bunch myself. Together or without a bottle of wine they make for perfect hostess gifts. I can see a cluster of them on bottles at a buffet table. A simple but festive decor on any kind of table. $12/each. (They show them as no longer available on-line but I just called a local store and they put a few on hold for me. They seem to be hot commodity!)

Written by Splendid Willow in: Accessories | Tags:
Oct
07
2009
9

Handmade Paper Cut-Outs

In a time of computer-generated communication, paper takes us back to the basic. It can be typed on, written on and read and, best of all, treasured for years to come.

Image: Inside Out

As a continuation of my last post about postcards…I am so charmed by this image with the large paper cut-outs on the wall. I have written about the Etsy store PaperCutDieCut before but I never realized that some of their paper cuts are quite large. Look at them again – all cut by hand!

Everybody who knows me well knows that I am not a big fan of anything plastic and mass produced. I have always been drawn to unique, different and handmade objects in earthy materials. To me this is lovely!

Here are a few other art pieces from their store.


Written by Splendid Willow in: Accessories | Tags:
Sep
24
2009
3

Beautiful Mirror

Ok friends, I have a crush on this mirror. Isn’t it stunning? So unique. Simple and yet it makes a statement. The mirror is 69 cm in height (about 27 inches), so it is not too wimpy, which I like.

The company behind the mirror is BTC by Design from England. The Leafy Mirror in Oyster Gray is made of metal and is, according to BTC, Swedish inspired. No wonder I was immediately attracted to it!

Have a wonderful weekend blog friends from all corners of the world! You are the best!

Written by Splendid Willow in: Accessories | Tags:
Aug
16
2009
6

Dandelion Lamp

How cool is this Dandelion pendant from the Dutch design company OOMS! Of all the Dandelion lamps I have seen so far – and there are many on the market right now – I like this one the best. I have great childhood memories from Sweden sitting on the small hill in our backyard blowing the fluff from dandelion steams while listening to birds chirping. That is summer too me!

Via Design & Inredningsbloggen

Written by Splendid Willow in: Accessories | Tags:
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