Hello friends! Happy new week to you! Let it be a good one.

People who visit to my house see a lot of objects of round shapes. I apparently like things round! (Would almost like to have that analyzed!) When I recently glanced through the May/June Veranda magazine – I stared extra long at an image with round wood sculptures (above).

Remember this beautiful NY home which I wrote a post about a few weeks ago? On the floor an uneven ball (I also spy a few up on the shelf). But even more lovely that way!

So, it was no surprise to me when I realized I had unknowingly been collecting several  images of round wooden balls or spheres! And almost all of them come from my dear friend Greet’s (yes, the lovely Belgian Pearls of course!) blog. Now, could these wood spheres be a Belgian trademark that is now adopted around the globe? I have never seen them in Swedish interiors.

This is what Greet told me when I asked: “A few years ago some great Belgian designers like Axel Vervoordt and Walda Pairon started to use them in their interiors. To me this is the reason why these wood spheres became so hugely popular”.

(Some images via Belgian Pearls).

Greet tells me that she has one in her own greenhouse which she purchased from an art dealer on Brussels. She was told hers was from the Philippines.

Greet also sent me her favorite image, which I had not seen before. This one is taken from the home of Walda Pairon.

When I did my own research I also found this beauty at Gallery of Wood Art. The artist is Marc Ricourt and the sphere is made of Bleached Maple. It is hand carved wood people! Isn’t it stunning!

When I browsed Veranda (on-line), I also came across this stunning image. Simple is beautiful. And, well of course – see what also captured my attention!

I also found the source for the wooden spheres in the very first image (entry) from Veranda magazine. Bobo Intriguing Objects sell them here in the US. These are made of huge poplar trunks and are reclaimed from construction sites. They are available in two sizes -  23”-27” and 27”-31

I am going to see what the prices for these are. I sure am tempted to bring one home. I will convince my husband that it is functional art. A sculpture and something to climb on for the kids! Anybody else out there a lucky owner or have a great source?

Sweet Greet also gave me a Happy Award a while back – here. Thank you so much, girlfriend! You bring sunshine to the whole blog world, dear! (I will link to a previously written post, here, about what makes me happy).

Happy, happy to you all!

When my lovely blog sister in Australia Charlotte over at Space for Inspiration tagged me about the 10th picture stored in my computer I was happy to discover that it was not a picture when I was a pregnant hippo Mama but instead it was a blurry shot of a Swedish 18th c. sideboard from the days when I was importing Swedish antiques. (Kiki, if you read this – wasn’t it a fun time!). The photo also showed a slightly cut off apple crown of my own design which I was going to tell you the story of.

Well, this weekend – as many of you know -  my computer crashed and I lost hundreds of images – including that very image. But I managed to restore a photo of the same sideboard – but here looking a little bit sad and lonely. Thankfully I had some old paper images of my crown that I could scan.

So, this is the story about my Apple Crown.

I  have always admired my Mom’s Swedish iron apple crown that she brings out every Christmas. When I was a little girl she would place the candles and I got to attach the apples – and I knew that Christmas finally was here. The tradition goes back to before we had Christmas trees in Sweden and when a male in the family would carve a tree in wood as a center piece for the holidays. For ambiance and decorations, candles and apples were used. (Remember this was winter time and apples were one of the few things with color that could be stored in the earth cellars). Many versions of these trees and crowns have been made over the years.

About 5 1/2 years ago, I decided to design my very own version (and the first of its kind). All I knew was that wanted it to be beautiful and handmade in Sweden. I teamed up with a fantastic antique restorer who specializes in precious metal work and he put it all together technically according to my specifications. I had contact with people all over Sweden to find all the pieces like the rings and ornaments, the candle holders and all the details that made this crown look like it could have been handmade in Sweden in the 1700-hundreds.

So here it is, in its glory. My own Apple Crown prototype - all handmade in bronze and 24K gold.

During the design process I learned that it would be rather expensive to have it handmade in Sweden. (Which I had anticipated but was still hoping it wouldn’t be the case). I still hold a patent and will most likely go back to the drawingboard with a different plan. I am still very attached to the idea. And it is so meaningful to me personally and to my Swedish roots.

Now when Charlotta tagged me, the idea was:

1) For me to find the 10th picture stored in my computer

2) Tell the story about the picture

3) And tag 5 other bloggers

If you want to play along (not mandatory, friends) I would like to tag the following blogs (I increased the no. just because I felt like it):

In no particular order:

1. Blue Bird Notes, 2. Being Ruby, 3. Helt Enkelt, 4. Haute Design, 5. Purple Area, 6. Belgian Pearls, 7.  Head over Heals,  8. Mochatini, 9. Lime In The Coconut, 10. Trouvais,

I have saved this particularly for you guys. Why? Because you are either so brilliant with your cameras or showcasing images (or both!). And you are so good with your writing. And I love that you are all so different. (I am anything but a clicky girl). Your blogs are all wonderful!

(Helt Enkelt, Bluebird Notes and Being Ruby – the 3 of you need to talk because you are also my wisdom girls!).

Going back to dear Charlotta, in Australia who also is Swedish and like myself a happy Mama! She posts absolutely wonderful images on her blog and I so treasure our friendship across the Pacific. But as the big sister I also feel that it is my responsibility to push her a little in another area! This girl is very creative and talented with childrens’ artwork. (I can’t draw to save my life, so I find it so inspiring). She has a work blog but doesn’t talk about it very much. I most definitely think that she should do something more with her talent!

Now how cute is this?

And this? Hello?!

I think that Etsy would welcome Charlotta with open arms! Don’t you agree?!! (Etsy is the largest market place in the world for handmade objects). But of course Charlotta, only do it if it feels right in your heart. But if and when you start selling big my friend, remember who pushed you!

This was a strange mix of content. Everything from the 10th picture to blog love, Etsy and my own Apple Crown. But it has one common thread - it is all written from my heart.

Happy rest of the week, friends!

Images from Thomas O’Brien’s wonderful NY apartment has been circulating in magazines and on blogs for quite some time. (Some claim his apartment is over-exposed, but I love it!). The single object that has caught my attention since I first saw it in 2007,  is his large hemisphere chart (navy blue). It has been in the back of my head, without even knowing what it was. And for the last past six months or so we have started to see planets and stars as themes in just about every design magazine and furniture catalog.

I do not want to adopt a whole room theme but I still find those vintage star constellation charts so attractive and so perfect for classy boys – young and old!  I think they would make for the perfect wall art for my little William (2.5) who is now ready to leave his baby room (or his Mom is!) and move into a cozy room suited for a big boy.

I have been lurking on Ebay for a while and missed winning a chart similar to this (don’t even get me started on that story, it just makes my want to cry!)

But then a few weeks ago I found these lovely vintage Astronomy Celestial maps (ca 1894) on E-bay. Not identical, but similar in style and quite handsome. And these I won for a mere $27! They will work just fine until the perfect piece comes along. (Or I might never want to depart from them!)

I had them framed at Aaron Brothers (leading framing store chain). We all know that framing can be hugely expensive. So to save a little, I actually bought two of their square (16×16 inches or 41×41 cm) pre-made white frames on the the big frame sale day (40% off) instead of having them make something for me. I only had them cut the matting and saved even more money by putting it all together myself.

I picked them up yesterday on our way home from Canada. Pretty nice for a 2.5 year old’s room, don’t you think? (Sorry for my mediocre images. They look better in real!)

These will work as inspiration for the rest of Prince William’s room. I have no idea where I am going with this. But when designing a room I like to start with one thing that I really like and have the rest follow. More on this room to come. Hope you don’t mind!

Happy Easter to you all – if we don’t talk before! You are the best!

Image 1+ 2 via House&Home, Image 3. via Habitually Chic, Image 4. via the lovely Space for Inspiration, Egg image via We Heart It. All others via Splendid Willow.

I have no idea why I have missed this design institution in Amsterdam called Moooi Gallery. But I almost feel I want to hop on a plane now. Not only does Moooi Gallery showcase products from some of the best within Dutch design, as well as other recognized designers, but they also contrast their contemporary funishings with sprinkles of beautiful 18th century antiques from – YES!, you guessed it – Sweden! Here you see once again (and you have heard me rant about this since the very beginning of my blog adventure) how beautifully Swedish antiques, with their simple lines and quiet look (especially the pieces with gray patina), work with modern pieces of today. I can go on about this all day long!

I see some antique Swedish beauties in the background.

But this is when I start to hyperventilate…. I have a few lovely antique pieces myself. But there is one piece I have always wanted, and I hope to one day be the lucky owner of. That is a Swedish antique clock cabinet. I almost fainted when I saw this stunning piece over at the Moooi Gallery.

Here are a few clock cabinets for sale, represented by US antique dealers with great reputation.

Images – Swedish antique clock cabinets via:

1) Tone-on-Tone, 2) Eleish Van Breems, 3) Avolli, 4) Watkins Culver/1st Dibs, 5) Tara Shaw Antiques/1st Dibs, 6) A. Tyner Antiques/1st Dibs

If, no when, an antique clock cabinet moves in with us, I will pair it with a really nice and comfy chair and a wonderful painting. That’s it. Nothing else is needed. And I would sit in that chair for hours and purr like a very content cat! Happy Monday, friends!

Good new week to you dear blog friends! In five and a half weeks Christmas is here for those of you who are celebrating. I am so behind it is almost funny. The furry rats and shiny pumpkins are still sitting outside my front door, people! And don’t even get me started on Holiday cards, parties thrown at me, a good amount of gifts that soon need to be on Santa’s sleigh on his way to Europe not to mention all the preparations for the holidays at our own home. Is anybody aware of a button that can be pushed that sets you in the right Holiday mood? Nope, still not in the mood.

Instead I would rather sip wine at a fancy art gallery having a fun and relaxing time without any do’s & don’ts messing with my joyous state of mind.

A few months ago my lovely blog friend Di over at Designersblock wrote a post about the artist Paul Villinski. I can’t get his artwork off my mind.

Just look at these butterflies made out of old beer cans! I love these installations and could easily see a butterfly art piece on a large empty wall space where some drama and beauty is needed.

This is what Paul Villinski has to say about his butterflies: “Our grandchildren will laugh in disbelief at the vast resources we squander, manufacturing a plastic bottle for a pint of water, or mining aluminum to surround 12 ounces of beer with metal. One generation’s trash will be another’s treasure. These littered beer cans are humble, but worthy materials, and it’s gratifying to take this “trash” and turn it into something of beauty and meaning.”.

Showing you this artwork is also appropriate since I just found out that my dear Swedish friend Kiki is moving to Sweden with her husband. Kiki is the owner of the store, Swedish Heirlooms in Seattle, a popular destination for people interested in old Swedish furnishings and good antique reproductions. Her lovely store is now up for sale. Sad news for so may of us in Seattle but what do you do when your hubby gets a top job on the the other side of the planet? I am sure talented Kiki will come up with a brilliant business idea that allows her to work with both countries. But I am not sure I am ready to let her go. I just don’t like when good friends move!

For more of Paul Villinkis’ portfolio – go here.

Here is some eye candy for you. This incredible attic apartment in Stockholm is owned by the interior architect and artist Carouschka Streijffert. I am going to keep quiet for a change and let you go through all the details yourself. Take your time.

Okay, just one comment! Let’s talk about books for a second. I do not know of one home in Sweden (unless they are somehow staged) where books are not prominent. Back home we surround ourselves with books and display them with pride. I get totally nervous when I don’t see books in a home. I am so pleased to be reading more and more about how formal living rooms in the US are fading away. People instead are opting for libraries. Yeah! I hope that trend stays!

Images via Skona Hem

I can’t stop thinking of this photo by talented Jaime Monfort. I can see this image over sized in a white frame hanging on a white wall above a gray painted Swedish 18th century table or a wide buffet. Nothing more is needed. Talk about drama!

Thank you Automatism for bringing it to my attention!

Hello blog friends! I am back after a few weeks off filled with pure summer bliss. I am rested and happy and I hope the same goes for you. I have missed you all but was often reminded of your wonderful existence through your lovely and kind e-mails. Thank you!

I live in a big house, with many rooms but no single white wall in sight! How is that even possible? I am a true Swede after all and have cocooned in white rooms most of my life. In my house I have chosen muted colors (and a lot of light gray) that all flow nicely together but I really miss a white atmosphere. Especially after my trip to Sweden.

So my goal for the next few weeks is to do my own guest bedroom makeover with white as the prime shade. Who knows where this exercise will take me. I might just keep on going!

Images above from Sköna Hem

2 last images from Livingetc.

The first time I saw this image from the portfolio of the British designer extraordinaire Suzy Hoodless, I gasped. How incredibly pleasing to the eye. This just makes me want more of less. (See more of Suzy’s portfolio here).

Today I went through some files for a fun project I am working on and saw this lovely image again but this time I also noticed Ingeborg Lundin’s famous apple vase, from the fifties. Now I love Suzy Hoodless even more!

Ingeborg Lundin’s (1921-1992) art glass, produced at Orrefors, catches Scandinavian designs’ central attributes; modest beauty and functional simplicity, also described as the Swedish Grace.

In 1947, Ingeborg Lundin became the first woman designer at Orrefors. She gave a new dynamic aspect to engraved glass. Lundin’s “Apple” illustrates the graceful, daring glass of the 1950′s  and it created a worldwide stir.

The Apple was created for the influential Helsingborg 55 exhibition, and remains as a symbol, not only for that exhibition, but for the golden age of Swedish art glass. This design earned her the title “The Balenciaga of glass”.

This Apple vase used to be high up on my wish list for many, many years, but then I kind of gave up… I am immeditely putting it back on my list – today! In a couple of weeks I am leaving for Stockholm, and I might need to give the fabulous store Jacksons (specializes in the best of Scandinavian vintage design 1900 – 2000) a call. The hand blown apple vase is sitting on top of the lovely cabinet in the back. It screams – bring me home!

I know very little about antiques in general but I do know a little bit about Swedish antiques. I was surrounded by them growing up and I have had my own antique import business. Now I am just an avid collector (hoping for a good lottery win so I can go to my secrets spots in Sweden and buy more!)

My personal design style is to mix very old with very new. I love real contrasts. I can’t think of any other antique style that mixes so well with a contemporary style as the old Swedish – particularly the “simple gray period” 1750 – 1850. Furniture was painted gray before and long after the internationally recognized “Swedish Gustavian” period (1771-1792).

When people ask me what Swedish antique to invest in, I always say start with something simple. I would suggest a good quality sideboard/buffet, a quality bench with upholstery or a quality 3 drawer chest (each preferably with its original paint although they are rare since most of these pieces have been repainted (often many times over) in the 19th century and early 20th centuries). These items are attractive & functional. They are easy to place, easy to sell and  will only go up in value (even if the price tag most often is steep from the beginning).

If you don’t buy them directly from Sweden then there are several professional and really great stores in the US focusing on Swedish antiques. You will want to work with people who live and breathe Swedish antiques and who travel to Sweden to hand pick their pieces (and are, if needed, willing to learn from Swedish experts). Do your research well and you may end up with a really lovely Swedish companion that will be treasured for generations.

Pictures of inventory – (from top):  Lief Almont, Avolli, Evergreen Antiques and Tone-on-Tone.