Happy new week, friends! It is pouring in Seattle right now. It is gray, gray, gray and I lust for airy, light & uncomplicated Swedish rooms. Who better to capture that then the very talented Stockholm-based photographer Martin Cederblad.

I have a pair of similar Swedish baroque chairs (ca 1750) as the gray ones around the table. And hundreds of years later they – with their heads high - work so beautifully hand in hand with contemporary pieces  (in my opinion one of the few antique styles that can). That is why Swedish antiques never will go out style (especially the old, gray painted furniture). They are beautiful, simple and fit in just about anywhere.

Also don’t be afraid to mix different time periods and build your own cluster of objects for the eye (and soul & heart), like these silver candle holders.

Lovely cottage living.  Nothing matchy-matchy. Nothing contrived. Just relaxed.

White in different textures.

Imagine starting your day with a cup of tea in this setting!  Look how much a simple linen table cloth adds to the atmosphere. Now envision the image without it!

Happy eating in this lovely & cheery setting where vintage china adds color to the table.

Sigh. Simple and so beautiful.

Can’t wait for the sun! Can’t wait to get my hands dirty and put a whole row of lovely white blooming plants on my own stone steps! Spring can’t come quick enough for me.

I have for some time been drooling over the creative projects coming from the husband and wife and designer couple Robert and Cortney Novogratz who The New York Observer once called the “disturbingly handsome couple”. With their interior design company Sixx Design, their interiors have been featured in numerous of magazines and blogs and yesterday the lovely & creative Cristin at Simplified Bee reminded me once again of them and their new book (which BTW is her latest fab giveaway, so hurry over!).

For over 10 years they have been designing and developing hip and stylish spaces, turning not so loved properties into incredible homes. (They also work with commercial projects including hotels).Not only are Robert and Cortney immensly talented and creative they are also proud parents of 7 (yes, 7!) beautiful children. And their interiors reflect that. Nothing is stuffy and contrived. Their lovely rooms are always beautiful and interesting – and fun & playful. And peope, that is where I feel I am heading myself.

I often hear that I have a good eye for design and that I mix old with new well and add personal and unexpected twists to my interiors. I would like to beleive that. But for the last couple of years I have started to change my attitude and style a little bit. I so crave more humor and playfulness. The more I work with design the less I become interested in the look and much more interested in the heart.

The Novogratz ’ are such a good reminder of that. Talk about personality and heart! Their homes are havens for all people – tall and small – and animals. They are so good at mixing vintage and flea market bargains with really highend objects. And they always make sure to incorporate lovely art. Take notes, people!

Love those vintage light fixture, the great mix of chairs and the garage doors facing the fountain!

Images via Sixx Design,  Simplified Bee , Emma’s Blogg and The NY Times.

Dear blog readers. Sorry for the delay on this post. But now there will be two “In The Spotlight” this month instead!

I get all giddy whenever I hear or see their names -  Bernt Heiberg and William Cummings, the partners behind Heiberg & Cummings (hcd3). One of my absolute favorite design teams on the planet. I am in awe of everything they do – and I have saved magazine articles about them from years back. Their firm has offices in NY and in Oslo.

Why am I so crazy about them? Because their interiors are calm, beautiful and sophisticated without feeling contrived. It does not matter if it is an elegant Manhattan penthouse or a beach cottage somewhere, their rooms are always warm, inviting and personal (not the same old, same old). Their mix of old and new pieces is well thought out and always fantastic. They have a great eye for art (and run their own art exhibitions) and of course with Bernt Heiberg being from Norway, they bring in a lot of (old) Scandinavian into their residential and commercial projects.

It is a great honor for me to introduce them to you.

Oh, one more thing. I have learned that William and Bernt are all for peace and making people happy but they don’t mind smashing mobile telephones to pieces with rocks! One more reason to like them!

Define your design style?

High-end residential. Neo-Scandinavian with an international touch.  Sophisticated yet livable.

Are you able to take your design eyes off when you visit friends’ homes? (Or do you do a quick design on a napkin for them?)

W) Yes! I appreciate finding new and different aesthetics. And I always enjoy finding treasures in other homes.

B) Yes, but it is always fun to give advice. Interior design is our lifestyle, 24/7.

What was your first-ever interiors buy?

W) A Munch drawing I purchased years ago. It is a an outstanding etching that hangs in our home.

B) A Swedish empire bureau that is still in our home. I was so attracted to the paint and patina of the piece.

Design accomplishment you are most proud of?

W) That people copy our work. (And they do! Splendid Willow’s comment)

B) We are really proud of all of our projects – both large and small.

Any fun project(s) you are working on right now?

Many! Our projects are always lots of fun! We feel lucky to have such wonderful clients.

Right now we are working on a new styling concept for clients who need a touch of help with space, layout, and bringing new life into their homes. This new concept will launch in the next couple of weeks.  (You heard it here first!

What is bad interior design in your opinion?

W) Design that is poorly conceived and/or poorly executed.

B) Using lots of colors and crossing borders of given space.

What 3 things can make a huge impact in a living room – without the steep price tag?

1. Proper lighting. 2. Beautiful textiles. 3. Less is more.

Any design item you can’t live without?

W) Gray flannel

B) Comfortable and cozy but elegant seating

What do you collect?

W) Small carpets.

B) Antiques. Mainly from the 18th century. 

(The plate racks are from their own furnishings line).

Any design heroes that truly inspire you?

W)  Michael Graves

B) John Saladino

What’s your take on bedside tables?

W) I use them all the time!

B) Necessary. And great with lots of books, personal items and photographs.

What wall color can you not get enough of?

W) White

B) Light gray

Where do you shop online?

W) Nowhere! I prefer the traditional way of shopping with touch & feel!

B) Hermes

Knowing your wonderful collection of Scandinavian antiques. Do you have a favorite piece you can’t live without?

W) A small Gustavian side table with thin legs.

B) A rustic Norweigan country foot stool.

Thank you so much gentlemen! It is a pleasure getting to know you a little bit better. And I for one, can’t wait to see what you are up to next! A suggestion: your own book!

For more of hcd3 and their portfolio, visit here.

Images: No. 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 via NY Spaces. No. 4, 15 and 17 via Litteavmeg. No. 5, 7, 8, 13, and 16 via House & Garden (07). No. 9, 10 and 11 via hcd3. No. 14 Via Homes and Gardens UK. Note: a few of these images I have scanned from older Magazines and they are nowhere else to be found on-line.

Yes, we have followed him in every design magazine and on Oprah, handsome, Mr. Nate Berkus. And I was not going to do yet another post on his portfolio. But going through his images – I saw a few photos that I have not seen before. So here we go – eye candy from the very talented Nate Berkus. (Take your time – and pay attention to the details. I love his designs, because they do not feel designed and contrived. They are warm, inviting, eclectic and personal with unexpected twists. Just the way I like it).

Like it all.

This must be Nate’s signature photo. It is wonderful. (And it is from his home).

Same with this one.

The leather panels are beautiful. And I always love an over sized ottoman. Great for books, great for parties. And how fun in yellow! Who would have thought. Think out of the box, people!

I am on the hunt for 2 great, classic leather club chairs myself. These would make me very happy!

The more I look at this image, the more I like it. At first I could not figure out why. But I think it is the balance, the choice of colors and different textures. And I love the  tall white sculpture on the mantel.

Those Giacometti lamps are so stunning. Not much else is needed.

I am so into leather nowadays. Must be because I am tired of chocolate fingerprints from 2 little hands x 3 on everything covered with fabric!

Love it all. We had shades just like that in our SF apartment. I dragged home gray linen from Sweden for 12 windows of that size. The linen fabric actually cost very little, but let’s not talk about the cost to have them custom made…

The wall color is fantastic. And so is the chair. And the table. And the rug.

What a fantastic blue accent color combined with gray. I would not have thought of it myself.

I drool over the dining chairs! And yes the seats are covered with leather! And what a lovely seating area in the background to hang out with friends before & after a great dinner. Imagine this whole area lit with candles/lanterns. I would be the last guest to leave!

Have a Lovely Weekend Friends!

This classic Greek key motif might have its up and down swings in the world of design but it never goes out of style. This geometric figure has managed to embed itself in some of the best designs in the world. And is perhaps the most widely used classical decorative pattern in history.

Despite its name, the Greek key motif is actually not Greek in origin. Variations of this classical pattern are found on ancient Egyptian tombs as well as in Peruvian woven crafts, Chinese architecture and even Aztec sculptures.

In art and architecture the Greek key (which is a modern term) is part of a meander – an important, decorative border constructed from a long and continuous line, shaped into a repeated motif. 

The Greek key motif  is common in present-day architecture as a neoclassical element. And right now it is hotter than ever. Here are a few examples:

The lovely Madison chair with Greek key motif from Bradley Huges.

This ebonized wood labyrinth bench is made to order from Stephen Miller Siegel. I have a serious crush on this beauty….

A pair of stunning Swedish Gustavian side tables with carved Greek key decoration from Cote Jardin Antiques.

Round Greek key rug from Jonathan Adler.

14 K gold bangle from Jewel Basket.

A Greek key rug designed by Suzanne Sharp for The Rug Company.

Even good, old Target is giving Greek key motifs some attention. This hardware is both elegant and decorative.

Classic bedding from William Sonoma Home. The pattern comes in different colors.

Beautiful mosaic Greek key border from Mosaico Italiano.

Eric Cohler’s lovely settee for Lee Jofa.

Alexa Hampton’s beautiful Sonia console table for Hickory chair. A tomorrow’s classic.

Handmade pillow from Inside Avenue.

Lovely velvet and silk pillows from Jayson Home & Garden.

You might have heard of the Swedish designer Lisa Bengtsson, who definitely is someone to remember and keep and eye on – and for good reasons. She is very talented and creative. Her main focus is pattern design but she also works with graphical design and illustrations. Lisa’s first wallpaper products were an instant hit. I meant to share her portfolio with you a long time ago – but here you go!

This fall Lisa launched her collection  “Sir Harald” for Mairo. Harald is Lisa’s grandfather and the pattern is a tribute to his life. Nice! And Royal blue is such a hot color right now.

My personal style is simple, edgy sophisticated, but I love to add a little bit of drama here and there. Not a whole house, not even an entire room, but a splash of unexpected drama is so much fun. And this wallpaper above, La Rose, fits the bill!

This was Lisa’s first wallpaper design, “The Family”, which put her name on the design map. Just add your family photos right on the wall.

Good Monday morning to all my dear blog friends!

I have seen products from the Stockholm based design company Asshoff & Brogård in the past but this is the first time I have visited their website and got the whole selection.

Their own corporate description: “Asshoff & Brogård focuses on functional products that tell a story and creates a poetic and dramatic everyday scenery. A shared interest in construction and magic brings life to their works”.

Pay attention to these two prize winning designers – Johanna Asshoff and Hanna Brogård!

I like this bookshelf with an over-sized crest. Not the same old same old for sure.

Newly released are these wooden hooks inspired by flowing tears or dripping rain.

Here is an interesting product in stoneware. A dining set for 4 people designed to be stacked on top of each other when not used and turned into a sculpture. How easy to set the table! Who needs cupboards!

“The Green House” – a paper/garbage bin shaped as a house. The front porch is the pedal. When you step on it the roof opens up.

I had no idea that A&B is behind the design of Ikea’s Trollsta sideboard.

But of all their products, this got to be the most unique of them all. An office concept for funeral directors called “A Beautiful Farewell”. A complete environment dedicated to loss & memories. Interesting.

Urns for ashes.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to work with the Connecticut based Antique & Design store Eleish & Van Breems on a Swedish design project. I can say first hand that the two owners Rhonda Eleish and Edie Van Breems are very professional and most knowledgeable not only about Swedish interiors but interior design in general. It is a great pleasure for me to introduce you to them and I’m delighted they’ve given us all a chance to get to know them a little bit better!

But first a thank you is in order to the highly talented Joni Webb and her blog, Cote De Texas, where I recently learned about EVB’s new book, hitting the stands this week. Joni is one of the 3 design musketeers behind The Skirted Roundtable together with fellow bloggers Linda from Surroundings and Megan with BeachBungalow8. These ladies do so much for the design blog world. Follow them!

Now, here is my chat with Edie and Rhonda.

1. Define your design style?

E: Light filled rooms, art and sculpture, indoor-outdoor living, refined rusticity, reclaimed elements and mixing periods are what I personally gravitate towards. A home should always be a reflection of the owners own interests and passions and so ultimately our design style is defined by each individual project. And of course, Rhonda and I are very influenced by hallmarks of Swedish design which really encompasses a holistic approach to man and the environment.

R: Design to me is three-dimensional. It is taking the complete environment on a macro level first and as the project develops becoming more micro. Factors in design always include environment, lifestyle and the client’s personal space, as well as my design experience and guiding eye. I am influenced also by having lived in many different places around the world and have a deep appreciation for many periods and styles of interior design, history and art.

2. Tell us a bit about your upcoming book.

E & R: This book turned out to be just as big an adventure for us as our first book Swedish Interiors was. Both of us, being Swedish American and having relatives in Sweden, are always very excited to meet others living in the States who are passionate about Swedish lifestyle design. We had the great luck to find exceptional homes all across the country that have been, each in their own way, influenced by Swedish country style. Plus, we got to hit the road again with our favorite photographers Jon and Buffer who always encourage us to view things through a different creative lens. This book is really theirs as well and we couldn’t have done it with out them!

Swedes, Swedish American and Americans who love Swedish design are all represented in the new book – Swedish Country Interiors - and their takes on Swedish style we found to be all unique and varied. Some homes in the book mix Swedish with French inspired interiors, others are inspired by a more pure historical rustic Swedish design. Our personal favorites blend contemporary design with Swedish antiques. All the chapters are about individuals who are passionate about their homes and love of Sweden. We were also very fortunate to have the support of both Lisa Newsom (Veranda founder and Editor-in-chief) and designer David Easton who both wrote wonderful Forwards for our readers on their own love of Swedish style!

3. What can you tell us about your next project?

Lights, camera, action…..

(Splendid Willow can’t wait to cover that!)

We are also very busy right now merging our traditional antique offerings with modern and contemporary furniture designs. We are very proud to be working with one of the hottest of the Scandinavian furniture manufacturers, Fritz Hansen of Denmark. We have partnered with them and are excited to have such beautiful furniture in our showroom! Fritz Hansen is a dynamic company in that they really support new designers and have come out in the past few years with new furniture by upcoming designers such as Kasper Salto, Jehs & Laud and Todd Bracher. Fritz Hansen is world known for being the maker of timeless and iconic designs. To represent these “modern masters” of furniture in our own showroom is a thrill!

Images from Fritz Hansen

4. List some of your greatest sources of design inspiration.

E: Artisans, craftsmen and manufacturers…anyone who is doing new and innovative things with materials or, conversely, anyone devoted to preserving quality traditional practices and techniques - to me they are all the true unsung heroes of interior design.

R: An amazing swatch of fabric, the location of the project, an inspirational client.

5. Do you have any design heroes that truly inspire you?

E: I still find myself looking back to the 18th c. Swedish and French architects time and again. I am also awed by the assured wit, elegance, snap and crackle of interiors by David Hicks, Albert Hadley, Billy Baldwin, Gio Ponti.

R: I want to be Albert Hadley when I grow up. If I have half the grace and elegance he has I will have succeeded.

6. The trick to merging old style or antiques with contemporary interior design?

E: The ability to make the bold, unexpected gesture. Only the finest bones – quality construction makes success easier.

R: Inner confidence. Try it! If you don’t like it you can always change it. Don’t be afraid.

7. What wall color can you not get enough of?

E: Deep butter cream/beeswax pigmented plaster.

R: Shades of light pale and grays.

8. Describe your dream kitchen? (Are you living it now?)

R: I am living in my dream kitchen - decidedly, yes! Sunlit, spacious and properly equipped for ease of use; that is what I love for myself. The kitchen is really the heartbeat, the artery of the home, and as such, should be a reflection of the homeowners needs and culinary ability. Are you a gourmand who entertains a lot? Do you need a pantry? A big entertaining space? Or are you someone who is not too into cooking but wants a cozy kitchen office? Are you a wine collector and instead of a pantry would like a wine bar from which to entertain? These are all very personal considerations. In the end it all comes down to life style.

E: My fantasy kitchen is really crazy – it involves an attached greenhouse and organic kitchen garden approximating the size of Villandry. I always awake from this reverie wondering how I could ever get my kids to help tend to that garden! That having been said, I agree with Rhonda! Light, a practical clean work space and decent equipment make any kitchen a pleasure to work in no matter what the size.

9. Do you have any true obsessions in design that makes you drool?

E: Amazing garden rooms, barns with modern interiors, 18th century buildings. I have a crush on Rogers and Goffigon linen-velvets and linen-silks on anything. I adore painted surfaces, especially paint that is expertly hand finished on furniture and walls.

R: I love to be in a space that is focused on detail. I’m really a detail person! What moves me are  – as in all things – ultimately the accessories. In design I am referring to the hardware, faucets, light fixtures, all of which can bring a project to another level. Sometimes people get caught up in the overall scheme and don’t leave enough in the budget to take care of these fine and very important details properly.

10. Knowing your wonderful collection of Swedish antiques, do you have a favorite piece you can’t live without?

E: It’s a real toss up between an ebony black Baroque mirror from a Swedish manor house or a rare painted 18th century bridal chest from Lapland. Both take my breath away.

R: My Swedish Rococo writing table I cannot part with.

11. Is there anything else we should know about you?

We are known for Scandinavian design but ironically our design projects over the past few years have been very eclectic ranging from ultra modern to full on period American. We are ultimately about lifestyle design and that is what people come to us for. We design for each client individually taking into account the complete package because everybody’s lifestyles and passions are different. We love our clients and want them to come home to feel inspired and totally supported by their environment.

Oh yes, and that we are huge fans of yours, Monika!  We just love Splendid Willow!

Thank you so much ladies! What a treat to get to know you even better!

If you are interested in purchasing EVB’s brand new book go here. But before we end:

Eleish & Van Breems have expressed their extra heartfelt gratitude to the following people involved in their new book. Let’s give them all warm applause!

“It was such a pleasure to profile the works of designers and architects Gary Brewer and Robert A.M. Stern of Robert A. M. Stern Architects, Jane Moore, Richard Hershner, Derek Clarke, Libby Holsten, Suzanna Havden Bell and Howard B. Clarke.

Our friends and colleagues were more then generous and among the homes are those of many Swedish antiques and design purveyors your readers may be familiar with: The Minnesota home of Doris Blondell of Blondell’s Antiques, Edith Gilson of Cupboards & Roses own Mill house retreat in the Berkshires, Paulette and John Peden’s charming Connecticut store Dawn Hill, the Atlanta home of Angie & Hugh Tyner of A. Tyner Antiques, the Laguna Beach house of Ann and Torbjorn Millang of Swedish Blonde & St. Barths, the Dallas residence of Shannon & Andrew Newsom of Wisteria, to name but a few. Designers Jane Moore of Houston and Suzanna Havden Bell of San Francisco have amazing Swedish antique shops as well!

Our great friends and supporters, both old and new, who also generously opened their doors to us are: Cynthia and Bruce Baber, Carolyn and Edward Wagner, Peggy and Keith Anderson, Marianne Thorsen, Heidi and David Freilich, Cherie & Michael McKinney, Lisa Segalis, Lisa and Bob Nesbitt, Gretel Holsten and Chris Lord. The book would be nothing without them. We’ve also been really blessed with a supportive publisher Gibbs Smith and our fantastic editor Jennifer Grillone”.

My friend Desiree is both a fun lady and a great photographer, focusing on children & families. She knows my love for good antiques and just sent me this brand new photo of an old Hungarian dough bowl (it looks like a gigantic walnut!) which she recently purchased on E-bay, and in which she carefully placed this out-of-this-world precious 11 day old old princess. People, does it get any sweeter than this!?!

To see more of her portfolio, go here.

Ok, lovely Di just alerted me to these wonderful pieces from the talented Italian based designer/painter Draga Obradovic. She paints directly on fabric and leather on unique vintage pieces. It makes me want to tackle one of those vintage leather chairs – in need of some love – myself! Very inspirational.

Via DesignersBlock