Desire to Inspire is one of my top favorite blogs. I always find something interesting there – and I save and save and save so many of their excellent postings. Like this one featuring Parisian photographer Nicolas Mathéus.
What a talent he is! The way he uses natural light feels so Swedish to me. (Sweden is so dark winter time and the Swedes do anything they can to let natural light into their homes and their souls).
The Italian designer Paola Navone has created this stunning line of dinnerware in cooperation with the well established German Porcelain maker Reichenbach. The line is called “Taste” and I can’t think of a more suitable name.
Gorgeous and artistic lines and curves combined with a simple crisp, white finish. I think just about anything edible under the sun would taste better on these plates.
The pieces also make for very attractive collectibles to be showcased on walls or in display cabinets. I can easily see these white plates against a dark gray backdrop.
I have contacted the manufacturer who has promised to let me know where this line can be purchased in the US. As soon as I know, I will add the information to this post.
There are so many interior designers that I admire and follow but for years I have had a soft spot for the very talented design group Heiberg & Cummings Design (hcd3) in NY. Their design work revolves around Scandinavian contemporary design with a focus on blending the old with the new. Mr. Heiberg is a native Scandinavian, just like myself, and it is easy to see that he is very loyal to his roots. A wonderful example is this gorgeous beach retreat in the Hamptons.
If this is not relaxing for the soul – then I do not know what possibly could be!
One day (I have promised myself in my lovely dreams) I will team up with them so they can drive the design of our future kitchen… and dining room… and library and… I can’t wait to see them in action! For more of their portfolio go to: hcd3.
And look at some of their own furniture designs. Simply marvellous.
I found this nail polish Butter London at Fireworks, a fun design shop here in Seattle. (But the line sells all over the web). I was drawn to the cool and current colors and the fact that it does not contain any harsh and dangerous chemicals. (And the bottle is square and fancy). I picked the color “Tramp Stamp” a few weeks ago and my toe nails are still pretty! I will definitely buy some more colors. (About $14 each).
I have never quite understood why so many lovely American homes, which on average are a lot larger than Swedish homes, have so little closet space in their entryways. I can’t tell you how many times I have been a guest at someone’s home and my coat has ended up in a pile on the bed in the guest room or in the office space! (And believe me, it is not any better at my house!)
I think that the creative Swedes have it all figured out! For years my friends back home have been using wonderfully designed coat racks that look like true art pieces when not utilized. Splendid I say!
The Swedese Tree, designed by Michael Young and Katrin Petursdottir is already considered a classic. I can kick myself for not having one already. Mine is coming this spring (the white floor version)! See here for resellers worldwide.
A couple of years ago Karl Andersson & Söner (means sons in Swedish) launched its Nest, designed by Gabriella Gustafson and Mattias Ståhlbom. It is fun and decorative and comes in 8 standard colors. See here for resellers worldwide.
It comes in a handsome wall version as well.
The same company just launched a wall model, called ponoq. It is designed by Nils Gulin. The peg board cleverly folds up when nothing is hanging on it.
Photo: Dan GordanAnd now Swedish Gärsnäs is launching its botanical version, called LOOP, designed by Nina Jobs. LOOP is made of ash wood and produced using a bentwood technique. I find its looks very romantic. It is like it could have been from another era. See here for resellers worldwide.
I am happy to see that also Pottery Barn has something new in its coat hanging department – Twig. The coat rack would fit in almost any home – traditional or modern.
I am so glad that a customer – now turned friend – sent me a photo of an antique bench she once purchased from me. It is Swedish, mid 1800-hundreds, and I honestly had a very hard time departing from it. Look at those details!
The carvings are so beautiful and it just goes to show that the old Swedish Gustavian style can, because of its simple and understated lines, be mixed with pretty much any style.
In the end I am very happy that the bench found such a lovely spot in a beautiful home!
Hanna Werning is without a doubt one of the leading designers in Sweden. Whatever that girl touches – whether it is wallpaper, textile or ceramics, it is almost guaranteed to be an instant success.
I worked with Hanna when she was still studying design in London – before she became a major design name in Sweden. She helped me with the corporate graphic design elements for the company I ran marketing for. I remember back then being absolutely blown away by her creativity, talent and professionalism. Today, I so enjoy watching all her design endeavors. I hope she conquers the world!
The Swedish ceramics manufacturer Rorstrand (the company was established in 1726) just launched the latest shade to its ever-popular Hanna ceramic series. The new color pattern is called Hanna lilac.
I love the color and I guess I will have to ask my dear Mom in Stockholm if she would be interested in going on a shopping expedition.
How lovely would it be to have a little nest of our own whenever we pay a visit to my old home town – Stockholm. And since we wouldn’t be there too often, I am thinking that an apartment would be quite nice…
Skeppsholmen real estate agency in Stockholm has some really nice listings. Look at this amazingly bright apartment with the typical Swedish design fixings (old meets new). Wouldn’t you want to sit down here with a cup of tea, the morning paper and the balcony doors wide open? I know I would! (I am not sure I would ever leave!)
Gunilla Dear – this is not for you to read!
My lovely friend Gunilla is getting married and I am on the hunt for that perfect wedding gift. I want it to be something she and her husband to be will treasure for life – and I want them to think of us every time they use it. I am definitely going classic & functional. Now the big question is what…
(If you have any fabulous gift ideas – please speak up. I can really use your help!)
Wedding gift candidates – so far:
Elegant Champagne Flutes from Orrefors’ Avanti collection. These glasses are made of lead-free crystal by master glassblowers and cutters in Orrefors’ Swedish glassworks.
Classic and modern salad servers from the world renowned Danish designer Arne Jacobsen for Georg Jensen.
Salad plates from Royal Copenhagen (the company was established in 1775 and this is its most recent series called Fluted Mega – a contemporary twist on the classic Flute model). The plates are assembled, painted and glazed by hand.
“Nobel” linen napkins from the Swedish linen mill “Klassbols“. These napkins are being used by distinguished guests at the prestigious Nobel Banquet, held in Stockholm annually.
Am I being too conservative? Help!
I love Gotland – in my opinion the most incredible island on the planet! Gotland is part of Sweden in the Baltic Sea. My family family spent 19 summers on this rural island and I love everything about this slice of paradise – the light, the scenery, the people and the rich culture. One day I will be back and have my own little nest. One day…
You can only imagine how I drool when I see this fantastic summer house on Gotland designed by the talented architects Sandberg and Sandell. I am speechless. What a way to let the magical Gotland light into your home. How absolutely breathtaking.
xxxxxx
This is how I remember Gotland. Simply stunning.
Photo: Mats Jansson “Stora Karlsö”
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