The Swedes are the BEST at merging old world with new. They do it effortlessly and beautifully. Simple lines are they key. And it helps to lean on a country with a long, rich history and a huge appetite for new innovations. Swedes also like classic pieces that will last for generations. (No unnecessary Target runs here….).

A room like this is totally interesting to me. Not stuck in a certain category. Just a splendid mix of loveliness.

(Winter break is over here. Did not make it Vancouver though. 2 sick kids in the car. Had to turn around. Boohoo! But my dear sis-friend Kendra came with her cutie-pie Ella and cheered us up when things were back to normal again. I am so happy when friends pull me away from the computer!). 

hugshugshugs

Image credit: Stardust Decor Style

After having been on this planet for quite a while I am still not sure I understand the concept of traveling lightly… Ask my great long time friend Sanne (I love you girlfriend!), who always kidnaps me from the city to her lovely home outside of Stockholm for a night or two before I fly back to the US. We adore hanging out together but after knowing each other for some 30 years (!), Sanne still raises her eyebrows everytime she sees my luggage! (Not to mention what my Hubby says when he picks me up at the airport…).

This time the suitcases were filled with gifts from family & friends, design things for my store, things from my Mom’s home, many gifts for loved ones, Swedish designer clothes and shoes, Swedish food & books, and some extra special things just because I can’t find them on the other side of the planet! Trust me when I say that I am normally not a shopaholic EXCEPT when I go back to my Mother land. I do tend to go a little nutty then.  (Perhaps I am desperately trying to hold on to my roots? Who knows…).

Just a few highlights:

1. A few new stunning Asa Lindstrom ceramic cups (handmade with 18K gold rim). I slowly keep adding to my collection. I don’t “collect” many things — but these cups I go absolutely crazy for.

This is where they hang out. I plan to fill all 25 cubbies!

 2. An old, original letter from 1649. Just pretty. (I framed it when I got home).

3. This little Swedish ceramic guy. A fox with an attitude perhaps? He puts a grin on my face and he lives in a cup. That is funny to me!

4. Chocolate from the fine chocolate store, “Chokladfabriken“ (Chocolate Factory) a few steps from my Mom’s home. A store bestseller is Swedish liquirice dipped in chocolate with a tad of sea salt on top. Only a true Scandinavian (or someone brave) will appreciate that!

5. A few classic mini glass vases from Svenskt Tenn (the most classic interior design institution in Sweden). I wish I could have brought a sofa with me…

These glasses are called “Acorn” vases. The founder of Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson, had gigantic acorn trees at her summer house in the 40′s. She designed this vase specifically for acorn growth.You are supposed to let an acorn sit on a moist piece of paper towel for a few weeks (preferably in the refrigerator). Once the acorn starts to sprout, you pop it into the vase and then watch a simple green branch start to embrace life.

That is all I dare to share today.

Do you also go shopping crazy when you travel? Please, let my Hubby know that I am not alone!

Happy long weekend! (Monday is President’s day here in the US).

 Image credits: No. 1 via Bon Appetit Hon, no. 2-6 via Splendid Willow, no. 9 via HouseMartin.

From my home to yours. Sending you extra hugs and good energy on Valentine’s day.

(A cat that knows a thing or two about being happy and loved is our “Smurfie”. She is a former shelter cat and she brings tremendous joy to our household. And yes she has a pretty, heart shaped nose!).

lovelovelove oxox

Photo: Via Splendid Willow

I came across this in Ethan Allen’s catalog, of all places. Antique stamp prints? Hmmm… I have a whole collection of old stamps all given to me by my Dad (who passed away when I was 14). I have one particular favorite from England (with clear marks), dated 1894. I have always loved it. (Just need to carefully remove the paper).

 Some other pretty ones.

You can’t really admire these stamps to their fullest because they are so riduculously small. But now I am inspired to trot to Kinkos and have one stamp (or several) enlarged on thicker, linen paper and then framed. (I like the simple, antique silver colored frames Ethan Allen uses. But I can also envision all white frames). It has no sentimental value to anybody else but to me it comes with great, long and loving conversations with my dad.

What do you think? Too phony? (I am strong – I can take it!).

hugshugshugs.

P.S The birch pottery for my store I dragged with me all the way from Sweden was all sold out within 2 days! Who knew there would be so many birch lovers out there! Let me know if you want to pre-order. I am getting the next shipment in April. The pots are handmade and they take time to make.

Images: No. 1 Ethan Allen’s catalog. All others via Splendid Willow.

I must say that I love my little store. I really do. Not because of the great goods I get to scout and represent, but also because of all the really fantastic people (designers, partners and customers) I connect with on a daily basis. It is sooo darn rewarding!

Here are two Swedish ladies I connected with in Stockholm last week and immediately liked – because of their creative mindsets and their lovely attititudes. It is an honor to now carry their great goods in my store.

First up, Ylva Skarp, who’s incredible home I featured in my previous post. A London educated calligrapher, this talented lady is taking Sweden by storm.

Ylva’s items are flying off the shelves and I am the first store in the US to carry items from her collection. I have already order her leather pillows with calligraphy art for my own home. Lovely, right!

Maria Holmberg is another talented artist, I recently connected with and Oh-Boy am I pleased to, as a first store in the US,  be representing her gorgeous pottery with birch motif.

It does not get much more Swedish than that, people! (Birch is the “royal tree” of Sweden). Gorgeous with a capital G in my opinion.

I have also added some great rugs (runners) via DesignHouse Stockholm. I have been on the look-out for some great rugs for my own kitchen and these hit the spot. You already know that my favorite color is gray, and  to now carry rugs in my store  that are gray with a birch feel (and leather edging) - well hello ! – it is heavenly for me. 

I will always be loyal to Ilse Jacobsen. I love their products (if you recall I was trotting around in Ilse Jacobsen boots long before I opened an on-line boutique) and I love the people I work with. I am restocking on yellow boots, timely for spring.

 I am now also carrying Ilse Jacobsen’s LATEST raincoat model, a mix between the long coat and the jacket – 3/4 mid length. It is already a new top seller.

Visit my store here to learn more about the new products – Splendid Willow Avenue.

Did you all read the latest issue of House of Fifty? My good friend Janell never disappoints! Read it here. Cover to cover, please.

I have yet again teamed up with my gorgeous and close friend Jill, with Live Like You, for a Spring ad. Just visit House of Fifty at page 78 + 79 and redeem a 15% off coupon.

Works at my store AS WELL as Jill’s store (she carries tons of lovely things for the home).

Happy new week to you all.

Image credit: No. 1 via xx Creative Quilt Kits, no.-2-4 via Ylva Skarp, no. 5 -7 via Maria Holmberg.