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Showing posts with label Monday Mix Up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monday Mix Up. Show all posts

Monday Mix Up

I hope you had a lovely weekend. Mine was pretty packed, but lots of fun. Our home was being photographed for an online magazine on Friday, following on from a really busy week, so today I'm playing catch up with a Monday Mix Up post. 

If you follow a lot of Scandinavian blogs like I do, you may have come across 101 Karakters, a very cool competition running in the Netherlands. Legendary designer Piet Hein Eek designed a cabinet for Histor, and they called for people to submit ideas of how they would personally customise it, using Histor paint. From 2000 submissions, 101 were chosen and invited to Piet Hein Eek's workshop to create their designs.


The cabinet above shows how it looked prior to being painted, by Desiree of Vosges Paris. Her finished cabinet and impeccably cool styling below, makes it one of my favourites. Black paint, leather handles and studded corners gives it Desiree's signature edgy vibe and the rock 'n' roll feel she wanted. 



Here is another customised design I came across via Bloesem that I really love. It was created by Maaike from My Deer, a company that specialises in branding, interior design and styling, 


True to Maaike's lovely clean design aesthetic, she has left the cabinet bare, apart from the white dipped legs, and then artfully applied simple yet striking black typography. Her gorgeous styling sets it off perfectly. 

In keeping with the monochrome theme, I thought I'd leave you with a couple of moodboards curated from my Pinterest boards. You may have seen this one last Friday on my Facebook page or Instagram... 


And for today, I thought I'd kick-start the week with some positive thinking and a bit of sparkle... 


Monday Mix Up | Currently Loving

I'm Kicking off the week with some current loves, a few of which are right here at home. There were a couple of books on my wishlist, which I included in this String Shelf Styling post including Kate, the Kate Moss book and The Fashion Book Mini Edition. Having now acquired both, I'm a very happy girl. I love displaying beautiful books around the home, and these are just two of many that I would like, but it's a good start. Next on the list are some fabulous interior books! 

Neither of these new books were actually on the String Shelf when I took these photos, but I love that I can move them around from room to room as I please. Kate is proudly displayed on the coffee table here, alongside a black felt garland from Jamie Kay.


I had planned on putting the garland in my office or eventually in one of the boys' rooms, which I'm currently decorating, but for now it's residing on the Muuto Dots. I think it looks pretty cute, don't you?


I finally bought the set of Hay Boxes I'd been hankering for. They were included many months ago in my Home Build | Workspace Wishlist. Comprising of a set of seven boxes in varying sizes and colours, they match our colour palette perfectly and are so handy for storing bits and pieces.


There are four on the String shelf including two large grey ones (one is hidden from view behind the sofa) and these two favourites...


The other three are on my office desk alongside the other new book I mentioned earlier.  


I've curated a couple of moodboards recently, which mostly came as a result of browsing my Pinterest boards and feeling so inspired by everything I've pinned!


A visual feast of beautiful spaces, gorgeous interior styling, covetable homewares and cool fashion finds, I hope you enjoy these images as much as I do.


Not a bad way to ease into the working week! Have a great day! 

Monday Mix Up | Colour Down Under

As you know I tend to favour monochrome interiors and homewares. I find neutral palettes calming and I'm especially drawn to looking at images of them when I want to unwind. I've noticed this more and more lately, especially when using Pinterest. Even though experts advise against staring at a computer right before bed, I find pinning to be really relaxing, especially at the end of a hectic day. 

While some people like to pour a glass of wine and put their feet up after putting the kids to bed (and good on them) I'm more inclined to sit down and check in on my favourite Scandi blogs. I literally feel a sense of calmness wash over me. Do you ever get that when reading blogs or being on Pinterest? While I could go on all day about my love of simple Scandi style, black, white and grey palettes, soft pastels and layers of texture etc etc, there's no denying that colourful interiors can be incredibly uplifting. While I have a soft spot for Scandinavian design, I love showcasing talent from NZ and Australia, and it has to be said that there is always plenty of incredible and colourful design Down Under. Today's finds are from talented Australian designers that have recently caught my eye. 



I'm loving these gorgeous customised, hand-painted pots from Alana Langan's new online store Hunt & Bow that I discovered via Adore Home Magazine. Based in Melbourne, Alana is an interior stylist who regularly works on editorial projects for Australia's leading lifestyle magazines including Inside Out, Real Living and Home Beautiful. Suitable for indoor and outdoor usage, the pots can be chosen from a range of sizes, colours and patterns. I don't think the Fiddle Leaf Fig has ever looked so good! 


Next up, I'm thrilled to announce that NZ online store LET LIV is now selling the bright and beautiful range of bedding from the Australian brand Kip & Co. Inspired by art, nature, backpacking adventures around the globe and flea markets down the road, Kip & Co is the brainchild of three Melbourne girls Alex, Kate and Hayley. Fun, vibrant and unique, it's hard not to fall in love with their distinctive designs. Shop the full range, including duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases and towels here.




Liv Mac is a gorgeous new range of colourful screen prints created by interior stylist and art lover, Olivia Macdonald. A self-confessed all-round creative type, Olivia lovingly designs and creates all of the original and limited edition prints by hand in her Adelaide Hills studio. 

With small quantities (generally no greater than 20), every print is truly unique and vibrant in colour and texture. Designed for both children's and adult spaces, I've added several of these to my wishlist for the boys' bedrooms and downstairs living room! Pop over to the Liv Mac site to see the full range and to shop online. International shipping is also available.








I thought I'd leave you with a moodboard today. Inspired by the words 'let life surprise you' and a stunning profile image of British model Cara Delevingne, it started out as black and white, like many of my moodboards. Somewhere along the way I began adding small pops of colour, as bright as I could find, and I love how it turned out. Even in tiny doses, colour can add an element of surprise. 


Images via my Pinterest boards

Monday Mix Up | Currently Loving

As my obsession with candleholders continues - see Interior Styling | Candleholders - I seem to be noticing the stunning Kubus By Lassen range everywhere. That's often the way isn't it? You have something on your mind and then it keeps jumping out at you!


Images: 1 | 2 | 3

I was thrilled to discover that Sydney-based online store Inadesignerhome are now selling the range thanks to their partnership with Fred International, an importer of Scandinavian Furniture and Lighting. The great thing about IDH, who I first featured in this post, is that they ship to NZ. Hooray! To see the range, including the Kubus Bowls which are also amazing, take a look here.


I've been casually looking around for a new wooden chopping board lately, but haven't found the right one one yet. Well at least one that fits into my budget. The Tom Dixon Eclectic Chop range of boards from Simon James are stunning, but I'll have to save my pennies first! I also love the look of rustic French-style boards.


Images: 1 | 2

I got a gorgeous Cloud Chopping Board from Father Rabbit, and I'm now wanting a new hard-wearing board (or two) for everyday use. I'll keep searching locally, but in the meantime I've been swooning over these.


Designed by Sarah Sherman Samuel of Smitten Studio fame, these range of boards are part of her gorgeous new brand A Sunny Afternoon Co. Hand crafted by herself or her father, and designed for cutting, serving and display, the Walnut Arrow Boards look amazing with white and marble.


Unique with a modern edge, I love the shape of these boards, especially The Board with Handles Range. 
  

I'd also love a few of the Hexagon Walnut Serving Boards. 


Too pretty to keep in the kitchen, these next cutting boards are hand made exclusively for More & Co. by North By East Building Co. Carved from beautiful woods and shaped into a clean, minimal design they stand up to chopping but are also designed to be used when sharing snacks and drinks with friends. 


Before I go, I'm delighted to announce the winner of the Izzy and Jean Co. Giveaway. Congratulations Julia Macfarlane, and thanks to everyone who entered and of course Izzy and Jean Co. for their generosity. 

Monday Mix Up | New Online Finds & Build

I have so much to share with you right now, that I'm kicking off the week with a post full of online discoveries I hope you'll love as much as I do! 


I received a delightful box of treats last week from Happy Little Poppets, the brand new baby care range by the NZ Skincare Company. The cute packaging won me over straight away, as did the inclusion of a bag full of smarties (yum). Candy aside, the products themselves are 'spot' on when it comes to their use on fragile young skin. Created using the gentlest ingredients possible like manuka honey, calendular oil and my personal favourite, calming lavender oil, they are designed to nourish and protect skin naturally. 

Kind to baby and the environment, the range includes All Over Baby Balm, Handcrafted Soap, Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Lotion and Nourishing Baby Oil. To find out more, visit the Happy Little Poppets website and Facebook page.


If you haven't yet discovered Perch Home, the beautiful NZ online homewares store, then you're in for a lovely surprise! Founded by Helle, who is originally from Denmark, I'm thrilled to have had Perch Home recently come on board as a sponsor. Perch offers a diverse range of products from many sought after European brands such as House Doctor, Bloomingville and Orla Kiely, to name just a few. 



Currently I have my eye on the gorgeous new range from ISAK, by graphic designer and illustrator Sandra Isaksson. Unmistakably Scandinavian, I love the Birchwood Leaf Tray and Set of Cups, which can be also be used as storage jars. To see the full range and to shop online, pop over here. For product news and updates, make sure you 'like' their Facebook page. 



Having first introduced you to the beautiful linen bedding by Cultiver in this interview with founder Nicolle Sullivan, I'm very excited to tell you about the recent addition of a new colour range.  How inviting do these pastels look? The hard part is deciding which one. See the full collection, including their incredible range of rugs over here. 


Our friends over at MintSix have just added two new product lines to their already fabulous mix. First up are the very cool Billy Heckenberg Cushions, by Sydney-based designer Madeleine Duggan. Inspired by her love of New York, the gorgeous graphic designs are digitally printed onto a canvas linen blend fabric, and come in a range of monochrome and bright colours. Guaranteed to add a striking and unique touch to your home, all cushions have a signature corner tag and are finished with a large metallic zipper. Pop over here to check them out.


When Talia of MintSix said she was drooling over the Kilim Rugs when they arrived, I can understand why. Having coveted them for such a long time, they are thrilled to finally have them as part of their offering. See the full range here.  

I first gave you a taste of one of my fave online stores and sponsor, Ten Things with the Sokeri Cushion that I included in my Home Build | Living Room Inspiration post. I can't tell you how happy I am to finally have it on display in our new home, and I've received so many compliments already. 


With a range of lovely products on offer, the newest addition to the Ten Things collection are the stunning Warang Wayan range of wooden pieces. Handcrafted out of Balinese Teak, I love the Japanese style of the products which include the Small Round Bowl & Miniature Spoon Set, Small Oval Bowl and Scoop Set. 


Alongside the gorgeous homewares, you'll find unique accessories including bags and jewellery. I'm a little bit in love with the Triangle Trio Necklace right now. Hand made by LA-based Nikki Montoya, the pendants are wrought in bronze and suspended along a fine 14ct gold fill chain. Shop online here. 


Lastly, here are a few instagram pics of the house taken last week. The living area is starting to take shape with a new TV unit, and the highlight, getting the String shelf from Bob and Friends assembled (with the help of hubby). The Fiddle Leaf got a new new pot and now just needs some more plant friends! The dining table came together nicely, allowing plenty of space for that bench seat I'd like to add in later on. The trestle legs are from Trees Furniture and the clever guys at Trestle Union made the table top. I can't wait to install the pendant lights and add in a rug. 

With it being school holidays there hasn't been a lot of spare time and I'm trying to be patient until we get around to hanging the artwork. In the meantime, I decided to take a quick snapshot of my beautiful Kristina Krogh print from The Wooden Horse, and X art by Jane Denton. 

Monday Mix Up | Sidekicks, Stores & More

First up today I have the pleasure of introducing you to the new counter height Sidekick stool by NZ designer Timothy John. Joining the low stool and side table, the taller version is a welcome addition to the Sidekick collection which was recently named as a finalist in the Home NZ Design Awards for 2013. Celebrating NZ's best new furniture and lighting, you can see the full list of finalists and winner in the latest Home magazine. A fabulous edition packed with amazing architecture and inspiring designers, it more than lives up to its title of "The Design Issue", so f you haven't already, make sure you grab yourself a copy.



I'm sure I speak for many when I say I'm completely smitten with the Sidekicks, especially since getting up close and personal to photograph them for this post. As with the low stool and table, the new counter height Sidekick is robust yet light to move around with a solid ash hardwood seat that comes in a clear or black stain. The base which is availabe in black, white, blue and yellow, has three foot rest heights to suit all. For stockists and inquiries pop over here. 


There's more exciting news for Timothy John in that he and his wife Krista, an interior designer are currently setting up a retail outlet and design studio Paper Plane in their hometown of Mount Maunganui. Featuring his own work and that of other designers and artists, I'm in the process of lining up a post and interview for when it launches, so stay tuned! The online store is already up and running and for news and updates on the store, pop over and 'like' the Paper Plane Facebook page.



Some of the gorgeous products available at paperplanestore.com 

Speaking of online stores and creative couples, Jennifer Hagler of A Merry Mishap along with her husband, have just launched Kollektstore.com, an impeccably tasteful edit of items from Scandinavia. Utilising Jennifer's incredible eye and stunning design aesthetic, the couple want to "bridge the gap between Scandinavian companies and American customers". Judging by what's on offer, I'd say that those in the US just got a whole lot luckier.



Beautiful styling shots and a few of my favourite pieces from Kollekt Store

More on Jennifer. US store Need Supply was so inspired by her minimal home styling and photography (aren't we all?) they asked her to style and photograph pieces from their new home goods collection in her own space. That seriously sounds like my dream job! As expected, the results are stunning. 



For more, check out the Need Supply lookbook, and their interview with Jennifer here.