Interior Styling | Concrete & Wood

I find the combination of concrete and wood in interiors really appealing so when I came across the beautiful photo series Where Concrete Meets Wood some time ago, I bookmarked it to share with you. Styled by Amanda Rodriguez, the Stockholm stylist whose work I've long admired, (she was even one of my first Pinterest Picks) the way she describes the two raw materials tells you a lot about how she sees the world, finding beauty in simplicity and the small details that surround her. Usually thought of as being strong and robust, she sees them turned into something fragile: the concrete into warm ash and the wood into light pink powder. Take a look and you'll see what she means. 

Photographed by Elin Strömberg and featured on This Is Paper, you can see the full series here.

Recently one of my lovely readers who is also building a home asked for some advice regarding her kitchen. When she described it as being concrete and wood I felt very excited for her! I immediately thought of these kitchens from my Kitchen Pinterest board...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 

The concrete gives an edgy, industrial feel to the spaces while the wood provides contrast, warmth and a rustic touch. 

I'm currently loving this style used in bathrooms. I think it's because I've been looking at lots of white, modern bathrooms lately, which after a while can seem a bit bland and sterile. These however are anything but... 

1 | 2 | 3 

Wood and concrete can also be carried through to other areas of the home as these images demonstrate. 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

I'm a massive fan of using wood in the home. You may remember my Interior Styling with Wood post where I showed how wood can be introduced not only through flooring, cabinetry and furniture but also with smaller touches like homewares, lighting and accessories. The same goes for concrete... 

This is actually a very impressive DIY lamp found via Nimi Design. See instructions how to make it here.

This is Nina Holst's second living room. The concrete tea lights and vase look great in the grey themed room, sitting on a rustic wood coffee table alongside a silver Moroccan tray. Have you noticed how often I source Nina's home and styling?! I just can't get enough! If you haven't yet checked out her blog Stylizimo, you must! 

A clever alternative to the real deal, you would never know that this is actually Concrete wallpaper! Designed by Tom Haga, I discovered it just the other day via the lovely blog Sai Zaialism. 

Talk about a dream kitchen! What are your thoughts on concrete and wood in the home?

I'm so excited - we've got our roof shout this afternoon! Things are moving quickly which is great but there are still so many decisions to make. Eek! Look out for another installment of Home Build on the blog next week. Happy Friday everyone. 

Homes to Inspire | Stylish in Stockholm

I stumbled across this lovely home on the weekend via a newly discovered Swedish real estate site Lagerlings. I'm not sure if it was the white Scandi interiors, marble features or the chalkboard 'M' (for my name of course!) that grabbed me, but I was immediately captivated. Architecturally designed and renovated, this apartment is situated in Östermalm, Central Stockholm. The open plan layout and high ceilings create a wonderful sense of space and grandeur while large character windows contribute to its light and airy feel. 

Distinctively Scandinavian, the herringbone-patterned parquet flooring in the kitchen, dining and living areas are stunning. A combination of clean lines, simple white cabinetry and Cararra marble make for one gorgeous kitchen, while the cute blackboard gives it a nice homely feel.  

Oh, how I would love to own the beautiful dining table and wishbone chairs! 

Marble details continue throughout the home. Did you notice the marble tray on the dining table? Then there are the marble side tables in the living area (and master bedroom shown further down). This home also features a colour combo that I'm really into right now, muted shades of blush and mustard yellow, seen here in the artwork, cushions and ceramics. 

There are some fabulous prints and artworks on display including a lovely gallery wall in the living area above and along the hallway below. 

Pale wooden floors run the length of the hallway and into the master bedroom which is big enough for a workspace. 

More marble in the bathroom provides a lovely sense of continuity. The recessed shelf provides a cute nook for flowers, quirky objects and a framed poster featuring one of my favourite quotes. 

Sadly this home has already been snapped up, not that we're moving to Sweden anytime soon, but it's nice to dream isn't it?

Images via Lagerlings.se

Home Build | Kitchen Inspiration

With the build of our new home in full swing, I've decided to start a series centred around this exciting yet slightly daunting project! Focusing specifically on the interiors side of things, I figure there's no better way to kick off than with the kitchen. Like most Mums I spend loads of time here preparing meals and keeping hungry little tummies full! It's a cliche, but kitchens are the heart of the home and that ultimately is what we are striving for. Our kitchen, dining and living spaces are going to be open plan, and while the kitchen is not huge, the island (which was a must) is fairly long. I know the kids are going to love having a breakfast bar and I'm going to love spending time there entertaining friends and family. 

I'm sure it will come as no surprise that the colour palette we've chosen is monochrome. With my love of Scandinavian design and a yearning for pared-back simplicity, I like the idea of keeping the canvas white and adding colour and texture through furnishings and homewares. I've always wanted pale wooden flooring so that's what we've chosen for this area of the home. I'm completely obsessed with marble so that's also at the top of the wishlist. 

Of course I'll be doing my best to achieve the elegant, stylish home I've always wanted within budget. Ahem, I know. Not easy! But I'd just like to say that if there is any area of a new build that needs a bit of extra dosh thrown at it, it should be the kitchen! Right? Who's with me on this? It also goes to explain why I'm pushing to get 'my' kitchen signed off before hubby goes crazy with the electrical plan! It really is such an important area of the home to get right, but I am realistic. While we want good quality cabinetry, benchtops and tapware, I'm all for mixing bargain finds with designer pieces when it comes to kitchenware and accessories. In fact I'm quite looking forward to the challenge!

Here are a few images that pinpoint what we're going for.   

This kitchen was designed by Dina Broadhurst whose work I've previously featured on the blog here. This marble waterfall island (1) is pure inspiration! I love the narrow width of the bench. Sleek and elegant, I think it works especially well with marble which has such a timeless quality. 

When it comes to the kitchen of a world-renowned food guru like Donna Hay, you know it's going to be good. The Donna Hay Studio kitchen, designed by Brian Hoy Design not only looks stunning, it has a great layout and top notch appliances. I've picked this one out because I love the marble splashback (1) and the stainless steel back benchtop (2). While we're considering both of these surfaces for our kitchen, we know for sure that the cabinetry will be all white with recessed/negative detailing i.e no handles (3).

To maximise storage, we've chosen to extend our cabinetry as high as possible (1). It also prevents the dreaded dust collection you get at the top of cabinets! I've already got my black and white striped rug from Let Liv (2) and we are installing pale wood flooring (3) although wider floor boards then these. Just so you know. 

To finish off, here are ten things on my kitchen wishlist.

01 Oven mitt and potholder from Åhléns 
02 Kitchenaid Artisan Mixer
03 Perforated Tolix Stool
04 Marble Hay Tray via Stylizimo
05 Lee Broom Crystal Lights from Bob & Friends
06 Design Letters Cups by Arne Jacobsen
07 Deer Teatowel by Angela McKay from Father Rabbit
08 Herb Pot Trio by Sagaform
09 Marble benchtop, Prahran Residence by Wonder
10 Nespresso Lattissima

Have any of you gone down the path of building? I'd love to hear your experiences. Or maybe you'd like to? Whether you're thinking about building or even renovating, I hope that by sharing my journey with you I inspire some of you out there to take the plunge and go for it.

Before I go I'd like to say congratulations to Erin Pickering, the winner of the Endemic World - Inaluxe Giveaway! Also a massive thank you to Endemic World for their generosity.  

Blog Love | Nordic Leaves

When I came across Nordic Leaves a couple of weeks back I felt like I'd struck gold. The beautiful interior design blog is written by Edina Sæther whose style and design aesthetic immediately struck a chord with me. As with many of the bloggers I write about here, Edina shares her own photography and home along with other inspiring design, art, fashion and foodie finds. I would say that her mission to make her blog "a magical place for dreams and inspiration" has definitely been accomplished!

Edina's signature Nordic style is evident throughout her stunning home and I've picked out some of my favourite areas to show you. In her office she favours black and white, splashes of colour (particularly yellow which she says she never tires of) and copper or brass. Although Edina is a self-confessed minimalist at heart, she likes having her favourite things on display which is why the String Shelving System works so well. Accessories from Hay, a Stendig Calendar and Eames House Bird from Vitra (who she lovingly refers to as Mr Birdie) are just some of the gorgeous homewares I'm coveting right now.

In fact I'm not kidding when I say that looking through Nordic Leaves is like looking at my own personal wishlist! The Etch candle holder by Tom Dixon is incredible. Available in brass, copper and silver, even just one would be lovely! They also make great pencil holders, don't you think?

More Tom Dixon magic with the Beat lights in the kitchen. I like how Edina mixes Ikea basics like the black picture frames with designer pieces like the Kartell Masters Chairs. There's a bit more colour here thanks to the gorgeous Smeg Fridge, fresh flowers, bright recipe books and a set of Pantone Mugs. 

Even Edina's baking and food styling is impeccable! 

The living room is bathed in light. A mustard coloured cushion adds a nice contrast to the grey and white furniture. I love the Gubi Floor Lamp, Eames Rocker and homemade pouffe. If you are thinking of painting your floors white, you'll find some great advice from Edina who is somewhat of an expert after painting hers twice in less than two years! Take a look here. 

The entry way is another gorgeous spot where Edina has added her own personal touch by decorating the front door with Ferm Living wall decals. She also painted four Ikea boxes and mounted them to the wall (with the help of her hubby) providing a great place to display her treasures. 

I feel like de-cluttering, painting my floors white and indulging in some retail therapy now. How about you? So much beautiful inspiration and the good news is Edina plans on taking more photos this year, so make sure you pop over to Nordic Leaves and follow along.  

Images with permission, via www.nordicleaves.com 

Kitchens | Ideas to Love

The kitchen is undoubtedly one of the most important areas of the home. Even if you're like me and your culinary skills are fairly limited, it's still a place you spend a lot of time, preparing and possibly eating meals, making what seems like endless kids lunches and more often than not, congregating with visitors and family. So today I thought I'd put together some kitchen eye-candy for you and a few ideas and tips on the side. Enjoy!

White 

 

White walls and cabinetry together with pale wood flooring provide a fresh, modern canvas for the kitchen. The splashback is a great place to add colour and texture. I love the subway tile and stainless steel options used in the kitchens above. 

Black

As much as I love white kitchens, I think black can look amazing and can create a real focal point in the home. The first kitchen above is so slick. Everything is kept out of sight, to best show off the clean and sophisticated lines. I also love the second kitchen with its chunky worktops, concrete and wood. 

Bar Stools

Kitchen islands are great in that they encourage interaction between both sides; whoever is working in the kitchen and guests or family members. They also provide a place for informal dining and for the kids to do their homework, so choosing the right bar stools is important. Height, comfort and aesthetics all come in to play, depending on what your preferences are. 

The kitchens above are all very different, but equally stunning. I love the use of wood in the first kitchen and the simple stools are a perfect fit. The second kitchen, which I spotted a while back in Living etc, has a great design. The colourful mix of Tolix chairs and stools work beautifully in this family home. I'm also a big fan of concrete to which the white stools provide a really nice contrast in the last kitchen.

Pendant Lights

Pendant lights work well over kitchen islands because they illuminate work areas and provide a focal point. I really love both the lights and low level at which they are hung in the first kitchen. The grey kitchen is also a favourite, with its simple yet effective lights.  

Colour

You know me, any excuse for yellow or pink! Both these kitchens are fun. I especially like the details in the second, with the open shelving and pretty crockery. 

If you've found these kitchens inspiring let me know as I have plenty more favourites to share! 

All images: source