WABI SABI

Arne Jacobsen goes wood

2012-01-30T11:27:00.000+01:00

The Danish firm Fritz Hansen now introduces Arne Jacobsen stacking chair collection in a series of wooden veneer variations, including Maple, Ash, Beech, Cherry, Oregon Pine, Elm, Oak, Walnut and Dark Stained Oak. In addition, nine new colours are also introduced, inspired by the original colour pallet designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1968; white, light grey, dark grey, black, yellow, orange, red, petrol blue and sage green. The new collection will be available from February 2012.

Not Wabi Sabi perhaps, but classic design made to last for generations. So eventually...

Beautiful Bath in Stone, Wood and Concrete

2012-01-24T16:56:00.000+01:00

Above: Stones, stones, stones! I'd love an outdoor bath like this. Someday.... Below: Impressive bathtub in all wood. Must weigh a ton... (wonder how they manage to get it in there? A crane and through the window, perhaps?) Both pics via tumblr with no source.

Above: nice space with stunning sculpture, via 79ideas. Probably a hallway, but would work well in a bathroom. Below: four pictures from agapedesign.it Beautiful grey walls and well designed furniture, looking very pure and restrained, with a Japanese feel. Love.

Building with respect to nature

2012-01-22T23:13:00.000+01:00

Penny Hay Architects have a way of blending landscapes and buildings in their projects, no matter where. The result is stunning. Elegant. Relaxed. Above, two images of a storm cottage in the Great Barrier. Below - three pics from the Brancott Heritage Estate, Blenheim

And finally, two images from an island retreat, Waiheke. I could move into any of these three houses, wouldn't you?

All images from the Penny Hay Interior Architect website. More images from Penny Hay's interiors here

Sunday Mix

2012-01-22T21:34:00.002+01:00

There's been a lot of dark interiors posted here recently. Maybe it's the dark winter days? Maybe it's the current muted color trend, that have inspired me? Let's change that:

Relaxed living room in mostly white, browns and some blues and lots of wood, via John Cullen

Beautiful items for the table. Bowls via, and spoons by Shuhei Senda

Simple yet elegant interior and piles of wool, via pinterest.

Ooops - a dark one: peaceful and very Wabi Sabi

Beautiful fireplace via. - Other images via tumblr without source.

The Year of the Dragon

2012-01-20T18:16:00.002+01:00

This weekend the Chinese celebrate their New Year.

2012 is the year of the Dragon. The Dragon is all about drama - of excitement, unpredictability, exhilaration and intensity! Like japanese artist Satoshi Kamiya's origami paper dragons (and a dinosaur), which I found on his website here. Happy New Year!

If you are into Feng shui, this is what goes:

The feng shui dragon is a powerful and auspicious traditional cure and an excellent symbol of strong yang / male energy. A pearl, or a crystal, in the dragon's claw symbolizes wealth, power and an abundance of opportunities. Ideally, you will place your feng shui dragon close to an open space, or in an open space, facing towards the house (to bring in the energy of wealth) but not feel cramped/restricted by facing a close wall, careful not to have the pearl in the dragon's claw facing toward the window or the door.

Jewelry for the 21st Century: While They Await Extinction

2012-01-20T11:59:00.000+01:00

This weekend many shop owners and style bloggers are in Stockholm for the Formex Furniture Fair. I'm not. Still, I'd like to show a few pictures of internationally acclaimed and award winning Swedish designer Hanna Hedman's set of jewelry "While they await extinction", presented at the fair. From her website: My jewelry has its origin in nature and the animal kingdom. Images of endangered animals and plants merge into each other and create new form of life. The forms are inspired by species unable to adapt or in some cases even completely died out. The jewels are affirmations for the different species, but also a commentary on the responsibility that we as humans hold. By wearing these jewels we become reminded of this responsibility on our own bodies in the form of memento jewelry. I am interested in showing my work in diverse ways: through wearing and photographs as well as installations and exhibitions .

De första pristagarna av Formex designpris Nova, Hanna Hedman och Simon Klenel, finns med bland utställarna på helgens formexmässa. Hanna Hedman visar smyckekonst från 2008-2011. Ovan ser du några bilder på hennes senaste smyckeserie While they await extinction. Hedmans smyckekost har rönt internationell uppmärksamhet, och du kan läsa mer om henne och hennes arbeten på hennes hemsida eller på Facebook, varifrån jag hämtat bilderna till collagen ovan.

Natural Beauty

2012-01-17T03:03:00.003+01:00

Some natural inspiration from (top left):

- attic by Emmanuel Sougez. Le grenier de Joigny, 1954 via

- knitted dress via

- desk unknown source/pinterest

- cat in laundry basket: unknown source/pinterest

- livingroom space via

- feather: unknown source/pinterest

- bottom left: Erik Gonzales gemini

- wired lamps: unknown source/pinterest

Dark & chalky greys

2012-01-12T23:01:00.000+01:00

Artist and interior designer Monique Meij-Beekman found an old bakery and turned it into a home and studio/shop. The choice of dark and chalky grey walls plus the distressed wood, granite and stone, gives the rooms an austere and mysterious feel. Almost like a monastery.

You may have seen some of these pics from Monique Meij-Beekman's home before, since they were published in Elle Decoration 2009. But I think they deserve another go. Styled by Monique herself, and photographed by Jan Luijk. All pics from their websites.

Wabi Sabi Bathroom Inspiration

2012-01-10T00:14:00.001+01:00

I'm in desperate need of some new ideas for my bathroom. Something along these lines, I think. Neutral colors and natural materials will give me the simple and relaxed atmosphere I'm looking for. All of these would do fine. Minus the iron stove, I'm afraid. I'd love to have one in the bathroom, but there is no space.

All images via Pinterest

Wabi Sabi Dining - Naturliga kök & matplatser

2012-01-02T19:33:00.001+01:00

Samtliga bilder via Pinterest

2012 got a beautiful start

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hope you had a joyus new years celebration.

Last night, several Khom Loy lamps silently floated over my house. What a beautiful way to remember our love ones, and at the same time greet the new year. I must confess I prefer these elegant, silent ricepaper lanterns to noisy fireworks. Especially in urban areas...

Just beautiful! I'm going to get a few for my next party. What's your preference? Fireworks or lanterns?

If you live in Sweden, you can order them online.

I got these pics from here and here.

More Love, more Laughter - Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T01:00:00.001+01:00

All images via Pinterest (more details later)

Blurred Vision

2011-12-29T03:02:00.001+01:00

Images: 1, 2, via 3, 4, 5, 6

Scandinavian Sky Today at 4 pm

2011-12-27T18:45:00.000+01:00

A Kitchen where Nature and Crafts rule

2011-12-26T15:44:00.000+01:00

From Taverne

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

2011-12-23T18:44:00.000+01:00

Via pinterest.
More white inspiration here

BlogLove: Les Fifoles

2011-12-22T23:40:00.001+01:00

Anne with the blog Les Fifoles, takes the most beautiful pictures. Like these. And write the most beautiful words. She doesn't post often, but if you haven't visited her blog before, head over to Les Fifoles whenever you are in the mood for some visual and linguistic poetry.

Paul Loebach's design is re-use of tradition

2011-12-20T23:26:00.001+01:00

When I saw these pics by photographer Leslie WIlliamson, of designer Paul Loebach's studio in Brooklyn, I jumped. Look at those Himmeli lamps! And that ladder!

Paul Loebach's design, is based on traditional tools and decorations. Just look at his Himmeli Lights, which are inspired by traditional Finnish straw ornaments.

The page spread above is from Elle Decor, where Paul Loebach's work was highlighted last spring. Below: more pics from his studio.

Paul Loebach's lamps are formed by threading together anodized aluminum tubes, with a simple paper shade nestled within the frame (now in production by Roll & Hill).

Loebach's ladders are inspired by 19th-century orchard equipments. His turned, hard maple ladders can be used to hang throws, towels, clothes, or simply stand alone (produced by Matter).

Below: Paul Loebach co-designed this textile with Jessie Henson. It is patterned after the ancient biblical proverb Nothing Lost, adopted by American quilters in the civil war era. Positive and negative shapes are laser cut from wool felt and stitched back together. The two resulting quilts are inverse matches, made with zero wasted material. Brilliant!

Photos: the interior shots of Paul Loebach's studio in Brooklyn are by Leslie Williamson. The rest are from Paul Loebach's website, where you will find lots of other great designs.

Shaped environment

2011-12-20T13:55:00.000+01:00

Today I give you a mix of shapes and colors in our man made environment. Who am I? Where am I? Why?

Images found here: 1, 2, 3+6= unknown, 4, 5, 7+ 8

My Christmas

2011-12-18T17:49:00.002+01:00

Just seven days until Christmas. Where I am, the days are short and grey and the nights are long and black. What's the weather like where you are?

Fabriken vill att medlemmarna visar upp sitt julpyssel. Nu är inte jag av den pyssligaste sorten, om jag inte behöver för jobbets skull, vill säga. Men i år har jag i alla fall spraymålat några kottar med guld- och silverfärg. På dom översta bilderna har har jag lagt några stycken i en loppisfyndad nysilverskål, för fotografering till det här inlägget. Tycker nog att kottar är finast au naturel. Men dom "ny-blingade" fungerar riktigt bra, där dom ligger och glimmar i stearinljusens sken, bland nötterna på matbordet.

Weaving with feathers!

2011-12-17T01:57:00.003+01:00

Stunning piece of work:

a woven shawl with feathers!

Slow work, if any!

Sibella Court's new book Nomad

2011-12-16T16:49:00.000+01:00

I'm thinking of buying Sibella Court's new book Nomad. Anyone read it yet? Love what I've seen so far. These pics are via desire to inspire

From her website:

My latest book Nomad is brimming with decorating tips and inspiring pictures from Syria, Mexico, Italy, India and Japan.

My philosophy is about adding and subtracting, rearranging and recycling, transforming and rethinking a space to reflect your personality, lifestyle and adventures. Make it organic & sustainable! You do not have to recreate your entire interior for that special reminder of your trip.

Nomad will help open your eyes to what’s around you and fuel your imagination long after the suitcase is unpacked.

Handmade brushes - A last minute Xmas gift?

2011-12-16T14:49:00.000+01:00

These beautiful, traditional, handmade brushes are from the Swedish shop Iris. I have a few and they are great! Iris is a century old Swedish organization, focusing on protecting the rights of the visually impaired in society. Today their activities also include disabilities such as dyslexia, cognition and hearing.

All photos by Carl Bengtsson, Iris.se

DIY: last minute Xmas snow decorations of paper

2011-12-13T13:44:00.001+01:00

Christmas is quickly approaching. Still a lot of decorating to do? Relax. Here is a DIY project from the blog Mokkasin. It that takes just minutes and everyone can do it. The result is stunning!!

All you need is some white tissue paper, a scissor and a big needle, plus some nice, robust strings. How to do:

1. cut out small, "circular" pieces of the paper

2. make a pile of the papers circles, thick/thin enough to be able to press through with the needle and string.

3. add as many piles as you prefer on each string

4. carefully separate the papers to make the garland

5. hang them in the window and see them turn. Enjoy!

I will make mine out of left over wrapping paper and wallpaper. Some bright colored. Some silver. Some gold.

Lucia celebrations in Sweden

2011-12-12T23:19:00.001+01:00

Tonight is the night, when Swedish teenagers stay up till dawn, to celebrate Lucia. Then, in the wee hours of the morning, they knock on doors of family and friends, to wake them up with a song, hot coffee and Lussebullar (saffron buns recipe here), as in Carl Larson's painting (further down in this post).

The two young ladies in the 1919 photo above are Anna Bylander & Kerstin Johansson.

One theory claims that the Lucia celebration evolved from old Swedish traditions of star boys and white-dressed angels singing Christmas carols at different events during Advent and Christmas. The current tradition of having a white-dressed woman with candles in her hair appearing on the morning of the Lucia day, December 13, started in the late 18th century and spread slowly to other parts of the country during the 19th century. (Wikipedia)

Above: In the Lucia procession in the home, depicted by Carl Larsson in 1908, the oldest daughter brings coffee and St. Lucia buns to her parents while wearing a candle-wreath and singing a Lucia song. Other daughters may help, dressed in the same kind of white robe and carrying a candle in one hand, but only the oldest daughter wears the candle-wreath. (Wikipedia)

Lucia use to scare the living daylight out of the Nobel Prize Winners and their families, while still in Sweden after the festivities. Nowadays the laureats are asked in advance if they want to be woken up by a singing Lucia and her entourage. Why miss out on an old Swedish tradition? Most say yes.

If you are still curious what this Lucia tradition is all about, check out the beautiful video below, filmed some years ago at painter Anders Zorn's studio in Mora:

The Moon according to Laurent Laveder

2011-12-12T13:08:00.002+01:00

Pure creativity! In case you have not seen these amazing images by photographer Laurent Laveder already - enjoy!

Some stunning videos by Laveder here

The world according to Wolfgang Laib

2011-12-11T20:07:00.001+01:00

Beautiful images from Myanmar/Burma and India by German photographer Wolfgang Laib

Friday inspiration

2011-12-09T16:11:00.001+01:00

Planning to do some work around the house this weekend? Here's some inspiration. Have a relaxing Friday, all.

Image: marionalberge.com

Images: Dagens Industri and tumblr

Image: tumblr (no source)

Image: Patricia Larsen. More on her work in the blogpost below

Real, lived in Spaces

2011-12-08T00:03:00.001+01:00

Beautiful photographs of real lived in space in Mexico, by artist Patricia Larsen. What a great contrast to the styled, Swedish home I blogged about here...

My Ceramic Christmas Ornaments

2011-12-07T00:14:00.001+01:00

These last years I haven't had any Christmas tree. In stead, I've hung old and new ornaments from a twisted branch in the window.

This year's the ornaments are angel shaped raku ceramics (and a few butterflies, small horses and stars) I made this summer.

The other Christmas decorations that soon will be unpacked and placed as focal points around the house, are old, inherited stuff. I like to link back in time - and generations - this time of the year, using decorations my grandmother and mother used, to mark the season. How do you decorate your home for the holidays?

Nature as Art

2011-12-04T01:11:00.001+01:00

Every now and then, you come across something that just amazes you. Like spanish artist Lorenzo Duran's artwork. Duran uses a traditional paper cutting technique to carve delicate designs into leaves he hand-picks. This is how he describe his work on his website:

Naturayarte is an art project that allows my small family and I to live by doing what we love. I use components from nature that help me complete my ideas surrounding what I consider to be art. I believe that each object in nature and living being has, imprinted in its self, art in its purest form.

The work process, as described by the Lorenzo Duran is:

picking the leaves,
washing,
drying,
pressing, and
cutting.

I have cut many leaves and the vast majority of them have ended up in the trash, but I am slowly perfecting a method that will not break the leaves.
While they are in the press, I sketch out the drawing, which I attach to the leaf before starting to cut it. At the end, I peel it off, and this last step is the most delicate of all because the leaf is fragile and days of work can be ruined in just moments. This process always results in a leaf and a drawing that are unique, and give the work its own unique character.

What can I say, other than:

Wow, this is awesome!!!

Don't you think?

Saturday Pix Mix

2011-12-03T19:40:00.001+01:00

It's been a very windy Saturday afternoon here, but I dared the weather, and got all drenched. Oh well, I'm safe back home now, fire burning in the kitchen stove. Hope you have a great weekend.

Images 1, 2-3: tumblr, 4-7, 8-9

BlogLove: Simple & Natural at Loppelilla

2011-12-01T23:32:00.001+01:00

If you haven't discovered this lovely Norwegian blog yet, head right over to Loppelilla. She takes the most wonderful photographs of her home and the nature and wild life around her. And she paints. I love her blog. Just look at these simple, DIY Winter/Christmas decorations. More loveliness here.

Vaulted Summer Memories

2011-12-01T00:23:00.001+01:00

Today is December 1. Still no snow here in the south west of Sweden. But the days are short, and darkness lingers in the corners. It sure is winter.

I just now came across these photos I took last summer. Makes me long for our endless summer days and that Nordic Light. Soon, soon...

I love patterns, and it seems I saw vaults everywhere last summer! The two top pics are from (a very rainy day) at Läckö, a beautiful 17 Century Castle with a fantastic enclosed garden. The bottom pic is a window in another noble estate - Nääs Castle, and the arts and crafts shop there.

Braided Yarn - Not Knitted

2011-11-30T17:10:00.001+01:00

Lately I've written a few posts on great, trendy knits to ware or to decorate your home. I find artist and fashion designer Dana Barnes' work, as something along that line too. These pictures are from her New York exhibition last year called Unspun - Tangled and Fused. To walk on a carpet like this, must be like walking on clouds!

Dana Barnes experiments with unspun natural fibers and innovative felting processes.

Barnes uses techniques like knotting, netting, twisting and looping to create large scale textiles for interior spaces. See more pictures from the creative process here.

Read an interview with Dana Barnes in the New York Times here. All pictures from Dana Barnes' website.

Warm and Cosy Knits: get untangled!

2011-11-29T18:21:00.001+01:00

Top: by designer Johan Ku, spring 2012

Below: by designer Nanna van Blaaderen

I want scissors for Christmas

2011-11-28T23:25:00.001+01:00

On my wish list this Christmas: beautiful, hand made copper scissors from Tajika Haruo ironworks in Japan. Each piece is hand forged and hand sharpened using traditional methods dating back to the Showa period. The copper will begin to oxidize and develop a unique patina with continued use. Sold here.

The Swedish Dala Horse

2011-11-28T18:46:00.001+01:00

This is the time of year when Swedes dig deep into their national and regional traditions. Lucia, Santa and the Straw Goat are sure to show up in most homes. And the Dala Horse too, in some regions. The other week I came across a website totally dedicated to Dalahorses, and filled with beautiful pictures of antique Dalahorses. Carved out of wood and painted. Most commonly used as kids toys, as the ones below:

Two groups of more modern Dala Horses, from the same website.

Then a few of my own ceramic Dalahorses. Made this summer to be used as Christmas decorations. These horses are not painted in the classic style, but glazed and then burned in a raku kiln. (Kind of funny that I photographed them outdoors, like the ones above!)

More modern versions of the Swedish Dala Horse here

Looking close at patinated bronze

2011-11-28T16:42:00.001+01:00

Binder With Magnifying Glass 2011. Patinated Bronze.

Art by Ricky Swallow.

1 Advent in Sweden

2011-11-27T16:15:00.001+01:00

Today is the 1 of Advent, the first of four Sundays before Christmas. In Sweden - this is the day we start to dress and prepare our houses for Christmas. So this afternoon I went out in the storm to look for green lingonberry leaves, pine cones and grey moss on twigs, that I'll use for all sorts of traditional Christmas decorations coming weeks.

How do YOU prepare for Christmas where you are?

Simple Living Close to Nature outside Berlin

2011-11-27T13:00:00.001+01:00

Old German cottage + Scandinavian materials + Japanese simplicity = compact weekend getaway outside Berlin. Redesigned by Leipzig architects Schellenberg und Thaut.

All images of this 62 square meter abode in the forest south of Berlin, are from Schellenberg und Thaut, found via La Maison d'AnnaG and Design Shimmer

Exquisite Photos of Roux

2011-11-26T20:07:00.001+01:00

I have never thought of myself as a cat person (whatever that is?). But many, many years ago, two homeless cats moved in. I didn't have the guts to put them down, so they've been running my life ever since. Now Darwin is gone, but Tosca is still here - still running the show.

I know, I know, this is not an animal blog, but I just found this cat blog, full of beautiful photos.

Sad to say - my japanese is a bit rusty.... but these exquisite photos of the cat Roux makes me wonder if the blogger is a professional photographer? Or filmmaker? Simple and elegant. As is this film, below. Enjoy!

Trees Outside In

2011-11-25T11:23:00.001+01:00

Natural inspiration transformed into art, crafts and design. First - a stunning winter landscape by Andrew Kearton. I love his work, and this is how he introduces himself on his flickr page: I live in a rural area of North Derbyshire and have many locations in which to walk and take landscape photos. Photography has become a big part of my life over the last few years. It started as a way of documenting where I had visited and walked in my spare time along with my dog Tess. (Click on the top image for a larger version)

Images:

1. Andrew Kearton

2. Flickr.com/photos/outthere101

3. www.etsy.com/shop/Homedecal

4. William Morris

5. s3.amazonaws.com

6. unknown

7. lost.net.au/vic

8. wasbella102.tumblr.com

DIY paper projects for Christmas

2011-11-24T22:50:00.001+01:00

Looking for something new to decorate your home or office this Christmas? How about these origami decorations? As window dressing, perhaps? Or Christmas tree decorations, perhaps? All these beauties are by GoOrigami. If you plan do fold something like these, I guess you have to start practicing NOW! I know I will.

Time to eat!

2011-11-23T18:54:00.001+01:00

All images from tumblr, but with no proper credit attached. Do YOU know who took these delicious pics??

All natural By Nord

2011-11-22T07:00:00.000+01:00

New items from BY NORD, beautifully styled.

Loft Living in Chelsea

2011-11-22T00:17:00.001+01:00

Two images from photographer Anita Calero's combined home and studio in West Chelsea, London. Love the way she's embraced the old elements in the space, when she reconfigured the loft, and decorated it with flea market finds. And then some. More inspiring pics here.

Pics from LoftLife

My wild life garden

2011-11-21T17:07:00.001+01:00

This guy moved in last summer. More of a pet than a wild moose. Turned out he was harmed (hit by a car?), and felt safe hanging around people's gardens. He was eventually put down, but was sure an interesting "neighbor" to have around.

A Selby film I'd love to be in!

2011-11-21T16:18:00.001+01:00

DIY - Knitted Wool Reuse

2011-11-21T12:32:00.001+01:00

Love the way Susanne Harrysson, Slöjd i Väst

reused an old sweater.

Go to this Swedish Arts & Crafts blog

to see how she did it.

I love wood!

2011-11-21T00:33:00.001+01:00

Pictures via: 1, 2-3, 4

Rose Love

2011-11-20T01:22:00.001+01:00

... in my garden, just a few months ago...

Today's view from my window

2011-11-19T15:04:00.001+01:00

Hope your Saturday is a good one!

Winter in Sweden means short days and loooong, dark nights.

I live in the south west, and sometimes we have snow, sometimes not. This year no snow so far, and I am happy, because I still have a few things to do in my garden.

Have I mentioned that Wabi Sabi Style have twice as many visitors now, compared to this time last year? Thanks for visiting!

Love to know more about you.

Who are you?

Where are you from?

What makes you interested in the Wabi Sabi Style?

Beautiful Bamboo Bowls

2011-11-18T16:50:00.001+01:00

I just love these beautiful bamboo bowls. They are from Ecobo, who specializes in eco-design. Ecobo works directly with bamboo handicraft villages and small workshops, to secure higher wages for the artisans and maintain high-quality standards. See more beautiful crafts at their website here.

New Scandinavian webshop

2011-11-18T16:24:00.001+01:00

I cannot resist telling you about this small Scandinavian blogshop. It's Minna over at Time of the Aquarius, who now sells strictly Finnish design, via her blog. Perfect timing, if you are looking for some unique Christmas presents. Enjoy!
Thanks Emma for the heads up.

More wonderful knits for you and your home

2011-11-16T16:50:00.001+01:00

All images via BusyBeingFabulous.

Styling by the blogger herself - Deborah McLean.

Photo: Ric Wallis

Sweet Paul goodies online now

2011-11-15T23:44:00.001+01:00

Looking for food and decoration ideas for the upcoming holidays? Check out the new Sweet Paul catalogue online. It's packed with inspiration. Enjoy!

Bathroom inspiration

2011-11-15T16:05:00.001+01:00

I've been cleaning and reorganizing my bathroom all day. Have been dreaming of redoing it ever since I bought the house a couple of years ago. But so far, the changes are few and far apart. I really need to do something about the walls, but cannot decide on a solution. Anyway - here are some inspiration for me - and you. What's your preference?

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4

My kitchen window mid-november

2011-11-15T12:31:00.001+01:00

Tuesday morning, and it's a beautiful, sunny day here on the Swedish west coast. Love the way the sunbeams find their way into the kitchen. Hope your day is sunny too!

Wooden textiles by Elisa Strozyk

2011-11-14T18:14:00.001+01:00

I am really impressed by the talented and creative designer/artist Elisa Strozyk's work. She mixes paper, textiles, and wood! I love the way she cuts open wallpapers and turn them into new, semi-transparent wall dividers (bottom pics). But am especially intrigued by the furnitures and pendants she's makes out of a material she calls Wooden Textiles (the three items in the middle below).

Wooden Textile is half wood, half textile. It's something between hard and soft. It looks and smells familiar but feels strange, as it is able to move and form in unexpected ways.To transform hard wood into a flexible surface Elisa Strozyk deconstruct it into pieces, which she then attach to a textile base.

The new material can then be used in different ways: as flooring, curtains, drapes, plaids, upholstery or furniture. Depending on the geometry and size of the tiles, each design behaves differently. See much more of her stunning work on her webpage.

Japanese simplicity & craft

2011-11-13T19:09:00.001+01:00

I just stumbled upon a japanese shop called Classico where I found these absolutely beautiful items. Just look at the driftwood birds below! Love them all!

Natural weekend

2011-11-11T17:43:00.001+01:00

Thank God it's Friday!

Time to eat.

Time to relax.

Have a good weekend, all!

via

All but one pic is from an unknown tumblr source

Bloglove: Norwegian Wabi Sabi

2011-11-11T15:52:00.001+01:00

Don't you just love this no nonsense guest room? You'll find it in Liv Sandvik Jakobsen's home in Norway, if you are so lucky to be invited!

I love the combination of whites and greys mixed with multicolored traditional textiles.

I love the dark colors in the old etchings and little photo on the wall. And the black sheep skin and black stripes in the woven textiles.

Simple elegance and Wabi Sabi in a very traditional Scandinavian way.

Liv Sandvik Jakobsen is the person behind the blog Livs Lyst, where she generously share pictures and ideas from beautiful Norwegian homes. Head over ASAP for more inspiration.

Beautiful bowls

2011-11-10T23:55:00.001+01:00

Top pic via
All the other pics found via tumblr,

but with no proper source attached...

Love to know who took these pics.

Do YOU know?

Knitting - the new black?

2011-11-09T22:47:00.000+01:00

Make something cozy for the..

Sticka något värmande till...

... body/kroppen

... bed/sängen

... chair/pallen

... lamp/lampan

... kids/barnen

... your self/dig själv

... him/mannen i ditt liv

...your stuff/det allra viktigaste

A love of Imperfection - Bedagade skönheter

2011-11-08T06:29:00.001+01:00

When I see todays romantic love for decayed surfaces and spaces, I'm reminded of US artist Elana Herzog's art project Civilization and its Discontents, as seen in New York City 2003.

In this textile project, Herzog stapled a series of Persian carpets in varying quality and condition, onto an art gallery's walls and then worked on them further to give them the right state of decay. Read more about her project here.

What do you think?

Where do you draw the line between imperfection and decay?

Lundberg Design: Beautiful Work in Wood and Steel

2011-11-07T20:57:00.000+01:00

When I saw the stunning table in Wolfgang Behnken's new Hamburg home (which I wrote about here yesterday) I was reminded of Olle Lundberg's beautiful designs in wood and metal, as seen in these pictures:

Olle Lundberg is a Californian based architect, but with such a name I suspect he is of Swedish origin.Lundberg primarily works with salvage wood and metal in his own studio, where he and his collegues create stunning objects for private and public spaces

I love the different designs for wood storage, that Lundberg has designed for his own cabin in Cazadero

Lundberg Design excel in metal designs of all sorts: stairs, railings, hangers, sliding cabinet doors, practical kitchen tables etc. Apart from his San Francisco home, a re-designed ferry boat (!), he and his wife love to escape to their cabin up north in Cazadero - a woody, simple, airy house, largely built of reused material

Images from New York Times and Lundberg Design.

Li Edelkoort's Paris home

2011-11-06T18:19:00.003+01:00

I try to avoid posting images and stories that tour the blogosphere from time to time. But today I cannot resist posting these wonderful images from trend guru Li Edelkort's home in Paris. Sooo very Wabi Sabi in its simple elegance.

Love the mix of wood and wool against the white surfaces. Love the mix of old furniture, odd ceramics and decorative, tribal items, I guess she has picked up on her travels around the world. More pics over at the Bodie and Fou blog

Images from Marie-Clair, Italy via Bodie and Fou

White, aged - and very Wabi Sabi

2011-11-06T01:30:00.001+01:00

Photo: flick

Favorit i köket: My kitchen stove

2011-11-04T17:57:00.002+01:00

My blog friends over at Fabriken, ask: what's your favorite item in your kitchen? Without a doubt it's my old, black iron stove.

When not in use, different kind of every day items seem to pile up there.... So before taking some snapshots with my mobile phone camera (hence the quality), I used what was sitting there today, arranging the stuff into a still life. Or three.

Behind the stove is the chimney which I painted black (chalk paint) this summer. The iron pots & pans, and the pic of the boy, are from my Granny.

OK - off to clear the stove now, in order to light a fire... Mmmmmm...

DIY av halm, gräs eller papper

2011-11-04T14:08:00.000+01:00

If you are tired of bling-bling when decorating your home this winter, why not try some of these DIY, traditional craft made out of paper or grass?

Dags för lite pyssel i höstmörkret. Kanske göra en finsk Himmeli? Faktiskt rätt kul att samla tjejkompisarna till en "pysselkväll" med god mat och gott vin. Värdinnan fixar arbetsmaterial. Kompisarna tar med mat och dryck. Kreativiteten ökar allt eftersom kvällen lider. Beskrivningar och bilder om halmslöjd hittar du här: Himmeli, 365 slöjd, Vänersborgs museum och Halmens Hus

If you don't have time for DIY projects, there is always Etsy. I love the different origami paper art, that's on sale right now:

Check out more stunning items at these Etsy sellers: SnWeStore, SpotLightJewelry, Meligami and Lusine

Även Frida på Trendenser har bloggat flitigt den senaste tiden om pappersdesign.

Simple Elegance the American Way

2011-11-03T21:20:00.002+01:00

Three interiors by New York photographer Lesley Unruh

Paper Art by Erica Baum

2011-11-01T10:32:00.001+01:00

Artist Erica Baum's art objects gives poetry a whole new meaning. In her project called Dog Ear, she turns a simple fold of an old book into a piece of poetry and art combined.

The new image is formed by the juxtaposition of the text on the two book pages; one folded down and one visible behind it.

Erica Baum explains: It looks simple but it’s actually very hard to find ones where everything comes together. In all of these projects I’m looking for something that in some sense already exists and has the potential to yield something else.

Getting in the mood for Winter

2011-10-29T07:00:00.000+02:00

Saipua

Poppytalk

Ravelry

All the beautiful things

Devils-tail-gallery

Paris Apartment

Blogspotting: Moa og Kaffekoppen

2011-10-28T17:01:00.001+02:00

There are bad things and good things with having a lingering cold. The bad thing is all that coughing and sneezing. The good thing is all that resting, mostly spent propped up on the sofa, with lots of extra time to surf the net.

Today I came across the Norvegian blog Moa og kaffekoppen, where I found these beautiful photographs. Very Wabi Sabi.

What stands out in her pictures, (especially the first three ones), is Moa's outstanding eye for composition!

It's not often that you see this kind of artistic quality in blogger's photographs:

Love what she does with simple, every day items, like in the wonderful pic above, which remind me of artwork by Picasso or Morandi. And the rest of her pictures aren't half bad either:

All images from Moa's blogg.

Head over ASAP!

Naked WIndows Looking Good

2011-10-28T12:03:00.000+02:00

Images from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 is unknown

Stunning object made of found & recycled paper

2011-10-27T07:00:00.000+02:00

British artist Jennifer Collier creats wonderful artwork from found & recycled papers. She gives new life to items that would otherwise get thrown away. See more of her work at her website. If you like to make something similar, she runs workshops on a regular basis in a converted cow shed (!) outside Stafford. I would love to go.

All images from Jennifer Collier's website

Japanese interiors like artwork

2011-10-26T18:00:00.001+02:00

The Japanese design studio Suppose present their designs with stunning, well-composed photos. Such elegant calmness. They remind me both of Jan Vermeer's 17 century painings and Georgio Morandi's 20 century still life.

All photos are from the Suppose website, and each pic show a different house, built by Suppose in recent years.

Mysterious. Natural. Elegant.

2011-10-25T22:33:00.000+02:00

My kind of photography: mysterious, natural, elegant. Clever. Beautiful!

By Paris born, London based artist/photographer Noemie Goudal

Native American-inspired aesthetic for 2011

2011-10-25T17:31:00.002+02:00

I have put a hold on clothes shopping, but these beauties from the Portland Collection makes me think again.

I just love the way the designers have implemented a Native American-inspired aesthetic into these textiles, all produced locally in Portland, USA.
Here is a link to a youtube film, where we can see how the designers created their fall/winter 2011collection.

I want to have it all!!!

New BlogLove: Basic Label Sweden

2011-10-24T22:30:00.002+02:00

I just discovered this new blog,

written in Dutch and Swedish

by Marion.

Love it!

Head over, right away, folks.

Soft and natural

2011-10-24T21:28:00.000+02:00

I'm seeing more and more sheep. Not just ultra soft, fuzzy, live ones. But stuffed. For effect. In fashion shots. But - nothing like the real thing, right?

Images: 1, 2 and 3

Saturday Inspiration - Vackra Wabi Sabi arrangemang

2011-10-22T17:56:00.000+02:00

Image 1-2, 3, 4-6

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Check out my other blog Creative Living here.

Nature Mort - Stilleben

2011-10-20T20:29:00.000+02:00

via

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Check out my other blog Creative Living here.

Translation (well, sort of...)

Textile Treats - Dax att boa in sig!

2011-10-18T12:18:00.000+02:00

via

Top pic - Below

via

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Old Swedish farmhouse goes Industrial Chic

2011-10-12T11:21:00.000+02:00

Nope, I couldn't stay away ;-) I couldn't resist telling you all about this successful renovation of an old, rundown farmhouse on the Swedish island Gotland. Originally bought by Christine and Johan as a summerhouse, they now live there all year around.

It's all very industrial chic. Johan is an interior designer, and most everything is made of rejects or second hand finds, which Johan has remodeled to fit their new home.... and then added some designer furniture, to get the right feel and function. Read all about it in the current issue of Sköna Hem.

It's the first time I read about this wonderful home, but I understand some of you have seen articles and blogposts about it earlier. It's a great project, so it's understandable if people want to write about it. But it's a pity when the same Swedish home appear in all the Swedish interior mags. It happens only too often. Lack of imagination? You tell me. I for one would have missed it, if it wasn't for Sköna Hem. Hope it's news to some of you too. Enjoy!

Photo: Anna Kern/ Sköna Hem

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Translation (well, sort of...)

Natural mix

2011-10-11T18:11:00.001+02:00

I have 3 days of lecturing to prepare, so you wont hear much from me until next week. Here are som lovely images to tie you over 'till then. Enjoy.

via

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Translation (well, sort of...)

Autumn mood

2011-10-11T16:34:00.000+02:00

October. Autumn in Europe. I think these images by German based stylist/photographer Maria Grossmann catches the mood perfectly.

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Check out my other blog Creative Living here.

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Great re-use by Piet Hein Eek

2011-10-07T13:39:00.001+02:00

This is great!!! Stunning entrance walls made out of old doors, by designer Piet Hein Eek. You'll find them in a new building complex in Amsterdam East, by architect Peter Geusebroek. Wow!

Photos: Thomas Mayer

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Check out my other blog Creative Living here.

Translation (well, sort of...)

Nature rules!

2011-10-07T13:10:00.002+02:00

via

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Check out my other blog Creative Living here.

Translation (well, sort of...)

Autumn - höst

2011-10-07T12:43:00.003+02:00

Foto: Pelle Bergström

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Translation (well, sort of...)

DIY: simple storage for personal spaces

2011-10-03T12:18:00.000+02:00

Love these "shelves". Simple, yet sophisticated storage for personal spaces, created by finnish stylist Susanna Vento. A nice DIY project for next weekend, perhaps?

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Check out my other blog Creative Living here.

Translation (well, sort of...)

Beauty in decay?

2011-10-02T18:23:00.001+02:00

This door may be far too neglected and decayed to be Wabi Sabi, but still - a beautiful photograph by Jose Kilbride.

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Check out my other blog Creative Living here.

Translation (well, sort of...)

Paper design by Ikea

2011-09-26T12:09:00.001+02:00

Sorry for the blog silence lately. You know it's fall, when the work load keep you from sharing all the goodies you've collected for the blog recently. So, while waiting for things to ease up, here are some images I got from Ikea today.

Love these paper lamps, designed by Jon Karlsson. The effect is very airy, very crisp, very Japanese. OK, back to work, now.

Ni som läser mina bloggar, vet att jag är svag för papper. Pappers konst. Pappers design. Inte så konstigt att jag föll pladask för dessa eleganta Ikea lampor av Jon Karlsson.

Foto: Nina Broberg/IKEA Livet Hemma

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Translation (well, sort of...)

Natural inspiration - Rofyllda interiörbilder

2011-09-17T17:36:00.000+02:00

A while ago, I posted some beautiful photographs by Gemma Comas. Here are another selection of inspiring stills from the same source. Enjoy!

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Translation (well, sort of...)

September 11: A Dove and an Olive Branch

2011-09-11T14:30:00.004+02:00

Image by Picasso - who else?

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Musiksatt typografi - Typeface Poem Script

2011-09-10T22:54:00.000+02:00

Musiksatt typografi. Gör mig lite sentimental... filmen får mig att tänka på min bror - tryckaren. Och hans verkstad, där jag jobbade så många timmar för att dryga ut studielånen. Omgiven av grafiska formgivare. Med många diskussioner om typsnitt, bildformat, pica, papperskvaliteter, tryckfärg. Mycket mörkrumsjobb blev det. Sena kvällar och nätter när det behövdes. Sentimental, var ordet.

Typeface Poem Script designed by Ale Paul. Directed by Santiago Idelson. Music performed by Rachel Grimes. (Sudtipos Foundry on Vimeo)

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Translation (well, sort of...)

Ballet Poetry in Black and White

2011-09-08T19:55:00.001+02:00

I wouldn't mind having this photograph - by New York photographer Dane Shitagi - on my wall.

Photo by Dane Shitagi

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Translation (well, sort of...)

Concrete Bathroom - Badrumsinspiration i betong

2011-09-07T20:24:00.001+02:00

Planerar du att förnya ditt badrum, kanske detta kan inspirera? Råa betongväggar, bänkar längs med duschväggarna och småsten på golvet. Tappa inte tvålen, bara....

I have the worst bathroom. Ever. If I have anything to do with it, my next one will be like this: raw, grey concrete walls and seats all around plus pebbels on the floor. You better not slip and fall in this shower ;-)

via

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Translation (well, sort of...)

Trendspotting: Elle goes Green

2011-09-06T18:22:00.001+02:00

Swedish Elle Interiör is my favorite (Swedish) interior mag. Love the international outlook. The other day the September issue landed in my mailbox. Jumped at the cover: that moss colored sofa. All those pics of greenery. Inspiring and looking great! The article inside wasn't half bad either. Just love these pics by Swedish photograpeher Idha Lindhag, which I borrowed from her site.

Above: Love the two Morris wallpapers in this pic. Can we look forward to a William Morris revival in Sweden now? (When I ask my interior design students if they know of Williams Morris and his work, they all shake their heads... Maybe no more? ;-))

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Check out my other blog Creative Living here.

Translation (well, sort of...)