BODIE and FOU★ Le Blog: Inspiring Interior Design blog by two French sisters

Crush on Hannah Lemholt's photography, NYC, The Simple Things...

2013-05-22T17:21:00.000+01:00

We're off to HERE (Hell yeah!) on Friday and as usual I'm trying to fit a 5-day week into a 4-day week without getting stressed out, organising the photo shoots we will be doing for The Simple Things magazine, preparing my meeting with my Publishing Agent (read the great news here) and organising our family holidays...

Well, it's not really working out.... I'm mega super stressed this afternoon but it's OK. I know I'll feel like a little Buddha after Bikram Yoga (last night I managed the toe stand pose for the first time in 2 months) and I will eventually get things done right on time (or kind of).

I had this big plan to schedule wonderful, inspiring posts for you guys next week but let's face it...it's not gonna happen :-))) I may be able to schedule 1 or 2 in advance if I'm lucky but next week, I'll probably more on Instagram than behind the laptop writing blog posts.
In fact, I'm not even sure I can be bothered to take my laptop with me!
These past few years, we have implemented tech-free (except for i-Phone) family holidays and it has been absolutely fantastic for all of us so I'm very reluctant to go back to the old me who was working non stop.
I think we all need to make some time for ourselves, to take a break, to enjoy what really matters (and I mean family). That's how you can still get inspired by things around you and enjoy them. I don't want to be in NYC thinking about the next blog post. I want to be in NYC and have an amazing time there with my little family, get Mila to love New-York as much as I do, take them to Brooklyn flea markets on Sunday, down to Tribeca and Soho for breakfast, not buying anything from Abercrombie and Fitch, go shopping like crazy, go to Birkram classes and collect so many great memories that will all make us smile when we think about it.

So I thought I would leave in great, beautiful company with Hannah Lemholt who takes beautiful photos for Love Warrior. I think you'll really enjoy browsing through her blog...pure bliss

// (C) Photography: Hannah Lemholt

Nous partons ICI (yeah!) Vendredi et comme d'hab', j'essaie de boucler 5 jours de travail dans une semaine de 4 sans stresser, organiser les photo shoots que nous allons faire pour The Simple Things magazine, préparer ma réunion avec mon agent (liser la mega nouvelle ici) et organiser nos petites vacances en famille...

Bon je vous rassure, ca ne marche pas vraiment....Je suis méga super stressée cet aprés-midi mais ca va, je suis sure que je vais me sentir comme un petit Buddha après le Bikram Yoga (hier soir, j'ai enfin réussi la position toe stand que j'essayais depuis 2 mois) et je devrais pouvoir boucler tout à temps (ou presque)

J'avais ce super plan sur la comète de vous préparer des articles inspirants pour la semaine prochaine mais bon...let's face it...ca ne va pas être possible.
J'aurais de la chance si j'arrive à vous en préparer 1 ou 2 mais franchement, la semaine prochaine, je serais surement plus dispo sur Instagram que derrière mon ordi à écrire des articles pour le blog.
En fait, je ne suis pas sure d'avoir envie d'emmener mon ordi avec moi!
Ces dernieres années, Steve et moi avons organisés des tech-free vacances (sauf pour le téléphone) et franchement elles ont été tellement géniales que je n'ai pas vraiment envie de retourner à mes vieilles habitudes de celle qui bossait non-stop.
C'est super important de se donner le droit de décrocher et d'apprécier ce qui est important (je veux dire la famille).
C'est comme cela qu'on peut être inspiré par les choses qui nous entourent et puis franchement, je n'ai pas vraiment envie d'arpenter NY en passant à l'article dément que je vais poster.
J'ai envie de m'éclater à New-York avec ma famille, de montrer à Mila pourquoi j'aime tant cette ville, les emmener au marché aux puces de Brooklyn Dimanche, de manger dans des petits cafés sympas de Tribeca et Soho, de ne rien acheter chez Abercrombie and Fitch, de faire les magasins, d'aller à des cours de Bikram et de collectioner tellement de bons souvenirs qu'on aura tous le sourire quand on y pensera.

Donc je vous laisse en vraiment très belle compagnie avec Hannah Lemholt qui prend de magnifiques photos for Love Warrior. Je pense que vous allez adorer son travail et son blog...du pure bonheur.

Gwyneth, Quinoa, banana cake & the Kale project | FOOD

2013-05-19T06:50:00.002+01:00

After being proud of myself for making all theses healthy changes to my diet without too much of a struggle (I actually felt my new way of eating was better and tastier), I was told yesterday that I had to leave dairy out for a while which really p$$&8*d me off.
Luckily I received some great advices on Twitter (thanks Tina) and Instagram and managed to find some nice alternatives so I'm all set for this week before heading off to New-York (read comments here if you want more info on alternatives).
To cheer myself up, I baked this gluten-free banana cake for the second time:

300 g (10 1/2 oz) smashed ripe banana
3 free range / organic eggs
60 g ( 2 oz / 2 tablespoons) raw honey or organic maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
60 g (2 oz/ 1/4 cup) macadamia nut oil or cold pressed olive oil
half teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda ( bicarb soda) + 1 tbsp lemon juice
200 g ( 2 cups/ 7 oz) ) almond meal (I still don't have almond meal in my panty so I've replaced it with Doves Farm gluten-free flour)
25 g (1/4 cup / 3/4 oz) ground flaxseed (linseed) or chia seed. Preheat your oven to 160 C.

Combine smashed banana, honey, oil, cinnamon, vanilla, eggs, bicarb and lemon. ( the lemon activates the bicarb). You can do this by hand in a large bowl or with a good blender such as a Vitamix.
Add the almond meal and flaxseed and mix well.
Lightly oil one loaf tin and then coat liberally with extra almond meal or desiccated coconut – this will prevent the cake from sticking. The size I used was: 10 1/2 cm wide and 26 cm long.
Spoon batter into the tin and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour ( a skewer inserted into the centre should come out dry).
Cover the top with foil if over-browning.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool before turning out the loaf.
Makes 1 loaf serves 12 (if you follow Weight Watchers Propoint, it's 4 points/serving)
Keeps in the fridge covered for up to 1 week.

I didn't have chia seeds the first time I made it and Mila preferred it without and I kind of agree with her.... Without chia seeds, version 1 was nicer and tastier but I have a healthy snack option for the rest of the week and if you have kids, banana cakes are a great recipe to do something with all the bananas going black that the kids won't eat!

After reading It's all Good by Gwyneth Paltrow, I felt inspired to try her quinoa dish which is pretty basic (kale, salt, quinoa, garlic, fried egg) and was surprisingly very tasty! #perfectcomfortfoodforwintertimeorinMaywhenyoustillhavetowearajumper #crazyweather

Great thing is that I have some quinoa left over which will be perfect to accompagny Steve's roast today. Another thing I wanted to share with you is The Kale Project (thanks Chantal for the tip) which is a page set up by an American lady who lives in Paris and is on a mission to introduce kale to the French. I couldn't find it at the street market nearby our Summer house last time we went. The guy and my mum thought I was talking of coleslaw...

Kale is sold in 3 markets in Paris: the bio market in the Batignolles, the Bio Sunday market Blvd Raspail and at the market on Blvd Wilson. Kale looks like salad, a bit coarse, full of antioxidants and delicious. I mostly eat raw Kale now in my mixed salads and I can guarantee that is very tasty. Have a great, healthy Sunday xoxo

The bedroom of my dreams

2013-05-18T07:50:00.001+01:00

Earlier this week, Francois and I shot our new stonewashed linen collection (see more pics on Instagram).
I wanted to create a happy, uplifting, relaxed bedroom because I was getting fed up with the gloomy weather (I'm still wearing jumpers for crying our loud!) and this beautiful, soft mint stonewashed duvet cover was just perfect.
I added textures and brought nature indoor by adding this beautiful natural basket (good for storage throughout the house), the MILK table lamp on the floor and this gorgeous Bamboo pendant light (they are so nice it's insane!).
The industrial clothes rail is from here and I'm not sure I'm going to give it back...
The white t-shirts come from Zara, Des Petits Hauts (a French fashion brand) and the market near our holidays home in France.
The wooden rosary on the American Vintage linen dress (far left) is from here and it looks really beautiful on a white wall or displayed like this on a white garnement.
Tomorrow, I'll have the pleasure to work from this bedroom to sort out Mila's clothes and will put everything for sale here. I'll probably sell her pink desk & chair if anyone is interested which you can see here and even better here.

Cette semaine Francois et moi avons photographié notre nouvelle collection de lin lavé (vous trouverez plus de photos sur Instagram)

J'avais envie de créer une chambre qui respirait le bonheur, la joie de vivre parce que franchement, j'en ai ras la casquette de ce temps de chien (je porte encore des pulls au mois de Mai et ca me gonfle!!!) et cette housse de couette en lin de couleur menthe était juste parfaite.

J'ai ajouté de la texture et un peu de douceur dans la pièce avec des petits accessoires de décoration: ce joli panier qui est super pratique pour ranger plein de choses dans toutes les pièces de la maison, la lampe MILK posée au sol (elle a de jolis pieds en bois) et cette magnifique suspension en Bambou que j'adore.

Le portant industriel vient d'ici et je ne suis pas sure que je vais le ramener au bureau...

Les t-shirts blancs viennent de Zara, Des Petits Hauts et du marché de la Teste pas loin de notre maison de vacances en France.

Le chapelet en bois sur la robe en lin American Vintage (a gauche) vient d'ici et il est très joli accroché au mur ou mis en scène sur un vêtement blanc.

Demain je vais avoir le plaisir de travailler de cette pièce pour trier toutes les affaires de Mila et les mettre en vente ICI. Je vais surement vendre son petit bureau rose avec la chaise que vous pouvez apercevoir ici et la.

// Photography: Francois Kong | Styling: Karine Kong

Off to New-York...Any tips for me?

2013-05-17T06:42:00.001+01:00

D-7 and we are off to New-York City for a family holiday (and a bit of work!) and I'm super excited!

Before becoming une maman I used to go there every two or three years dreaming that one day I would live there but I haven't returned since I had Mila so a catch up between the Big Apple and I is long overdue!

I'm also going to meet up with my publishing Agent and the team to discuss my decoration book and now that I got used to the idea, I'm getting really excited to start on it. This is going to be such an interesting and creative project!

Since it has been ages I went to NYC and Brooklyn, I was wondering if you could help me with a few tips: places that I really need to so, things to do/to buy (I'm going there with an empty suitcase!) and gorgeous cafés to eat.

I'm looking for independent cafés that have an amazing atmosphere and very cool interior design details (either in Manhattan or Brooklyn) and also interiors to shoot so if you have an amazing place or you know someone that have a great home, by all means please let me know.

You can email me details to leblog(at)bodieandfou(dot)com

And as thank you gift, if you hook me up with someone and we shoot their homes, I will send you this gorgeous type map of New-York as a thank you gift! How about that!?

J-7 et nous partons a New-York pour des vacances en famille (et un petit peu de travail!) et je suis méga excitée!

Avant de devenir maman, j'allais a New-York pratiquement tous les 2 ou 3 ans rêvant qu'un jour, je vivrais la-bas et je n'y suis pas retournée depuis que j'ai eu Mila donc il est grand temps que New-York et moi nous retrouvions!

Je vais aussi rencontrer mon agent et son équipe pour parler de mon livre de decoration et maintenant que je me suis habituée à l'idée, il me tarde en fait de commencer le travail. Cela va être un projet tellement intéressant et créatif!

Etant donné que cela fait des lustres que je ne suis allée ni à NYC ou Brooklyn, je me demandais si vous pourriez me donner quelques conseils: les endroits à voir, trucs à faire/à acheter (j'y vais avec une valise vide!), des petits cafés sympa ou manger (bio)

Je recherche des petits cafés indépendants qui ont une super atmosphère et de chouettes détails de décoration (dans Manhattan ou Brooklyn) et aussi, j'aimerais photographier quelques appartements donc si vous avez un appartement de rêve ou connaissez quelqu'un qui a un super bel appart, n'hésitez pas a m'envoyer leurs détails.

Vous pouvez m'émailer a leblog(at)bodieandfou(dot)com

Et pour vous remercier, si nous arrivons à photographier leurs maisons, je me ferais un plaisir de vous envoyer cette belle affiche type map of New-York en cadeau! Ca vous dit!?

//Amber Valetta photographed by Peter Lindberg

My best DIY tip & a massive crush for this kitchen

2013-05-15T13:21:00.000+01:00

What's your kitchen like?
You may have seen mine in Elle Decoration...We haven't done anything to it since we moved in, three years ago except when I painted the units in blackboard paint because I couldn't take any longer how eyesore the old units looked (see more photos of the units revamped with black paint in Scotland on Sunday)
In fact, painting the units with blackboard paint was probably the cheapest and best DIY project I've ever done. £25 paint + a lot of elbow grease for a "new" kitchen was not bad at all I think.

However, who doesn't crave for a brand new kitchen!? I know I do.
Steve and I are currently considering opening the kitchen onto the garden and adding an island with bar stools.
I like the idea of having bar stools. They add a convivial, relax atmosphere to a kitchen..Kids love them.. and they bring people together as often everyone rallies around the island to talk and drink wine while the host is preparing the meal.
I think it's important to feel inspired in your kitchens. They are often the heart of a family home, where the kids do their homework. I know I do everything in mine from sewing to any DIY projects including painting our pallet coffee table but the thing I like the most is having friends around and eat some great, tasty, delicious food.
Naturally, knowing my tastes for white interiors, vintage, naturals and industrial schemes, the style of this kitchen feels very me. I love the industrial bar stool and could easily achieve the look using the Kant lamp above the counter.
What do you think of this style? Shall we go for it ;-) ?

// Image Via Bubbelsoda | In association with Costantino Furniture

How to create a home that feels like a holiday home despite the weather

2013-05-13T14:48:00.003+01:00

I hope you had a wonderful weekend.
We had a gorgeous lunch yesterday with Mandy and Rupert, Founders of HUSH that felt very summery and woke up this morning to a weather that feels very automnal... #depressingweather
I wish we could just all embrace a proper Spring, we all need it!

One of the reasons I like our home to be white is that it gives me the feeling that we are in a holiday house and to achieve a relaxed feel, I use natural fabrics with texture in the bedroom like these stonewashed linen duvet covers and white crockery and tableware in the kitchen.
Which brings me to tell you about our new white ceramic bowls from our NATURALS // collection which are selling like cupcakes.
We've received so many orders for these that they temporarily went out of stock but I'm pleased to say they will be back in stock at the end of the week along with this crinkled vase and these beautiful wooden chopping boards (yes! we managed to source more of the medium so you can now have a complete set).
If you are a tactile person like me, you will really enjoy these. I can't think of a better way to start the day by holding one of these beautiful bowl at breakfast time and just take the time to wake up and size the day gently.

J'espère que vous avez passé un tres bon weekend.
Nous avons eu un merveilleux déjeuner printannier hier en la compagnie de Mandy et Rupert, Fondateurs de HUSH pour nous réveiller ce matin avec des températures automnales #untempsdéprimant
Qu'est ce que j'aimerais que le Printemps arrive pour de bon, nous en avons tous besoin!

Une des raisons pour laquelle j'aime que notre maison soit blanche est que cela me donne le sentiment d'etre dans une maison de vacances.
Pour obtenir ce look détendu, tranquille de vacances, j'utilise des matières naturelles dans nos chambres telles que ces jolies housses de couette en lin et dans la cuisine, j'utilise beaucoup de vaisselle blanche.
Ce qui m'amène a vous parler de nos nouveaux bols en ceramique blanche issue de notre collection NATURALS // qui se vendent comme des petits pains.
Nous avions recu tellement de commandes que les stocks se sont épuisés rapidement mais je suis ravie de vous informer qu'ils seront de nouveaux disponibles a la fin de la semaine ainsi que ce joli vase et ces magnifiques planches à découper en bois (oui! nous avons réussi a avoir plus de ces planches en taille moyenne et donc vous pouvez maintenant avoir un set complet).
Si vous aimez toucher les choses comme toi, vous allez aimer ces bols. Je trouve qu'il n'y pas un meilleur moyen de commencer la journée que de tenir un de ces bols au creux de mes mains et de prendre le temps de me réveiller avant d'attaquer la journée.

// Photography: Francois Kong | Styling: Karine Kong | Pure nature stool

LA PRINCESSE AU PETIT POIS | GORGEOUS FRENCH KIDS FASHION

2013-05-12T09:06:00.002+01:00

Each time, I post a photo of Mila on Instagram, wearing French clothes, I get asked where I bought the dress, the blouses, the skirts from so today I thought I would introduce you to one of my favourite French kids label La Princesse au Petit Pois.
I met Alexandra, the designer via Facebook last year and very quickly, without having meeting her in real life, I felt a great connection with her so when I went to Paris in January to source product for the shop, we decided to meet up at a trade show along with Michelle and Deborah.
I think I never felt so charmed by someone...
I met someone who has a wicked sense of humour, someone deep, kind and smart, with a wealth of experience (she launched La Princesse au Petit Pois 19 years ago) and I think by the end of our meeting, I was just in love with her.
Her new collection is as beautiful as the person she is...
Everything is handmade in her workshop in Montpellier and the the cotton and linen fabrics she uses are high quality.
My favourite pieces are this ILO linen blouse that Mila is wearing above, NOTRE COEUR linen dress (in fig it looks gorgeous!) and this beautiful ALICE linen dress in white, which is also Mila's favourite and I think it perfect for little flower girls at a wedding.
This year, Alexandra has also launched a women collection which is as poetic and charming as the kids collection so have a look, I think you won't be disappointed.
Today, we're having lunch with Mandy, Founder of Hush (another brand I love) and her family and I'm very looking forward to it. Have a great Sunday! xoxo

Chaque fois que je mets une photo de Mila sur Instagram, on me demande d'ou ses robes, blouses, chaussures viennent (souvent c'est de France) et donc je me suis dit qu'aujourd'hui, j'allais vous présenter une de mes créatrices pour enfants préférées La Princesse au Petit Pois.
J'ai rencontré la créatrice Alexandra, sur Facebook l'année dernière et très vite, sans l'avoir rencontrée en vraie, j'ai senti une connection avec elle donc quand je suis allée a Paris en Janvier pour créer la nouvelle collection du magasin, nous avons décidées de nous retrouver au salon avec Michelle et Deborah.
Je crois n'avoir jamais été aussi charmée par quelqu'un...
J'ai rencontré quelqu'un qui a beaucoup d'humour, quelqu'un de profond, gentil, intelligent avec des années d'experience (Alexandra a lancé La Princesse au Petit Pois il y a 19 ans) et je crois qu'a la fin de notre réunion, j'étais in love with her ou du moins, très très séduite.
Sa nouvelle collection est aussi belle que la personne qu'elle est...
Tout est fait dans son atelier de Montpellier et les tissus de Lin et coton qu'elle utilise sont très beaux.
Mes modèles préférés sont la blouse ILO en lin que Mila porte (photo 1), la robe en lin NOTRE COEUR (qui est magnifique couleur figue) et cette très jolie robe ALICE en lin blanc, qui est aussi la préférée de Mila et qui est parfaite pour habiller des petites demoiselles d'honneur a un mariage.
Cette année, Alexandra a également lancé une collection pour femmes qui est aussi belle que celle pour enfants. Allez voir, vous ne serez pas décues.
Aujoud'hui, nous allons déjeuner avec Mandy, la fondatrice de Hush (une autre marque que jaime beaucoup) et sa famille et il me tarde. Je vous souhaite un bon Dimanche! bises

// Credits: Photo 1 by me | Photo 2 by Geraldine de Goullard d'Arsay

Such an inspiring workspace & some really great news

2013-05-10T18:28:00.002+01:00

// Credits Photo workspace; Styling: Cleo Scheulderman @vtwonen photo: Jeroen van der Spek

Well...I don't know about your week but mine has been pretty eventful with some really great news!

The first one is that Francois and I are going to be Contributors to The Simple Things magazine and I'm really really excited about it. This is a magazine I loved from the start, it's beautiful, inspiring, has a great balance of creative things, interiors, soft industrial and food (everything I'm passionate about) and I love the concept we've put together so I'm sure you're going to love it too!

The second one is that I have signed a contract with a fabulous US Literary Agent to write an interior book and I'm really really freaked out about it (but very excited too!). Writing a decoration book has always been on my list of things to do when I launched BODIE and FOU 8 years ago but it takes time to build a business and this year was finally the year to make that dream comes true. I have to admit, I was so freaked out by the enormity of the thing that it took me weeks to sign the contract but a chat to someone I adore gave me the little push I needed to push forward et voila...I jumped (on the opportunity!)

On the downside, someone from our team is leaving and it's a real shame because she ~~was~~/is ace and she will be dearly missed but I haven't given up the hope to keep her and I'm working on other things that may change our future.

Last time, we needed new offices, I asked for help here on the blog and we got this amazing workspace thanks to Victoria so this time, I would like to know if any of you knows Antropologie's CEO/Founders.

I'm off to NYC (check this out!) at the end of the month and I would like to take the opportunity to meet the management team to talk about the BODIE and FOU brand.

I know...pretty high level, but I'm a firm believer that "the wildest dreams are the most funs" and as my mantra is "If you don't ask, you don't get", the two together are pretty powerful.

Also, Iro from Domestic Stories with Ivy (based in Frankfurt) is going through a bit of a tough personal time and is looking for a job so if anyone needs a talented Interior Designer/ Stylist/Photographer/Blogger, by all means, contact her, she is awesome and very talented!

Et bien..je ne sais pas comment a été votre semaine mais la mienne a été plutot "full on" mais avec de supers nouvelles.

La première est que Francois et moi allons etre Contributeurs du magazine The Simple Things et je suis super excitée. C'est un magazine que j'ai aimé dés son lancement, il couvre tout ce que j'aime: des projects créatifs, le style soft industrial, la déco, la cuisine (tout ce qui me passionne) et j'adore le concept sur lequel nous travaillons et je suis sure que vous allez aussi adorer!

La seconde nouvelle est que j'ai signé un contrat avec un agent littéraire américain génial pour écrire un livre de décoration et que j'ai franchement la trouille (mais je suis super excitée en meme temps).

Ecrire un livre de déco a toujours été sur ma liste de buts lorsque j'ai lancé BODIE and FOU il y a 8 ans mais cela prend du temps de construire un business et cette année était enfin l'année pour lancer ce reve.

Je dois vous avouer que je flippe complètement par l'énormité du truc et que cela m'a pris des semaines pour signer le contrat mais une conversation avec quelqu'un que j'adore m'a donné le coup de pied aux fesses dont j'avais besoin pour passer à l'acte et voila...j'ai sauté (sur cette opportunité)

Sur le coté négatif, un membre de notre équipe nous quitte et c'est vraiment dommage parce qu'elle ~~etait~~/est top et elle va nous manquer mais je n'ai pas abandonné l'espoir de retravailler avec elle et je travaille sur un projet qui pourrait changer les choses.

La dernière fois que nous avions besoin de nouveaux bureaux, j'avais demandé de l'aide ici sur le blog et nous avons trouvé ces bureaux superbes grace a Victoria alors cette fois, je voudrais savoir si quelqu'un connait le CEO/Fondateur d' Antropologie.

Je vais à New-York (check this out!) à la fin du mois et j'aimerais beaucoup rencontrer quelqu'un du management pour leur dire deux ou trois choses sur la marque BODIE and FOU.

Je sais...je vise très haut mais je me suis toujours dit que "les reves les plus fous étaient les plus funs" et comme je me dis toujours "Si tu ne demandes rien, tu n'obtiens rien", et les deux ensembles font un cocktail explosifs!

Dernier truc, Iro de Domestic Stories with Ivy (basée à Franfurt) traverse une période un peu difficile et a besoin de trouver un travail urgemment donc si vous avez besoin de quelqu'un de super douée (Interior Designer/ Styliste/Photographe/Bloggueuse), n'hésitez pas a la contacter, c'est une fille géniale et pleine de talent.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX: COFFEE TABLE

2013-05-08T06:01:00.001+01:00

When it comes to decorating, I think it's very liberating to allow yourself to think outside the box.
I used this pretty owl vase mostly as a pen holder and until recently this stool was the perfect side table to have by my sofa.
My inspiration for the shot above was a coffee table made out of African stools spotted in an old Living Etc issue (circa 1998). Unfortunately I can not check the credits any longer as I threw away lots of magazines when we moved from Bristol back to London but I'm pretty sure it was a Dutch house.
In all these years searching for similar stools, I only came across dark African stools or lighter ones that cost an arm until I used this wooden stool.
What do you think?
Would you mind sharing what 'outside the box thinking' you've done at home with your decoration?

I'm also very excited that the God of Design aka Philippe Starck has chosen 20 of this stool to decorate his new MAMA SHELTER in Istambul. How cool is that!!?? I wish I could travel with our stools...

// Photography: Francois Kong | Styling: Karine Kong | Small Talk print (on the wall) | Bamboo pendant light

~~~~~~~

Quand il s'agit de décorer, je trouve que cela fait beaucoup de bien de se donner le droit de faire les choses différemment - de penser outside the box comme disent les anglais.
J'utilise plus ce joli vase comme pot a crayon et jusqu'a récemment, ce tabouret était la table d'appoint parfaite pour garder ma tasse de thé à proximité.
Mon inspiration pour cette image était une table basse constituée de tabourets Africains que j'avais vu dans un vieux Living Etc (circa 1998). Malheureusement, j'ai fait le ménage dans mes magazines et je ne me souviens pas du nom du photographe ou de la propriétaire. Tout ce dont je me souviens c'est qu'elle vivait en Hollande.
Pendant de nombreuses années, j'ai cherché des tabourets qui feraient l'affaire mais je n'ai trouvé que des tabourets en bois foncé ou des clairs qui coutaient super chers jusqu'a ce que j'utilise ce tabouret en bois.
Qu'est ce que vous en pensez? Ca vous dirait de partager vos idées déco 'outside the box thinking' ?
Je suis aussi super contente de vous apprendre que le Dieu du Design: Philippe Starck a choisi 20 de nos tabourets pour décorer MAMA SHELTER a Istambul. C'est génial non?? Qu'est ce que j'aimerais voyager avec nos tabourets...

Tips for a healthy, happy weekend

2013-05-07T09:13:00.000+01:00

Hello Everyone, I hope you had a wonderful Bank Holiday weekend!
We escaped to the Bay of Arcachon* and stayed in our small house.
I have a soft spot for this house...It's where I broke my waters while standing on top of a ladder painting our kitchen wall (as you do!) and then I stayed there with Mila until she was old enough to keep her eyes open for the passport photo so we could head back home in the UK. The weather was amazing like last weekend and with the beach 10 min away, it was pure bliss.

The downside for me when we are in France is that I usually binge on French baguettes, pain au chocolat, biscuits and cheeses (and God knows we have heaps in France!) but this time, I was determined to stick to my healthy diet so as soon as I arrived I went to buy a 40 euros blender and plenty of fruits and vegetables to keep on track.

Having been very ill recently, I made some drastic changes to my diet to ensure I would feed my body the right nutrients.
As a result to the same changes I've made, I have also lost 1.8 kg in four weeks - which is a major bonus for me since I have been trying to get my pre-maternity figure back for the past 8 years :-(
When I was pregnant, I ate for England and France together and put on 15 kilos!! I eventually managed to lose 7 but the remaining 8 ~~were~~ are a real pain in the bum!
I think apart from a few lucky ones who managed to get their figures back within weeks, we've all been there. It is a frustrating, painful road paved with obstacles but I feel I'm finally turning a corner.

I don't know if this would help anyone to know about the changes but for me the major positive trigger was starting Bikram Yoga and then completely changed my diet

{Small changes I made to improve my diet}

- Go to yoga 3 times/week (I feel not only relaxed, stretched but cleanse inside/out and more focus). As a result, my cravings for carbs and sugar have disappeared.
- Drink 2 Lt of water. It's a pain to start with but if you always have a 50ml bottle of water on your desk, it becomes quickly a habit to take a sip every now and then.
- Replace brown toasts in the morning by low-fat, organic vanilla yogurt + fresh blueberries (never thought something like this would taste so nice!)
- Replace sandwich at lunch time by mixed salad. My favourite one is mixed salad with low-fat, organic mozzarella, one soft-boiled egg & parma ham for proteins, tomates, avocado (for my skin), cashew nuts, olive oil & balsamic vinegar (it's surprisingly filling and delicious!)
- Snack on fruits rather than biscuits
- Listen to my body (and drink first before reaching out for food)
- Always prioritise taste. I'm an emotional eater (sad, happy, bored, excited you name it, I eat!) so for me it's super important to really enjoy the food I'm eating.

You can check my Instagram for inspiration on what to eat. Have a fantastic day!
*45 min drive from Bordeaux Airport

Rocking the Industrial vibe...

2013-05-01T15:18:00.003+01:00

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen a few behind-the-scene shots!
This week, I styled new things from our Industrial Chic collection and I had a ball because there is nothing else more inspiring than styling products you really love.
And I love this clothes rail and this new stool!

The Form table (pic 2 & 3) is now sold out but will be back in stock end of June. The Rock Flag print is from here and the Bell pendant light is a new light from Normann (be careful the large model is actually huge!)
What do you think?

// Photography: Francois Kong | Styling: Karine Kong

How to use dark colours successfully in your home

2013-05-01T08:59:00.004+01:00

I'm subject to S.A.D. during winter times so I tend to create white interiors that are filled with natural light, however I love how luxurious and cosy dark interiors look.

Using effectively, dark colours can really enhance an interior but get it wrong and you may end up with a gloomy, unbalanced space. Here are a few tips...

//Enhance Your Space

You can use dark colours on the walls to highlight other fixed elements in the room. In a kitchen with light coloured cabinets and marble worktops for example, dark walls create a contrast and help avoid a washed out look. In the same way you can use dark walls to emphasise other objects. White picture frames, ornaments and lamps will all stand out with darker walls as a backdrop. You can pick out architectural elements like picture rails and window shutters in the same way.

//Get Intimate

Darker colours like browns or greys make a room feel more intimate and can help to shrink a large and forbidding space. However, if you paint the wall behind the headboard a darker colour than the others like I did, in our house in France, this will make the room seem larger.
This is a great way to see how darker shades work in interior design without painting the whole room and regretting it later.
Personally, I'm a fan of this scheme and did it in Mila's bedroom too in our London home.
To create a cocoon like effect in one of the bedrooms, offset this with soft coloured linens (light grey linen like this works beautifully) and a wall lamp which adds plenty of dramatic contrast (this Swing-Arm light looks also amazing on a dark wall).

If you have a long, narrow room painting the end wall a darker shade can make it seem wider. As a general rule of thumb the more natural light there is in a room the greater your opportunity to experiment with a darker colour scheme.

// Transform your home
If you’re nervous about painting the walls then you can introduce dark colours in other ways. Dark flooring materials or stained floorboards, built-in cabinets and curtains in dark fabrics can radically change the feel of a room when contrasted against lighter walls. Don't you think this bathroom is A-MA-ZING!?

//Credits: 1. by Pia Ullin | 2. Styling: By me, Photography: Francois Kong | 3. Giorgio Possenti bathroom via

BEHIND THE SCENE VIA INSTAGRAM

2013-04-29T16:43:00.002+01:00

If you're not on Instagram, here are a few shots from today's photoshoot with Francois.
We photographed first this pure nature wooden stool because I wanted to do something special with it in my lounge and then went back to the office to shoot new products from our collection including this beautiful industrial stool and the BELL pendant lamp (which by the way, had a minor accident during the photoshoot so we will add it to our sample section soon).

// Products featured: Monkey print | Rock Flat print | Form table | Knot chair | Bell lamp | Wire letter tray

LINEN + FARROW & BALL = MATCH IN HEAVEN

2013-04-28T08:49:00.001+01:00

I don't know about you but when the sun finally comes out and it feels almost like Spring, I just want to open our windows large open, shake things up in our house, clear the clutter and give the house a new lease of energy with lots of nice, Summery colours.

Once thing that gives me (and our bedroom) an instant lift is changing our bed linens.

Bed linens are like paint, you can get a inspiring, splash of colour in no time that will totally change the look and feel of your bedroom and that's why I think this new collection by LAB Boutique is purely genius.
Elodie, the Creative Director and Founder of LAB Boutique, put together a collection of bed linens that match Farrow & Ball gorgeous hues. Don't you think it's a brilliant idea!?
My favourite ones are this beautiful mustard & beige duvet cover with matching pillow case and this cushion with black spots

// Photos: Courtesy of LAB Boutique | Styling: Anne Millet

LITTLE CREATIVE PROJECT | WOODEN CLOTHES RAIL

2013-04-27T14:49:00.001+01:00

I can't tell you how you excited I am about life in general and the small changes have made to our diet had such a positive impact on our energy level, skin and sleep in such a short time that I hope my excitement will rub off on you.
Today, I'm making a spinach & coconut soup but my real cooking challenge this weekend is to make a yummy quinoa salad and a green smoothie #superfoods. I will share recipes later on.

Now that my energy level is back to normal, my mind is buzzing with creative ideas, and one little creative project that inspired me today, was this wooden clothes rail project by La Cerise Sur Le Gateau (you can read all the instructions here)

We're off to our holidays home in France soon for a few days to catch up with my beloved sister Elodie and Lily and I think it would be a fantastic project to do with the girls.

There is a gorgeous forest near our local beach and I know they would love to pick up pieces of wood and paint them in bright, cheerful colours to hang their clothes.
I'm also thinking that I could actually make one too in white & blue to hang our beach towels in the garden...will see.
I wish you a fantastic weekend. I'm taking Mila to her first Bikram yoga class today and I'm really looking forward to having mine too.

// Photography: La Cerise sur le Gateau

I would love to get your feedback on our latest catalogue

2013-04-26T05:49:00.000+01:00

Here is my latest baby...
A small yet beautiful, inspiring catalogue, packed with styling & decorative ideas to show you how to create inspiring, welcoming and beautiful family homes (you can view it on issuu here).

While it's lot of hard work to put something like this together (and it costs an arm!), I thoroughly enjoy the creative process and it's quite amazing after months of hard work for us to hold a print copy in our hands (no it doesn't break my heart when you want to be taken off our list...#just a little #ItTotallyBreaksMyHeart #labouroflove #justkidding).

We won an Award with our first catalogue but I'm specially proud of this one because this time, I was able to style everything so there isn't a single spread I don't like but I have my favourites...
OK.. I'm in love with our NATURALS // moodboard on page 4 & 5, it's a collection that I sourced when I went to Paris at the beginning of the year and that really inspired me.

Unfortunately, one of these gorgeous chopping boards is already sold out and I don't think, we will be able to get any more this year and I so encourage you to get a few of these ceramic bowls...they are gorgeous!

I also have a real soft spot for the workspace one which I styled in our new, gorgeous offices and I love our stonewashed linen collection because it is truly a beautiful collection!
Sadly, our supplier had some production issues so a couple of colours featured in the catalogue will not longer available (blue and mustard) but we are getting some really nice new colours next week (chalk, blush, green, denim) which I will style very soon to show them to you.
I would love to know which images/styling/double spread you prefer and why. It's always nice to get some feedback!

//Get a copy of the BODIE and FOU catalogue here | Styling: Karine Kong | Photography: Francois Kong
For styling/shooting commissions, please email me to leblog(at)bodieandfou.com

Awesome spicy prawn salad | Healthy eating

2013-04-25T06:10:00.000+01:00

Yesterday Francois & I was styled & photographed a collection of prints for a client in my home so I made sure we had a healthy, filling salad at lunch time.
Once recipe I have been doing for a long time (long before embarking on this healthy eating journey) was the Spicy prawn salad by Michele Cranston from her Seasonal Kitchen book.
Her book and Donna Hay's Seasons are by far my two favourite cooking books (the styling in Donna's book is amazing) and as general rule, I'm much prefer the relaxed approach of Australian Chefs than French Chefs. I'm not much of a cook and for me, cooking is all about entertaining, having friends and enjoying good foods so I like it when it's all relaxed, easy to make and super yummy.

Oh and I almost forgot!!
Here is an example of how I use cotton bags to store Mila's things as mentioned in my post yesterday.

{Spicy Prawn Salad recipe}
20 cooked prawns (shrimp), peeled and deveined
1 large red chilli, seeded and finely chopped (this is too hot for me so I replace mine by Light Sweet Chili sauce in a bottle)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper*
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger*
2 spring onions, finely sliced
2 tablespoons lime juice
4 tablespoons olive oil
a handful of coriander leaves*
2 small avocados (sliced)
Steamed couscous (I swap couscous for Bulgar Wheat)

Put the prawns in a bowl with the chili (or sweet chili sauce), cayenne pepper, cumin, ginger, Spring onion, lime juice and olive oil. Toss to coat the prawns well, then add the coriander and avocado and season to taste. Lightly toss again and serve on a bed of steamed couscous or bulgar wheat (and I'm pretty sure it would work with Quinoa too).

*items I usually don't add and it still tastes delicious

// Recipe from Michele Cranston's Seasonal Kitchen | Photography by me

How to create a French style look on a budget | Kids bedroom

2013-04-23T19:01:00.000+01:00

For the purpose of our new catalogue (on issuu here), I've made a few changes in Mila's bedroom to show you how to create a French style kids bedroom for very little money I think.
The first thing about French homes is that we love our grays - funnily enough we love the grays from Farrow & Ball and the one I used on Mila's cupboard was I think, Pavilion Gray or Lamp room Gray (I can't remember but it doesn't really matter because I suggest you get samples and see which one will work best with the natural light filtering into the room).
So when we moved in three years ago, the first thing I did, was to paint all the floorboards and the walls in white (except the one behind her bed which I painted dark grey) to give me a nice, soothing canvas to work with.
Then I try to create little vignettes in each corner of her room. Just be assured that her style of toys (bright pink and 100% plastic) are very different from the choice of toys and accessories I bring to her room (handmade, wood, vintage) but I try to achieve a balance & find storage solutions so she can have her toys with I can have her bedroom looking nice and visually pleasing.
As storage solutions, I use a lot of cotton bags (you know the ones some fashion shops give for free with your purchase) and I store her socks/swimming gears/headbands in various bags so each bag has a purpose but at the same time, they all look very pretty together. My new storage solution is also this basket which is amazing and it's selling like hot cakes (not sure if we'll manage to get more once our stock runs out but will see).
The other great piece of decoration I think which adds instant value to a room are these paper pom poms (£18 for a set of 3) and the good thing is that you can move them around the house for a party, birthday or to brighten up a corner. On this image, I used the bright version in Mila's bedroom and it completely changed the look of the room and match all her vintage toys.

Now I have two questions for you!
First, do you find the images on the blog too big (i.e. a pain when you use an Ipad or smartphone)?

Secondly (and that's more for the French speakers out there), do you want me to translate the posts in French or are you happy to use Google Chrome which probably translates everything automatically or you just like practising your English?
I used to do it until I received a very long email from a French translator who told me my French was really bad and then pursued to offer me her services. I thought it was hilarious and maybe we could exchange advices on How Not To Alienate Potential Business Customers Vs Translating services but in the end, having enough on my plates, she put me off translating my posts but now I'm thinking I shouldn't penalise everyone just because someone was that silly so let me know.

// Photography: Francois Kong | Styling: Karine Kong

Re-energising blues and whites

2013-04-22T14:41:00.000+01:00

Today is my first day back at work after two weeks well dodgy. I can't tell you how happy I'm to be here. I'm still feeling a bit weak and can't stand on my legs for two long but I'm feeling bright & alert which is a massive improvement (according to Steve, last week the kitchen table was more alert than I was!)
So, following my post from yesterday about starting the first day of my new (healthier) life, this morning I started by having a glass of spirulina (and I promise you it doesn't taste as bad as it looks!).
Spirulina is an algae full of good nutrients which will boost anyone's immune system.
I'm also taking probiotics on my Osteopath's advice and I have already switched my usual usual toast for gluten-free and yeast-free toast this morning which I had with avocado - it was really yummy and filling!
I got everything from here but you should find them in any health, organic shops.

If you have any yummy, tasty salad recipes to share by all means, please do. I never seem to be able to make them as tastier as the ones I eat in restaurants and I really would like to enjoy my food on this new healthy path.
In the meantime, I just wanted to give you some energising inspiration from these photos. I always get a lot of energy from the Atlantic and I'm glad we are going there soon. I think this Winter has been so long for everyone that a lot of us are paying the price with our health and vitality so let's kick that and have fun and lots of energy!

// 1. Image by Ditte Isager (our white ceramic bowls look very similar) | 2. VT Wonen (I love this look, may try to dip one of my baskets into white paint when I feel up to DIY again) | 3. Image from Cote Sud (I think) | Source: unknown

Today is the first day of my new life

2013-04-21T11:10:00.001+01:00

{It was an awful experience but one that opened up things for me}

OK this is going to be an emotional post so you are warned...
Today for the first time in the past two weeks, I feel myself again...
These last two weeks I have been ill, the first week with the flu and as I was trying for my mind to be more powerful than my body to beat this thing, I didn't go to the doctor...
The second week, my immune system was so low that I caught a viral stomach bug that literally sucked the life out of me. I could hardly stand on my two feet and spent the whole week in bed.
I've never felt so powerless, useless and lonely.
It was an awful experience but one that opened up things for me and I never EVER want to feel like this again.

{We always take our health for granted until it's gone}

I'm lucky, I have already got a pretty healthy lifestyle.
I don't smoke (I stopped last October when I went to see her)
I hardly drink alcohol (only when we have friends around)
I drink my 2 Lt of water a day
I gave up coke zero
I eat my 5 a day (although not necessarily organics so I may not get the right nutrients)
I used to run and now I do Bikram Yoga which has an incredible positive effect on my well-being, skin and outlook on life
But I still got ill and so weak that I couldn't stand on my two feet, be with my family, let alone holding my daughter Mila.

{Healing the natural way}

On the advice of my friend Lau who is married to an Osteopath, I went to see one on Friday. The one I saw was wonderful, she was calming and inspiring. She told me that I had a healthy spine and great joints and somehow I felt really proud of myself...
It's funny, I think a few years back, I wouldn't have considered this as an achievement but now realising how important it is we all look after our bodies and teach our kids to be healthy, I felt very proud and I want to do more, more for myself, for my family, for those I love and for my child. I want Mila to grow strong & healthy and I want to teach to be that person.

{Things to explore}

When you're ill, there is so much TV you can watch until you crave for something else. So I read a lot about health, how to give my body the nutrients, energy it needs the natural way so I can carry on doing the things I'm passionate about.

And I got a lot of amazing advices from friends on Instagram and Facebook, recipes of healthy smoothies, books to read (The Green Life by Victoria Boutenko), supplements to take like Spirulina, so at the moment I'm processing everything but I'm making some changes to my life because I want to grow old fit and healthy.
I want to be able to have fun for the rest of my life.
I want to be able to have the energy to do all the things I'm passionate about around BODIE and FOU, I have a book to write, beautiful things to style.
I want to travel more and I most definitively I want to feel more alive...

So here are a few links of people who have already inspired me, hoping that they will inspire you too to change your life.
- I love following Dani's updates on Instagram from Fitness, Food & Style, Dani is a mother of 4 (she looks amazing) and I love how she inspires people on monthly challenges,
- the Green smoothies App on iTunes
- Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram, a pioneer in the local, organic food co-operative movement and founder of the largest raw, organic produce co-operative in the U.S.. She has been 100% raw for almost 7 years (I'm not there yet, I'm not even sure this is for me but Kristina is definitively a picture of health and she is very inspiring!)

The BODIE and FOU SS/2013 catalogue has landed!

2013-04-19T14:56:00.000+01:00

I'm proud to say that our latest catalogue has landed on our UK customers' doorsteps today!
If you haven't received a copy you can request one here before we run out.

This means that I can finally show you the inspiring workspace I styled in our new offices and which is one of my favourite ones.
Doesn't this KNOT chair look amazing!? The white table is also new and can double-up as a desk or dining table and I love these Bamboo lamps and this natural basket which is fast-becoming our best-seller! Well I love everything about our new collection...
I'm beaming with proud and I wish I could jump with joy but after a week fighting the flu and then a viral stomach bug, I can hardly stand up which is hugely frustrating but I really hope you will enjoy it.
Please let me know....It's always very rewarding to get your feedback xoxo

In the shop this week: the Gubi chair

2013-04-15T19:26:00.000+01:00

When I was in Copenhagen last month, I had the most inspiring furniture buying trip and weekend thanks to Normann Copenhagen.
From the Normann collection, my favourite pieces were the Knot chair, the Block table and the striking Agnes vase collection which I think is going to be a hit (in stock end of May).
I loved the Knot chair so much that I styled it in our new SS/2013 catalogue (out on Friday). I'll wait to hear what you think when you see the catalogue but it is one of my favourite shots from our latest catalogue...

The other collection that inspired me greatly was the Gubi collection (check their showroom - it looks amazing!) and you will see more of Gubi over the next few weeks but for now, we've just added the Gubi chair 5 to our chairs & armchairs collection.
Next to go live will be the ma-gni-fi-cent Adnet mirror...but please be patient :-)

After fighting with flu for a week, I'm now back at work but I feel completely drained. It's like there is a 20 years gap between how alert my mind is, Vs how useless and tired my body feels.
I make sure I give my body plenty of nutritients, fruits and water to recover asap but gosh..it is frustrating so if you have any good tips to bring my energy levels back to normal (the natural way!) please let me know :-) Many many thx

Dreaming of a grey sofa for our holidays home in France....

2013-04-13T06:00:00.000+01:00

As much as I love our Ghost sofa by Paola Navone in London, a white sofa would definitively not have been practical for our holidays home in France (you can see more photos here).

The house caters for 8 people but has often a tribe of young children running around, entering the house from our side to another, spreading sand from the beach to eventually collapse on our large sofa in front of the TV.
As I did not intend to have a nervous breakdown each time we were there, I deliberately kept the interior design of the house simple and low maintenance when I re-decorated the house a few years ago.
Failing to find an affordable, contemporary designer sofa in grey which was my first choice (and under pressure from the CFO of the house to stick to our budget), I went for a large, modulable dark brown sofa from the Swedish giant - which is ok and comfortable but looking at these inspiring interiors in hues of greys, whites and wood, I really wish I could change our sofa to a grey one now. Anyone else in the mood to change their sofa?

// Photography: 1. House designed by Briggs Edward Solomon | 2. Sofa designed by Gianluigi Landoni |3. Via here In Association with Interior Addict | All opinions and layouts my own

BODIE and FOU SS/2013 catalogue D-7

2013-04-12T06:00:00.000+01:00

Next Friday, our new catalogue will land on our UK customers doorsteps and I can't wait to hear your reactions. I genuinely think it's our best ever!
In the past, I had to let go of things because we didn't have the time or budget to shoot things the way I had envisioned them and that's ok. It didn't stop us from winning an amazing ECMOD Award last year with our first catalogue.
But when it comes to BODIE and FOU, I'm a perfectionist and I know it can be better, I knew we could be better and I'm really proud to say that this ONE is our best catalogue ever so a big thanks to my team: Sophie, Doryan, Francois and Nicky who designed it for us this year.
There isn't a single spread I don't like and I deliberately kept some pages and styling under wrap because I want you to be happily surprised with it.

SO...

If you live in the UK

If you've received our catalogue in the past and haven't moved, then you will receive the new catalogue automatically.
If you've never received it, CLICK HERE to receive a copy.

If you live abroad

As a small, independent company, we can't bear (yet) the costs of mailing the catalogue outside the UK but due to the large number of requests, we've decided to try something new...

This year, we will make our catalogue available to int'l customers at £0. All we ask you to do is to cover the costs of shipping.

In order to make it fair and affordable to everyone, we've worked out an average shipping price to ship our catalogue to customers based in Europe but also to those who live on the other side of the world like Australia, New-Zealand and Japan. So if you wish to order one, click HERE

Any questions, comments, let me know xoxo

{New sponsor} LAB. - such a beautiful collection!

2013-04-11T06:00:00.000+01:00

I'm spoiled with really beautiful sponsors - thank you!
My new sponsor is LAB., another French label which I know you're going to love, because the LAB. collection is really pretty, feminine and SO...gentle. It's a real pleasure.

LAB. was set up by Elodie Laleous who first started designing a collection of furniture inspired from the 50s and the work of Charlotte Perriand and Eames but with a slightly rustic touch.
Eventually, Elodie expanded her wonderful collection with beautiful bed linens (and I'm glad she did!) and an adorable kids collection and if I was pregnant again with a baby girl, I would definitively get this Betsy Liberty print sleeping bag (how gorgeous is this!?).
Everything is made in France, not out of national pride, but because Elodie thinks it's important to know the history of an object, where it comes from and I like that!
I like that kind of thinking.
It's not an easy task for an independent designer to produce things that are of great quality and price competitive when you compete with large companies that get things manufactured in Asia and I hope you will agree that her collection is just pure happiness.
I hope you enjoy this...

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// All images courtesy of LAB. | LAB. on Facebook | LAB. on Twitter | LAB. on Pinterest