OKO Design Blog

Black & White Xmas decor

2012-12-06T22:06:00.000+01:00

Are you in a mood fro Xmas yet? Today i have a very stylish house decorated in black and white colors.

Source: DigsDigs

Inspiration project: apartment in Moscow for a family

2012-12-04T12:59:00.002+01:00

This project has I have seen on one of my favorite russian interior sites - In My Room.

The project has not been realized yet and these inspiration pictures has been made in 3DMAX. The designer is a young Moscow designer - Nadia Zotova, who has a perfect eye for a romantic, yet functional interior.

The apartment is situated in the South of Moscow and is has space of 140m2, which is very royal for Moscow standards. The family consists of parents and a 12 year old daughter.

Here is the plan of the apartment:

Source: inmyroom.ru

House for sale: Amsterdam

2012-11-18T10:18:00.000+01:00

This amazing house has already been sold actually, but I love it so much, that I thought I will share it with you before the new owners have entered their new palace.

The house is situated in the centre of Amsterdam and has 2 bedrooms and total living space of 215m2.

Source: Funda.nl

Winter Table Decor

2012-11-03T11:19:00.000+01:00

Are you also already getting into the winter deco mood? Are you thinking of how to decorate your winter dinner for your friends(doesn't even have to be a Xmas dinner).
well... I am :)
here are some ideas for you:

Perfect nursery

2012-09-01T10:21:00.000+02:00

This beautiful baby nursery of an Australian blogger and interior designer Kelle was featured on the projectnursery.com in September 2011. I think this is one of my favorite color and and mood combination.

What Kelly said about her project:

Favorite Items:
I only bought items I truly loved, but the standouts for me are the "I Love You More" print from gusandlula on etsy.com - as soon as I saw this print I fell in love! The driftwood hanging wardrobe that my husband and I made - inspired by Belinda @ The Happy Home blog and I think the striped walls make the whole room more cosy!
Advice:
Only buy items you absolutely love, you'll be so thankful when the space comes together that you did!

Fancy chocolate apartment in Sweden

2012-02-16T21:56:00.000+01:00

Dark colors in your apartment are impossible? It makes a room too dark? Too small? To narrow? Too boring? Say again, what?

Have a look at this gorgeous chic apartment in Sweden. Different tinges of brown and just a little white make the interior very modern and really cool! There are many colors but they all are very well combined. Details of natural wood and pop-art pictures look great in the context of chocolate walls

Source: Digsdigs.com

Perfect wedding decor

2012-02-13T20:16:00.000+01:00

I couldn't resist but share this amazing wedding decor. I just love how simple, yet very stylish and tasteful everything is arranged.

This is the best tip for every bride to be. Be creative, but keep all the accessories in the same style. Think well of how should your wedding look like. But the way, not only your wedding, but also kids parties, baby showers and of course your house.

Source: Design and Styling By / Kristin Banta Events

Photography By / Yvette Roman

Flow Wonen in Rotterdam, The Netherlands

2012-02-05T12:09:00.001+01:00

Yesterday while walking down the street in the centre of Rotterdam, I came across a shop which totally fits my taste - Flow Wonen. They have a good collection of furniture, paint, candles, accessories and art.

I loved to see all the brands I like so much like Dutz, It's about Romi (including their City Lite collection) and many others. You also can ask for interior advise there.

Today I am going back there and study the shop better :)

Powder room inspiration...

2012-01-28T20:22:00.000+01:00

If you want to surprise everyone, you'd better pay attention to small details! And yes, even to your toilet :)

Check out this amazing design toilet. I am sure, everyone will be talking about the design of your house, and will never forget to mention the smallest details. And they even would not mind talking about your smallest room :)

Source: digsdigs

Perfect small garden design secret

2012-01-26T08:14:00.000+01:00

Small gardens and roof terrasses. Most of us deal with them in their houses. But some gardens, even if their are tiny, are looking so amazing and cosy that you really just don't get how people do this...

The secret is.....

1. good taste

2. not too many different things around and...

3. LIGHTNING!!!

This project is designed by Amir Schlezinger as an extension of the London house’s interior outside. Both the garden and roof terrace serves very well for that. The benches reiterate the shape of the indoor fireplace, while the Ipe hardwood continues the lines of the flooring. The granite in the waterfall increases in size while alternating texture and alignment, producing a captivating flow. The terrace is an amazing inspiration for those who want to continue their contemporary interior design outside

Source: www.digsdigs.com

Garden inspiration: wooden deck

2012-01-24T12:10:00.000+01:00

This summer we are planning on finishing our back garden. And I think I would really like to use some wood for finishing up the decking. This morning I have been searching for some inspiration, and see what I have found here. These gardens are defiantly quite inspiring, don't you think?

this one is a real art floor, don't you think?

Source: http://www.shelterness.com/

What are your plans for the garden this summer?

Loft with art and many more details

2012-01-20T19:55:00.000+01:00

This two-leveled loft by designers Fernando Tapia and Monica Andina is located in Madrid, Spain. It has a typical Spanish national coloring – it’s full of art.

Concrete and metal constructions are covered with tender interior colors and vintage furniture. There are portraits, pictures and even decorations on the walls – ants like on the pictures of Salvador Dali. The minimalist colors – white and light grey – are softened by the accessories and comprise a nice frame for the art objects.

Via: www.digsdigs.com

Industrial design loft

2012-01-18T10:30:00.000+01:00

Do not be afraid! Use the natural beauty of the building. It can be bricks, wood, cement, whatever your house has.

This loft has already been a local stables, a bomb shelter and a print shop. All of that added its character to the building and the new owner was not afraid to use it to make it his home. A lot of people are afraid to use raw materials thinking the house would become too industrial and not cosy. This house proves that there is no need to be afraid of that!

I just LOVE this bedroom and its closet!

Source: digsdigs.com

Natural wooden house in Poland

2012-01-16T15:59:00.001+01:00

A friend gave us a tip to see pictures of this house. And I think you will love it too. Amazing natural design, with many wooden elements. Building style is also typical to Russian old houses, but inside it's modern, calm and very sophisticated. Just the way we love it.

I guess for many of you, snow also brings quite a magic atmosphere ;)

Enjoy the view!

Source: http://www.digsdigs.com/

Thanks to a tip of Roy van Joost

Holiday table decorating tips

2011-12-18T10:43:00.003+01:00

Today I will be serving a pre-Xmas dinner for the family. I am very excited as today I want to prepare some russian home made food for my Dutch family. And my table has to be perfect as well. I am sure you are also looking for the perfect decoration tips for your holiday table, aren't you? I have some tips for your perfect table. Hope you find them helpful.

1. Get your best tableware ready

Before you start setting your table, you need to carefully examine the dinnerwareand flatware, make sure they are clean and shiny, no chips or other defects.If there is a defect, dishes must be replaced.
No less attention should be given to other subjects of the table set - salt, pepper,etc.

2. Tablecloth brings warmth to your table

it is beautiful, it protects the table, and mutes the sound of dishes. It is clear that the cloth must be clean and correspond to the size of the table. Ideally, if the ends of the cloth for 25-30 cm longertops. Don't even think of paper tablecloths! Please forget about these inventions of modern industry!! Even the children's party does not deserve the paper tablecloths and disposable tableware!
Remember! Good taste is brought up from childhood.

3. Choose the color of your tablecloth

The snow-white tablecloth looks best: it gives the table a particular solemnity, and it goes any tableware. But if the soul requires something extraordinary and more alive, you can play with color. The occasion determines the color. All table decorations must be in harmony to each other.

4. Additional textiles

If this is a festive table setting, you can use a table runner. The table runner is placed on top of a tablecloth or right on the countertop. Table runner is often used without tablecloth - it serves to protect your table from damage, on the place where the vases and dishes are placed.

5. Use linnen napkins

Napkins should be combined with your tablecloth, you'd better even buy them together. The best option when the napkins have the same color as the tablecloth, but the fabric is thinner. If you are a creative person, it will not be difficult to fold napkins in a cool way.
You can fix the napkins using the special rings.

Need a tip for folding your napkin?

Linen napkins are designed to not stain clothing, but the lips should be wiped with paper napkins. So, do not forget to put those at your table.

6. Flowers bring special atmosphere

If you want to create a special festive atmosphere at the table, think about flowers. Choose flowers that will be combined with all the decoration of the table, will not crumble or have a strong smell.

Do not place high vases or flowers. They will interfere communication. Bouquets look better in low bowls or flat vases. You can place two or three small bouquet in different parts of the table, and you can decorate a table top with lose flowers. Flowers on the table will create a special atmosphere. Warm shades create acheerful mood, flowers in cold tones underline the atmosphere of solemnity. It is best to use flowers of one species.

Given all the recommendations I am sure that you will be a hospitable host showing good taste at your holiday dinner celebration. And now, when the table is served, culinary masterpieces are ready, do not forget about yourself! If we are perfect, its better be in everything!

Enjoy your holidays!
xxx
Olik

If you are looking for more decorating tips, or need help with decorating your house for holidays, we are more than happy to help. Tell us your decorating ideas, and we bring them to live.

Jacques Clement Sleeping Concepts

2011-12-09T18:28:00.001+01:00

Today I would like to tell you a bit more about Dutch interior companies.

In Arnhem you will find a sleeping concepts store, which is being run by Jacques en Mathilde Clement. They are specialized in designing your bedroom. If you are looking for style and comfort, you are more then welcome to visit their shop.

But if you are looking for a whole concept of your house, they can help you just as well. Jacques Clement works with their own designers as well as with designers of your own choice.

Since some time they are also working with Eric Kuster. So if you are looking for that most luxurious interior, at Jacques Clement they know what you mean.

Here you will find a project in Marbella

Source: Jacques Clement

Axel Vervoordt Winter Exhibition

2011-11-27T10:27:00.001+01:00

One of the most interesting Interior Designers opens up his house for the Exhibition of the Year. Don't miss! Only this and next weekend.

Dates:

25/11/2011 > 27/11/2011	Winter Exhibition at Kanaal & Axel Vervoordt Gallery friday, saturday: from 11am - 7pm sunday: from 2pm - 7 pm
02/12/2011 > 04/12/2011	Winter Exhibition II at Kanaal & Axel Vervoordt Gallery friday, saturday: from 11am - 7pm sunday: from 2pm - 7 pm

Address:

Stokerijstraat 15 - 19

B-2110 Wijnegem
Belgium

For more information on Axel Vervoordt, check out my latest Post

Artistic Interiors - answers to your question about art in your interior

2011-11-12T18:20:00.001+01:00

Via one of my every day read blogs - Made By Girl, I have found out about this book, called Artistic Interiors. And now I am stocked about this book.

I love art in the house. And the most hard part about art is that (besides that it is extremely expensive and hard to find what you like) it is not that easy to present art in all its glory in your house.
You want to give it a good place, but not too much, otherwise you see it ALWAYS in your house. But you should also not put it too far away, otherwise it is not coming out right...

well, i think with this book you will find all your answers to presenting art. As well as what kind of art you like at your home.

So, meet Artistic Interiors by designer & architect Suzanne Lovell.

via Bol.com

Images via Made By Girl

I guess I want this book for Xmas.....

My lovely dutch readers can get their copy here.

Equilibre Interiors - warm, international interiors from Amsterdam

2011-11-11T10:27:00.001+01:00

Couple of days ago the November issue of one of my favorite magazines - The Residence was delivered again. The issue has a beautiful cover. Warm interior, with a lot of wood elements, beautiful materials and fire place.

The design of the house appeared to be from a Dutch designers duo - Scarlett van Ketwich Verschuur and Toscha Gast-van Randwijck from Equilibre Interiors.

The article in The Residence is very inspiring! Telling about the way the designers work, the contacts and relationship that they build during their work with their clients.

And how the ladies were not afraid to start their business, and just jumped into it! with no fear and not looking back. Now, ten years later, the duo has projects all over the world and has the opportunity to work with the best brands, best materials, best houses...

Source: www.equilibre-interiors.com

Axel Vervoordt - legend of the interior design

2011-10-30T11:27:00.002+01:00

I do not know if you have ever heard of the castle that is situated in small Belgium and considered to be one of the legends of interior design.

To be really honest before I started studying interior design I had never heard of Mr Vervoordt.

Mr Vervoordt is a businessmen, designer, antique collector and a very big name in the interior world.

Biggest stars like Madonna, Sting, royal families come to shop for the best taste at the caste.

In 1986, Axel and May Vervoordt purchased the Castle of ‘s-Gravenwezel, a 50-room castle situated just outside of Antwerp.
The castle, parts of which date as far back as the 12th century, was rebuilt from 1740 on as a contemporary country mansion by the eminent Antwerp architect Jan-Pieter van Baurscheit the Younger, who kept the original medieval castle intact and changed the castle’s appearance into a fascinating mix of 15th and 18th century architectural styles. Adapted by Bauerscheit.

Two times a year Axel Vervoordt castle is open for visitors. People from all over the world come here to see the castle turn into a special Xmas or summer atmosphere.

For the interior lovers it's a great opportunity to gain some inspiration as well.

The open days of this year are:

25, 26 and 27 November 2011
2, 3 and 4 December 2011

Price: euro 15,- per person

Before visiting the castle, do not forget to check out Het Kanaal.

Het Kanaal at Wijnegem is a former distillery complex consisting of several large brick-and-concrete industrial warehouses with adjoining grain silos originally constructed in the late 19th century
In 2000, the Axel Vervoordt Company purchased the site and transformed the setting into the perfect location for exposition rooms, offices, warehouses and restoration workshops.

In the lofty industrial rooms of Kanaal, Axel Vervoordt furthered his ideas of how we might wish to live in the 21st century: the enormous spaces, the total purity, the lack of decoration, just the necessary architecture and inspiring objects and art. In these rough, empty spaces an old piece of furniture becomes like a contemporary piece of art.

Currently, Vervoordt r.e. is converting the site of Kanaal into an authentic cultural and residential island amidst a wealth of art and nature. This new “City in the Country” will also house a museum destined to present the art collection of the Vervoordt Foundation.

Source: http://www.axel-vervoordt.com/

Hometour - The Eric Kuster Villa

2011-10-28T15:04:00.002+02:00

This amazing house is the house of one of Dutch best interior designers:

Eric Kuster

Enjoy!

Steve Jobs made the difference. And followed his dream!

2011-10-06T20:38:00.001+02:00

Steve Jobs.

He did make a difference... He showed us again how it is to communicate with your friends on the other side of the world, and feel connected every day.

How to create the impossible, and to show that everything is out there for you.

How to LIVE YOUR DREAM...

And you know what else is amazing... he loved his dream, he lived his dream and many people who woke up this morning read the sad news with the help of the creation of his dreams...

"...and most important of all have the courage to follow your own heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. every thing else is secondary..." Steve Jobs

David Mallet Hair Salon in Paris

2011-09-29T16:30:00.000+02:00

David Mallet is a famous name in Paris. Not only in Paris. Many Hollywood stars are using the services of David. Davis is a hair dresser. But no just a regular one. David Mallett is widely considered to be the best hairdresser in Paris; and, to his clients, he is the most trusted.

His creative vision and technical innovation have contributed to some of the most iconic images in fashion advertising in the past two decades. Recently, Karl Lagerfeld chose David to style Christy Turlington Chanel; and he has also worked on flagship campaigns for Lancel, Dior, L'Oréal, Sonia Rykiel, Givenchy, Pirelli, La Perla.

But today, I would love to show you his salon. Its not a regular salon. Here you get the feeling of a living room, perfectly styled. Warm and welcoming. Totally Paris. With a perfect eye for detail.

Source: http://david-mallett.com/index.html

Interior designer: Ruth Káradóttirs - Island

2011-09-27T10:00:00.000+02:00

Today I would like to tell you about an Island designer - Ruth Káradóttirs. Her interiors are inspired by Island nature. White an more white.

I have found an article telling about the work and inspiration of Ruth. I love to read what inspired an artist. What makes him think of certain things and where do they get their inspiration from.

The house from 1968 is located in Breidholt which is one of the oldest suburbs to Rejkavik. White is the continuous color choice, only broken here and there by a little gray-brown elements like wood and concrete floors and wooden terrace outside.

I prefer the natural materials and blends like the raw materials with more elegant says Ruth. Nature's own materials tend to only become more beautiful with age. And so do I like nature's own color scale set by the multifaceted nature of the picture here on the Island, from the snow into the lava, the hot springs and mountains.

- The light is very important to create the right atmosphere and it is one of the most important I try to create even for my clients, explains Ruth. Since we live so far north of here on the Island, we are fortunate with a lot of light, especially in summer when it is bright around the clock. But in winter it is only about six to seven hours a day and these conditions are important to take into account when building and planning their home here

Source: Vartnya Hem

Hotel suggestion: The Greenwich Hotel in NY

2011-09-26T19:11:00.003+02:00

Today I came across this very interesting place. And you would not believe if i say this is hotel! And not just somewhere, but in New York!

I must say I find this atmosphere so magical, almost like form a fantasy movie!

The hotel in located in Greenwich street in NY. If I see it correct it not too far away from WTC area. So, quite close to the sea area.

i must say if I once make my dream come true and go to NY, I will definitely consider spending couple of nights here, even though you should be prepared to spend couple of hundred (say almost thousand) of dollars per night.

But for the price you get a unique interior, warm atmosphere and no room looks alike.

Discover yourself the magical world of The Greenwich Hotel in NY

Images via: The Greenwich Hotel