Hege in France

Tuesday Tips - Trend ALERT Nordic Exotic

2013-06-18T09:08:00.000+02:00

Hi there, my name is Kari Anne. I am the founder of a new UK lifestyle store called White Punch and also the girl behind the White Punch Blog. I am so delighted that Hege would let me guest post here on her fabulous blog. Like Hege, I am a Norwegian living abroad and for the last 15 years I have been living in and around London, UK.

Today I would like to talk about the ways of mixing ethnic interior items into Scandinavian style homes.

Via

I absolutely love a Nordic exotic theme in a home. You can really notice this trend in the big Scandinavian brands like House Doctor, Bloomingville, By Nord and especially Tine K Home. When you read interviews with the people behind the brands and what influences them and their design, then their travels and experiences while travelling always tops their list. Travelling is definitely something the Scandinavians are passionate about. I read an article the other day that Norwegians are the most travelled nation in the world and that their travelling tends to now take them much further away than before. Far away exotic places like Mexico, Morocco, Bali and Thailand are top destination for many Scandinavians and we can really see it reflected in their interior. The simple and clean lines of Scandinavian interiors are the perfect canvas for adding items with a more ethnical feel and here are some suggestion on how to do so.

WALLS

Plain walls can be decorated with strong bold ethnical prints or add some texture with glorious JuJu hats, which Hege wrote about earlier here .

Via and Via

OCCATIONAL FURNITURE

Stools, poufs and baskets with an ethnical feel are both practical and versatile. Mix and match for great effect.

Via

Via and Via

Via

RUGS

Moroccan Rugs really adds character to a home. Dare to be bold or go for more subtle colour like this handmade cream and black rug.

Via and Via

NATURAL ELEMENTS

I love the way the natural colour of wood and straw can bring warmth to a room. Hang up your hats and baskets.

Via and Via

PLANTS

Bring the outside in with tropical and interesting plants.

Via

YOUR SPECIAL FINDS

Include your special finds from your travels into your interiors, seen here done by the very talented stylist and photographer Hannah Lemholt.

Via

CREATE THE LOOK

Here are some products from White Punch that can create that Nordic exotic look.

Bamboo Light, JuJu Hat wall decoration, Denim Pouf, Decorative Houses and

Hammoc

Till next time, -take care.

Kari Anne xx

For more Tuesday Tips click HERE.

Cables

2013-06-13T08:00:00.000+02:00

I love the way you don't have to hide cables any more..

photo Fantastic Frank

photo Lily

photo Mackapär

We once found ourselves in a remote part of China called Longsheng, where the Yao Minority (or so-called Longhair Tribe) grow rice on terraced hillsides. I overheard somebody asking an English guy "Why aren't you taking photos?!" The guy answered "There are too many (electricity) cables for my liking.." How rude! Surely these poor Chinese rice farmers are entitled to electricity.. The place is stunning and always will be - with or without cables. Surely us tourists don't get to say things like that..

Exposed or hidden cables?! What do you prefer?!

The terracotta trend

2013-06-12T08:00:00.000+02:00

Hi there, it’s Gudy from Eclectic Trends and covering a day of Hege’s short summer leave is just the perfect moment to pop in and say “Hello”. And since we are hopefully all already in a summer mood, let me talk about the terracotta trend. I spotted this new colour first in February at the Stockholm Furniture Fair, got the confirmation in Milan at the Salone del Mobile and now you just have to travel to Pinterest.

Terracotta is, and that is the interesting thing, not just a colour trend but the same material is being used for different products such as small furniture or lifestyle accessories. Even the frowned upon flower pots are having a real come back!

Ben Medansky’s ceramics are uniquely hand crafted with simple form, practical design and eternal materials and the styling on the pics really helps to understand that terracotta has always been timeless.

Tomas Kral is the designer behind those terracotta lamps. Produced in Extremadura, the region in which the classic Spanish ceramic drinking jug was invented, this collection of lamps again draws a connection between the centuries-old tradition of our craftsmen and Tomas Kral’s design skills.

Aren’t those terracotta pouff and tables just fantastic? They call it a seating and table system at Italian label Flai. You can when lifting the top, use them for storing stuff too.

And how about these cool desk accessories inspired by bricks? It is called Adobe and consists of 5 pieces. You decide the use, it could be nice for a bath room too. What do you think?

But these are my favourite pieces, the more weathered they are, the more beautiful! It’s all about simplicity. Very much en vogue these days and feeling so good.

1 | 2 | 3

Let`s finish up with a very inspiring interior pic too. Those plant nursery shelves and pot steps from Kekkilä are just too cool!

Hope you have enjoyed this little red soil journey and would love to know what your terracotta plans are?

Warmly, Gudy

Tuesday Tips - Nature

2013-06-11T08:00:00.000+02:00

This is a great time of year to decorate your home with flowers and green leaves. It's such a simple thing to do, but it makes a huge difference.

photo Iitalia

photo Daniella Witte

photo Fantastic Frank

Here are some free, nice and easy geometric decorations made from found sticks. Aren't they great?! Let's make some!

photos by Line Shape Colour

Happy Tuesday!

8 ways to drink your tea in peace: Develop a play space in the living room

2013-06-10T08:30:00.000+02:00

Pandaina

Hello lovely readers, I am Mia, a bad girl turned mother, former unhappy corporate worker, design addict and collector of life sweets. I am the editor (always wanted to write this) of a young blog called Design Pill. I am so happy to write a post here while Hege is on her little escapade. Thank you Hege!

No play room? Me neither

My little girl recently turned two, which is too small to go play alone in her room and too big to be content on her playing mat. She's a very, let' say "enthusiastic" little girl, and she doesn't changes her mind easily (go figure). There is absolutely no way to have a conversation between adults when her brothers, 9 and 11years old, are not around entertaining her. Having two big brothers sure seem nice, they are spoiling her like crazy. I am considering setting up a new play space, hoping she would ~~let me chat a little with my friends~~ spend a more fulfilling time playing in the living room. So I am actively researching (read "browsing Pinterest") the matter and I thought I would share my findings with you.

via kidsomania.com

I adore this little itinerant kid box and I believe it would work quite well in my living room. The problem is Mr C, my annoying love has forbidden me(what audacity) to start a new space consuming DIY until I finish the few others I have in the stove.

1.Tepees

I like their versatility, the fabrics. It's nice that you can use them form calm moments and to play more animated games. Being able to put it away when you're done is an advantage too. Making one is definitely on my list... of DIY. Ok, it'll wait.

1. thefancy.com 2.3.4. americanshutters.co.za

2.Cabins

Cabins. Love them. Like everybody else. Especially when they are up a ladder. Too bad I would have to finish the one I promised for the garden first (I am afraid there will be no wood left afterword).

1. Via Pinterest

3.Reading nooks

Reading nooks are nice, well, to read. Not always enough. The good thing is they are easy to set-up, affordable, often cute and welcoming. The bad thing is the kids only use them once in a while. My kids, in any case. Reading is an activity they prefer to store for later. When I want them to sleep.

Via Project Nursery

This one is a great DIY. I love that we see more and more front-facing book storage displaying children books in a manner where they can choose what they are going to browse, even if they can't read yet.

Via Pinterest

1.2. Monpetitamourblog.com 3.Tofw 4.Lifewithoutpink.com 5.original.littlehellraiser.com

4.Play pretend

Now, that's definitely fun. And nice to build. I definitely want a little wood shop. And a little kitchen. Let's hope she does too.

1. A little learning for two 2. Wild tribe 3.4. Katy did and kid

5.Music corner

Naaaa. But it's pretty, right?

Mommyme- The Wonder Years

6.Chalkboard

We have a gigantic school board next to the dining table and a chalkboard wall in the office. But is it enough? Would you be annoyed by chalk powder everywhere? I'am. But she loves the school board and stand up on her high chair to try drawing on it. Another chalkboard surface it is then. Listed.

1.Holamama.es 2.Harpers happenings 3.via Pinterest 4.via Apartment Therapy.

7.Let's get Physical

This is a no brainer when you have enough space. Seems so fun I would want to climb there.

1. Holamama.es 2.3. Archinect

The boo and the boy

8.Desks

Hmmm. A desk. To have fun. We'll see.

The boo and the boy

The verden

This one is awesome though.

My favorite

I kept the one I prefer for the end. Almost useless, space consuming and you have to fix it to the ceiling (everybody likes holding a drill in that position). I love it anyway. But hey, it's supposed to be for her, not for me. I will forget it then. For now.

A source anybody?

Is anybody else having the same issues? I would love to hear your thoughts. What would (or did) you do in your living room? What about the mess? I want everything of course.

Stand out

2013-06-09T19:00:00.000+02:00

If you have a really cool piece of furniture and want to show it off do it by making everything else white. See how much more this chest of drawers stands out from the rest. A green plant also makes this room look very fresh!

photo Fantastic Frank

I'll be taking a bit of time off, so there are some lovely guest posts coming up next week!

Enjoy!!

Happy Weekend!

2013-06-07T14:41:00.003+02:00

Since it's such a beautiful day I couldn't post something black and white..

Instead I've chosen this beautiful photo.

photo Elisabeth Heltoft

I'm excited to be taking part in lovely Mel's "My Space" column today on Armoire, Pegs & Casserole. thanks, Mel! Visit her beautiful blog here.

Happy Weekend!!!

Sanselige Rom

2013-06-06T09:28:00.000+02:00

At Christmas I took part in the book Sanselig Jul (Christmas for all the Senses) by Franciska Munck-Johansen. I'm really excited to also take part in her next book Sanselige Rom (Room for all the Senses) !! I can't show you any photos from my home yet, but what I can do is show you these pages. The book is in Norwegian and will be out in September. It's looking great and it's showing a huge variety of styles. Would you like to read it?!

Have a lovely day!

Blog discovery

2013-06-05T15:45:00.002+02:00

Such a lovely blog - M I J A

photos and styling MIJA

Hope you're having a nice day!
hx

Tuesday Tips - Make it float

2013-06-04T14:26:00.000+02:00

Shelves and cabinets can look boring just sat on the floor, so here's a little tip of how to make them look a bit more interesting. Make them float by simply hanging them on the wall.

photo Hanne Fuglberg via Desire to Inspire

photo Stylizimo

photo Made by girl

photo Pianca

Here's how to do it and what you need.

Please add projects below if you've done something similar, we'd love to see it!

Thanks for reading this weeks Tuesday Tips!

Bedroom + Workspace

2013-06-03T10:19:00.000+02:00

As we'll soon be moving (note to self; START PACKING) from a four bedroom house to a two bedroom apartment, our working arrangements will have to change a lot. We can no longer have our own offices and we'll have to think creatively about what will work for us. I've found this bedroom workspace and I think it looks great, especially as there's a large window. I don't think you would feel that you were actually in a bedroom here.

I had to sneak in a couple of photos of the bedroom too as it ticked a lot of boxes for me. White, black and gold - very nice. Of course the original features make it look extra special.

All photos Stadshem

What do you think? Could this work?

Have a great new week!

Mirror collections

2013-06-01T16:13:00.001+02:00

This is such a cool bathroom, but then again Maliin's whole house is fabulous. I've written about her kitchen before. But going back to the bathroom, I love the mirror collection. I think this is a trend we'll see more of. I also love the concrete floor and the vintage table. What a great mix with all that white and the unusual black ceiling. Very 2013 don't you think?!

by Maliin Stoor

Enjoy the weekend!!

Splashes of colour?

2013-05-31T11:04:00.000+02:00

So I keep saying how much I like all white interiors, but then I also love this.. Those green chairs are just perfect don't you think?

I do love that kitchen island too. The bigger the better I think is the trend these days. Gold tap, green plants, metro tiles... Very nice. I could definitely live here.

images from Haus and Home and project designer was Jen Lagnston

What do you think? All white or white and bold colours?!

Happy Friday!

Styling love

2013-05-25T21:00:00.000+02:00

I just love all of this. Fab furniture and accessories. White and red is definitely a nice combo, but I think I prefer subtle details like here and not too much red. Not so long ago I saw a show home where somebody had gone a bit crazy.. There was red and I mean a lot of it in every room in the whole house.. House staging gone wrong if you ask me. It kind of looked like a crime scene..

How cool is the masking tape frame on the wall?

photo Rolinda Windhorst
styling Stijlbloem

I'll be back stronger next week! Sorry about the lack of posts..

Happy Weekend to you all!

Tuesday Tips - Large Posters

2013-05-21T13:40:00.000+02:00

As you've probably seen lately oversized prints are very trendy. I love personalising, so my tip to you is to have your own photos turned into large posters. That way you've got your own personalised art.

If you order a poster of one of your photos you can put it onto a piece of chip board with some spray glue or frame it. I've seen poster formats of up to 2 meters tall, so if you really want to go big you can.

photo Nina Pohl

photo The ten cent designer

photo Katty Schiebeck

photo Fantastic Frank

I think it's all about finding what you like and not just copying everybody else.

Some nice posts about oversized art French by Design, Mechant Design and Oliver Yaphe.

Hope you liked this Tuesday Tip.

Australia

2013-05-15T09:35:00.001+02:00

It's time for the Australian House Awards 2013 and here's the shortlist.. There are 125 residential projects across eight categories. Yes, they are of course all out of this world. Here's a selection of them.

photo Shannon McGrath

photo Derek Swalwell

Any favourites?!

Tuesday Tips - Flooring

2013-05-14T10:01:00.000+02:00

I didn't really know what to call today's Tuesday Tips, but I was instantly drawn to this hall and the effect the flooring has. In these wonderful before and after photos you can see how much nicer it looks to use only one type of flooring. By changing the floor and creating a large opening instead of a normal door this space has been completely transformed. It appears much more spacious and you've got to love the light detailing along the floor and ceiling. I'm also for painting everything white, but if you're a regular reader of my blog you've probably noticed that already... I do love all this light.

It has a much better flow now, don't you think? It also looks like a much larger and more open home than before, not to mention very trendy. There was a large budget spent here, but the idea of the continuous flooring wouldn't necessarily be a huge expense. There are lots of good alternatives out there for all budgets.

If you would like to see the all of the Before and After photos from this apartment you click HERE. This apartment was transformed by very talented Italian architect Carola Vannini.

Hope you like this little flooring tip.

Thank you so much to Minni for giving us last Tuesday's Tip.

Have a lovely day!

all photos credit Carola Vannini

New magazines

2013-05-12T20:23:00.000+02:00

You've left so many sweet messages. Thank you so much! It feels like the right decision for us, so I'm sure Scotland will be fine. It will be very different to living in the French countryside, but to be honest we're all looking forward to going somewhere a bit more busy.

Tomorrow I'm starting my new medication and get to spend the whole day in hospital, so I've stocked up on new interior design mags. ;) I'll show you more details from them soon. I think I found some really good ones.

I'll be back on Tuesday with more Tuesday Tips.
Have a look at my Pinterest account if you're in need of some inspiration.

Have a nice start to the new week!

ps! To all my blogger friends, I promise I'll come by to say hello soon. I've been very bad lately, but it's also been good spending less time on the pc.

We're moving to..

2013-05-10T20:44:00.002+02:00

Scotland!!! Well done to Deborah for finding the little clue. The Rennie Mackintosh detailed windows. Well done to Nicki too for guessing Scotland. I'll be able to show you lots of cool places to visit, stay, eat, drink, shop you name it..! I studied in Glasgow and worked in Edinburgh before we came to France, so I know Scotland quite well. I'm sure lots have changed though. Were we had our first date there's no longer a pub, but a fab Italian. :)

As I mentioned, we'll be renting a flat first to find where we'd like to settle. It's all very exciting and quite strange leaving France, but we miss family and friends. It'll even be much easier for us to see my family in Norway as they'll only be a short flight away. So time has come to say bye to France after 9 years.. I'm sure we'll be back for holidays though.

by Rural Design Architects

by The Design Practice

So, in a few months I'll be blogging from trendy coffee shops, sipping macchiatos and taking you round the country. Until then, I shall enjoy the French weather as the Scottish weather won't be quite as good..

photo All that is solid

Have a brilliant weekend!!

For rent in..

2013-05-08T11:31:00.001+02:00

So would you like to know where we're moving to?! We've decided that we'll be moving early August, so Magnus can start school in ...... :) We'll be renting for a while to find out which area we'd like to live in.

Here's a fab home for rent. No, no this isn't the place we'll be renting.. It's a bit over our budget especially as our house isn't sold yet. Don't think we'd have enough furniture for this place anyway. It's pretty cool though, don't you think?!

There's a little clue to where we're moving here. Can you see it?! It's just a little detail.

Have a nice day! We're having Magnus's 6th Birthday party this afternoon. Should be good fun.

Tuesday Tips - DIY Doily Baskets

2013-05-07T09:35:00.002+02:00

Hi, I’m Minni from a blog called Nimidesign. I’m so excited to share this easy DIY project with you today on Tuesday Tips!

This doily basket project is very easy and simple to do and the results are fun!

Things you will need:

Crochet doilies

Bowls in different sizes and shapes

Cling film

1 dl of water

1 dl of sugar

Crochet doilies are easy to find from thrift stores and they make great diy material for different projects. I noticed that the ones made with thicker yarn work better for making baskets. Instead of using glue or toxic hardeners, we’re using sugar as a hardener. The fun thing about using sugar as a hardener is that it can be washed away with water. This means that you can use the doilies for other projects in the future if you want! How great is that?

Instructions:

Wrap the bowls with cling film. The cling film makes removing the baskets easier. Boil the water and mix with the sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Put the doilies to the sugar-water mixture. Remove from the mixture and squeeze the doily gently so that it’s not dripping but still wet. Set the doily on a bowl and smooth out the wrinkles. Let the doily dry for at least 24 hours and remove from the bowl carefully. You have a finished doily bowl! It can be used to hold small treats and items or it could make a great gift if filled with sweets or other treats.

Have a lovely day everyone and thanks Hege for having me as a guest blogger!

Minni

A visit to Japan

2013-05-06T12:18:00.001+02:00

Let's start the new week in Japan with this unique home. I love the mix of concrete and wood.

found via lovely blog Harmony photos by Suppose

You've got to love this beautiful shade of green next to the concrete.
It looks like a great place to either work or sit and enjoy a coffee.

I'm excited to be blog of the month on We heart home! Thank you so much to Holly and Trisha. Pop over to We heart home to read the interview.

Here the sun is shining and we're going to have lunch outside. Should I mention that we had breakfast outside too? I could get used to this weather.

Happy New Week!

All Swedish

2013-05-03T14:22:00.002+02:00

Well, this looks like spring to me. All the photos I've chosen have got one thing in common they're all by very talented Swedish ladies.

by Concept by Anna

by Daniella Witte

by på min gata i stan

photo Lina Östling by Johanna Flyckt Gashi

Is that a metal pot they've put the tree in? It looks great! It did give me an idea.. you could actually use a tote bag couldn't you? It's not like you need to water it.. hm..

What you need more fab photos?!

You want to see an amazing factory conversion.. well click HERE then. :)

Happy Weekend!

It's Fantastic Frank again

2013-05-01T10:08:00.000+02:00

This apartment is for sale in Vällingby, Sweden. I have to say that some countries have a lot to learn when it comes to photos and styling before selling.. I won't go into deatails, but if you like I'll do a post with some of the worst photos I've ever seen.. It could be fun, couldn't it? One that sticks out was of a blurred livingroom with a man ducking down behind the sofa. Classy! It really doesn't take that long to take another photo.. and of course the house or apartment might just sell that little bit quicker.

This apartment styled by Fantastic Frank is slightely different and I'm sure it'll sell quickly. I love the white walls and of course the tiled wall in the kitchen. The plants make the apartment look so fresh and ready to move into. Did you know the average house buyer has decided if the house if for them or not after about 2 minutes? Every second counts!

photos Fantastic Frank

Have a lovely day!

Tuesday Tips - mood boards

2013-04-30T14:54:00.002+02:00

I've found some good ideas for mood boards or idea boards that are useful when planning to decorate a room. I quite often I have ideas that I have ripped out of magazines and but I aslo like writing notes next to them. When I found this I was sold. I think it's perfect!

Foto Lina Östling VINTAGE

If you don't have a board, here's my idea. Get a huge cardboard box and get to work. Quite often you can get them free in shops.

All you need is a sheet of cardboard, a marker pen, masking tape, some magazine pages and off you go. You can start planning your space, a new project or even your blog posts!

photo by me

Or simply use a bit of grey paper and some masking tape like here.

by A concept by Anna

Have fun decorating and being creative!

photo Lauren Bamford

For more Tuesday Tips click HERE.
As usual if you have posted or seen something similar please link below.
We'd love to have look!
hx