In the states it’s time for the annual Independence Day (The Fourth of July) festivities and being such a patriotic country it’s quite a massive event here and nearly everyone takes off on Friday to prepare for the big day.

This is my last month living in America so I’m going to take in every last moment I can to spend with friends and family before I go so I have lots happening between now and Monday. Enjoy your weekend, holiday or not, and I’ll be back on Monday, July 6th!

xo,

Holly

(images: a fun DIY that Kathleen sent to me yesterday to post here, you can use this for the 4th or use the template to make these cute things for a basic summer party).

Here’s what’s on my iPod this week because it’s been raining and cold every single day followed by T storms so my brain thinks we’re entering Autumn despite the fact that Summer just kicked off. I’ve been bundled up in a raincoat and scarf, sipping lattes to stay warm and listening to my usual Autumn tunes which tends to be a little mellow and folksy.

Laura Veirs, Saltbreakers, is such a great folksy CD. Singer-songwriter Laura is based in Seattle (such a great indie music scene in the pacific northwest, huh?) and her lyrics and voice are quite good.

Another artist that fits rainy weather with all my candles aglow in the window is British songstress Adele who is quite the songbird, isn’t she? Really good for the soul.

Right now though I’m feeling like dancing so I have Rihanna on, a little Breaking Dishes is a fun way to start the long weekend….

(photo: taken a few years ago by me, holly becker)

The moment I spotted this little red, white and blue cottage in Hus & Hem I was in love and thought it would be the ideal spot to escape to this weekend for the long holiday break.

Located near the coast just south of Copenhagen, Denmark this cozy cottage oozes with charm and spirit. I adore the eclectic aspect of it all but what I appreciate most is how happy and full of life and energy it is. Plus, the kitchen is adorable. I really like how well the recycled furniture, flea market finds, vibrant paint and a mix of explosive patterns has transformed this place, owned by Lan and Brian Frandsen and their 4-year-old daughter Frida Mei, from a dark den (before they moved in) to a bright retro paradise. I read that most of the furniture came with the house when they purchased it but since it was not their style they brought in a few cans of paint and went to work, mixing in their flea market finds and IKEA goodies of course.

I love the quilt in Lans and Brian’s bedroom and found out that it was made using a combination of retro fabrics and new ones from Liberty in London. To view more beautiful homes, make sure you visit Hus & Hem online.

(Photos: Tia Borgsmidt & Stylist: Sidsel Zachariassen)

I felt so flattered when Margarita Lorenzo, a graphic & textile designer based in London from Chocolate Creative, wrote in asking if I’d like to share her views from a couple of London handmade design fairs she recently attended. Um… let me think about this. Right. YES! So Margarita has pulled together some of her opinions and rounded up a few of her favorite designers here for all of us to enjoy. I’m calling this the London Designers To Watch since I see some genuine talent here. Ready to view some beautiful handwork?

Take it away, Margarita!

I attended the Central St Martins textile degree show recently, and as usual was presented with an amazing variety of work. I am glad that they have this public events, where people can view and appreciate the gorgeous work of these talented future designers. On my visit to the show, I met Solenne Morigeaud, a graduate from the Masters in textile futures. She is a Paris-born surface designer, that having graduated in fashion and textile design at ESAA Duperré school in Paris, went on to do this masters. I love her work, it is very unique and dedicated. This antique door is the piece that she was exhibiting at the show, GORGEOUS! Smoke and Mirrors is a collection of mirrors, glass and wallpaper that blur and interact with our perception. The inspiration comes from ink stains, clouds, shadows and smoke trails – coincidental patterns that create an unforeseen imagery. Mirrors are etched, laser-cut and overlaid, creating unexpected illusion effects. Through her work, Solenne imagines the future of textiles as a way to encourage people to get into their imagination, too often forgotten.

I met Mijae at the Chelsea Textile Degree Show and she was very nice and took her time to explain her project. She makes garments with the fabrics that she designs to mimic brick work. I can see why she gets so inspired by bricks — not only they are everywhere is London, but the colors and textures that they can achieve over the years are extraordinary! I like the simplicity of her work, don’t you?

I saw Xiang Zeng’s movable wallpaper, Freerange Doodle, at the show too and thought it was a clever and very cute idea of telling a story. This time not through a book but via an interactive medium, where you get to make your own version of the tale and became the narrator of your unique wallpaper… very creative!

Another designer that caught my eye was textile designer Lilli Cowley-Wood. Birds, parrots, dogs, plants, etc…they all seem to live in this beautiful, imaginary world… I love her drawings!

More and more talent… next meet designer Aurelia Dupas (sorry no link). Her blankets were one of the first things I saw at the show. I fell in love with them from the distance and the closer I got the more I liked them, so much detail, the fabric textures… She uses natural fabrics and dyes, hand stitching and silk screen prints such beautiful patterns. Her collection is called Warmest Feelings comfort blankets for adults.

More work I love…

Betty Pepper, Textile design and jewelry artist: I don’t have words to describe Betty’s work, it is extraordinary! So delicate, unique, gorgeous… I remember seeing her work at Origin in London, and falling for her unique way of doing textiles and paper media together. Her work is very distinctive, the fabrics she choose, the old books, the vintage look of her work, everything is so beautifully put together.

Jennifer Collier: Textiles designer from Manchester Metropolitan University. Found papers, buttons and ribbon transformed into hats, pins, and artwork.

For addition London design inspiration and highlights from shows that I attend, please visit me over at the Chocolate Creative blog! - Margarita.

Thank you Margarita for this lovely round up. I see a definite theme in London when it comes to design and enjoy seeing this view through the eyes of a London local. Thanks again!

(images supplied by margarita lorenzo)

I thought we’d have a little fun today and discuss dream destinations and how you feel about this topic. I am hugely inspired by magazines, like all of you, and appreciate the beauty that they so effortlessly showcase on a monthly basis like French decor magazine Marie Claire Maison. It’s one of those glossy beauties that instantly transports me a thousand miles away whenever I pick it up. This is the allure of such magazines, the lifestyle they’re showing — it’s exciting to imagine that we can also live like this if we style things just so and experiment a little with our creativity. And while that is true in many cases, all the paint in the world isn’t going to give me that townhouse in London or the apartment with the soaring ceilings in Paris overlooking a gorgeous garden. That is where the dream lies. The fantasy of What If.

We may not live in the most amazing city or even the best apartment or home but it’s the dream that possibly we could that inspires some of us to keep dreaming or working towards it as a goal even. Others prefer to dream through the pages of magazines because while they’d love to have that Paris apartment circumstances in life just won’t allow for it and when it comes down to the wire many would not pack their bags leaving behind close friends, family and business relationships to live on another continent. Again though, it’s these dreams that keep us humming along and excited for the next day to unfold. And for those of us not running off to a new land, we can still enjoy this idea of running away to our dream spot by simply doing the best we can in our homes with what we have and showing appreciation for what we have and I’ll tell you why…

I think it’s important to consider that despite how glamorous a city may sound, once you arrive there you are faced with normal everyday life after the honeymoon phase has ended. Sure, you may still love your new city and do well there, but go to any expat forum online and you’ll see thousands of whining expats hemming and hawing over what they left behind after the new has worn off. “I miss Peanut Butter”, “I wish people here spoke English”, “Why are the locals so hard to get to know”, the posts are endless. In the end, we complain no matter how beautifully the gift before us is because it’s human nature. We find fault in even perfection, “Oh that is too perfect!”. Magazines like MCM give us the taste of the dream without leaving our home. We have the chance to explore new places without buying a ticket. And if you do get the travel bug you certainly can visit most of these locations and have the time of your life without necessarily taking up residence there.

I’ve always wanted to live in Paris for a year and coastal Australia (anywhere scenic with a nice city) for a few years, and while I still have time to do this, I often think about an expression I learned at a very young age and I may not have it exactly right but it goes something like this, “Never move to your dream destination”. It sounds funny to hear that, doesn’t it? But really it’s interesting to turn the idea over a few times in your head. I guess the point is that if you live where you’ve often dreamed of living then perhaps you could no longer have something to be excited about, look forward to, or a place that is your muse… Once you live there the new will wear off eventually and then real life sets in. Who knows, it may no longer be the same dream to you then. Some say you may just have to look for a new pot of gold, a new dream. That is exactly what I always say to this — it’s easy, if you get sick of something just change it! But I wonder if that really works… I wonder if perhaps the next dream of the perfect place is no longer as exciting because your original one didn’t pan out to be all that you’d hoped. And so now you go through life thinking all other places will be the same — you move to your dream destination, life sets in, and you move on.

This makes me think about the word home and what it really means. And community. And the fact that we have this online world to dive into that brings us all together without borders so really we can travel anywhere, anytime virtually speaking. It also makes me wonder about dream destinations and how this really works once you move there. I’ve never lived in a dream destination. I guess I never really thought about it because I enjoy visiting on vacation and that usually takes the “edge” off. I’ve moved many times in my life and from this I’ve learned that life is life no matter where you go — eventually you just have to be happy with yourself and those who live with you. And while I’ve imagined Paris, London, Sydney and some gorgeous California beach town in my dreams I talk to people already living there and they don’t seem to think anything special of it. They love where they live but they are sitting there dreaming of other places to live to. We’re always chasing after butterflies in the end, and that’s okay because it makes life more exciting and of course, this desire drives us to get off of our chairs and push for new goals. Dreams keep us going no matter if we reach some or all of them. Just having them feels good.

So when you look at these rooms from Marie Claire Maison, do you dream of living in some of them? Do you often try to recreate the things you see in magazines in your own home? What do you have to say on this topic?

(images: marie claire maison)

Have you heard the news? Lonny (decorating/lifestyle mag) is soon to hit the web in September with a new online magazine rounding up the best of the best editors, designers, artists, bloggers and friends. Designer Michelle Adams of Rubie Green just announced it — you can read more about it over at Rubie Green. Yay!

Sounds pretty exciting, I can’t wait to see what inspiration they have in store for us! I’ll try to post the link as soon as they launch, so stay tuned..

Congrats Michelle and Patrick — go get ‘em!

(image: lonny magazine)

I needed to replace my stapler recently so I thought I’d look for something to match my wood rolodex from Margaret and Walter in Scotland. Searching online for what felt like ages, I came across the perfect wood stapler over at The Curiosity Shoppe and cha-ching, in my cart it went. Score! Of course paying for an international move is not cheap so I’m watching what I spend and sadly I had to stop with the stapler. However you may have a few extra coins in your pocket than I do right now and if so you must pay them a visit. Especially if you’re looking for some pretty things to either fluff your nest or give to someone you love here is a glimpse of what caught my eye. These finds are perfect for the new couple or the friends who just rented an apartment (or bought a home).

1. Don’t Forget chalkboard, 2. Wallpaper Projects book, 3. Wood stapler, 4. Owl Wall plaque, 5. Hot plates and 6. Wooden radio.

I already own the Wallpaper Projects book and highly suggest ordering a copy if you are looking for fun and easy DIY projects for wallpaper or even left over pieces you have that you’d love to use because there is no end to the creative projects with wallpaper in this book. My favorite one has to be the single strip of wallpaper used in the interior of an entryway - loved it! In case you didn’t know, the owners of this shop, Derek Fagerstrom and Lauren Smith, just-so-happen to be the author of this fab book too.

(images: the curiosity shoppe)

I pulled together a tiny selection of prints with a painterly wash of pink pastels that feel like Summer and I thought I’d take a moment to share them with you. Get a load of these glasses and the giant bubble blowing kid. I was looking at the Bakers Dozen recently and came across illustrator Valerio Vidali from Lisbon and well, I adore the #2 print shown below. Please take a close look at it. I’ve added a second image to show an enhanced view below. Notice the paper shape?

#1 Volcano, #2 Valerio Vidali #3 Lydia, #4 Gemma Correll.

Oh yes, Valerio has cut this print to mimic a Polaroid. Isn’t this the best? And those frayed cotton edges on the bottom - swoon. Love the tiny details. I’ve not yet noticed other artists doing this with paper prints so I’m delighted to spot something fresh, though it’s certain to catch on because the Polaroid trend is so huge right now… Lovely work!

(images linked to their sources above)

I came across Plümo a few weeks ago but was unsure as to whether I should blog them or not since it appears they don’t ship outside of the UK… but now I’m thinking why not? We don’t have to purchase every single thing we see, right? I mean window shopping is absolutely allowed for those of us not living within their shipping zone so let’s drool and browse. No harm in looking plus I find their selection inspiring as everything seems to be inspired by the exotic vacations of a lady with exquisite taste, don’t you think?

I’ll be in London in August — just for a day, we have a reallyyyy long layover so we’re making the best of it and taking the train from Heathrow to Paddington Station and now I’m wishing Plümo had a storefront as their prices are pretty affordable even after the dollar exchange… most of what’s in London I fear I cannot stomach paying for after I run the conversion through my brain. But I must go to Liberty. And Caravan. And. And. And. Always And. :)

I really adore the style of all of these pretty things, don’t you? That flower garland would be lovely at a party, don’t you think?

(images: plümo)

I was reading the Bubb Report this morning and came across these tissue boxes by Lotta Jansdotter and I thought, “If only Kleenex could get with it and give us something like this vs. all those mod boxes that don’t match one single part of my house!” - I mean, I guess it’s a little old fashioned to match the tissue box to the decor of your home (recall the crochet cozies in your grandmother’s bathroom - I sure do), I keep mine in the drawer anyway because they’re so ugly, but if you want to match and leave them out then I like these from Lotta.

My preference is the long flat box in plain white, vs. the round, box, oval and now “fruit wedge” shape that’s taking over tissue aisles across the country. Heck, if you have time on your hands, you could use rubber stamps to stamp a plain white tissue box yourself. When it comes to toilet paper, paper towels, and kleenex (and their boxes) I like things high quality yet simplistic in their design. And while world peace should be a concern, and it is, I do spend a little too much time thinking about every little thing that I purchase being both functional and pretty. I just love toilet paper that has those deep white on white almost letterpressed impressions on them. Do you know what I mean? You may not, as I don’t come across it here too often but in Germany they have toilet paper that is so beautiful with these gorgeous patterns deeply impressed into each sheet, I was so impressed. I figure if I have to look at these functional items on a daily basis then why can’t they at least look nice and not tacky. I know… I know you’re thinking I’m crazy right about now.

But back to Lotta because I’m sure she won’t want to read this post and see that the entire topic is around toilet paper and tissue boxes. :) Well it looks like she’s been bitten by the good old scrapbooking bug because now she is carrying some scrapbooks in her online shop which is a great option for her fans. I love the baby pillow and the mini tray in her collection, both shown above. Especially the tray — a personal favorite.

By the way, have you ever watched this ‘07 studio tour of her Brooklyn office? I missed it somehow and stumbled upon it a moment ago. I guess I never thought about where she does all of her photography, print work, packaging, etc. but in this video, produced by Etsy, she gives us a tour of an apartment that she converted into, what seems to be, solely her studio space. It’s so inspiring to watch this power woman in action. Psst: If you are in Brooklyn in August, September or October visit Lotta’s studio space to take a printmaking class with her. I’d love to take a printmaking class with someone who has so much experience, especially in their ‘zone’ you know, a classroom in college is fine too but to be in the artist’s space seems a lot more intimate and energizing to me personally. More information about that here.

Okay your turn to dish. Do you care about paper towel patterns, tissue boxes, toilet paper rolls and the like? Or do you think all this focus on product packaging for such mundane things is a bit over rated?

(images: lotta jansdotter)

Welcome to this week’s installment of Etsy Take Five Tuesdays! Today you’ll notice a slight theme: Vintage Charm. Whether it’s an old bear or a classic typewriter, a poster with an old-fashioned feel, or a bunch of 60s Science books you’ll no doubt find this blast from the past fun & inspirational. And as a bonus, I’ve added a 6th shop for you to visit. It’s a tiny one and has little to do with the vintage theme but hey, I’m not want to stay between the lines!

Artist and illustrator Melody Sea from The Dark Tree in London is currently working on a series of paintings focused on lost and abandoned vintage toys. “I am fascinated by how much personality toys can have especially as they get older and I love to imagine their histories and all the adventures they’ve had before they came to me,” Melody says. I was excited to learn that she also offers custom portraits so if you have a beloved toy you’d like captured forever on canvas just let her know.

Vintology is a sweet vintage shop who currently has an even sweeter white typewriter in stock (works great, they say), a set of 10 vintage deer glasses, packs of vintage paper for your crafty projects and a great set of 60s Science books in dreamy pale blue with hints of lemon on the spine - yum. There are more great things in this shop, but I thought I’d share the four that I’d considering purchasing either for myself or as a present. I love Science and old books so these beauties are calling my name… they’d look gorgeous on a bookcase.

If you love letterpress posters with hopeful and optimistic themes then Roll & Tumble Press in Arkansas may just be your new favorite. Their bio is written so perfectly that I can’t help but share the whole sha-bang, “Charming painter turned letterpress printer + Art school dropout turned tattoo artist bond over a love of music, quirky collections and dusty junk shops — and one, big, drafty house, three rescue dogs, and a chance meeting with a true old time printer — Roll & Tumble Press is born.” They’ve been all over blogland but never in an Etsy Take Five roundup so I’m sharing them here today for those of you who may haven’t heard of them already. Enjoy!

How about a second vintage seller to add to your list this week? Meet Vintage Jane in Pennsylvania who specializes in charming finds for babies and kids. I like her current selection of letters, jars, kids chairs and girl pillows and can imagine parents who really dig this retro look will really like her finds. The little lamp reminds me of Victoria at SFGirlByBay!

While I’m at it, let’s add a third vintage shop to the mix. This time it’s Extra Virgin Home owned by sisters Kate and Allison who live in Santa Monica and share a passion for hunting flea markets in search of vintage home finds. They both worked for the original Shabby Chic so of course, they soaked in all that style and experience turning Extra Virgin Home into a special spot for them to now showcase their own personal style of casual and vintage living. I love the blue wood crate for the kitchen, I’d put all of my glass water bottles in it. The metal boxes stacked near the sofa is a cute look but I’d use mine in the office beneath my desk for extra storage.

And a 6th find this week, what I like to call the bonus seller that I like to occasionally surprise you with. Meet The Makers. A very small shop that only has log pillows but they’re too cute to pass by despite their teeny tiny inventory. Grab one while they last, and if they are gone then Etsy mail them for more.

(images linked to sources above)

Someone please take these gorgeous things, so artfully arranged by Trampoline, into your home to love and adore? Please? If you don’t, I just may have to deal with more things to pack and honestly, my luggage is already bursting at the seams. Look at these lovely vintage finds and try to resist…

And side note, notice her floral arrangements. Stunning.

(images: trampoline)

Have you visited the online portfolio of New York Interior Designer Amanda Nisbet? No, you say? Time to change this and peek into her perfectly designed rooms along with me. I spotted her in a recent issue of Elle Decor and well all I can say is don’t expect minimalistic, Plain Jane, or mostly neutrals with Ms. Nisbet. Oh no. She goes big, bold and all fancy-like and you most certainly won’t be catalog shopping with her at West Elm. She’ll introduce you to fabric lines you can’t pronounce. She may paint your crown moldings purple. And if given the chance, Nisbet will deck out your daughter’s bedroom so exquisitely that your little princess just may stop texting long enough to thank you. And your fear of mixing patterns or how to make purple look grown up? Gone, abracadabra… poof!

If I could rewind and be a purple-loving one eye one horned tweenster again, I’d surely want this room to be my own. Okay, maybe part of me wants this room now.

Check this out… monogrammed towel perfectly placed, gorgeous silver leather pouf for resting fashion mags, ledge for a glass of wine, gorgeous soaking tub surrounded by lush pink floral wallpaper. Yes, please. I’ll be over at 7:00 with lavender balt salts and a bottle of Riesling.

(images: amanda nisbet design)

I was able to spend a brief window this past weekend catching up on some magazines I’ve been meaning to read when I came across the gorgeous apartment of Danish pillow designer Christina Lundsteen in the January 09 issue of German Living & More magazine. Here is one image from Christina’s home, can you imagine living like this? The issue is packed with more — if I had a scanner I’d show you some because it’s an absolute stunner. One of those homes you imagine moving right into, curling up on the sofa, and dreaming about your last vacation where you found those lovely frames at that flea market or the amazing jugs from the bazaar. In this image below I can’t stop staring at the door leaning against the wall in that stunning blue and what appears to be the most unique coffee table I’ve seen in quite some time. Isn’t the petite chandelier and the pretty ceiling medallion a nice touch too?

Combining antique textiles in a fresh and interesting way, Christina’s designs really speak to me and I love seeing them in situ in a home environment because I think that you can see just how pretty they really are versus a simple Photoshop view against a white background. Since they are all one-of-a-kind you may not be able to find the exact prints and patterns shown above but many are currently available online at a beautiful Danish home store called Anker Living. AL ships outside of Denmark to the rest of the EU and the world, and speaks Danish, English and German so you should be in good hands should feel like placing an order. I suggest ordering the pillow covers (if they do in fact zip off, I’d assume yes) and buy the inserts locally to save on shipping. Email: ankerliving AT ankerliving.dk for more information please.

Don’t forget to visit the photographers websites below who took these photos - each of their portfolios is packed with stunning things that you won’t want to miss out on. I tried to locate a website or agent for the stylist, Bolette Kiær, who arranged the first photo without any luck. If you have her web address kindly leave it in the comments section and I’ll gladly edit this post and add it in later.

(Images: top: Mikkel Adsbøl, stylist: Bolette Kiær. all others Thomas Skyum.)

Today I’m inspired by the photography of Coral von Zumwalt, a sought after professional photographer based in Los Angeles who has a stunning online portfolio that I suggest perusing with your morning coffee. I couldn’t think of a better way to begin the week than to get lost through her lens.

Coral’s client list includes InStyle, Glamour, Gourmet, Bon Appetit, and many more of our favorite magazine so don’t be surprised if you spot several photos that look familiar to you. I kept spotting ones that I’d seen before and now I enjoy knowing another memorable photographer to watch for the next time I pick up a copy of one of these publications.

I found the first two photos above intriguing and wondered who they belonged to so I did some research and discovered that this is the atelier of California jewelry artist Sonia Boyajian in Hollywood. I love her laid back bohemian style and examining all the little details. And what is it about a pink shell rocker? It never ceases to sweep me off of my feet no matter where I spot one - an any color - such a sweet chair!

(images: coral von zumwalt)

Hello friends! A quick note to let you know that if your blog was added to the last blogroll update in March then you may have noticed it’s no longer showing up on my site. This is not because I have removed it. My datacenter wiped out any updates made to decor8 post March 3 which included posts, comments, blogroll updates, press updates, and anything else that I updated between March 3 and June 19. I’m still working on recovering posts for March and April, I have some but not all, and the blogroll is my next task which I’ll be working on over the next few days. If you blog is shown in this image, don’t worry… you will be back up on the blogroll very soon.