I’ve talked about Danish home brand Bloomingville by TrendKompagniet before, but it’s been awhile and with Spring and gardening on my mind a lot lately I’ve been looking for some inspiring products that bring a breath of fresh air into the home. Bloomingville is a brand that you can find in Germany, and it is gaining in popularity like many other Danish and Swedish labels that are starting to find many loyal customers here.

This is the time of the year that I enjoy because Winter melts into clear, warm days and slowly you begin to find clothes and home accessories that fill you with the promise of flirty sundresses and brightly-colored wellies. Over the weekend I bought the cutest pale gray shoes and visited Noa Noa where you can find some of the loveliest Spring fashion ever. My white narcissus also bloomed on my windowsill after waiting several weeks though the transformation from bulb to bloom is always a pleasure to watch… I think it is because of being a gentle reminder of the patience we need to have in order to grow and blossom – beauty does not come overnight!

Don’t you enjoy the product shots from Bloomingville above? I do, though they are a bit too country for my taste I see many that I can mix and match into a more modern home with clean lines and that is what I live about Bloomingville, there is something for everyone. Did you notice the dresser in the top left photo? It looks like it was painted with light grey chalkboard paint. I love the idea of pale gray chalkboard paint, many tend to go with black chalkboard paint on the walls which is lovely but upon seeing this I think gray appeals to me a bit more right now I think. What about you?

I need to run off to teach a class for a few hours, so I’ll be back a little later…

(images: bloomingville)

Well here we are again, meeting up virtually for some inspiration and decorating ideas. But before we get started, how was your weekend? Did you accomplish all you had hoped? I had a nice weekend but ended up not finishing all of my work because I started watching French films and once I start I cannot stop! I love French movies and have several favorite actors from Paris — one being Romain Duris, do you know him? He was in both “Paris” and “Molière”, both are films that I highly recommend for the atmosphere and acting, but also the ability they have to lift you from your seat, transporting you into another place and time.

Paris was a film that I think all who complain about life should watch because the story is very touching and surely will make you cry but also may help you to value your life a little more. We need films like that now and then, don’t we? It’s so easy to whine and fall into the habit of complaining, feeling as though enough is never enough. All it takes is Romain Duris in this film to realize that so many of us have it really, really well.

Romain is such a gem to watch, what a talent… and I loved his apartment, especially the scenes from his balcony shown above where he cultivates a few plants and flowers. You know what? I’m one of the few who has been glad that the weather is so gray because I’ve finally had the time to watch some of my DVDs and through them I have been gaining inspiration and encouragement – a few movies I suggest from my most recently viewed list, French and other, include: Paris, Molière, The Reader, Brotherhood of the Wolf, Coco Before Chanel (love), Miss Potter, Priceless and The Science of Sleep (so creative!).

I’ll be back soon with some Monday inspirations for you, so I’ll see you soon. xo

Oh and a BIG P.S. – It has been confirmed that I’ll be in the April 2010 issue of Myself magazine, a woman’s magazine in Germany published by Conde Nast. It will be on newsstands March 17th and the article is about “pro” bloggers in Germany, I’ll be profiled along with Nicole from Delicious Days and I believe one other though I’m unsure of whom so I’ll have to wait until March 17th.

(photo: cinemovies)

It’s about that time to sign off for the weekend and wish you farewell until Monday. What plans do you have? Anything fun? Remember, you have to fit in some play into the mix. I am going to work but on things that are really important to me like the materials for the class I’m teaching, a downloadable PDF for my students, and I’m going to work on a secret project that I have collaborated with three other local designers on to hopefully make a dream come true here later this year.

The Happy Home & Dora iz Londona.

I also have a little surprise that I’m working on for those of you who love Paris, I should have that ready next week too. :) Of course, I will do some fun things in addition to all of my work including a flea market visit in the morning and tomorrow night is date night with my husband. Hubba Hubba. Hey ladies what can I say? You have to keep the magic alive. :)

Trisha Brink Design & Miss Melba.

Don’t you think these images above set the mood for a relaxing weekend? I WANT that blue tub. Oh yes, I do… I had a tub like that only once in my lifetime and I wish I had appreciated it back then the way I would now. It’s so pretty, don’t you think? And deep. There is nothing like a deep tub that leaves nothing above water if you know what I mean! And bubbles. Must have bubbles. And candles and music and relaxing oil. But there is something you may not do in the tub that I do. I listen to Justin Timberlake. There’s nothing like a little Justin by candlelight in the tub. And Sia. Must have Sia in the tub, too. Do you like her? She just announced her tour dates so if you do, make sure you go see her live if she’s coming to a stage near you. I hear she’s a magical performer. Death by chocolate is one of those songs you just sink into. Kind of like that tub.

Okay so I’ve shared my plans, what are yours? I hope you have a lovely weekend and I’ll meet you back here on Monday! Schönes Wochenende!

xo, Holly

(photos: linked to their sources above.)

Flor Panichelli in London is the artist behind the whimsical works found in the Sweet Bestiary shop. It’s hard to not gush about Flor’s work, it’s truly incredible and so well done – from the color palette she works with to the way she brings all her little characters to life with her very detailed eye – it’s fantastic.

Someday, and I mean someday so please don’t start commenting to ask when I’m having a baby or if I’m pregnant (he he I get that every single time I mention anything about children’s rooms), but I would love to put work like this in a child’s room. But perhaps before then, I can even see something on a shelf or wall in a work studio and certainly in a pretty little shop.

(images: flor panichelli)

Here is an encouraging feel good story for you… This past Monday I showed the photographs of Maria Kallin from Stockholm, do you recall? If not, here is the post. On Monday, she only had her photos on Flickr and today on Friday, she has a beautiful Etsy shop! Can you believe it? Now this is what I call inspiring — she didn’t wait, she got on it and now she sells her photos in a shop. I love this. Maria you’re so inspiring.

I was so thrilled when she wrote to me to tell me the news, here is what she said and I’m posting it because I think you all need to know that YOUR comments here and also over on Flickr REALLY encouraged Maria and how you helped her to make a difference in her life – to have the confidence to sell her work. Do you ever think for a moment that your comments do not matter to the artists and designers that are featured on blogs? They matter very much and this is a great example of how what you say on the blogs that you visit can truly make or break a person.

“I just want to thank you so much for writing about my photos at your blog, I got a lot of very nice responses and the views at Flickr have never been higher than that day. :) So you really made my day and I was especially happy since I have been reading your blog for a while and like it alot, it’s a very inspiring blog. I just want to tell you I made a shop at Etsy now, I saw some that where asking about that and thought to myself, “alright I’ll throw in some photos for sale then” :)

Maria THANK YOU for “throwing” some in – they’re great! Congratulations.

(images: maria kallin)

We always hear about beautiful homes in San Francisco, Paris, London… but how about giving the lesser known spots on this planet a little love, like Olomouc in the Czech Republic! If you have no clue where Olomouc even is, then visit this link for an overview. I recently talked to 26-year-old graphic designer and photographer Jan Skácelík via email about his great apartment which I found because he posted shots of it in my Interior Styling group on Flickr where he is a member. And since his home hasn’t appeared on this blog yet, I figured it would be fun to share something fresh with you today.

Jan says that he is inspired by design blogs like Apartment Therapy and decor8 and is a big fan of mid century modern design and illustrations from that era and his books from the 50s and 60s give him a lot of inspiration too. I think you can really see this in his amazing apartment. Don’t you love it? Someone recently posted on decor8 in the comments section that they have the impression that in Europe homes all have high ceilings and white walls and I just smiled because that is mostly what European blogs, at least in the northern parts, show the most but of course not everyone lives in old buildings here with white walls.

I personally love white walls and apartments that are flooded with light, particularly now because here in northern Germany the days are not so long and it can be mostly gray during the winter so the more light I can trap in the house the better! Plus where I live you can find lots of old buildings with apartments for rent and the standard look in most of them is white walls and high ceilings along with other things like large windows which are typical here. Especially in the buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Most northerners use either bright colors on the walls or white because it helps to brighten the rooms during the cold long winter. You can find some homes with really bright yellow and orange walls here too because these hues warm up a space and give the feeling of light and sunshine. But, because I personally like to have flexibility with my decorating and tend to pull in different colors each season, I usually change the prints on my walls and the cushions on my sofa to bring in new colors and so I keep my walls white though I have wallpaper that I am dying to hang in yellow so that should be installed within the next year or so when I find a new flat. I digress…

But yes, back to the clearly talented Jan who obviously is inspired by the mid century color palette so I can see why he has chosen such bold choices and think that they are quite lovely – a yellow sofa, bright red accents — it’s all just great and he does what some who have mid century modern furniture have a hard time doing — his finds look very modern, fresh and current because he mixes them with energetic colors and newly purchased finds. Some have similar pieces but mix in colors that make them look almost older and not so fresh but with all that white, bright red, yellow and blue he really injects spirit and makes his pieces come alive so that they fit this century. Great style, Jan!

(images: Jan Skácelík)

I love the Dutch brand Nooosugar! Have you heard of them? They wrote to me just yesterday to introduce themselves and the second I clicked over to their website it was insta-love because I find comfort in simplicity and balance these days and enjoy clean, modern design with a dash of bohemian ethnic style more and more. It’s very peaceful I think, it feels special — even a little luxurious and resort-like don’t you think? Nooosugar has all of that in one impressive shop. I was surprised to learn that they are decor8 readers, which came as a pleasant surprise because it’s really such a small world online, you know?

Anja Bas Backer told me about her company that she runs alongside partner Susanne Houx — they have had an online shop for only a year but they are growing and doing quite well. I learned that 90% of what you see on their site is their own designs and handmade by artisans in Morocco and all unique as there’s only a few of each product available in stock. These ladies are so talented with such a great eye for style. The cushions are handwoven striped cloth and one-of-a-kind for example. I love the striped curtains, I imagine them as a canopy over a bed or perhaps on the patio slung casually over a bamboo rod above a table for a laid-back lunch. So pretty!

If you are interested in ordering from them and you do not speak Dutch you can write to Anja via email in English and she’ll answer you – she is very nice and helpful (info AT nooosugar.nl).

(images: nooosugar, taken by photographer Brigitte Kroone)

This is one seriously talented photographer that you’ll want to bookmark for sure. Canadian talent Coco Amardeil lives in Paris and displays such character and maturity in her work – I love how she tells stories that range from serious to ironic, graphic, even humorous and always with the best light and color. These photos really put me in the mood for Spring and boots on chairs, photographing china in the streets and hopping in the dryer for a little spin! Ha! So creative and imaginative… you are sure to love the details in each of these photos below.

I discovered Coco just this morning through a publicist in Paris who wrote to me about the new work from French textile designer Anne Hubert and I noticed that Coco Amardeil took the photos of her Spring collection. It’s always fun to play connect-the-dots online, you find the most amazing talent that way! P.S. If you are looking for some fun music to cheer up your day, visit Coco’s blog and click on the music player on the lower left corner of her home page. Enjoy!

(images: coco amardeil)

Speaking of awesome web shops, have you heard of Eden & Eden? They have a storefront in San Francisco that was shot by Jen Siska (shown below) but in addition to their gorgeous retail space they have an equally inspiring online space that is simple to navigate with exceptional products…

I see so many things that I want to buy like the wooden button coasters and the braided ring in gold which is by Tatty Divine in London whom I’m a fan of. And HELLO don’t you love the black & white wallpaper behind their cash register? :)

Speaking of photographer Jen Siska, she recently photographed the kitchen of San Francisco artist and shop co-owner Lisa Congdon for Dwell magazine — you can view those photos here.

(images: jen siska)

I just fell in love with a web shop because this is seriously cool stuff. I found it via a wonderfully creative German blog called Ohhh… Mhhh… and the store is called Supermarket Sarah. Sarah Bagner lives near to Portobello Road in London where she has a rather interesting concept – a shop in her home where she posts things up, literally, to her walls and then invites you dear web friends to click on her wall and purchase what you see. How brilliant is this? I love it. I mean, this is truly the coolest thing I’ve seen in a very long time. Way to go Supermarket Sarah!

“Sarah decided to leave the corporate world behind her and has set up shop in her own home. Her home, round the corner from Portobello Market where she has a stall, is now overflowing with treasures and delights and she welcomes visitors with tea and cakes.”

How cool. I mean, really. Everything is one-of-a-kind so once it’s gone, it’s gone. Happy shopping!

(images: supermarket sarah)

Oooooh I have some gorgeous inspiration for you today from a magazine that is new-to-me called Mad & Bolig published in Denmark. The more I see Danish magazines, the more I want to drive up north to visit a country that obviously has amazing taste and style. Mad & Bolig is a magazine that I found today via the lovely artist Sidsel Gaustadnes who authors the Spagat blog (please be sure to visit her blog!).

But yes, back to this fab magazine… as I sit here and get lost in the virtual pages of Mad & Bolig I’m starting to feel like the winter lull will soon be over and perhaps then I’ll feel motivated to travel. I’m excited to plan some Summer vacations up north because I’ve never stepped foot into Denmark and I think going there would be just delightful. Plus, why move to Europe and not see these places, right? Many of our German friends drive up and stay in vacation homes on the Danish coast, it’s pretty common for the northern Germans I think — so perhaps I’ll join them. But for now, until I can be there myself, I will bask in the glow of the beautiful Danish magazines that I’m finding online. Ah.

Don’t you just love these rooms? They make me daydream of owning a summer cottage by the shore. Fresh, colorful, position — each injected with such spirit and personality.

(images: mad & bolig)

Well hello there friends! How are you today? Having a good February so far? Today was busy for me, but a good busy so I’m not complaining. It feels good to be back home with my cozy laptop to sit here before you and share some Etsy finds for the week. I’ve been thinking about this while out and about today… who can I feature this week? And these five shops came to mind. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do.

Kiersten Essenpreis is an artist/illustrator living in Brooklyn who is quite imaginative with her whimsical prints. Some of her clients include GQ, The New York Times, LA Weekly, Paper Magazine, Nylon Magazine, and Coach Handbags so Kiersten’s work just may be familiar to you for a reason!

Studio Flower Power in Canada creates cards pretty enough to frame using digital imagery, hand drawings and real pressed flowers on each one.

I have a few girlfriends who are pregnant and I keep looking for something handmade and special to give to them… these knit hats and baby booties from Mama Rosa’s just may be what I’m looking for! How I love hats with ears…

Krize and her “smiling shop” as she calls it is a Lithuanian children’s book illustrator living in Spain and selling mostly her illustrations as prints and accessories. They are so sweet how can you not smile. :)

Indobay creates modern hand-printed textiles with a simple touch for the home. There is beauty in this work because it is not made by a machine but with love by hand — everything has unique character and one-of-a-kind charm.

(images: linked to their sources above)