Ready for a hearty dose of visual inspiration? I was reading through one of my favorite design blogs this morning, Emmas designblogg (based in Stockholm), and came across a photographer that looked really interesting, Magnus Anesund. So I clicked over to the site and then clicked around some more and came across another photographer that I instantly fell head-over-heels for. Her name is Ulrika Ekblom and she is a food/lifestyle photographer and her photos completely touch me — some in an emotional way — like I feel like I’m in the scene or enjoying the weather in some of her outdoor photographs. Others simply make me hungry for the food that she is presenting so beautifully!
Her sense of color is astounding and her ability to capture natural light makes one feel present alongside her as she shoots. What a special talent she is and so inspirational. I hope that you’ll take time to look at her work here but also on the website where much more is featured, VOL, which happens to be her agent as well.
Do you have a favorite image above? Which one? Why? I am keen on the gingham tablecloth in aqua/white with the crumbled recipe and coffee stain… I keep going back to it for some reason that I’m finding a difficult time explaining. Perhaps it is the imperfect perfection. The casual beauty. I also love the first image, the lady presenting the delicious drinks upon a serving tray with the carnations. I think carnations get a bad rap but to me, especially when I find them in white, violet and pale pink, I see beauty and delicacy there — and all the folds are so feminine, like the bottom of a ruffled ballgown.
(images: ulrika ekblom for VOL)
How imaginative these place cards are from Timeless Paper in Philadelphia! I’ve never seen butterflies gently resting on the rims of glassware before as a place card but now that I do well, I’m in love! They have birds, shrimp (yes, really), peacocks, dragonflys, leaves and more! I want to throw a party right now just to show my guests these fluttery accents.
I also like the napkin rings with the sweet button accent. I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking up all sorts of variations of this idea and how much I love how imaginative Timeless Paper is!
Psst: This shop is part of a weekend Etsy sale so you can save 20% off of your order total if you write in the message to sellers box the code “weekend deals”. This sale is valid from Thursday, September 3, through Monday, September 7.
(images: timeless paper)
I just heard from Emily over at Schtickers who told me about two new products — blackboard & whiteboard wall Schtickers. She said that she loves to cook and thinks these would be a cute “specials board” in a kitchen or a wine and cheese list for a party. I have to agree, cute idea! You can also use them on doors, helpful for those while you were out messages.
Schtickers are easy to apply, just press them onto any smooth surface, and you can unstick and reuse them elsewhere if you move or decide to schtick it in another room. :)
(images: schtickers)
A few of my favorite things: Serena Thompson, The Farm Chicks.
Hi! I’m Serena Thompson, co-founder of The Farm Chicks, a brand I created with my best friend and business partner, Teri Edwards. (Our blog is under the same name.) We came up with The Farm Chicks name after being invited into numerous farms and barns to collect old items. When we decided to start an antiques show and sell those items we’d been collecting, we knew we needed a name, and that’s how The Farm Chicks name was “hatched”. Years later, we still produce our annual antiques show, are cookbook authors, and work as contributing editors for Country Living Magazine. My husband, children, and I live on Peone Prairie, just outside of Spokane, Washington. We’re surrounded by thousands of acres of wheat fields, and an agricultural area known as Greenbluff. It’s a very beautiful and peaceful place to live. Much of our family time is spent in our kitchen, which is a nice, open space so I’ll share with you a few of my favorite things from this space.
When I designed the kitchen, I wanted it to feel timeless. The cupboards go straight to the floor with no stepback at my feet. Light pours in through the windows, making it a very bright and cheery place to be. The base cupboards are made of cherry wood and the countertops are maple.
The island is in the center of the kitchen. The bank of drawers to the right of the stove hold all of my baking supplies. I call it my baking center. You can read more about my baking center here and here if you’d like.
My current obsession is blue and red European enamelware.
I love making my home as pretty as possible. Kitchen cloths stacked on a cakestand are pretty and practical.
Before I go, I’ll leave you with a fun and easy DIY kitchen project — a magnetic knife rack. You can find complete instructions here. Enjoy!
Thank you for visiting my kitchen! – Happy Trails, Serena.
(images: serena thompson)
Dandi is a brand new homewares company based in Sydney made up of four ladies who met in college while studying industrial design. They decided to combine their talents and form a business and Dandi was born. I heard from one of these ladies, Melinda, who sent me these photos to premiere here on decor8 today. They specialize in the design and creation of innovative screen printed fabric and etched bamboo products for the home. Dandi infuses their collection with bright colors, fresh patterns and a bit of the 1950’s housewife femininity combined with nature motifs.
The Dandi team.
The Dandi girls playing around…
To view more products or to learn about these lovely ladies, visit either their website or blog, Fine and Dandi.
(images: dandi)
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