I’m the first to admit that this collection is geared more towards girls about 10 years younger than me (grin), I still like these colorful things from H&M Home that just released bearing the cheerful, sensual illustrative works of fashion illustrator, artist and teacher Julie Verhoeven.

I think I’ll pick up a tote because I can use it for groceries and the weekly farmers’ market. My current cloth bags that I bring to the grocery store are a bit boring and standard so these totes from Julie Verhoeven for H&M Home just may do the trick since they are so light and perfectly sized.

What kind of bags do you bring to the grocery store anyway? Cute? Boring? Admit it if yours have stains and holes, no one will judge! :)

(images: H&M Europe)

Good morning! There are so many great things to share with you this week so let’s continue with more inspiration, shall we? I briefly mentioned German stylist Irina Graewe back in 2008 but I was reminded of her dazzling portfolio again yesterday while reading Sodapop. I think you will really flip over her so please join me for a peek because her endless talent is bound to inspire and pick up your mood today! She shares several themed collections on her site, so I encourage you to visit her to view them all. I’ve selected three of my favorite themes to share below.

The first is called Bonjour Tristesse. I love the inky blue and gray tones — so moody and sensual. Notice the big shoes next to the clothing rack. Are those not the best?

I also love the mood in her Patchwork collection of pinks and neutrals along with ethnic prints and patterns. I think my favorite is also the most simple arrangement of the four portraits tacked to the wall with a simple string of pom pom trim in an “L” shape placed very casually near them as a partial frame. These little adds are so interesting to me, I tend to pick these things out when I look at photos to try and figure out exactly how a mood was created and what about an image pulled me in. These images above are quite alluring don’t you think?

And lastly, her Culture Club ensemble is another favorite in and lots of pretty pink but mostly for the feathers all a-flutter and the huge rice paper lanterns, you can find these from IKEA in white and decorate them with black dots to create a similar look for a few dollars (they are so cheap, I have one in my living room and it was around 5,- Euros).

Irina got her start as a tailor for Jil Sander in Hamburg and then relocated briefly to London to attend the London College of Fashion. Upon graduating, she realized her true calling was not in fashion but interiors, so she relocated back to her home country to pursue a career in interior styling and set design and her work has appeared in top magazines throughout Germany so unless you read them you may not have heard of her before — which is why I felt even more inclined to share her on decor8! Her work shows her passion and eye for detail and a whimsical approach which is so appealing to me because interior styling becomes a bit dull when it looks too perfectly arranged in my opinion.

What do you think of these images that I’ve shown you from Irina’s portfolio? Does anything in particular about them, from the colors to arrangements and beyond, connect with you on a personal level? I’m surprised at how drawn I am to the first collection, Bonjour Tristesse. It’s not something I’d normally gravitate towards but something about it feels very cinematic – I can almost put a story to them — can’t you?

(images: irina graewe)

I’m dashing out, so I need to post today’s Etsy Take Five Tuesday rather quickly. But first, are you doing well today? I hope so. I’ve been trying to coordinate a bunch of things and have a lot on my plate right now but I’m happy to report that all is well and though I’ve still not found a suitable dwelling in which to “settle” into, I’m still working on it! House hunting, or in this case, apartment hunting, is super draining so one thing I’ve been trying to do is to not get into a pattern of negative thinking although it’s hard — but I’m keeping the faith! My goal is to find a place and move by August or September, so let’s see what happens. And when I do, I’ll be sure to show and tell… Okay so that’s my housing update since lots of you are wondering (thank you for even caring!). Okay… let’s look at Etsy for a moment and some of the great sellers over there… want to join me?

Fox & Clover in Seattle has some truly beautiful glass plates, bowls and jewelry. Sabrina paints onto glass with glass enamels and when she heats these babies up her paintings fuse permanently onto the glass and never scratch or fade (her words not mine, I have no idea how this process works). She says that she learned this traditional glass painting technique in France and after seeing her photos I’m convinced that Sabrina has a steady hand and mad, mad skillz with a paintbrush.

I know that about half of you will start to squirm in your seats on this one, but Bug Under Glass is namely that, real (dead) bugs framed for your viewing pleasure. Hey, some people think it’s creepy, I call it fabulous. I’ve been wanting a vintage blue morpho butterfly in a gold round frame for ages but can NEVER find one in a round frame — always square, square, square! I guess I could transfer one into a round frame, but it’s equally hard to find a round frame that is deep enough to accommodate a butterfly. Oh the dilemma! Oh the stress! But Bug Under Glass is fab so if you’re scouting for creepy crawlies check this shop out.

Oh and if you don’t understand why I want a vintage blue morpho butterfly in a round gold frame, perhaps this tear sheet from a Scandinavian magazine will convince you. See, I bet you didn’t care when I said how great a butterfly in a round frame would look, but then I shared with you how the Swedes do it and you’re all about the butterfly now aren’t ya? Ha! I found it ages ago and think this photo is truly gorgeous and the butterfly makes it in my opinion. (photo by petra bindel)

Bonbi Forest is UK artist Lee May Foster who studied fine art painting at the University of Brighton and she screenprints paper goods, accessories, t-shirts and then she also works on her paintings that often become cards and prints. Her studio is a barn at her parents’ farm so obviously nature has a strong influence on her body of work. Pretty, don’t you think?

Sweet Petula is both an etsy shop and retail storefront in Seattle that seems to have a pretty loyal following given their volume of sales on Etsy! If you like to take baths and smell good (he he) why not grab yourself a few bars of soap — I mean, can you really have too many bars of nicely packaged soap? Made from vegetable oils, herbal ingredients, pure aromatherapy essential oils and botanical extracts you really don’t need to run around stinky. And check this out, the Bonjour Monsieur shea butter soap smells like black tea, tobacco, cedar, lemon, bay and clover. Doesn’t that sound delish, like the hottest man smells all rolled into a single bar of sudsy heaven?

Let’s add some bright color and whimsy into the mix today with Abigail Brown, whom I’ve talked about before but since she has some new things in her shop I thought you may need a reminder! With soft wall art and pretty greetings cards, why not take a peek?

Bonus shop: (because I love ya!)
Two Art Directors and a Photographer may be a real mouth full for a shop name, but what a curious selection they have. About this store, “We are a crazy group of art directors/stylists/photographers/creatives/home interior junkies that can’t shut it off. So, on the weekends we are scouring warehouses, estate sales and just about anywhere for the coolest finds. We sell only the things we love, so you will find a well-edited selection on our site. ” Definitely well-edited, there are some dazzling finds in this eclectic store.

(images linked to their sources above)

Ready to be inspired? I’m excited to present another shared workspace between two fantastic designers who happen to live and work in Hannover, Germany. Yesterday I presented the atelier of Sidsel and Line in Denmark and to continue in the spirit of shared paths we’ll visit Snug studio which happens to be in my neighborhood so I visit this space regularly. Snug studio is part showroom, part office and part workspace and is a collaboration between Interior Designer Kerstin Reilemann from Domestic Candy and Architect Berit Luedecke that recently opened in December 2009. (You may remember Kerstin, I shared her home in my column over at Cookie magazine last year.)

This lovely space is open daily and will soon be open 24/7 as they will launch a web shop here on March 1st (bookmark this link!). Don’t worry, I’ll post a reminder on decor8 when the time comes so you can pick out some goodies for yourself. If you cannot wait until March 1, some of these products are sold under the Domestic Candy label over in Kerstin’s DaWanda shop online.

Kerstin and Berit decided to launch Snug together because their design sensibilities are very similar, they like to experiment with turning old things into new ones in addition to creating their own designs — and both enjoy clean, modern lines with a nod to their German heritage. Only their products, mostly handmade from wood, have a bit of a twist – they’ve incorporated elements of traditional and modern Dutch and Swedish design along with traditional German items. I enjoy seeing their unique translation of what German, Dutch and Swedish design looks like combined, at least through their eyes — it’s a fresh and beautiful interpretation.

From ceramic candle holders inspired by traditional cake molds, pendant lights created from vintage porcelain coffee filters, and a wooden bench made using recycled chair backs with new, modern seating surfaces, Snug is a design studio with a fresh approach. Their shop is a place to buy something beautiful or to simply visit for a little inspiration, walking away with new ideas of your own. I’m so happy to have Berit and Kerstin and their beautiful Snug studio in Hannover!

(images: snug studio, hannover)

It’s no secret that Liberty of London will collaborate with Target to roll out a limited edition line of products in Target stores beginning March 14th – the blog world has been a-buzz. I’ve been trying to find out more about the actual products as I’ve only seen few photos out there of mugs and teacups, and as luck would have it their publicist contacted me yesterday with an entire press kit and I selected my favorites and shared them over on Real Simple. Click here to view over 30 items from this special fashion and home collection.

My favorites are pictured above — the ties are my absolute favorite from this collection because they look so nice at weddings in the spring and summer months and well, they’re quite preppy and being a southern girl I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for preppy boys or “snappy casual” which southern boys do so, so well — especially at weddings. I also like the candles, at least the packaging as I have no clue what they smell like… I would like maybe a few things but I don’t like to buy a lot from any single collection so if I had to choose I’d take some candles and the ties, please! Especially the yellow and gray tie with the mini cars on it. Adore!

What do you think of this collection? Be honest! Will it be a hit or miss for you? Who would you love to see work with Target on a collection, any designer come to mind? I vote for Madeline Weinrib. I’d love to see her patterns adorning Target, they have such a poor selection of rugs in my opinion and her designs would make such a difference to those of us who prefer cotton stripes and patterns in bold, modern colorways.

(images: target)

Have you ever visited Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar? Some of us are lucky enough to visit often like my friend Esra who hops a plane every few months! Whenever she goes, she returns with pretty bowls and other ceramic goodies for me. This is just a glimpse of my collection, there is even more… but I want to show only a few of my favorites as they are quite colorful and ornate. I love the tulip patterns and how some of the surfaces have slightly raised patterns that feel so good as you run your fingers over them. I display these on my white shelf in my kitchen with tea tins, glasses and white porcelain bowls. The mix of ethnic design with some of my more modern white ceramics makes for a stunning arrangement.

These bowls are perfect for tapas, sauces, salt, various sugars, you can even use them outside of the kitchen for your earrings. Most of the time, I display them because every time I look at these little bowls I think about my friend. I feel so special when she searches the bazaars to bring home a little carefully wrapped treasure just for me. I like to attach t a feeling or memory to objects in my home, do you do this too? The positive associations that I have with them makes me feel even more loved and supported. There really is truth behind, “Decorate with what you love”. It can have such a positive impact on your life, family life, and even your relationships with others because so often I’ll walk by these bowls and pause and say, “I need to call Esra!” and then I do.  See what I mean? :)

Online you can find your own Turkish bazaar. It’s called Iznikium and they also have a shop in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar under the same name where most of these bowls shown above were purchased.

What about the things in your home, what is your approach to the objects that you have on display?

(images: holly becker for decor8)

While we’re riding the colorcoaster together with lots of happy color today, lets check out more brights for Spring — this time from the one and only Kate Spade. I envy the girl who can wear heels this high! And don’t you love the necklace? These hot colors definitely get my brain in Spring mode despite how the weather is being such a brat! Yesterday was such a teaser with warmer temps and then today, boom! Cold and gray again. I’ve been blogging by candlelight all day to make this somewhat romantic but even I cannot deny – I soooo want March to come!

Enjoy these highlights from Kate Spade and her cute little online video too.

(images: kate spade)

I just love stories of successful collaborations between creatives — it’s really special and I hope to someday enter a relationship with someone in which I can share a workspace with too. There is something so energizing about working with another whom you get along with well and can talk to throughout the day, bouncing ideas off of one another in addition to sharing work and dividing tasks so that all of the work doesn’t fall on one person. With this in mind, are you ready to see a lovely glimpse into the world of Sidsel Gaustadnes and Line Juhl Hansen who are both artists, bloggers, friends and creative ladies in Denmark?

These ladies share a studio (two different companies, same space and coffee machine!) and if you read Boligliv magazine, you may have already peeked in on them as they have a lovely spread in the March 2010 issue. Thing is, it’s in Danish and I thought it may be nice to share some highlights of the article in English so Sidsel has quoted a few bits from it to share with you today. I also have photos that both Sidsel and Line sent in to share first with decor8 readers of their home and workspace, so please pause for a moment to enjoy these inspiring spaces today — such a nice start to a new week!

“The name of the street is translated to Lovers Lane – but I prefer Pathway of love – since it expresses our working paths better. The street is a hidden pathway with no cars allowed,” says Sidsel. Ooh isn’t this charming?

Here are some highlights from the magazine only in English…

“In the heart of Aarhus, a short distance from the harbour and the heavily-trafficked approach roads, a small oasis of charm and character lies hidden. Surrounded by old mews and apartment blocks are old industrial buildings and workshops… this place is called “Kærlighedsstien”, and for a couple of hundred metres it is reminiscent of a calm breath of air in the middle of the city traffic. In No. 7, the artist and architect Line Juhl Hansen and graphic designer Sidsel Gaustadnes have their base in one of the old workshops – Line with her paintings and Sidsel with her graphic design company., Spagat.”

“Line has worked as an established painter for a number of years and is represented in some of the country’s leading galleries. With her delicate sense for graphic design, Sidsel has created graphic identities for companies for several years. When art meets design a really special vibe emerges, a vibe the two women invoke in both individual and shared projects.”

“Not far from the studio lies the 80-square-metre apartment with three rooms that is the home of Line, her boyfriend Jonas and children Vigga and Sofus. The small space only leaves room for objects and furniture that serve a practical purpose. It has been of crucial importance for Line and her family to be surrounded by city life. The family does have a summer house, however, which they use a lot both during summer and winter when they need to take deep breaths of fresh air and the kids need to roam more freely. Line and Jonas are both architects by trade and they both have a handyman gene – which is good because when you have two children in an apartment with three rooms it tests your skills at interior decoration.” You can see more about painter Line Juhl Hansen here.

“Graphic designer Sidsel Gaustadnes lives with her husband, Klaus, and their daughter, Nanna, in a 138-square-meter, four-room apartment in the center of Aarhus. The flat has big bright windows, tall ceilings, lye-treated wooden floors and the first impression is one of purity and light. On the walls are paintings by, among others, her colleague Line Juhl Hansen. You can feel that great emphasis is put on the fact that the home is the base for a family. There is space just to be – and you want to spend time in the rooms.” You can see more of Sidsel Gaustadnes’ design here.

For the full article (this was only a partial take) and beautiful views from the magazine pick up a copy of BoligLiv if you are able. If not, this will hopefully lead you over to the BoligLiv website along with those of Sidsel and Line, to find more inspiration today.

Sidsel’s website + blog

Line’s website + blog

Thank you so much ladies for allowing decor8 readers into your fantastic spaces today!

P.S. Tomorrow I’ll share with you another collaboration between two amazing designers who happen to live in my neighborhood… Stay tuned for that!

(photos: Hanna Stroyer)

I have lots of colorful posts to share with you today to get you in the mood for Spring! First up, London-based Irish designer Orla Kiely. She just launched her Spring/Summer 2010 collection of fashion, accessories, stationery and things for the home on both her UK and US websites and I just have to share them to pick you up if you’re experiencing the Monday morning blues. I think this is her strongest collection to date – the palette is very bright and energetic, less muddy than past seasons, don’t you think?.

The handbags and wallets are my favorites, though I also like the new assortment of mugs and pillows along wit the embroidered stem towel – a subtle detail against white. I think her patterns this season really show a different side of Orla that I like and found her inspiration for this season most fascinating, “Orla Kiely finds her muse in Hayley Mills. This collection draws inspiration from The 70s’ Parent Trap to The Sound of Music. The collection reveals a designer whose work is evolving as she steps forward into a more charming and elegant world.“

What things to do you see that you simply must have?

(images: orla kiely)

I wish you a weekend filled with at least a few special moments for yourself because you certainly deserve them. It’s been a hard week for many of my friends, one watched her relationship end, another is watching his end, my brother-in-law had his 11th surgery and is in a lot of pain, and I got word from a relative that my dear mother is suffering depression because I moved away and well, that made me feel pretty sad because I didn’t even see this coming and wondered how I could have missed it. And I haven’t a clue what to do.

Sometimes it’s hard to be a grown up, I think we all have days when we wish it was all as magical as childhood made being an adult out to be. It made me think of this song by James Morrisson called Once When I Was Little. The lyrics are here, I invite you to read them and listen/watch him perform the song here. It’s very touching and true, something we all can relate to. Especially for me this week.

“I was the one, who would always jump in first. Didn’t think twice to look behind. Got such a good feeling, just from playing in the dirt, Once when I was little….” – James Morrison.

But I won’t end this week on a solemn note. I will leave it on a positive one. I think you’re lovely, just as the illustration says above by the talented Gemma Correll. I will see you Monday and make your weekend a great one.

(image: Gemma Correll)

Well the cat is out of bag, and meow! Liberty of London is collaborating with Target to bring a new collection on March 14th to a store near you. But did you know that Target has a few freebies for fans of their new line? Oh yes, you can grab some colorful, floral patterns for your desktop or phone (Droid or iPhone).

Simply click here and then click on “Pattern Your World” to view and download them. Enjoy!

(images: target)

I’ve been dying to get my hands on some fabric for Spring and though I have no clue what I’ll do with any of it I went on a bit of a spree a few days ago online at Volksfaden. This is a web-based shopped owned by an American living in Berlin and so that is where I usually go for fabrics when I’m looking for ones from American designers. I guess I needed a little fabric fix from the mothership. Here are the ones I had to have… they made me feel so Spring-y. And I’m on the whole chevron bandwagon with the rest of the blog world, so of course I needed to add a few of those to the pile. Here’s a glimpse of what was inside of my little magic package that arrived in the mail today. Spring in a box!

• Arabesque Ivory by Amy Butler
• Sun Spots Turquoise by Amy Butler
• Water Bouquet Mint by Amy Butler
• Fresh Poppies Sky by Amy Butler (sorry, sold out)
• Chevron Black by Paula Prass
• Chevron Yellow by Paula Prass
• Damask Grey by Dena Designs
  Baby Paisley Taupe by Prints Charming
• Toadstools by Cloud9

I’m sure I missed some, but you can have a look around the Volksfaden site to find some favorites of your own. If you live in Germany, or the EU, this is a great way to get fabric from the states I think as shipping can get quite expensive if you’re ordering a lot from outside of the EU.

8 prints in blues, greens and yellows. So fresh and ready to be transformed in pillows. I’m been dying to get rolling on some of my Amy Butler patterns.

These remind me of the coast and I imagine how nice they’d look on a covered balcony or patio.

I like these patterns because together, they remind me of a sweet little baby. Many of my friends are pregnant or have little ones and when I added just a few cute accents to the mix I noticed how perfect these patterns really would be in a baby’s room.

The wavy pattern is so versatile, it goes great with almost all of the patterns that I purchased.

I dream of someday owning a new pale blue or white Fiat. I’m just crazy for them. I love the vintage ones too, but I think a new one would be better for weekends up on the coast. My neighbor has a pale blue fiat and I have had my nose to the window more than once inspecting the interior. :) Last year I bought myself a toy Fiat that I display in my cabinet as a reminder of my dream. And aren’t these sweet prints so playful, I just adore the mini trees and the kids with the umbrellas.

(images: holly becker for decor8)