People Will Always Need Plates. Now that’s a fun name for a company specializing in well, you guessed it, plates and such.
This UK company creates some pretty fun patterns based around life in London that I thought you’d really like to see today. And a special thanks to reader Fay for the tip, these are really nice and best of all, they’re making their way into the states for the American readers. Yay!
(images from pwanp)
Blog pal Yvonne from the Netherlands created a pattern for the Ikea Skruvsta chair that she’s offering on her website for $25.
This pattern gives you the opportunity to change the look of your chair whenever you’d like – just sew up a new slipcover and viola! you’re all set. Thanks Yvonne for the notice, I’m sure lots of readers will be interested in owning this pattern since it gives Skruvsta owners so many options. Imagine making a patchwork slipcover? Drool.
In addition to Greengate, House Doctor in Denmark is another brand that seems be popular amongst the cottage crowd. Their line seems to be a bit more like what you’d find back in the states at Anthropologie, pretty things with an attention to detail like pillows with beaded details, soft blankets with velvet trim, glasses with delicate lasercut patterns…
They also have inexpensive pendant lighting that I really like because it borders a bit of an industrial/flea market look that has vintage appeal. I’m especially liking these little birdie hooks. :)
(images from house doctor)
I noticed lots of Greengate products in Stockholm at various stores, and also here in Germany this Danish brand seems to be in many of the boutiques where I shop.
Greengate is a Copenhagen-based company, it centers around a cottage theme, think of Cath Kidston or Shabby Chic. The collection is mostly geared around the kitchen, pieces are quite colorful, mostly ceramics and textiles, and all of it seems to be very well made.
I wouldn’t own a whole room full but I do have a few pieces at home because I really like some of their patterns and figure that mixing in a tea cup here or a towel there can look quite pretty (you may recall my milk pitcher from Greengate from this post).
(images from greengate)
Would you like to join me for a moment because I’d love to show you my favorite showroom in Germany, it’s called ComingHome Interior. It’s a splendid shopping “experience” located in Hannover, the absolute best source for mid century modern, industrial, and just plain gorgeous finds. From furniture to ceramics, lighting, and beyond, you’ll want to own everything.
Most of you know that my favorite spaces are those inhabited by creative souls who refuse to play by the rules, allow for a lot of style-overlapping, and go beyond the mainstream to design spaces that not only work for them, but are decorative, emotionally supportive, and contain a few unique finds with a story to tell.
From the moment I entered ComingHome, I felt like I had, well, come home. Okay, I’d add more floral patterns and a dose of cuteness here and there with prints, art, and such, but overall this store definitely speaks to both my husband and I. There’s a bit of tension in their designs, a masculine and feminine touch in every corner, soft meets sturdy, but never too obvious. You have to look for it.
It was painful for me to leave this lamp behind. Out of everything in the store, I wanted this lamp the most. Best of all, it’s one-of-a-kind because Rainer made it himself.
How are the prices? You’ll like this… What you see isn’t beyond reach because it’s all affordable (most tables between 300-500,- Euro for instance, chairs a little less), completely devoid of the bloated mark up so common back home (in New England) due to being in such high demand. Shopping is much more fun when you can imagine owning something because the price tag doesn’t give you a heart attack.
Also what makes ComingHome such a special place is the down-to-earth approach of Rainer S?ll, one of the owners and designers who holds an MS in Architecture. (His business partner is Claudia Nowotny, a theatre painter and stage designer, whom I did not meet.) You can discuss any piece in his showroom at length, he’s so knowledgeable, and his obvious creativity and passion for his work is inspiring. Don’t you love how well everything is styled without looking too perfect?
The sweetest high chair ever.It’s also obvious that both have their finger on the pulse of contemporary and mid century modern design and Rainer has an intimate relationship with his clients, although his prices do not reflect this high level of customer service – it’s all part of the store experience. I observed him working with a few of his clients and they not only purchased 4 chairs for their home, but left with excitement written all over their faces because they scored original Eames chairs at a good price.
These darling school chairs were each under 100,- Euro.As a team, both Rainer and Claudia have a unique and creative vision, they’re able to repurpose items transforming them into new objects, another bonus of this showroom. Many things are either original or entirely repurposed pieces crafted into lighting, art, sculpture, coat racks, etc., from old exercise equipment to work benches, orchard ladders, and beyond. They also had a delightful selection of vintage globes, ceramics, and clocks.
This is another piece I wanted to purchase so badly. It’s an old workbench to now be used in the kitchen as a chef’s island. Love! Imagine this in a loft space with an open floor plan?As these pictures speak a thousand words, I guess I need not elaborate. But I do want to mention that because they carry such a diversified offering of products that rotate in and out quickly, if you see something you want it’s important to secure it right away!
If you visit Hannover or if you’re a magazine looking for a hip couple to feature, seriously consider ComingHome Interior because not only is their showroom to die for, but I’ve heard their home is even better. Hear that, Elle Decoration, Elle Decor, and Living Etc.?
Isn’t this a clever idea for a business card? A business coaster! Claudia takes a photo and Rainer draws it to transform the image into business card coasters.Located: Nieschlagstr. 10/11 in Hannover Linden (take the #9 to Empelde and jump off at Nieschlagstr.) Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only. All other days by appointment only. For more information visit their website, in German. Rainer speaks English, so you can also call or email him with any questions.
(top three photos taken by thorsten becker, all others by holly becker for decor8)
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