Danielle and I spent several months nailing down the perfect destination for two friends to meet up for a girly weekend. Last year we met in Eindhoven for Dutch Design Week (photos here), so this time around we’ve decided to hit another design show in a city we’ve been longing to see: Stockholm. That’s where we’ll be from October 5-8. Just two weeks away!
While there, we’re meeting up with web-famous Swedish blogger Emma and we’d like to extend the invitation to you if you’re interested in having dinner and drinks with us on Friday, October 5th. Please email me at decor8blog at yahoo dot com and I’ll give you the specifics.
On a side note, any globetrotters out there with some Stockholm tips for us? Whether it’s shopping, must-see attractions, bakeries, yummy places to eat, indie/second hand vintage shops for clothes and home accessories, great fabric stores, etc. please comment below. I’ll add some of your suggestions to the Stockholm links I’ve already pulled together in the right column.
A special thanks to the reader that sent me over to this article in the NYTimes, it’s printed and in my bag already.
(Image: Rob Schoenbaum for the NYTimes)
If white hasn’t inspired you yet, I pulled together this set featuring 285 of my favorite mostly white photos for your enjoyment. I think it will do the trick! From products to rooms, animals to nature, I think you’ll like clicking through these gorgeous images. All of them have been featured on decor8 at one time or another, so for long time readers, you should recognize many of them. It’s fun to see them all grouped together!
You can also view them as a slideshow against black right here and adjust the speed to slow, medium or fast in the lower left corner. I hope you like it. Have fun!
Have you heard of the online fabric shop called Volksfaden based out of Berlin? Volksfaden, translated as the “people’s threads”, have such an exciting array of fabrics imported from Japan and the United States. I’m tickled to learn about Volksfaden because when I’m in Germany I never know where to find such fabrics and now I do, I can order from a local online fabric store in case I require some additional yardage for a project. Shipping will be a breeze.
With names like Amy Butler, Kyo Yasai and My Folklore by Lecien, Free Spirit, Erin Michael, and Joel Dewberry, you can be certain that there’s something for you. And check out how they collage fabrics with vintage photos on their website. The more I look at them, the more I think of mixed media collages and what a great idea this would be for creating mini DIY art.
Thank you Linda for writing to me today about your shop. It’s great.
(images from volkfaden)
Let’s continue the theme of white for a moment with a glimpse into the properties offered to the film and photography industry by The Beach Studios in the UK. They have some of the most outstanding real estate where white is the “it” color and quite heavenly.
I enjoy looking at spare spaces, especially since I’m not sure if I could live in one without splashes of bold color and pattern, but for those that can I tip my hat to you because I don’t think I could survive amidst a white canvas without doing something to it. Again, it’s design ADD. At the rate I change things around in my own home, I think an all white space would last about a week for me. Funny thing is, I feel the most relaxed and focused in a white room. So why don’t I have at least one in my home? It’s a question I’ve asked myself for some time now.
Let’s enjoy these white spaces for a moment, shall we? Be sure to study each image, examine placement of objects and why white ‘works’ in each room. Perhaps there’s a beautiful view, various tones of white being used, texture, a slight burst of color…
I’m not one to gravitate towards leather furniture, but this worn leather chair looks so cozy, it really warms up the space. I also like seeing twinkle lights around mirrors, I do the same thing but not for holidays, year round. I also arrange entire strands of them inside of large glass vases, they look pretty on top of tall cabinets, on the fridge, or in the corner of a living room. Just be sure to purchase the lights with the white cord, green looks dreadful!
Shots of pink! Yay! This space is so glamorous, a modern day Marilyn Monroe. I picture a very successful leggy blonde at this table. Gwen Stefani, perhaps?
More delicious pale pink. And a shot of seafoam green. Yum. Of course, these rooms all have the most amazing bones, from the floors to the ceilings, so how can you go wrong decorating a space like this?
Now we’re seeing the space with black accents. Nice combination. Black and white consistently wins awards, it’s such a classic.
More mini shots of seafoam green. Wouldn’t you fancy a spot of tea at this well arranged table? I see more and more bench seating at tables than ever before. I like a bench like the one shown above against the wall, paired with two chairs. I’ve been thinking of trying this look, it’s a nice mix. My friend Crystal in Montreal has a very rustic farmer’s table paired with a church pew and a few chairs. The pew came from a church that had closed, she grabbed it, cleaned it up a little, and made a cushion for it out of white linen.
Not much to this simple shed space (perhaps that’s the appeal?), but I can imagine it transformed into the most lovely guest house or art studio. This setting speaks to me on every level. It’s so serene. I want to own a shed like this someday.
A shot of blue overhead (canisters) gives this kitchen some personality. I like the birdcage on the back cabinet and the chandelier, but it seems a bit high for my taste. I wouldn’t be able to stop there though with my accessories, I’d stack vintage tea towels on the counter and add a colorful stripey rug beneath that table. Fresh flowers on the table in a vintage pitcher (yellow?). And a painting. Must have art.
For more on white interiors, click here.
(images from the beach studios uk)
By Rachel Perls of Hue Consulting, decor8 guest writer
White is the color of whipped cream and popcorn, of fresh snow and fluffy clouds. It is the presence of all colors in light, but the absence of color in pigment. White has the vibrancy to rival the brightest hues, so should not be considered a neutral. Think of whitewashed buildings in Greece overlooking the crystal blue Mediterranean.
A common misconception is that white, in and of itself, will make a space bigger and brighter. Much of this depends on the lighting-just picture that small, dark hallway with white walls. It tends to look grey and dingy, doesn?t it? Without light streaming through a big window, it doesn?t work. I must admit, as a color consultant, trained in the psychological and physiological effects of color, I try to steer my clients away from using too much white. From a scientific perspective, studies have shown that it has little, if any, positive psychotherapeutic value. But, these articles on color are good exercises in learning how to embrace something that you might otherwise wrinkle your nose at. And so, without further ado, I bring you, white!
Signifying purity, simplicity, and the barest of essentials, white is a favorite of designers and architects for sparse modern spaces.
It?s also been embraced for a more country feeling; think Rachel Ashwell?s Shabby Chic. Thought of as clean and pristine, you have to be careful not to over-do using white because it runs the risk of appearing cold, lacking emotional warmth, even clinical.
To avoid this effect, off-whites such as ivory, cream, and whites tinted with colors can be layered in, adding texture and softness.
It?s a great place to start with your big ?base? pieces: the couch, fireplace mantle and side chair. Then bring in other colors to really customize the space to your taste. Same basic elements, totally different feel to each.
White is great as an accent, to add contrast, and provide a unifying element through spaces. For instance, white trim, molding and floorboards. Or how about this great idea – artwork all framed in white-so sharp!
White kitchens are quite popular. As a super duper messy cook, my white cabinets and stove are my undoing; every tiny little splatter glares back at me. It sure does look lovely paired with some soft blues, doesn?t it?
via: Fired Earth
Another way to avoid white?s side effect of sterility is to bring in different textures and natural materials. I love the bathroom shown above with soft, natural stone and creamy colored tiles. Just think about all the different materials you can use, all with vastly different looks- stone, ceramic tile, painted wood?
These rooms use the same color scheme, but look at how a few key pieces can completely change its character.
White is a blank canvas, and really is there for you to project your personal tastes and styles upon. How do you feel about white? How do you use it in your home?
{Thank you Rachel for stopping in with your post about white. To read more of Rachel’s insights on color, visit her blog or previous articles written for decor8 right here. -holly}
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