+ Ideas: Doing Scandinavian - Details & More Details

It's All In The Details
In all instances, details is what give soul and character to the room; Scandinavian style may look minimal, simple and stripped back, but is big on details, and the neutral colour palette provides the perfect backdrop for the occasion.

Whether it is a large wall of frames, or just a small vase of flowers on the table, things aren't just there to fill space but have a certain function to play. They are what adds a personal sense of touch to a room, making it a home, and not just a space or a showroom. So don't be afraid to show off you treasures and stuffs, even if they are old, plain or seemingly insignificant. It's all in the technique! Even a stack of dusty books can look interesting, if you know what to do with them!

{Image 1} + A battered looking lamp may look sad and lost in a pile of junk, but hang it up in a clean, white, modern room, and it will bring an instant light into your eye... It's all about contrast, and yes, details!

{Image 2} + This trolley reminds me a little of old hospitals and psychiatric institutions for some reason... But that's just me and my super-active imagination! I'm pretty sure it's just an old library trolley... And a little industrial touch of old metal (as long as you give them a good thorough clean first) is another great way of adding that unique detail in your space; you don't have to have loads of them, just one or two is enough to make your home look special!

 {Images 1 | 2 | 3} + A bunch from nature adds life to any room instantly; you don't have to limit yourself to branches of small blooms, a lush bouquet or random sprigs will look great too! The trick is to make them look like you just picked them up from the back garden... Having them in clear glass or old jar bottles will emphasise the rustic feel.

{Images 1 | 2 | 3} + A few pile of old books acting as lamp stands of side tables is quite a quirky look. If you're a book lover like me, you might not want to use your favourites, but there's bound to be a few stacks of forgotten pages that can multi-task while not being flipped through! If you're worried about them being knocked over, keep them against a wall or in a corner away from traffic. The idea is to have fun, and not be over structured!

{Images 1 | 2 | 3} + We all have stuffs (and junks) we would rather hide, and the solution is usually to pile them behind cabinets or stuff them into drawers and boxes, and present that nice clean look to our guests and friends when they come around for a visit. But your stuffs are what makes you you! Instead of hiding them away, try arranging them in fun eclectic containers, boxes and jars, and mundane clutters will instantly be transformed into artful displays. For the organising freak, label your boxes and you won't have to go digging around for them when you need them!

Up Next: Graphics for your wall, the Scandinavian way...

+ ideas: Doing Scandinavian - Bright Whites & Colours

Light, Whites and Colours

Scandinavian style is all about light;. it is common to see huge windows, often left bare, to let in the light. The interiors has a neutral base, usually white, but that doesn't mean the room should end up looking stark and cold. In contrast, colour and textures are added for a bold and edgy character which pops out in the most interesting ways! 

{Image 1} + I love the window, and the off-centred yellow square, which represents light/shadow casting against the wall - brilliant! The arrays of colours in various elements complements the room beautifully too!

{Image 2} + Turquoise is the secondary colour in this room, used sparsely but carried smartly throughout the space, from the stool in the corner, to the picture frame, to the pendant lamp and then the goblet on the table. Love those tables made out of cable reels - that raw, slightly industrial look - smart way of up-cycling wastes too!

{Images 1 | 2 | 3} + Once again, colours dot across the whites, this time in pastel shades of yellow and pinks, bringing a soft contrast to the stone and wood elements in the room. There is also a juxtapose of old and new at play here, which really adds character to the composition.

{Image} + Colour accents may not be so strong in this modern Scandinavian dining room, but you can still see bits of it being carried through subtly from the bowl of fruits, to the mismatched chairs and the bag hanging on the door at the edge of the picture. The wall of windows lets in massive amount of light, and is absolutely cool!

The Greys and The Woods

Sometimes, the play of colours against the whites are slightly toned down, while shapes and textures are emphasised through their materials (usually wood), or the more muted shades of blacks and greys. This could be a more matured, bold, edgy and contemporary look, which is another beautiful facet of the impressive Scandinavian style. 

{Image} + Notice how different this assembly look: white-grey-black and wood, as compared to the previous living room in pastels and floral; an entirely different array of characteristics, where the strong contrasts successfully brings out the boldness of each individual piece.

{Image 1} + Like the photos on the wall, there is a certain stillness about this space. But despite the sharp colours and materials standing out against the white backdrop, there is also something very calm about this dining room of sheep-skin-draped metal chairs and wooden table.

{Image 2} + Another serene space, with all the perfect basic components: light, whites, greys, woods and nature.

{Image 1} + Just one element from nature is all you need to add the humanistic touch to a space; a play with patterns (florals, dots and stripes) creates an interesting contrast.

{Image 2} + A variety of greys is anything but dull and gloomy!

Coming up next: Details the Scandinavian Way...

Coloured: 24.04.2011

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Coming Up: Doing Scandinavian

Some time back, a friend asked for help with some Scandinavian style inspiration. It's taken me a while to get back to him... and I'm so, so, so sorry about it!! I'm making it up with a couple of massive posts of gorgeous pictures and ideas. Hope it helps, and that I'm not too late! *yikes*!

I get both cringe-y and excited about writing up on Scandinavian styles and inspirations; excited because Scandinavian style has such great character, history, freshness and flexibility, cringe-y because I've worked and trained in a highly Scandinavian-style-influenced environment, and it would be embarrassing if I got it wrong!

Seeing as Scandinavian style and design is quite a broad subject, I'll break them into smaller parts so we'll have the chance to focus more in depth into the various elements I wish to highlight. But to make it simple and personal, I'll be share with you what Scandinavian style is to me, and what has inspired me. The pictures will speak for themselves too! 

If you're a lover of the Scandinavian style, or wish to find out more about the decorating ways from the Nordic region, you'll enjoy what I have put together for you. The instalments will start bright and early next week, so make sure you come back and get your fill of ideas and inspirations!

Have a beautiful weekend!

Happy Birthday, SL!

There must be something about April, with so many of my favourite people celebrating their birthdays this month! And I'm loving it! So here's a warm wish to a dear old friend...

My early memories of her is of white laces, shabby chic style, babydoll dresses... Today, she's gorgeous as ever, a wonderful mother, a great friend, and recently, you'll find her enjoying her new found passion of baking up fun colourful creations in her kitchen.

ps. I made her a scarf earlier this month, you can see it in the image below.

Happy Birthday, SL! 

May you always be blessed with love and happiness!

A Cupcake Please | Shabby Chic Rosette | Keep Warm (scard by Shu)

Happy Easter!

Wishing all a Happy Easter!

Have a wonderful holiday,

and feel free to throw some Easter eggs my way!

Pastel Eggs | Shabby Chic Happy Easter | Knobby Knee Bunny Rabbit | Doily Stenciled Eggs | Cuddles

+ loving: Bershka April '11 Collection

Hola, dear friends! I have more warm-weather fashion for you!

Leaving NYC and off to Spain; we have Bershka's popping hot Spring/Summer looks, with colours so bright, I feel like dancing just looking at them! What a way to "trick" myself into feeling warmer and cheerier!

Hope you're having as much fun as I am! =)

All images from Bershka, found thanks to Fashionising.com

+ loving: Steven Alan's Spring 2011 Collection

As the gusty autumn wind literally howls outside my window, I am trying to warm myself up with some spring fashion that is embracing the other side of the world.

I am totally loving Steven Alan's muted, relaxed, preppy, NYC looks! The styling and photography for the Lookbooks are so simple and superb too!

They have some smart looks for the boys as well. Enjoy!

All images from Steven Alan, found thanks to escapade.

Happy Birthday, A!

Another special shout out to a fabulous girl and a great friend!

May your special day be filled with lots of love & joy! 

Thank you, and stay gorgeous, always!

+ loving: Ray and Charles Eames style Dining Chair

Along the lines of dining inspirations, I thought I'll drop in another post filled with some very gorgeous elements!

The Ray and Charles Eames dining chair is having such a big moment; they are literally popping up everywhere! The fact that replica furniture makers are producing the more affordable version makes it easier to acquire a couple for your home.

They also come in a wide range of funky colours to suit almost any style and settings; we are happy we managed to get our hands on a set for our home too! Love 'em!

{1} Annamalin of Helt Enkelt has her Eames dining chairs in her gorgeous and bright kitchen. (image from Helt Enkelt)

{2} Vesa and Riikka Sammalisto went for a mix and match at their dining table (image via Design Sponge)

In a rustic array of colours, or at a corner on its own, the Eames chair makes a statement (images via Elle Decoration UK, February 2011)

It's a dinner party of chairs, Eames style! (images via Visual Vamp, IanClaridge, Style Files)

And finally... Our own little cosy dining corner =)

+ ideas: Dining Decoratives

Good morning dear friends! I hope your week is getting along well!

My sister is getting her new place ready. They'll be moving in in a couple of weeks and I'm really excited for them! I've helped out here and there during the building and designing process, but it's a pity I can't be there when she finally gets everything together!

Last night during one of our chats, my sister asked for some dining decor suggestion. She's thinking of purchasing a nice centrepiece for the table. I did a little browsing and research, and turns out, there's more than just centrepieces that she can play around with! So I've put together a couple of collage and tips, and thought I'll share it with everyone here!

+ A floral centrepiece is a common and very easy way to spruce up your dining table. Orchids in a bowl seem to be a popular choice. When selecting the size, height and shape of your centrepiece, take into consideration the size of your table. The finish product does not necessarily have to be tall or large and overtake the entire table; something of a medium size, or long-ish rather than tall can work quite well in a modern setting too. An extra tip, make sure you protect the surface of your table by sticking on some rubber or polyester surface protectors at the base of your vase or bowls (available from most hardware stores, or Ikea).

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+ I've been thinking about succulents as centrepieces. If flowers are not your thing, you may want to consider these too! Be it real or artificial, succulents are easy to take care, and lends a very modern and minimalist touch to your dining table!

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+ Large pendent lamps over the dining table is a very popular choice these days. It draws the eyes to the centre of the table, and effortlessly adds an instant aesthetic touch to the space. If this is a style you prefer, then you can easily do without a centrepiece on the table, or just add a sculpture-like tray for that extra personal touch!

{Images 1 | 2 | 3}

+ For the more artistic or adventurous ones, express yourself with some art and colours! If you happen to have an empty wall around your dining area, an artwork could add volumes of character to your space! Don't be afraid to play with colours, but limit them to a couple of shades, and try to bring those colours onto your table as well. Keep the decors on the table simple (which makes cleaning and dusting so easy as well!) and just let the artwork do the talking!

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+ This is one very good example of a modern dining area, which I believe would suit my sister's style well. It is simple and unpretentious, minimal but not cold. All you need is a small touch of greens in the corner, and a decorative bowl in the middle of the table, and you're good to go!

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Good luck & have fun!

Do you have a design/decorating question? Or do you need help collecting some ideas for your home? I am more than happy to help! Just drop me a note, and Page Thirteen will start flipping up some inspirations for you!

+ play dress up: Country Strong

Good Afternoon, and Happy Sunday!

We watched "Country Strong" last night, and although I've never been a country tunes girl, I found it surprisingly entertaining. The soundtrack was relaxing, with a couple of pretty good songs. I guess it helped that Leighton Meester was starring in it, and I got to ogle at her fashion and styles while enjoying the movie too!

Ally's been into the plaid shirt trend this past month, and after "Country Strong", I find myself digging the look too! I've put together a little collage of the ensemble, and maybe I just might start shopping for a plaid shirt myself!

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Enjoy the rest of your weekend!