NYC duplex tour..

Hi darlings! I thought I'd slip in yet another splendid house tour before I continue on with the 'detox series'.

I sighed from my toes in pleasure when seeing the images of this NY duplex home over at 'Casa Très Chic'. 
I really like the architectural bones of the house, as well as the scaled back yet warm decor. There are so many layers of details to note so please take your time..!

This quiet and rather 'masculine' decor appeals to me and I get a modern hint of 'African Colonial gent's club' though the colours, those wonderful chairs, as well as that fabulous over-sized potted palm tree. To me, the room wouldn't have the same appeal without that splash of life and greenery. And of course the floor to ceiling windows help too. They seem to go on for ever don't they!?!

All images from the lovely 'Casa Tres Chic'.

Back soon.. Mmwaaah for now.

xx Charlotta

Stockholm minimalism..

Hi darlings. Due to one of the kidlets being ill I am a little bit behind with the next detox post, so I thought I would share this crisp and minimal apartment in the heart of lovely Stockholm instead. But don't worry I am working away in the mean time and will bring you no 3 or the 'detox series' in a few days. x

In the same way that minimal make-up only looks good on a flawless face, minimal decor only really works if the architectural bones and features have what it takes. And in my opinion this place certainly does. Flooded with natural light, to-die-for floors {sigh}, tall ceilings, and structural beauty all makes up for lack of decorational detail don't you think!?

The house was built in 1915 and was thoroughly renovated by owner Stefan Söderberg (founder of Swedish fashion label Hope) when he bought it in 1998. The place was gutted and painted crisp white, before it was decorated with a mix of designer classics, modern & vintage treasures in true Scandinavian manner. 
I just die over those copper pendants and the cool factor of the mid-century side-board (storage unit)..

Though my personal preference may be a little more 'dressed' than this, I truly appreciate the simplistic beauty of a bare home. It has a soothing effect on my senses and feels very zen to my soul, whilst it also is fiercely Swedish. How can I resist.. ha!

Photography: Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer

Sourced via: Interiorsmagasinet Norge

Warm hugs to all!

xx Charlotta

Norwegian house tour..

Hello luvies! As most of you know I have a real weakness for Norway. There is just something about the country and its people that make me feel like I belong. The years I lived in the divine mountain village of Lillehammer were some of the happiest of my life, and I have treasured friends and memories from there that will last for ever.

A few days ago I came a cross a lovely house tour that ran in a reasonably recent issue of the Norwegian edition of 'Elle Decoration'. It features the home of ceramic designer Silje Aune Eriksen and has such a nice personality and warmth to it.

Of course the stunning slate kitchen floor {love}, the exposed beams, skylights, and slanted roof make it instantly stand out, but I also really like the simplistic & neutral base with the pops of neon and the odd rare item.

The vaulted kitchen window is wonderful and my eyes also kissed those little wooden pine trees on the kitchen bench. Aren't they cute!?

Also note the irregularity to the architectural bones - there seem to be angles, curves and slants in almost every room. The wooden floor is on the bias near the dining area (see top image) and the ceiling in the kitchen (above) also seems to take an off direction near the window. I really like that.

The ceramic milk cartons are so much fun and are Silje's own design. As are the individual cup cake molds on the bottom shelf in the image below.

As I mentioned to my close bloggie friend Stacey the other day I have a real weakness for built-in bookshelves like the ones below. And my heart leaps also at the sight of the slanted window/skylight by the dining area.

All in all this place seems to be a wonderful mix of unexpected features, Scandinavian tradition, and designer items. In fact there are a quite a few pieces by up-and-coming designers in this place.

Images styled by Kristen Visdal and shot by Trine Thorsen.

Also, see Silje's own blog HERE and shop some of her designs HERE.

Back soon with the next post in the 'detox series', and I promise it will be a lot lighter than the last one.. ;)

Hugs and happiness to you my dears!

xx Charlotta

In love..

I just had to pop in and share pictures of my latest crush - a yellow metal cart coffee table by Scandinavian company 'Nordal'.

Though I am a bit over the so called 'industrial trend' this unique table really caught my eyes and would work perfectly in my living room. I am putting it on my wishlist for sure!

Nordal is one of my favourite Scandinavian interior companies and their collections are always varied and full of fun & quirky items. Their 'Spring/Summer' catalogue is no exception - just look at these colourful treats:

  

Woven basket bags in a bright pallet of colours. I'd personally love the green, yellow and corn blue ones. Perfect for the beach or Summery picnics!

This white cross-bar table would be the perfect addition to my kitchen dining area! 
I currently have an old Swedish antique which has been in our family for three generations. It is divine but very impractical with the children and I really do need to get a more hard-waring substitute. 

Please also note the fun 'Downtown' chairs and that divine floor.. Can one ever get past the perfection of limed herring bone floors..!?!

The chairs are made out of metal and come in 16 fantastic colours (!) and I would love to mix a few and team them with a more traditional table (like above). Perfect for a family room or informal kitchen dining area don't you think!?

I also fell for these little tables. How fun to mix 'n' match like in the picture above. Would also work a treat as a colourful and unique addition to a living room or hallway.

 And just look at this 'country cabinet'. Of course it also comes in more traditional colours as well, but I really like the unexpectedness of this petrolium blue.

Ok lovelies, I'll be back in a few days with my next detox post. 

Hugs and happy energy to all for now.

xx Charlotta

Note:

All images via Nordal Spring/Summer Catalogue.

Lightness

Hello hello! We woke up to yet another bright and glorious Springlike morning here in Sweden. The sun is warm and the air is full of birdsong. It's just marvelous and it fills me with happy energy!

Days like today I find myself drawn to light, airy and sunny places like the one below. One day I will own a family retreat like this, where happy memories and good times will be etched into the sun-kissed walls!

I really like this home - the architectural bones, the textures, colours, and open floorplan with generous living areas. And just generally the relaxed breezy decor. It is elegant without being rigid or pretentious, and filled with a lovely warmth & freshness through out.

The balance between smooth & rough, warm & cold, edgy and traditional is lovely. Where things could easily become a little too 'safe' and 'decorated' (don't you hate that..!), I find this house has subtle twists that make it all work.

I think it also wins on keeping a scaled back approach. There are just enough things to keep the impression warm & inviting, without overdressing. The soothing & neutral colour palette through out the house also helps pulling it all together. It just makes the overall impression relaxed and inviting.

Typical for a Swede, I am mad about stripes - it is in our genes - and these black/white striped chairs went straight to my heart. As did the fish sculpture, the olive tree and the bleached & polished concrete floor *I just love concrete (!) and find it can be used in so many creative ways. It's eco friendly too.*

The 'peeled off' simplicity of the kitchen is fabulous. And the lack of clutter leaves a fresh crispness that awakens my culinary creativity!

Though this bedroom may be on the brink of being too romantic for me, I am in love with the air of it. And the layout! Those amazing industrial double doors and that small window next to the bed are heaven. Adding a simple sisal rug, raw wooden beams and minimal walls are clever ways to scale down the otherwise refined look. I would perhaps have added a more modern bedside lamp, and perhaps an edgy pillow or bedspread to give it all some more depth. Otherwise I think the balance is just right don't you!?

My regular visitors will know I have a real weakness for free standing bathtubs placed in front of a generous window. Add to that the slanted roof, those fab taps by the farmer style sinks, hints of grey and we have perfection. 

Last but not least.. I can so picture my family gather around this table. What a warm and happy place to share a meal (after a few laps in the pool..*sigh*)!

All images via El Mueble

Have a beautiful week everyone!

xx Charlotta

Potted prettiness..

Hello darlings!

With Spring noticeably on approach here in Sweden I feel a real urge to prune, pot, plant, and just generally fill my home with greenery, life and fresh flowers!

via Re-nest.com

We all know the physical benefits of greenery (especially for those with asthma and respiratory diseases), but I feel it has an equally positive impact on our sense of well-being.

I am an avid lover of nature and all living things. I adore the outdoors and feel a deep sense of inner peace when spending time in the forest, by the sea/lake, on a mountain or anywhere I can be close to nature. So for me, bringing organic and living elements into my home is vital!

via Lolitas.se and Style Me Pretty

And needless to say there is also the aesthetic pleasure of healthy plants & flowers (as well as fresh fruit) in decor. To me they are as vital as art, books, and good light when wanting to create a home that exudes life and soul.

via Endless Inspiration, Rachel Damiano (pinterest), Jennifer Kulman (pinterest) & Splendid Willow

I also have a real weakness for trees. Of course I prefer them in the wild where they can grow tall and strong the way nature intended, but I adore them in decor and interiors too. Provided they are cared for properly.

Unknown, Design Sponge, & Little Green Note Book

When I saw the picture below I knew I needed to get myself one or two mini trees. You see I own a set of three antique 'wooden measuring units' just like the one in the photo. 

unknown

I just love the simplicity of the tree in the wooden box, and will replicate this for my kitchen. I am thinking one or two (three is too many) Myrtle or Olive trees will look great, and will head over to my plant school after we get back from Paris later this month!

via Fillipa (tumblr)

via Amelia Neptune (pinterest) and Inspired Design (tumblr)

From decorative greens to edible greens..
I look forward to kicking off the promised 'detox series' soon (thank you for all your interest and encouragement!). Due to an array of reasons it probably won't be until the very end of the month.

The most pronounced one is that my son Oscar is unwell. Nothing life threatening but serious enough to require medical intervention and reason for me to drop a few things and divert all attention to him. Family always comes first!!

That said, all the wonderful things shared in my previous post are keeping our moods up, and as the incurable optimists we are in our family we are determined to focus on the good. And there always are so many good things around don't you think!?!

 via

Sending hugs with the sunny Spring breeze from Sweden.

xx Charlotta