Showing posts with label Magazines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Magazines. Show all posts

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Hit it with a stick.. and happy weekend!

Hello my dears. The kidlets & I are off to the Stockholm archipelago to visit close friends for the weekend, and we're so looking forward! Just wanted to duck in here first to share this wonderful photo..


I love the textures & colours, and think it would look fab blown up large, and framed! 
It's from Jackson Pollock's studio (I adore his art!), via an interesting article about his and Lee Krasner's Hampton home (in the latest issue of Australian e-zine 'EST'). The article is written and photographed by Robyn Lea.



Two talented, strong minded abstract artists with a lot of influence on their genre of art.. can you imagine the passionate (if not stormy..!) discussions at their dinner table..!?


I was quite surprised by the tranquility and soothing 'whiteness' of their humble home. According to the article they were apparently avid beach combers, and used to stroll along the shore line collecting shells and drift wood.. I wonder if this is where Jackson picked some of the sticks he used when creating his wonderful works..?! Oor was it just a source of relaxation to quiet the mind..?! 








*All images by Robyn Lea*

With that I bow out for the week. Take care, have fun and have a marvelous weekend everyone.




Friendly wolf kisses from Sweden.. ;)

xx Charlotta

Monday, June 6, 2011

Sunday sunshine..

Hello hello. Today has been one of those sparkly bright Winter's days here in Sydney. The sun was so warm & divinely bright that we headed to the beach after breakfast. I didn't swim.. though it was very close (!), and I am determined to get at least one more dip in the ocean in before it gets too cold..!



After basking in the sun for a good while, I left my happy little trio in Bronte and walked the breathtakingly beautiful cliff-walk between Bronte & Bondi (or the other way around if you prefer..).


The Bondi/Bronte stretch is only 2.5km, but the cliff walk continues all the way down to Coogee for those who want to continue. You walk high above the ocean at times and needless to say, the view is spectacular!



An added treat at this time of the year are the large pods of whales that migrate past the East coast of Australia.  Though I have seen many over my 12 years in Sydney I didn't see any today. 
Instead I settled for watching the surfers. To me there is something so zen about the whole ritual, and I could have spent the rest of the day just watching the motion..



In the afternoon - having worked on a painting for a couple of hours - I rewarded myself with the latest issue of Adore e-zine that just hit the cyber-shelves. Regardless of the hot discussion about digital magazines at the moment, I think they are a wonderful way to spend a lazy afternoon. Don't you?!


I hope you too had a nice and relaxing Sunday.

xx Charlotta

Image credits: 1. Life of Polarn Per, 2. Aubrey Road
3 - 6. by Charlotta Ward, 7 & 8. Marshall Ward, 9. Adore magazine

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Stylish.. Splendid.. Swedish..

So I wasn't going to post at all today but how could I resist when my close blog sister Monika Claassen of the wonderful 'Splendid Willow' had her amazing home featured in the latest issue of RUE Magazine!?!


Monika is tending to family matters in our beloved Sweden and is probably frantically busy as I type this, but I want her to know just how proud I am of her! xx


I know she was anxious about the feature. I mean, how nerve wrecking wouldn't it be to have one's home show-cased by an international high end magazine!?!  
But don't get me wrong here! Monika is not the kind to look for approval or even endorsement to the way she lives her life or styles her house. She is confident, capable and rests securely in the knowledge that her style & home have genuine soul and that they reflect the values and likes of her wonderful Swedish/Canadian family in Seattle. That is all that matters, and I admire how true she is to herself!


The anxiety would instead stem from not wanting to disappoint or let anyone down, and this genuine concern and respect for others is true reflection of who she is. This girl really cares people (!), and she has the biggest & warmest heart!  
Admirably and despite having to rush off to Sweden  within days of the shoot, she spend the precious & sparse time before her departure making sure every corner of the house was in tip top shape in preparation for the RUE team. And Monika, we can safely say that it was - it all looks just perfect!!


Now, I could go on and on here.. You know it's true! :) But instead I am going to direct you over to Splendid Willow for the announcement that Monika's husband so kindly posted today (he is such a gem this man!) And of course also to the latest issue of RUE where - on page 158+ - you can see the full spread of this splendidly elegant yet warm home in Seattle..



Hugs to all and an extra warm one for my super clever sister Monika!! I am SO proud of you darling!!

xx Charlotta


 +++


 P.S. Don't forget to visit Monika's amazing on-line boutique 'AVENUE' .




Take my word for it when I say, you will be praying for rain after having 
bought yourself some Ilse Jacobsen designer wet wear..!! Really!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

An injection of Swedish glossy love..

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Swedish 'Sköna Hem' and all the fabulous house tours they so generously share via their website. Not only does it allow for much appreciated time to dream and be inspired, it also gives me an instant injection of 'home-sickness-remedy'.

Here are some recent house tours that captured my Swedish heart in their own unique manner.. Hope you enjoy them too.

1. Spicy art den in the heart of Kopenhagen









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2. Greenwich rooftop treat..










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3. Italian hide-away 







All images via Sköna Hem

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Breaking News!

I was also thrilled to learn that Sköna Hem is launching a new magazine 


The launch issue is released on the 26th April and to pre-order your copy, please click HERE. And please do, because you just know that this magazine will be just as wonderful as the 'mothership'!

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Last but not least. Today you will also find me guest posting over at my dear friend Kerry's  wonderful blog - 'A Tranquil Townhouse'. Please pop in to read my rambles on 'Global style'..



Hope you are all enjoying a relaxing weekend.


xx Charlotta

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Ellen Pompeo's Hollywood hideaway

 Whilst visiting Paris for the couture shows Ellen Pompeo met the man
who was to design her Hollywood home, Mr Martyn Lawrence-Bullard.

Having just bought a classic 1920s Spanish-style villa in Hollowood, Ellen
and her music producer husband Chris Ivery, soon appointed Martyn to
create a personable home with strong reference to Morocco, Spain, Tuscany
and the South of France. The result is this - a casual, warm and charmingly
rustic yet elegant home without a hint of diva or Hollywood pretentiousness.


Goreous mix of rustic and refined, including a vintage dhurrie and custom-made
sofa by Martyn himself. Love the colours here and also that black/white photgraph
propped up against the wall. As you know I am a sucker for large b/w pictures and
you will see plenty of this kind through out the house. Also completely adore that
tea table in the far left corner, and of course the massive lead framed window. Sigh..



This clearly is the other end of the above gorgeous living area.. I am not sure if there
are two vintage dhurries or if there is just one very long one. A true dhurrie is most
often a little bit smaller as they are intended for meditation or table adornments, but also
large ones (up to 20 feet long) are made for social gatherings and events. Either way
anything hand woven off an Indian loom is beautiful in my book and I'd love to own one
of these amazing 'rugs' one day. I think this colour combination is irresistible. 



These lovely chairs were left behind by the previous owners.. Why doesn't that
ever happen to me!!?.. Also loving the Moroccan panel and the wood block table!



How about these beautiful custom-made uphostered screens by the architec?
Also particularly like the black/white photographs on the wall and the grey and
white stripe large pillows on the sofa. Woven sea-grass rugs are always nice too,
but I have vivid memories of throwing one out when Oscar was little as he kept
on hurting his little knees on it when he was learning to walk.. Poor little man!..



I think foyers and entryways are so important, don't you!? They are the first
point of reference when entering a house and really do set the mood for what
is to come. I think the textures here work very well and I am completely taken
by that large Chinese lamp (from Norman Turner) and the Moroccan ottoman.
Had it been my hallway, I would have moved that wonderful colour photograph
and replaced the small vase with a larger bunch of fresh cut flowers as I simply
can't live with out a nice big dose of nature present. Especially in hallways..



So nice and simple, and again a gorgeous example of mixing simple natural fibres
with some elegant subtle glam. Think that antique Chinese bamboo ladder works
very well here and adore the wide deep bathtub by Waterworks. Très chic indeed.



These 60s Moroccan-style brass lamps (from Orange Furniture) look like
copper to me, hence feeds my current obsession with warm & red metals.
Also think that antique Egyptian wall hanging and 50s West African pillows
look fantastic. So nice with a bit of burned red and ochre in a house like this.


True to my Swedish genes I do love a large and functional kitchen. This open
plan industrial style stainless steel kitchen with ample storage fits the bill for me.
Also think that large b/w photograph looks fantastic on top of the bench - you'll get
a sense of just how big it is when comparing it to the fridge standing next to it..



This may be my favourite room - kitchens and bright casual dining rooms
usually are.. This fantastic table is originally from a farmhouse in Guatemala,
and works a treat with the Moroccan styled lanterns above it. Like Ellen I also
use fruit and vegetables as an element of decor in my dining room. Love the bright
colours of seasonal produce and think they give such a grounding feel to a room.


All images by Tim Street-Porter for Elle Decor.



x Charlotta

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