Japanese architecture

As much as I love Scandinavian architecture and interiors, I also find Japanese design absolutely amazing. There are lots of similarities such as the bright interiors, lots of light, the simplicity as well as the use of wood and quite often indoor plants and vegetation.

This is a house on a narrow strip of land with a courtyard in the middle, by Japanese architecture studio Maeda Koumuten.

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And here's another stunning house, by Japanese architecture studio miCo, who redesigned an old house into a modern and light home.

 

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Meluka

I had a visit to Maluka during the weekend. They have a show room in Ponsonby, Auckland,  but also do sales online. I'm amazed of their products, very simple, stylish, yet great quality and it's very easy to fall in love with their products. I especially love the little wooden bench seat, would be great for my kids to sit on when putting on their shoes in the hallway!

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Blue sofas

We need a new sofa for the den. I know it's always safer to buy a sofa in a neutral colour, grey, beige etc, and then you can add colour with cushions and other accessories. But I have always wanted a blue sofa and I think this might be the right opportunity. Just have to find the right one!

Scandinavian wooden flooring

Driven by a passion for wood and respect for nature, the Danish flooring company Dinesen deliver wooden floor planks that are unique and absolutely beautiful. No floor looks the same and with the extra wide and light boards the floor makes a statement all by itself and add warmth and character to the interior. These images are from the Swedish architect Gert Wingardh's holiday cottage.

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Scandinavian Christmas Market

I took my daughters with me to visit the Scandinavian Christmas Market here in Auckland yesterday. It is our first non-European Christmas coming up and it is refreshing to be able to go outside this time of the year without wearing a thick winter jacket or rain coat. The market was outdoors of course and you could buy everything from traditional handmade crafts, Christmas food and decorations, to home ware, children's clothing and toys. Our favorites were the Swedish flag garland for the Christmas tree and the yummy chocolate, which will not last to Christmas...

 

Danish Modern

Denmark have a reputation of great design and in the 1950's the definition of Danish Modern was establised, much due to the great furniture architects Jacobsen, Werner and Juhl. Here's some inspiring Danish interiors with light wood and lovely pale grey/gold colour scheme.

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Colour trends 2014

Interesting colour trends for the year to come, from AkzoNobel ColourFutures 2014. Lots of pale and natural hues but also a range of bright and fun colour to choose from. The colour of the year is teal, a green-blue colour that I think can look great, in the right environment.

      teal - the colour of the year 2014

                subtle colours in silent revolution

     

      soft smoky tones in secret garden

        lots of energy where anything goes in do it now

    

images and more information at colour futures