Monthly Archives: November 2013

A DUTCH FARMHOUSE WITH ADDED QUIRKINESS

29 November 2013

They say ‘Fortune Favours the Brave’ and I’ve got a great example to finish off this quirky week on Stylejuicer.

The 19th Century Dutch farmhouse and barn still smelt of cheese and cow when interior designer Larissa van Seumeren and her partner Peter Kool bought it. They wanted to preserve the character of the place and make it environmentally friendly but also needed it to work for them as a family home with two children.

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I’m most impressed by their brave choice of colour scheme and the way that they have treated each room individually, adding quirky and upcycled touches like mismatched patterns, rugs, wallpapers and old bricks that form the base of the bathroom sink. They used dark grey for the ceilings in the main kitchen/dining/living space and bright red in the more formal living room with a clock case to match. Being a fan of all shades of white and off-whites (sometimes pushing it to pale greys) I have to hand it to them: It totally works and I love it!

The cathedral-esque ceilings can take the dark colour and bring a feeling of warmth and coziness to the large area supported by an open fire place. The bright coloured dining table and mismatched patterns of the corner sofa add playfulness and fun into the home and I can imagine that their kids – plus little friends – all have a ball running around and playing hide and seek.

This interior is a brave choice and could have gone horribly wrong but the fact that each living area is so different adds interest and makes you want to discover and snoop around the place which is just what I’m going to let you do now.

Maybe you’ll consider adding some quirky touches to your place. Nobody wants to be beige, do they!?

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Dutch Farmhouse via Stylejuicer
Enjoy and I hope you’re inspired!

Annie Signature Stylejuicer

More information | Elle Decor Espana
Photography | Jean-Marc Wullschleger

PEOPLE TO WATCH | BRUUM KNITS, ARTISAN KNITWEAR

27 November 2013

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One of the reasons I started Stylejuicer was to be able to promote exceptional niche brands, products and services that find it hard to get traction in this ever increasingly competitive global market. Bruum Knits is just such a brand.

A hip artisan knitwear company from Barcelona created by Magda and Paula who met at Fashion College a few years ago. Both have proper daytime jobs but still find the time to produce the most gorgeous knitwear from home which they sell in their online store.

I was stunned to hear that the two of them create every piece by hand and currently don’t employ any other knitters. Their passion is palpable and they say that each piece has a part of them. Seeing the product I can believe that!

I remember my grandmother knitting me sweaters for winter when I was small and though she was a fast worker it still took ages to complete and the snowdrops started to come out when I could finally wear it. God only knows how Magda and Paula manage but their product is fabulous and bang on trend this winter with their chunky bobble hats, beanies and snoods. They only use high quality natural yarns of different compositions like wool, merino wool and alpaca and their beautiful mostly muted colour palette should match any wardrobe.

Being curious by nature I couldn’t resist to find out more about their brand and product and I hope you’ll enjoy the interview below.

Remember it’s only 4 1/2 weeks till Christmas. Check out their online store and yes, they do ship to Europe and the Rest Of The World.

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WHERE DOES THE NAME BRUUM COME FROM?

It’s a funny story. When we were trying to decide the name of our brand we had so many ideas but none of them was the good one, so we were joking saying that any name could be the one, and while we were talking about that we saw a drawing of a motorbike in Magda’s notebook and said “We could even call us Bruum Knits!!” (by the sound of a motorcycle)…. And we actually liked it and decided to be Bruum Knits.

ARE YOUR PRODUCTS LIMITED EDITIONS?

We have some unique items, that are one of a kind, and there are small quantities of all the other products. We’ve also done personalized products: with embroidered names, changing colours of the original models in the collection, or even doing some models in children’s sizes. We’re open to requests of product personalization and entirely made-to-order products. 🙂

WHERE DO YOU SOURCE YOUR WOOL FROM?

Most of the yarns we use are bought through a supplier in England, mostly from a Norwegian brand that uses wool from Norwegian and Faeroe Island sheep, as well as Merino wool from Australia and Italy, and Alpaca yarns from South America. We also buy yarns from small local shops, and local artisan producers, and this season we’ve also tried a yarn from an Italian well-known supplier.

DO YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS FROM HOME OR DO YOU HAVE A STUDIO?

We run the brand from our homes. Each of us designs and knits at home, and we meet every week to take decisions and show each other what we thought and what we made.

WHO CREATES THE DESIGNS?

We both design. Each of us designs her own pieces, taking into account some common characteristics we had first decided. Most ideas come from the yarn: we buy yarns we love, we knit swatches and we find the best design for each yarn, so we knit them and we show each other the results.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN SAY TWO YEARS TIME?

We would like to grow as a brand, getting more clients around the world, expanding products so there are more sweaters, cardigans and other bigger pieces. We would also like to have some retailers.

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[Above right the lovely Magda & Paula]

 
 

Enjoy and I hope you’re inspired!

Annie Signature Stylejuicer

More information | Bruum Knits
Photography | Agustina Rodriguez

VIEWERS LIKE YOU – A DESIGN CONCERN OF ELSNER & SHIELDS

25 November 2013

I’ve be umming and ahhing about how to tackle this post purely because Viewers Like You is a design consultancy like no other and they are not just good at designing, they are great at selling themselves! So, I’ve been a little hesitant worrying about doing them a disservice. But hey, I’m writing a blog about everything that’s new and inspiring and I really want you and the world to know about them.

So, let me try and capture why Viewers Like You are different. Firstly, they are a small firm, founded by Jennifer Elsner and David Shields, who frankly are picky about who they work with. If you already know what your website/logo/packaging should look like, working with them will ultimately frustrate you because they don’t approach your project just as an idea needing to be illustrated.

Secondly, once you’ve entered into a contract with them they will obsess over your project, push you out of your comfort zone and even strategically become your friend as they believe that being connected to their clients emotionally is the root of potent results and sets the stage to freely create, in a most integrated way.

Not what you’d call common practice but if I was a client reading that I’d be thrilled!

Thirdly, they get that long-term involvement is quite a commitment which is why they’re offering three levels of engagement to meet your needs and change your perception of how design can influence your business. The levels range from an “Inspired 1 month”, a “Comprehensive 12 month” to a “4 months Design Concierge” and this is the one I’m REALLY excited about.

The Concierge is for people who excel at their job and who are totally focussed on developing their business. They don’t want to get bogged down with decisions on design details, web hosting or stock selection. They are visionaries who want to continue driving their business forward and trust that Viewers Like You is on the same page and understand their brand 100%. Effectively the Design Concierge is gifting yourself a functional, strategic, potent, successful and delightful brand.

Wow, what a great service and one that was engaged by US health professional and TV personality Holli Thompson. Her business cards below show glimpses of the fabulous brand VLY created for her.

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Another great project and example of VLY’s understanding of branding are the business cards created for
Margarita McClure. Jennifer talks about them eloquently on the blog and explains the stock selection:

They’re dreamy, right? Triple-thick with a seam of colour. Premium Mohawk Superfine stock. And while the photos capture how incredible the cards look, they transcend that, and literally feel different. Which makes the world of difference for our client when passing one to her potential clients.

The extra investment required was worth it not only because the card is impressive to the receiver, but because the act of handing it out inspires a new posture from the giver. THAT is the point-of-difference of placing oneself at the crossroad of premium cost and value. You get taller when you stand up straight. You have more energy. You are slimmer-looking. Really.

For those who have read my $300 bathing suit post, you know that that intersection is not only where I encourage my clients to reside, but where I, too, choose to live. It’s loverly.

So, after that little introduction let me finish by encouraging all designers to go forth, stand tall and convince your clients to spend the proverbial $300 on a bathing suit! As Jennifer says:

When a seductive presentation of goods and services meets a holistic purchasing experience and results in “fit-me-like-a-glove” long-term satisfaction… I haven’t paid enough.

Couldn’t have put it better myself!

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Enjoy and I hope you’re inspired!

Annie Signature Stylejuicer

More information & photography | Viewers Like You

BABINGTON HOUSE – A LUXURY ENGLISH COUNTRY RETREAT

21 November 2013

Classically elegant proportions, understated and sophisticated but yet approachable and friendly.

Yes, that is a fair description of me and my character 😉 but no, we are talking about Babington House today.
A private members’ club, hotel and spa set in 18 acres of glorious English countryside just outside the beautiful Georgian town of Bath.

The setting could be straight out of a period drama but it’s modern comforts make it universally appealing. The styling is deliberately individual for each of the rooms and ranges from Downton Abbey dramatic in the main house to simple chic and rustic in the stable block. All with a feel of luxury and quality to the chosen fabrics, furniture and fittings.

Babington House opened in 1998 as a country retreat for the members of Soho House, a private members’ club for those in the film, media and creative industries. But don’t worry even non media luvies can book a stay and rub shoulders with the rich and famous.

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To stay on top of their game the boutique hotel has recently been updated and now includes details such as abaca rugs, polished oak flooring, antique tiles and hand painted wallpaper, sitting alongside reclaimed dressers and vintage wardrobes to create a warm, charming ambiance.

I love the bright turquoise colour palette in the bar area set against soft pinks and oranges. The walls are adorned with artwork, including pieces by Tracey Emin, Polly Morgan, David Salle and Paul McDevitt, which draw reference to Babington’s country-side surroundings.

One of the main attractions is the now world famous Cowshed Spa which originated in the grounds. The use of honest and natural products, made in England using the very best organic plant extracts and essential oils is still at the heart of the Cowshed philosophy and gives each treatment an added dimension and feel good factor.

A friend of mine who visits regularly (yes, I have posh friends!) tells me treatments are some of the most indulgent and heavenly experiences you can have.

Oh, how I’d love to scrub, soak, mud and unwind – just like any posh cow.

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Babbington, February 2013

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Enjoy and I hope you’re inspired!

Annie Signature Stylejuicer

More information | Babington House

BRAND NOSTALGIA WITH MERCHANT AND MILLS

20 November 2013

Continuing with my quintessentially English theme today I’d like to introduce you to fine graphic artist and gentleman Roderick Field. Brand creator and designer for the Merchant and Mills Sewing Company and all round good egg. A chap who by his own admission is troubled by the daily pitfalls of communicating ideas and sometimes uses words and pictures together.

I found him to be quite amusing when communicating via electronic mail and wanted you to see for yourself what a marvellous brand he created for this nostalgic company. Based in Rye, East Sussex, the shop sets you back in time and is a treasure trove for all things sewing related, offering fabrics, patterns and courses along with beautiful stationery and exquisite oil cloth duffle bags and totes.

As previously mentioned Roderick is quite good with words so I’ll let him explain his thinking behind the design and branding.

The Merchant & Mills brand is where my photography and writing first merged to make coveted packaging for our sewing company. It is the answer to a question; if Merchant & Mills were packaging, what would it look like?

As it turns out, it is stark black and white in a crumbling font with some simple, sketchy images and the occasional daring splash of deep red. Who knew?

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If, like me, you’re excited by what you’ve read and seen please frequent his gallery where you’ll find more pleasing, even funny ideas by this thoroughly modern gentleman.

And last but not least let me mention that such is the quality of the Merchant & Mills products they are now available in the V&A shop, Liberty and a host of retailers worldwide.

How splendid with the Yuletide festivities just around the corner!

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Enjoy and I hope you’re inspired!

Annie Signature Stylejuicer

More information | Merchant & Mills
Design & photography | Roderick Field