INTERIORS INSPO | MOODY AND MUTED

2 December 2016

I adore the styling of this moody and muted apartment in Sweden.

The tones are just perfect for this time of year where we spend more time indoors so cosy textures and soft lighting become more important and the browns, greys and olive tones give a warm and relaxing feel so you can snuggle up with a good book and a warm blanket.

Winter you’re not too bad after all.

STYLING | Pella Hedeby
PHOTOGRAPHY | Kristofer Johnsson

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BELGIAN DESIGN | ETHNICRAFT FURNITURE BRAND

23 November 2016

CIRCLE dining table in teak

Do you remember me talking about how much quality craftsmanship especially in the form of wooden furniture we saw in Antwerp? One of the brands we met was Ethnicraft furniture who introduced us to their product and design philosophy of creating simple, authentic and functional furniture with respect for the environment and society. Needless to say they had me at ‘hello’.

All of their furniture is made from solid wood of certified origin whether it’s teak from Indonesia, French or Serbian oak or black walnut from the USA, it all originates from well managed forests making it an environmentally friendly material and ultimately contributing to a cleaner environment.

Currently Ethnicraft have taken over a quirky old building in the Old Town of Antwerp where their furniture is styled alongside other pieces from universo positivo, Notre Monde and classic design brands like Hay, Kartell and Menu to name a few. Sadly the lighting wasn’t great so I’ve decided to show you some of my favourite images from their catalogue instead.

Apart from the amazing quality of the wood and craftsmanship the design really stood out for me with simple lines and innovative solutions like the BLACKBIRD storage cabinet which has shelves to display special items as well as a door behind which to store maybe less special stuff. The slim black frame and legs gives the piece it’s name and I think it works really well in a contemporary and minimal environment.

I also loved the BOK chair with it’s single bar backrest, smooth edges and contemporary design – all the attributes of a future classic. Another really clever twist on an essential piece of furniture is the WINDOW side table where you can show off your favourite things underneath the glass surface just like a display cabinet.

Working with designers from around the world you can tell the different influences in Ethnicraft’s range with eg oriental influences by top Indonesian interior design studio Grain and Green or Toronto based product designer Heidi Earnshaw who takes influences from Japanese and Scandinavian design. It all works seamlessly together and is combined by the beauty of their core product: wood and all it’s different colours, grains and shapes.

I could almost get philosophical here aligning this to our world and calling for more tolerance in society but maybe that’s a post for another day. 😉

BLACKBIRD storage cupboard in oak

BOK chair in oak

ORIGAMI desk in oak

SIMPLE coffee table in oak

FRAME PC console table in teak

WINDOW side table in oak

OSSO stool in walnut

MORE INFORMATION & PHOTOGRAPHY | Ethnicraft furniture

Our Function and Form Bloggers Tour Antwerp was kindly supported by City of Antwerp, Design Center De Winkelhaak, Ethnicraft, universo positivo and Notre Monde. All opinions expressed are my own.

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CP SLIPPERS

19 November 2016

You know how I love good craftsmanship and quality materials so I was intrigued to check out these original leather slippers by Spanish manufacturers CP Slippers.

Located in Elche, near Alicante in Spain the family run business started back in 1981 when Oscar’s grandfather returned from a visit to Japan where he fell in love with the custom of leaving dirty shoes outside and slipping into a comfortable indoor shoe. On his return he started making slippers from a single piece of premium leather for his friends and family and the success and demand saw him start the business which is now run by his grandson.

The design has been carefully adapted over the years but is still cut from a single piece of select calfskin leather which is hand-crafted around a well-designed mould before being stitched and welded together. A lot of care is taken to ensure the quality of each slipper and they aim to send the selected pair out on the day of ordering via their website.

I have to say I love the design of the slipper and quality of the leather which feels great on bare feet and is perfect for walking around on smooth cold surfaces or wooden floors. Good for your feet and posture as they are super slim and lightweight. They come in a rainbow of colours as well as natural leather shades and serve the whole family from kids to women and men.

Psst… they also make for a great Christmas present and you can get 15% off your order until Christmas with code STYLEJUICER. Go and check them out here.’

MORE INFORMATION | CP Slippers
PHOTOGRAPHY & STYLING | Annie Kruse

DISCLAIMER | I was sent a pair of slippers for review. I only work with products and services I truly love and all opinions are my own.

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COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2017 | BROWN

17 November 2016

It’s the time of year when we see colour predictions coming out and for 2017 the humble brown seems to be the colour of the year.

Often it’s the way you package, some might say spin, it that catches peoples imagination and for 2017 brown comes in various evocative shades referencing food and drink from cognac, whiskey and coffee to chocolate, caramel and burgundy. Who wouldn’t want to surround themselves with such richness.

The photos are via one of Norway’s most popular independent colour experts, Dagny Thurmann-Moe who worked with stylist Kirsten Visdal and photographer Margaret De Lange to show how the different shades can work in your home and give a new more refined and sophisticated interpretation of brown. Dagny has noticed paint, textile and wallpaper manufacturers launching new shades of brown with interior textures like leather and brown marble becoming more prominent.

I love observing these trends and am excited about 2017 which will hopefully see us embarking on a renovation project. Watch this space.

MORE INFORMATION | Dagny Thurmann-Moe
STYLING | Kirsten Visdal
PHOTOGRAPHY | Margaret De Lange

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FUNCTION AND FORM | BLOGGERS TOUR ANTWERP PART II

10 November 2016

I’m continuing today with my round up of our first Function and Form Bloggers Tour Antwerp. So much more to tell you about this hip city that still seems to be slightly under the radar.

One of my lasting impressions of the trip was how much wooden furniture we saw; from solid and raw to highly polished, painted, stained or varnished. The craftsmanship was always outstanding and there was a palpable sense of pride in designing pieces that are of high quality and timeless functional design.

As was the case with table manufacturers Heerenhuis just outside Antwerp who let us a have a tour of their workshop and treated us to some delicious ‘fired bread’ by innovative local catering company Doppio. Run by friends Koen, Matthieu and Jules who pop up with food trucks consisting of a couple of traditional mobile wood fired ovens baking the most perfect pizza in 40 seconds. More about our visit to Heerenhuis in the coming months.

Seasonal pop up store quatuor in the old town showing Ethnicraft, universo positivo and Notre Monde amongst other popular Scandinavian brands.

During our excursion into the old town of Antwerp we also got to meet local brands Ethnicraft and universo positivo who both craft highly functional contemporary furniture whilst caring deeply about the sustainability and durability of their products. We visited their current seasonal pop up store in one of the oldest buildings in Antwerp dating back to 1542 and built in the traditional Flemish style. Here you can discover their contemporary collection in this stimulating ancient environment – a real treat for the eye. More soon.

Cabinet by Ethnicraft.

Mirror by universo positivo.

St Vincents storefront on Kleine Markt 13.

More shopping had to be done at St Vincents which must be Europe’s hottest concept store right now. Their selection of unique design-led items from art, fashion, furniture, lighting, ceramics, stationery and more is totally on trend and I could have quite happily bought the whole lot.

The owners Henri and Geraldine are passionate about what they do and have swapped professional careers as an economist and lawyer for shop life and host regular inspiring talks, concerts, art exhibitions and private dining events at their store.

They also serve artisan coffee and tea daily as well as small snacks so you can sit down, relax and soak up the atmosphere whilst leisurely browsing their selection. And they’re open on Sundays – a rarity for continental Europe.

Ceramics, glassware, utensils, decor, books, magazines, textiles, fashion and furniture all under one roof.

Loving the kitchen counter in the middle of the shop which serves artisan coffee and teas as well as little bites to eat so you can have a leisurely shopping experience or simply meet up in these inspirational surroundings.

Bio Bistro Native – great little place serving organic food in the old town.

Concrete boarding detail at Graanmarkt 13 by architect and interior designer Vincent van Duysen.

Talking of culinary delights we were lucky to dine in one of Antwerp’s leading design establishments: Graanmarkt 13, a restaurant, gallery, shop and penthouse which sleeps six and has been home to famous and not so famous creative figures from around the world. [You might remember me blogging about it here.] We had an absolutely fabulous three course meal served by chef Seppe Nobels before getting an exclusive tour around The Apartment on the top floor which was renovated and designed by another famous Antwerpian, architect and designer Vincent Van Duysen in 2014.

Even though we went to see The Apartment at night time and could not fully appreciate the views from the newly added top floor the atmosphere was distinctly comfortable and relaxed with a super sized deep sofa and a huge wooden table, seating 10. The space is a great example of Van Duysen’s aesthetic with polished concrete flooring and exposed beams giving an industrial edge but adding comfort and relaxed style with linen bedding, textures and textiles. You can imagine I did not want to leave this place that more recently was home to director Tim Burton during filming in the city.

It’s always a good sign when you return from a trip with lots of ideas and inspiration and Antwerp has kept me thinking and my brain busy since we returned. A lot more to explore and all being well a second trip coming up in 2017. Watch out for more posts on some of the tour’s highlights in the coming months.