Home Renovations

I have a feeling I've mentioned home renovation dreams a few times before, but we've finally taken some steps towards making our dreams a reality. I have browsed Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration in recent weeks and months, trying to find the perfect flooring for our apartment. 

When we bought this place 6 years ago, we replaced the existing carpets in the bedrooms with matching floorboards that already existed in the living area. I wasn't really happy with the colour of the floorboards, but back then it felt like an easier option that replacing the entire flooring. Now that we are finally replacing the floors in the whole apartment, it feels like a huge responsibility to make the right decision as to what colour we should go with! 

I will forever dream of beech, oak or fir timber floors, but for a few reasons we will go with a much cheaper option, laminate. There are so many options available and it seems like the quality can vary a great deal as well. I am getting quotes and measurements next week and hopefully will get the ball rolling fairly quickly on this. I can't wait to show you the results! 

My Top 3 Books in 2014

1. Elements of Style Designing A Home & A Life by Erin Gates

One word: obsessed. For someone who barely has time to get past the first page of a magazine, let alone a whole book, managing to devour this book in just a couple of days was nothing short of a miracle. I absolutely love Erin's blog and she stays true to her style in this masterpiece as well. Not only is her book full of great advice for anyone interested in interior design and decorating, she adds a very personal touch, something you don't often find in books of this genre. 

2. The Tailored Interior by Greg Natale

Every page of this book is swoon-worthy. Greg's style is luxurious and polished, but he offers invaluable expertise advice and inside to the sometimes seemingly glamorous world of interior design. This is a great coffee table book! 

3. Entertaining Inspired Gatherings & Effortless Style by Camille Styles

This is such a beautiful book and full of inspiring tips for successful entertaining at home. I love how achievable and welcoming Camille's style is. There are plenty of recipes, styling tips and other useful advice. Great gift even to bring along to a host or get inspiration for your own party. I love it!

Wild for Wallpaper

Here's an idea I've become a little bit obsessed with of late: wallpaper in our hallway. This room is (obviously) the point of entrance in to our apartment and one I'd like to make a bit more interesting. It's a smallish space with beigy-grey walls (this colour, to be exact) and off-white/cream build-in cupboards and a desk. I am not sure why choosing the perfect wallpaper to cover just one wall in this space feels like such a major commitment. Also, if you've ever searched for wallpapers you know what a colossal task it is; there are literally thousands to choose from with a huge variety of prints, textures, finishes and colours available. I feel dizzy just thinking about it.

When I was little, my parents let me choose a wallpaper for my room. I remember how I loved browsing the big folder with wallpaper samples and how fascinated I was with all the pretty patterns. I ended up choosing a light pink paper with white clouds on it, not such a bad decision even if I think back to it now! For our hallway, however, I think I have to go with something a bit more mature than that; elegant and timeless even.

I don't want anything too colourful or bold, that's just not our style. I also don't want the print to be too small because I'm afraid that in such a small space it might end up looking too busy and clustered. I am drawn towards grey and metallic prints, like this ones from Florence Broadhurst. 

Floral 100 FBW-BO90

I have been absolutely obsessed with Erin Gates' new book 'Elements of Style' (more of that later) and amongst a ton of inspiration I saw this beautiful Katie Ridder 'Leaf" wallpaper covering one wall of a powder room Erin designed. 

Another grey, but very classic design is this one by Sandberg. I think this is going to go on to my Top 5 as it is definitely timeless and one I can't see myself getting bored with anytime soon. Porters Paints here in Sydney also has a good selection of classic designs, along with Eurowalls (their Nordic Home collection is especially pretty and not just because of the name!)

Hygge & West have a great collection of wallpaper, including prints by Rifle Paper Co. Very on-trend, yet classic, like this grey 'Diamante' by Laundry. This print to me is borderline busy, so it might not be a real option, but something to put in the 'someday' files.

And then there is Vallila. They have some really pretty floral prints, but how cools is this one! I know, it's not exactly timeless (or is it?), but there's something so whimsical about it that I love.

The search continues! I will give you an update when I've made a decision, but it might take a while! In the mean time, please let me know of any other great sources of wallpaper and I'll add them on to my (long) list of bookmarks - thanks! 

One Nordic

Have you heard of One Nordic Furniture Company? Their collection includes beautiful and quirky designs that are timeless yet contemporary. I am particularly in love with their Key side table and here's the good news; they deliver around the world!

I am also dreaming of having pendant lights above our dining table and I think this combination of white and copper (with marble in the background!) looks amazing!

All photos by One Nordic

Muuto Favourites

Here are a few of my favourites from Muuto. Wish you a dreamy weekend! 

Nendo

I'm diverting from Scandinavia somewhat to show you some of my favourite pieces from Nendo, a Japanese design company. I am truly in love with their timeless designs and I think they would look absolutely amazing in any minimalist-driven home. Most of these images are from their 2012 collection called Splinter, the last two images are from the 2013 collection for Urushi Kobo Oshima. 

Just stunning, don't you think?