[ a gesture in black&white ] by Norm.Architects

A few photos of a townhouse in Copenhagen renovated by Norm.Architects. 

A home of contrasts.

A white background and open layout that make for a serene, pure and fluid refuge, in opposition to it's exterior body and surroundings. And an almost graphic gesture through the punctuation of the space with black details. I find it beautiful (if maybe not very liveable). What do you think?

photography by © Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

via Yatzer

Ylva Skarp - Calligraphy Love

I'm starting this week by sharing the work of the Swedish calligrapher and designer Ylva Skarp. 

You may have seen some of her handwriting in several images before, but here are a few more.

The prints 'Curiosity' and 'Creativity' have been on my wish list for a while...it's one of those things that belong in my dream home... and today I fell in love with her words on ceramics as well. 

all images via Ylva Skarp

Her writing just makes me feel happy!

Hope you like it.  

Bloomingville A/W 2013 - Nordic Atmosphere

A few weeks ago, Bloominville, a Danish company of products for the home, released their 2013 Autumn/Winter catalogue. Bloomingville's concepts and styling are always a good source of inspiration on how to create a Nordic atmosphere, so I decided to share a few images to illustrate some of the next season's trends. A few things to keep in mind: natural wood, warm furs, grey tones, metallic and geometric details.

 

all images via: Bloomingville

Rocking Chairs Round Up

Maybe because the last two weeks have been very rainy and grey, I've been daydreaming about rocking chairs and piles of books. I, unfortunately, don't live in a big enough  home to have a rocking chair, with the proper space it demands, but that doesn't stop me from wanting one. And I always love making a good wish list, so here are some favourites. 

The Elephant rocking chair, in white or leather.

Designed by Paster & Geldmacher studio for Kristalia.

image source: 1 | 2

The Mademoiselle rocking chair.

Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1956. 

image source: 1 | 2

The Hummingbird rocking chair.

A collaboration between Dana Cannam Design and Studio Agata Karolina.

image source: 1 | 2

The Murakami rocking chair.

Designed by Rochus Jacob, it has a reading lamp that runs on electricity generated from the rocking motion.

image source: 1

The Race Rocker chair.

Designed by Ernest Race in 1948 and relaunched by Race Furniture.

image source: 1

The Eames RAR rocking chair. 

In white or the special edition in basalt grey.

Designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1950. 

image soure: 1 | 2

Now that the list is done I have to admit: If I suddenly had the space, I wouldn't hesitate in immediately ordering the basalt grey one, by Ray and Charles Eames! 

What do you think? Do you have a favourite rocking chair?

Coveting - Storage Bags by Bookhou

Today I'm coveting these handmade storage bags, with original drawings printed on linen, by studio Bookhou. I love them with plants, but really, they would look great as storage for just about anything.

Bookhou is a multidisciplinary design studio/shop, based in Toronto, that believes in slow design - hand-made pieces made one at a time. Sweet original products, neutral colours and natural materials - I think It's worth a visit.

all images via Bookhou

Raw Styling - Concrete and Copper

I love it when I finally find the source and the full project of some of the photos that catch my attention on Pinterest or blogs. Some images are very inspiring just by themselves, but I always like to know the context in which they were taken, it adds some depth to them. That's what happened with the photos of the Nazdrowje bar in Sweden. 

Designed by Richard Lindvall, what used to be a parking garage was transformed into a restaurant and bar, having as inspiration old factories in Poland. The existing raw atmosphere was kept by using concrete on the floors, walls, and casted tables and benches. White tiles, the Tolix stools and big, old, lamps (brought from a factory in the Czech Republic) accentuate the concept of an industrial ambience. Details in copper and some amazing photos (by Mattias Lindbäck), of the workers who built the restaurant, on the wall, add some warmth to the space. 

photography: Mattias Lindbäck

all images via Richard Lindvall

A great combination of materials to start  an inspiring week! 

Moorbi - Sustainable Design

If you like the idea of re-cycle, up-cycle, and re-purpose. If you are looking for one of a kind, unconventional, piece of design. You may find Moorbi an interesting concept. 

Moorbi is an on-line platform that gathers and sells the work of professional designers around the world, whose common concern is design sustainability. Creating, thus, a community whose main goal is to reduce waste and  the negative environmental impact of design, while providing remarkable décor and fashion available for all.

When exploring Moorbi's shop you can find different styles (from a contemporary look to a vintage expression) and a lot of quirky -sometimes just plain freakish - pieces. And you are also provided with a brief history of the product and an explanation about what makes it sustainable.

I'm sharing a few favourite images but there's much more, and it's worth a visit. Hope you like it!

all images via Moorbi