5 Happy Inspirations For your sweet home

Now, every Wednesday I pretend to be inspired by five goodies. Truth be told: During a week I get inspired by dozens and dozens of beautiful goodies for your home, interior design ideas, product designs, food and more. Yes, Pinterest is one of the main to be blamed! However, I don't want to overwhelm you with inspiring tidbits. For the ongoing inspiration boards see my Pinterest account. And for a happy Wednesday, here are this week's happy picks.

One: I've always wanted a fig tree for my home. Fig trees are my favorite trees when I am in the south. However, my apartment is too small and I am too scared I'll kill the beauty. Oh, this one as seen on Riazzoli just reignited my desire for a little fig tree!

Two: Do you love the ombre trend? If so, then you'll love these cute baskets in various, happy shades as seen on Varpunen. So practical to store all the little thingies at home.

Three: After yesterday's book review I am craving for a kilim rug. This Anthropologie beauty is right up my alley.

Four: My new facial goodies from Belmondo Skin Care finally arrived. They had a long trip all the way from Vancouver, Canada to Munich, Germany. I love that they are fully organic, hand made, fair trade and the packaging design is a highlight in my bathroom.

Five: This week I have browsed hundreds of iPhone cases for my own phone. I so loved this design on Etsy.

Any favorite pick for you here? Happy hump day, friends!

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How To Decorate New Designs pattern For Pillow at Your room

Welsh designer Sian Elin Thomas will be launching a new collection of textiles and wallpaper at this year's London Design Festival. Tent London will be the official launch of her new range including cushions, tea towels and wallpaper. Surface pattern designer Sian Elin Thomas has created a new range of wallpaper and textiles to mirror her fascination for the built environment.

After Spending six months of the year , recent travels to India and throughout the Mediterranean are all reflected in her new collection. Influenced by the Islamic and Moorish architecture around her, Sian's designs feature bold hand-drawing and colourful detail. Sian is interested in how textiles and wallpaper can bring the outside world to the inside, and the way in which people interact with their interior and exterior environments.

This collection definitely has my 'happiness aproval'. Cheer up your home with Sian Elin Thomas!

Photography via Sian Elin Thomas

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How To Decorate Happy Inspirations with London Design Festival style

Hello my friends! I am back from London. I spent five amazing days as part of the BlogTour London and had such a great and intense time. I dived into design at the London Design Festival and enjoyed the best company around: Raina, Jill, Maryam, Christian, James, Rashon, Lynn, Robin, Cheryl, Vitania, Nyla, Jennifer and Patti. 

I will be back with way more pics and coverage from the London Design Festival. For today I've quickly chosen five happy snaps from my iPhone. These goodies really pleased my eye! Happy hump day!!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

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BlogTour London: Designjunction 2012

After the BlogTour London and a week of holidays I am still sort of overwhelmed by the pictures and impressions I brought back from London. Not only have I met the funniest, coolest and most adorable crowd of bloggers, I also had a divine, swell and bombastic design injection. Today I would like to share some pics from designjunction, a show that boasted more than 100 international design brands in a fantastic industrial surrounds of a 1960s Sorting Office.

The most vivid memories I have from designjunction are some fabulous textile designs and lighting fixtures. While roaming the show I spotted four new-to-me brands that left me sobbing and longing for more. Let me quickly go through them. Maybe you'll share my passion, too.

Right at the start of the show I fell in love with Solid ID, a London based homewares company featuring an array of furniture, lighting, tableware and accessories, with a focus on hand-made, one-off pieces. That anchor lighting was a major visual anchor to me. If it were a bit smaller, it would have ended up in my bag. But alas, I brought back this great pic up there to share with you instead. Check their fabulous products here.

One aisle further I got hooked by colours, playfully printed on cushions and painted on plates. I found myself in front of the booth featuring Lindsey Lang designs. The London based textile designer and illustrator presented her latest collection boosting gleeful colours and patterns. What was not to be loved? See more here.

On the back of the fall I was brought to yet another pit stop by the quirky furniture designs of Lucy Turner. Her strong abilities as surface designer were ideally used to pimp and reinvent furniture pieces from the 50s and 60s. Those little side tables were a real winner to me. More of her designs can be seen here.

Finally, I walked through the upper floor and was immediately drawn to the stall of lighting design Atelier Areti. Not only did I love the name (knowing that it means 'virtue' in Greek), but I adored their lighting fixtures, especially the one shown here on my blog. The cool, urban design with a tad of industrial was a real highlight so to speak. I would absolutely love this piece in a lofty studio of mine. Moreover, I was so pleased to speak German to the smart designer Gwendolyn Kerschbaumer who told me that most of their products are actually being produced in Germany. Well hello! More on Atelier Areti here.

That's it for today, folks! More to come over the coming days. Stay tuned!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

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Happy Guest: Happy Mundane

I love finding interior inspiration from magazines, blogs, websites, and stores, but one of my favorite sources is vintage decorating books. I've been collecting these books for many years and can not resist checking out the interiors/decor section of any used bookstore, thrift store, or vintage shop I pass by. My favorite eras are generally from the late 60s through the 70s and 80s. One of my favorite finds is this book: Young Designs in Color, by Barbara Plumb. It was originally published in 1972 (here is the link). Here's a few of my favorite pages: 

Pic 1:  I love the overall white scheme. The use of pop colors only in the pillows and artwork is something that I've actually used in my house as well. All the tonal textures, such as the ceiling and the mix of natural leather, wicker, and textiles give the space warmth (not to mention that awesome long fireplace!).

Pic 2: While the first pic was all about white - this room goes the opposite direction and gives you full drama of super dark walls. I love the high contrast use of white moulding paired with the wood floors. Interesting that they kept the insides of the built-in book cases white. It breaks up all the dark and allows the accessories to stand out. Also love the oversized leather sofa and the fun and unexpected use of a Matisse painting as a piano bench cover!

Pic 3: How amazing would it be to live in all this natural light?! Excellent mix of textures, and a great reminder that rugs can act as large scale artwork and bring depth and interest to a big wall. I love the graphic painted bench/low cabinet! This could be an easy DIY idea!

Pic 4: Another amazing home with so much natural light. Similar to pic no. 3, a great mix of textures and although the 70s are notorious for the use of wood paneling, I feel like the way it's used here still feels fresh and gives the space a "modern rustic" feel. Love the bright yellow sofa in the back and bold modern artwork scattered throughout. I could imagine spending a wonderfully relaxed weekend afternoon just lounging in this space.

I hope you've enjoyed taking a little step back in time with me. It just goes to show that good design is timeless. Maybe some ideas from the 1970s will inspire you today in 2012?

Thank you again Igor for having me on the blog today, and please follow more of my mundane musings over at Happy Mundane (happymundane.com) as well as find me on Instagram and Twitter (@happymundane).

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Happy Guest: Vosgesparis

When Igor asked me to write a guest post for you 'happy' readers, I had to think for a while, because he and me...we are quite different. When thinking of Igor's blog I think of color and  for a girl like me who is known for her monochrome interiors and blog posts it is a total different world. But Igor and I get on really well online and I love to have followed his blog-career from the very first start. So for me it is a real pleasure to be here.

When visiting the Woonbeurs, I was thrilled to see all the colorful homes the Dutch interior magazines created this year. Both the VT Wonen home and the 101 Woonideeen home had lots of greens and blues. Both homes had plenty of beautifully styled corners and I made lots of pictures. I love to share a part of the 101 Woonideeen homes here on Igor's Happy Interior Blog. I hope you like it and it will give you some inspiration for your own home. 

Part of the home was a huge outdoor garden with walls covered in plants and with items beautifully brought together. There was so much to see in this home!

Oh and I would love to show you more on my own blog: Vosgesparis - you are more than welcome! And Igor thank you for having me. 

Photography by Desiree/Vosgesparis

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Happy Guest: Bright Bazaar

Hello, Happy Interior Blog readers! It's so fun to be guest blogging here today whilst Igor escapes to sunnier climes! My name is Will and I blog daily over at Bright.Bazaar about all things colourful and eclectic in interiors. I thought it would be fun to replicate one of Igor's fab regular features, Five Happy Inspirations, so here are my top five Must Haves of the moment:

1. I'm pretty sure my heart skips a beat each and every time I see the Wilmot sofa in the window of my local Habitat store. The Scandinavian simplicity appeals to my urge to keep key pieces of furniture pared-back - I like to use them as a canvas to add lots of colourful brights. Rest assured, if this piece made it into my Bright.Bazaar home, it would soon be acquainted with a pile of vibrant textiles. I'm thinking hot pink or yellow would be a match made in sofa heaven!

2. Another Habitat lust item is their Saunders rubber pendant, which I've been crushing on since I saw it at their press show in the height of the summer. The use of rubber makes the piece all the more interesting as you expect it to be metal at first glance. I also like how it has a light filter underneath to produce a softer pool of light.

3. I discovered Baines & Fricker at TENT London during London Design Festival and their take on the fruit crate is a winner in my book. I love how they've used both type and colour to create a striking graphic effect.

4. I've been waiting a while for Robert's radio to release one of their Retro Revival radios in a colour I could get down with. Well, their Mustard Yellow Radio certainly ticks that box, I love it.

5. To me, scrolling through School House Electric's emporium of lighting and office goodies is as enjoyable as being in a candy store is for a kid. The brand's yellow clock is hand assembled in Portland, Oregon and the second hand moves continuously - a must for me as I'm not a fan of ticking clocks in an office!

Thanks for reading, folks. If you like, you can find more colourful inspiration from me on my blog | facebook | twitter | pinterest.

Mr. Bazaar, aka Will

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Happy Guest: My Paradissi

Hello Happy Interior Blog readers!

I'm Eleni from My Paradissi and I'm delighted to keep you company here for a while as Mr. Igor is having some great time on his vacation. How about some bright, warm and cozy interiors to fight the mid-autumn blues? Follow me...

First I'd get myself some fluffy, super soft pillows and throws to hug, then let my artsy instincts run wild and fill a wall with pieces of inspiration and art. I'd be oh, so lucky to have a marble countertop island in my spacious kitchen, which I'd decorate with aged lanterns I'd find from the flea market. And, last but not least, I'd host a kick-the-moodiness-away dinner party with my stripy runners and my handmade crocheted vases. Feel better already ;)

Come over at My Paradissi and say hi! I'd love to meet you. You can also find me in facebook and twitter.

Thank you Igor for having me around! xoxo

Image credits: 1.sanctuary, 2.ellens album, 3.Charles de Lisle, 4.dronning maud

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Happy Guest: Shop Sweet Things

Hello, Happy Interior Blog readers! How’s everyone? I’m Jeanne from Shop Sweet Things, a San Francisco lifestyle blogger who loves to share her discoveries on shopping, fashion, and living. I’m really excited to be here today while Igor is away enjoying his well-deserved break.

Just like you, I’m a HUGE fan of Igor! So when he asked me to be one of his guests this week, I was really flattered! I met Igor a little earlier before he started the Happy Interior Blog. We met through a virtual Pinterest party he hosted with Holly of Decor8, and from then on I was smitten by his charming personality. When he launched his Happy Interior Blog, I followed it from day one. I just knew it would be good stuff. And boy, do we share a similar taste?!  I think we both are very fond of fun, quirky and stylish design. I’m always impressed with the products and inspirations he finds for his blog (who isn’t, anyway?!) And while he talks about all things happy, I talk about all things sweet. So, in a way, we complement each other like peanut butter and jam.

However, I think where we really connected is that we both enjoy finding happiness in simple things – without giving up on style, that is! I believe this is why Igor has always been a huge supporter of my column, “Sweet Things Under $20.” So for this guest post, I thought it would only be fitting to turn his favorite column on my blog into “Happy Things Under $20”.  Do you like? I apologize in advance that this is in dollars and not in euros, but you get the idea. J

Hope I did a good job filling in for Igor. It’s truly my pleasure to be here and happy day to all!

1. Salad Servers 2. Art Print 3. Face towel 4. Milk Bottle 5. Washable Slippers  6. Bath Soap7. Gather Journal 8. Blue Two-Tone Mug

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New Collection: Mariska Meijers

She's just back from the famous Maison & Objet design show in Paris where she presented a vivid colour injection for truly happy homes - I speak of Amsterdam based designer Mariska Meijers. Now since I couldn't make it to the Paris Maison & Objet and the London Design Festival in one month, I asked Mariska to send me some pics of her new collection that comprises textiles and tray tables.

The visual impact of the 'Jungle Fever' collection is striking - the design seems to mix ethnic patterns with spacey lines and ties it together with flashy colours. For those who love a more traditional approach, the Ikat line is just right. Whether it's the micro Ikat print or the arty painted Ikats with warm shades - happiness for the sofa or bed is guaranteed!

For more pieces and information check out Mariska's colourful website. And now go and get some colours to brighten up this Thursday!

Photography via Mariska Meijers

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At Your Leisure - A Zine To Swoon

Finding inspiration at your leisure. Leaning back and taking in colours and stories at your leisure. These are the precious moments when we grant ourselves those quite moments with a great magazine to refuel our aesthetic spirits. And one amazing magazine just arrived from the US west coast to Munich - the fourth and final issue of 'At Your Leisure'. 

'At Your Leisure' is a special project by J3 Productions of my fellow blogger friend Jonathan Lo of 'Happy Mundane' and after I'd seen the teaser video for the new issue I just knew I need to get it! The issue resolves around the theme 'Flow' and features among others an interview with artist Karen Kimmel and a peek into her great studio shot by yet another blogger friend, Laure Joliet of 'At Home At Home'.

I was totally smitten by the amazing photography, the divine colour inspirations and the adamant power of visual storytelling. Here I am sharing some of my favorite pages and if you feel inspired too you better click on and order one of the limited 500 copies here. I have issue no. 42 by the way. A great extra: each issue is hand signed and comes with a special gift. Yeah!

Photography via J3 Productions

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