5 Happy Inspirations: Good Mood Treats

Every Wednesday I am compiling a little round-up of goodies that inspired me this week. These five treats really boosted my good mood. Sometimes I am so simple as to be happy with a little cushion, a lovely illustration or a happy plant pot. But being simple is not equal to being dumb, right?

1. The 'City Sunday' magazine rack by Finnish Design Shop is the right potion for my Scandinavian design loving, urban heart. Ok, I admit, I bought it!

2. This apple cushion is such a fruity refreshment for any sofa. Certainly for mine! Found via Etsy.

3. Last Saturday I spent my afternoon in my local Ikea. I wandered around, shopped, and got hooked by this beautiful woolen bed throw in ecru with delicate, colourful threads. 

4. I also stocked up on new succulents. And this Anthro plant pot would be such a happy pal for my succulents.

5. I loved 'Pushing Daisies' back then. Do you know that series at all? If you do, you will understand my passion for this illustration - The Piemaker. Seen on Etsy.

Happy hump day, friends!

Read More

No comments

5 Happy Inspirations: A Little Guessing Game

Yet another Wednesday and yet another hump day - we've almost made it to the weekend, folks! And to cut the remaining time short I was browsing the net for five new inspirations that I love and could see myself buying...ok, you got me, I've already bought one of these goodies. Can you guess which one?

1. Side table by Slow Wood

2. Amber Orbs Lamp by Anthropologie

3. Doug Johnston's 50s basket via Monoqi

4. SY - Love For Textiles book by Ikea

5. Henning vase by Zara Home

Read More

No comments

Happily Ever After: Ikea Family Live

I will tell you a short story that happened five years ago. Back then, I moved from Austria to Munich, Germany, to start my new life. I found a great job and loved the new city. Plus, I found a cute little apartment in the city's heart, set atop of a building overlooking Munich's Old Town. When I moved into the apartment, on a gloomy winter day in January, it was literally 'stark naked'. There was nothing in it. Not even a light bulb. 

As I was already working in a full time job and had no car, buying furniture seemed like a tough challenge. With a small budget and even smaller time frame, I was determined to accomplish this task the best possible. The question where to get nice and reasonably priced furniture was quickly resolved: Ikea. I browsed their website, jotted down furniture pieces I liked and set off to the closest Ikea on a snowy evening after work. I had to use the public transportation and I need not mention that it took me a 45 minutes ride on the suburban train plus an additional 25 minutes of walking through the snow. Finally, I arrived there an hour before the store closed. I went to a salesperson, went through my list (I pre-checked the availability of my chosen pieces online) and got everything I needed in 30 minutes. Another 30 minutes later I paid around 1.000 Euros for the furnishing of my entire apartment. Of course, I had the goodies delivered and assembled - and after a few days I had a fully furnished and lovely apartment that I've called my home up to today. 

And that's why I love Ikea. It is beautiful design. It is super affordable. It gives you a lot of possibilities to arrange and hack their furniture. After all, Ikea is not about having the same things everywhere. It is about interpreting their products in your personal way. And this is proven if you visit the inspiring Ikea Family Live website. Have a fab Friday, friends!

Photography via Ikea Family Live

Read More

No comments

5 Happy Inspirations: Cosy Fellows

After all the feasting and celebrating during the past weeks, I love to cocoon in my little apartment during the first days of the new year. These days I love to stay in, light a scented candle, read a new book, watch a DVD, blog on my sofa or in my bed and surround myself with lots of cosy fellows - cushions and pillows. And I admit, I have a soft spot for them and maybe too many at home. But then, can you have too many cosy fellows? Here are a few recently spotted beauties that I am flirting with.

1. This amazing huge pillow by young and aspiring Finish textile designers Saana ja Olli (an adorable couple) is part of their new Yö Metsässä (Night in the Forest) and is made of eco-friendly European hemp and is produced locally in Finland.

2. These new linen cushions of H&M Home's Spring/Summer 2012 collection are absolutely meeting my current craving for tactile materials and neutral colours.

3. This handprinted cushion with its floral understatement is made by the creative Swedish trio behind the brand HAPPYsthlm.

4. To be honest, I hardly ever leave a Ikea store without buying a cushion. Next time, I might go for this embroidered beauty, the Birgit cushion.

5. Minimoderns is always a safe source for style and quirky design. I already cuddle with their Whitby cushion and love these two fellows too, the Pavilion and Festival cushion.

Happy hump day, friends!

Read More

No comments