Green fuel...

Now... you may think that a blog post with this heading might throw itself into a debate on environmentally-friendly fuel, with great insights from the latest research in the energy sector. Perhaps a thought-provoking exposé on bio fuel. 

Alas, it is not. 

As much as I am very positive to any form of renewable energy source and every attempt to save the planet our children will inherit, my 'Green fuel' heading was hinting at a more spiritual form of green soul food. The one where Mother Nature is the guru and generous provider of fuel ...

On a walk yesterday, I simply had to slow down when I saw these forget-me-nots on the side of the road. A true spring sign that to me even carries a few fingerprints of summer. I just could not help myself... the flower picking season has started!

There is something so special about the many shades of green that are the signature of spring. Leaves uncurling, buds pushing their way out into the sunlight. Vibrant, almost trembling with excitement, light green little leafy loveliness.

Green that has gone a little feral is something the strict gardener might sniff at, but to which I am drawn like a moth to the light. I mean just look at the old stone steps above... does not the green carpet runner make these steps completely irresistible? Does it not make you want to climb these steps immediately to explore what fairy tale world lies beyond?

The forget-me-nots in this photo knocked me out in all their pretty, petite glory, when I stumbled upon them on our c-o-l-d Cornwall excursion over Easter. How could they possibly survive in a climate that made this reasonably hardy Swede shiver to the bone? Inspiring!

Even though I may flirt with the various shades of springy greens, my heart will always stay true to my special green sweetheart, green the shade of MOSS.

Remember this stunning spot from one of my posts from Cornwall? I can't seem to get it out of my head. The ultimate spot for some soul searching and contemplation, where the cob webs of the mind can be cleared and new thoughts be born, all the while one  is being gently fanned by the gorgeous ferns...

Thank you for visiting my blog and a special thank you to all of you kind readers who take the time to leave a little message, even though I am very invisible on your blogs. I read all your words and appreciate every one.

Thank you.

Green greetings and may the beginning of May bring magic to you all!

Love,

Helena

Den Updates

Hello!  It's been quite a while since I've posted anything about our den and there has been a lot of changes since that post so I thought I'd share them today.

This is the room we all spend the most time in, other than the kitchen, as this is where the TV is.  :) It's also always been the room that I tend to put everything that I don't love as far as furniture goes but I wanted to change that since we do spend a lot of time in here.  First thing I did was get rid of our old TV stand.  I hated it.  And when you're looking at the TV, you can't help but see the stand it's on so I wanted something pretty to look at. 

Hubby found an old fashioned dresser so I removed the top two drawers, cut the center wood brace (to allow for the DVD and cable box), painted it, distressed it and changed the hardware to come up with this.

It was a long awful winter and I really was tiring of the plain white curtains we had so I bought these lovely cheerful ones at Target.  I don't think I've ever loved a curtain so much.  :)

Hubby picked up this old vintage table at an auction.  The iron horse statue evidently goes on the top of a fence?  Another find that I love.  And I simply can't get enough vintage books lately.

I bought the same curtains for the living room, which has also had changes that I will share next week.  Our den is carpeted, which I don't like but it does make the room more cozy and our dog loves to lay in there so it's staying.  :)

The artwork on the wall above the couch I spent an entire rainy afternoon putting together and painting with old wood planks and various shades of neutral craft paints and stains after seeing a similar version online.  It's one of those pieces of art that just makes me happy looking at it.

And that's it for the den changes.  I've come to discover that I really do prefer a neutral color palette in our home with pops of color added by using fruit or fresh flowers.  I like it simple.  Oh, we also painted the walls Simply White by Benjamin Moore.  I'd like to find a rug to go in there as well, but am not sure about a rug over carpet?  What do you think?

Enjoy your day!
Diana

Swedish apartment: black, white and texture

I spotted this beautiful apartment over on Emmas Design blog this morning. The kitchen and bedroom in particular are soooooo fab. Bistro style dining chairs are quickly becoming the dining chair of the moment and I love the contrast of the black against the otherwise white kitchen. The wood effect wall (wallpaper?) also adds warmth to the room.  Having seen the painted grey floor in the bedroom I am seriously tempted with my own bedroom! And what about how they've cut a square out of the plaster to expose the brickwork?

Stadshem

What do you think?

An important announcement - thank you so much for all your wonderful entries to win the Vitra L'oiseau from Designcollectors. The winner of the beautiful birdy is Karina from Makao Home! Congratulations! I wish you could have all won :)

Here in Sweden my family and I are heading up the coast to celebrate Valborg (Walpurgis night) with a huge bonfire and singing. Do you celebrate Walpurgis night in your country?

Ausbau apartment by Studio Oink

Hello Monday!! How are you all? I hope you had a lovely weekend. For those of you struggling with the start of the week, don't worry, I have the perfect home tour; the Ausbau apartment in Wiesbaden, Germany. The brief was to create a quiet and bright space and designers Studio Oink (love the name!) have achieved this using whites and pale wood for a calm and bright atmosphere. They have also added a touch of nature, and a mix of Scandinavian designer, mid century and vintage pieces for a relaxed vibe.

 

Studio Oink with kind permission. Via This is Paper

I spy the Vitra panton chair, the EA117 office chair (15% off with code MYSCAN). The industrial style Hay lamp in the kitchen (I've got one of these here, it's fab!), String pocket shelving , and painted dining chairs (just like mine! I picked them up for 30 quid at the local flee market - bargain!). Have I missed anything?

What do you reckon? Do like the light wood touch?

Going bananas on flowers...

Magnolias.

Just taste the word for a moment. Magnoliolioliolias.

Everywhere I look, their pink or white upside down bud skirts are filling the sky, ready to explode into full bloom any second. Alas, there are no magnolia trees in our garden...

... but when I went for a walk this morning, 

I found myself in one of those situations that could have 

ended up being rather embarrassing ...

You know the ones where you just can't stop yourself, but h-a-v-e to lean so far over a wall just to photograph a bud and nearly end up doing a nose dive straight down into someone else's garden (in this case probably risking breaking your neck too!)? All in the name of... art. Ehm.

 

Speaking of art. Well, speaking perhaps rather of someone introducing a humorous little twist to their otherwise very traditional (at least externally), beautiful old cottage. I must have walked past this house in Lacock a hundred times, but not until last weekend did I notice this gentleman (?) peering out on passers-by from a small window just below the roof.

Few things are as cheerful as little flower faces stretching their necks high up towards the sky, showing off their splendid colours and singing the tunes of summer... Flowers are good for the soul, at least for mine, and if I could, I would wear flowers in my hair every day...!

 The world is turning greener by the minute and I L-O-V-E it!

... and with this rather incoherent, or shall we say 'eclectic' post, 

I would like to wish you all a sunny weekend with flowers lining your paths!

Helena

A Finnish log cabin

Doing anything fun this weekend? I know one family in Finland who will spend the weekend in this beautiful 48 metre square cottage. I showed a few pictures of it here and today the lovely Minna from Time of The Aquarius has given me permission to show a few more. Complete with two bedrooms, tiny kitchen and a sitting room with a cosy fireplace and a sauna and guest room, the cottage has no running water. It's small for a family of five but that's the idea, they can be close and spend quality time together. Apart from the incredible decor, I think it resonates with me because I love the idea of weekends away with nothing but family and the nature for entertainment.

Time of The Aquarius

Could you spend time in a cottage without running water?

Do you remember this incredible Finnish cabin I showed a few months ago (also without running water?

If you're up for some simple but very cool DIY this weekend check out this cool project.

I love this incredible wooden box house, it's such a refreshing take on architecture and design!

I spy the very cool Vitra L'oiseau in these pictures. If you haven't entered the give-away to win one of these cooly birdies hurry! You have until Monday! :)

Before I head off, I just wanted to mention you've probably noticed my blog is going through a bit of a facelift at the moment, bear with me, the wonderful Ana from blog milk is working on it and it may look a little strange for a few days!

Have a wonderful weekend all!

The Apartment, Copenhagen

An exciting invite plopped into my mail box last week to attend a preview of the Sarah Becker exhibition at The Apartment. For those of you are unfamiliar with the concept, The Apartment was founded by Tina Seidenfaden Busck and Pernille Hornhauer and exhibits 20th century funriture, contemporary art and design in the setting of an 18th century apartment in the heart of Copenhagen. Here are some pictures of the forever changing space which is slightly more flamboyant than the usual Danish style we are used to seeing but nevertheless beautiful.

The Apartment

What do you think of the space, does it reflect your personal style?

Unfortunately I couldn't make the preview as I was rushing off to London, but the exhbition is on until May 8th for anyone who's interested.

I'm heading home today and sooooo looking forward to seeing my little family! Thank you London for a wonderful stay, you'll always be my favourite!!

PS Don't forget to enter the give-away if you haven't already!

PPS Excuse the layout changes this evening - we are just trying to figure out a slightly new and improved layout and it's a bit of a work in progress! 

Keeping it simple in white and wood

This apartment is great inspiration for someone who likes to keep it clean, or is simply a little colour shy. The white and wood theme is so relaxed and warm in this Swedish apartment for sale through Fantastic Frank.

Fantastic Frank via wonderful blog 79 ideas

I think my favourite picture is the last one thanks to the beautiful Swedish 'kakelugn' in the corner and the pretty collection of glass bottles used as candle holders on a perspex side table - clever!

What about you? Could you do white and wood?

Sorry if you had a few problems entering the give-away yesterday (there was a technical problem for a few hours and me and technical don't mix very well!). The problem is solved so if you'd like to enter to win a fab Vitra L'oiseau worth 100 euros stop by here, I'd love you to join in the fun!

I hope you have a lovely day (20 degrees and sunny here in London - now that's more like it!), let's hope I take it back with me to Sweden tomorrow.....

Fab Give-away: L'oiseau

Designcollectors, stockists of the largest Vitra range in Europe, are excited to announce that they will now also sell fab brands Artek and Thonet in the Designcollectors online shop. They have also recently launched a Designcollector's Facebook page for all the latest product info and interior inspiration - yay! we like!

To celebrate  the launch of the new brands Designcollector's and my scandinavian home have teamed up to offer you the chance to win this very cool Vitra L'oiseau worth 100 euros!

To enter all you need to do is:
- Visit Designcollectors website and check out theVitra, Artek and Thonet products
- Write a comment below stating which product you like the most and why
- Like Designcollector's Facebook page 

The competition is open to everyone and closes Monday 29th April at midnight GMT. The winner will be announced here on Tuesday 30th April.

Don't forget, if you're not the lucky winner you can always get 15% off on all products at Designcollectors with the code MYSCAN.