| by stylist marcus hay |

Hello! Here’s some happy hues for you.

| from residence magazine # 11 – 2011 |

I find all of these schemes & styles very appealing and nice, especielly on a November day…

| from vårt nya hem 11-2011 |

Gorgeous colour combos. The wall colour (above ) is F&B:s Calamine.

| via residence magazine |

That’s what I love. I didn’t know about photographer Ashley Campbell, until I stumbled upon a reference to her blog Under the Sycamore in French Côté Maison. I also learned she sometimes writes about DIY on Design*Sponge. Anyways, the bohemian spirit in these pics makes me so happy…

An absolutely amazing kitchen wall – gorgeous mix.

| Sources: #2 via Cote Maison and #1&3 via Under the Sycamore |

…the mighty jungle. This style – via Casaviva India – appeals to me. I wouldn’t copycat it, no, but the happy yellow walls and the jungly vibe from plants and animal patterns is so fresh, eclectic and absolutely lovely.

Here’s two loungey living areas I really appreciate. First one, for its composition of textiles, the petit and retro tables, and especially for the double/overlapping rugs. I find the last-mentioned feature very trendey-ish and inspiring.

This next one suffers from the lack of quirkiness, but the combination of seating furniture is splendid in my view. I also like the slightly beige/powdry walls – they make the whole room much more beautiful and nice than white walls would have done. The same but differently coloured lamps are also a great feature, they bind the two parts of the room together in a nice way. Shame they don’t have more books in the shelves, i would love them to be packed like a library and maybe some nice art, mirrors etc sporadicly hung over it. Oh and the curtains are not there yet.

And hey, imagine that black lamp was a huge, over-sized, Jeeves & Woostery hat lamp, hung lower…With heavy curtains – maybe red or dark green velvet ones – flowing from the left and a library to the right. Then I would only miss the drinks trolley.

| pics via because i’m addicted |

As you might have noticed, I have a sort of intermittent blogging behaviour. Periods of silence goes into sudden bursts of inspiration, and back to silence. Last weekend was spent in the northern parts of the country, together with my dear sister. We browsed through loads of fresh interior design magazines, discussing back and forth. So much fun! One thing that got stuck on my mind from this activity was one designer’s (can’t remember who’s) advise to always add something orange or red if nothing else works. The room will be as fresh as the taste of an orange. I totally agree. And like nothing else, the best and ever-so-trendy time for reds & oranges is now.

This picture is from the cover of Homes & Gardens November 2011 issue. What a spark! The colour scheme is so attractive. And I suspect the botanical prints will survive (and develop) a few more seasons to come – not least because they are part of the trendification of the countryside and the popular urban farming-thinking. The only thing I immediately would like to change in this room are the matchy-matchy lamps (and the cushion arrangement – it screams precision and control). Gorgeous sofa spotted. Now, at this time a year, one only needs to look out of the window to get inspired. Nature’s wonderful display of colours surpasses every other source of inspiration.

Although it’s not this red in Stockholm city today, the inspirational beautifulness is significant. Moving along to the November issue of Living Etc, I think the use of red in this blue paradise is as excellent as can be…

And the copper, dear copper, is a crucial element. Now who’s not thrilled by a tango? Its dramatic energy, sensuality and power totally symbolizes red. (Comes to mind I actually went to Argentine tango classes some 10 years ago, believe it or not!).

Lastly, one more red masterstroke to look at. These lipstick red panton chairs (pic found via A Beautiful Living) are in my opinion what makes this kitchen wow instead of ok, nice. My future house will no doubt contain a pair, maybe not as mysteriously placed as these (guess it’s simply for relaxing while food is cooking), but I do like the unconventional vibe it entails.

Happy Autumn days!

Today, the winner of the contest “Sweden’s Most Charming Home” (held by real estate agent Fastighetsbyrån) was presented. The most charming home in this country is inhabited by Pia Qvist, who describes it as “Charming and personal, with a consistent style. A home filled with personal things, full of history”.

A lovely, Swedish, country style. Above is my favourite pic. Can’t recall I’ve ever seen a sweeter fire place / wood stove area! The very definition of charming and very well in the spirit of decor guru Pippi Longstocking. Of course it’s too much white for my (and I guess, also Pippi’s) tastes, but a bucket of paint for the dining set and I’ll move in, oh and one for the walls too; it’s indeed very homespun and nice. I like the pic below also, especially the rug and the adorable blue mirror display. The fact that the vintage door and the candlestick seem rather haphazardly thrown in – although they perfectly match the beautiful chandelier – makes it all more interesting. Or maybe it’s the parallel story going on with the cupboard (almost a Christmassy vibe there) that makes it intriguing. Either way, I like it!

More pics, and the other finalists, here.