trendey

…excitement! I usually do not read Russian interior magazines, but as I was playing with my fiance’s iPad I stumbled across a wide assortment of digital interior magazines in the Zinio app. I read a Taiwanese mag, one from Belgium and another one from Mexico. That is, in all sorts of languages I do not understand. Most fruitful, yet very arcane, were the magazines from Russia.

In order to give you some inspiration from a slightly different angle, from an infrequent cardinal direction, I brought some pictures. Let’s have a sneek into the latest (available) issue of Russian magazine Seasons, #66 – 2010.

When I saw these pics I was flabbergasted..! Amazed to find this cool eclectic content. But well, what was I expecting? I know people don’t all live in those richly decorated palaces of the Tsar era, neither in homes filled to the brim with babushka dolls. And there is not nouveau riche all over. It’s trendey!

Upon reflection, it was not too long ago that Russian winds breezed in over the interior design world. Russian folk style and The Mystique of the East are themes that every now and then pop up as interior decor trends. All in all, that’s enriching and inspiring I think: it is slightly different vibe. Now the conclusion from the Russian mag study is: If you wish to have a look at contemporary decor trends from a Russian perspective, Seasons is a good choice.

Some slightly more odd parts from the Russian scene can be found if you (more…)

I love the red chinese cabinet to the right (from John Lewis, 299 GBP). It would be so great in a black and white kitchen or dining room to add a global eclectic touch and a splash of vibrant colour!

[right: morton holtum, left: John Lewis]

Above are details from some lovely rooms featured in Danish magazine RUM June 2010 issue. To the left, pillows made out of ponchos from Peru and rugs from Iran and Yemen create an inviting and homely ethnic/folk traditional look. To the right, a startlingly interesting space (a circus wagon in fact) is made even more interesting by the pretty and colourful folk art textiles. I’m warming up to this style, which is all about handcrafted textiles and furniture, patterns and multi- colours.

Some shopping inspiration below:

[Top left: Suzani bedspread from Yurdan, approx. 200-700 USD; Top right: Chair from Niki Jones 250 GBP; Bottom left: Plant pots from Graham & Green 39.50 GBP; Bottom right: Cushions from Niki Jones 38-60 GBP]

Brown is such a used and useful colour – countless images would be needed to represent all the styles and atmospheres that is dealing with brown! Whether brown is used in a nature style, ethnical, traditional or any other style, it’s a multi-functional colour. Just think of all wood and leather, which is largely involved in the brown range. Brown can for sure be a stabilizing colour. It’s a natural and neutral, wholesome and earthy colour. Brown can provide a snug, homey and secure feel in a room. Now here’s some inspiration on brown.

| mouse over pics to view sources |

A porch in Bali with gentle hues and armchairs in all different colours, in a pic from Mixr...Very soft and snug!

And below, soft lilac with bird cage and ball fringe as perfect accessories in a photo by Irina Graewe:

...and another ethnic vibe in a light eclectic mix with pastels, flowers and lots of details in soft summery harmony.

| this pic also from Mixr |

I must draw attention to yet another wonderful home featured at The Selby. It’s carpet designer Malene Barnett’s home in Brooklyn.

Just look at these incredibly gorgeous colours! A strong turquoise, a warm sun-burnt yellow, a cool lavender; all sleek and clean with ethnic and personal details.

It’s so many different feels out of these colours you can choose rooms to suit your mood! The happy warm yellow towards a lighter yellow, the clean light turquiose in the kitchen … the lavender, oh the lavender bedroom is my favourite.