Norway gave us Ane Brun – just listen to Du gråter så store tåra and you’ll be spellbound – and what’s more Norwegians are the masters of country style decor. And what best would be described as cozy & contemporary Scandinavian. Very trendy for spring with its pale pastels and wood.

| left pic via lev landlig #7/2011, right: trine thorsen|

I’m not sure if Norwegian decor’s va va voom factor would have happened without the artistery of Norwegian photographer Trine Thorsen (site/blog). And besides the many Norwegian blogs featuring variations of this style, the interior/lifestyle magazine Lev Landlig is undeniably one of the best in its range.

| left pic: trine thorsen, right via lev landlig #7/2011 |

Blonde wood & wool are crucial elements, and for some reason, so are plates! The colour schemes not seldom include light blues, and other inspiring details of this beautiful fjord country’s style are antlers and fishery equipment.

| left via stines blogg/vintage chic, right: trine thorsen |

 Lastly, a Norwegian bedroom nature-style.

| pic via NIB – norske interiørblogger |

Personally, I really really like the Norwegian touch, and especially the more countryish part and the nature inspired details. Many times though, the contemporary Norwegian style is set against an all-white backdrop (white walls and white-painted floors) and that’s the part I like the least. Or well, i can definitely be beautiful to look at, but my feeling is I wouldn’t stand such white interiors in my everyday life – just like I wouldn’t everyday (or anyday!) wear a white suit and white shoes, even if the accessories were cozy :p This pic is an extremely nice example though! Love how the elements are put together. More inspiration on this style can be found at Draumesidene, a blog by the bedroom owner.

Now that’s me. How about you – does Norway inspire you too?

By Trendey-favourite, master of dark interiors Abigail Ahern, via The Selby.

Such an easy way to add interest to a kitchen: a dark painted wall, a painting and a distressed chair.

Blonde wood goes so well with blues.

last 2 pics via living etc magazine, latest issue

My mind decorates a dream summer house. I keep coming back to it, and it’s like I find scenes I don’t necessarily want in my regular home, but it fulfills the idea of my summer escape – my resort in the forest by the sea. These are pieces of my cottage, please step inside.

This is where I sit and have a glass of fine old port to my bookreadings [via Inredningsbloggen], the bathroom atmosphere [via gingerella], a lovely lovely curtain [via dottieangel ] and the charmig ‘wedding sign’ by OldNewAgain [for all other pics in this post: click to source ]

Let’s have a great summer now! See you when I see you.

In the meantime, while Trendey sisters focus on their regular careers & professions, we have the greatest blog tips for you: Dos family. As always, you might already know all about it, but if not: this is a blog by decorator (slash designer, columnist, TV-presenter, etc)  Isabelle Halling McAllister and photographer Jenny Brandt (who also has the sammy rose blog + shop) The lovely pics above are shot by Jenny at Isabelle’s. I think the black wall display is fabulous! And there’s loads of more inspiration on playful and charming kids’ rooms (like the one right) on their site. It’s undoable (and unnecessary) to define their interior style tastes, but I’d summarize it Happy Scandinavian :) Clearly creative, retro, personal, arty, homey, free-spirited and fun. Below is a really nice example of a ‘Dos Visit’, photographer Jenny Brandt visits Lisa Grue’s home. More of this lovely retro charm can be found here.

I think these two rooms below are very interesting! The decor is simple, yet the Josef Frank wallpaper looks nicer than ever together with the retro/vintage caramel sofa. The bathroom could have been downright boring but the pink pastel door (and a photo display or something hidden behind it) and the orange rug on the grey patterned floor is ‘all it takes’ to give the place some interesting character.

| all photos: Jenny Brandt @ DosFamily |

Now, lastly, I will join DosFamily’s upcoming blog battle – no idea what it will be about, but I will take the challenge :)

My favourite image in the march/april issue of lonny.

Although I am a crusader for a homey style with lots of charm and knicknacks of personal choice, I’m inspired by this artful crispy white paper plus bright blue kitchen/dining decor scheme. It’s a cloudy soft movement in it.

| pics via marie claire maison |