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!

I say Yes please to this bathroom. Extraordinary cozy & trendey. Wow for decorated bathrooms.

| Castello di Vicarello via From The Right Bank |

Oranges and reds! Together with gold, copper, brass and 70s yellows… (and charcoal and clay). And may I add to this pic, the trendiest style. Hodgy podgy and homemade. Sightly odd but lovely. Pic via Plaza Interiör. This kitchen below, in a Spanish farmhouse, really took my trend breath away….Full marks! Orange is a suberb accent colour, in particular when paired with copper & gold. Pic via the style files.

Now if you don’t believe me, ask Gwyneth. What makes her happy this season is orange, perfectly combined with smoking red shoes.

The Stockholm Formex Fair is the largest trade fair for Nordic interior design, and we have a tradition of tracking their statements on future home decor trends. Before each season’s fair, Formex pronounce their trend predictions, and the current season (SS2011) was given the trend theme Glorious Mix. This season was the first I didn’t get at all what they were talking about. Or well, it was the new surge for gleaming shiny surfaces, the psychedelic patterns and the modern jet-set feel I couldn’t see coming. Maybe it’s here now, at its peak, in the middle of the season – it has nevertheless escaped my eyes. And most definitely escaped my home :p

For autumn/winter 2011 the prediction says: Cosy Minimalism. With influences from the simple and natural elements of both Nordic and Japanese design and architecture. The focus is on a warm and comfy atmosphere.

With disasters and conflicts increasing around the world we seek security in a cozy home environment that exudes warmth, companionship and care. We gather around a crackling fire and enjoy surrounding ourselves with timeless materials such as rough wood surfaces, leather, suede, wool and terracotta – robust natural materials that will stand the test of time and simply become more beautiful as the years pass. The design expression is elegant, austere and sculptural, with a masculine feel. This is softened and given a warm, cozy feel with the aid of attractive, tactile materials such as knitted and soft structured textiles in patchwork and layered designs. Classic masculine check patterns are combined with graphic stripes and geometric, ethnic motifs. You will find updated versions of tweed, glen check and tartan. The color scheme focuses on a warm and sophisticated palette. The base consists of saturated earth tones and beige tones inspired by wood and leather, complemented by wonderful warm red shades and a selection of brighter colors inspired by the vegetable plot. The metallic shimmer of copper in a variety of forms is the most interesting accent for the season. The interior design feel is modern retro, but with a new aesthetic mix that radiates a timeless and relaxed elegance. Warmth, harmony and balance are the catchwords for the season.

Allright, I can believe in this! Makes sense. Did my own little inspiration board below.

Formex pic plus wood lamp by Muuto, a vintage Eames DSW from Firefly House, London and a beautiful patchwork kelim auctioned at Lauritz.

We’ve seen hints of copper this season, but it isn’t until now the trend is in full bloom. Brass has joined in and the golden gold holds its position well.

| images via living etc nov 2010 issue, RUM & elle decor |

August 25th, a really cool auction is opening its display at Swedish auction house Bukowskis. It’s called Eclectic and presents a wide range of objects inspired by the decades around 1900, the golden era of great adventure and when the old world transformed into the new industrialism.

As my sample below shows, this auction contains a daring mix of old and new, mahogany and steel, handicrafts and industry. The border between the centuries is blurred and the line between what is considered beautiful and ugly is questioned. Because, this auction wants to inspire cross-border decor or might I say, out-of-the-box decor. Through the themes conservatory, industrial and adventure Bukowskis aims to capture the contemporary dualism and ruined romanticism as well as industrial exploration and progress.

Browse the full auction here. If you happened to fall in love with any of the pieces featured above and want to know how the estimation on how big the hole in your wallet will be, a link list of featured items can be found if you