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

I have one more post on my mind in this colour spree. And this one will lead us back to some serious trend talk. Have you noticed the emerge of black furniture recently? These are lovely news from IKEA and Graham & Green.

Black conveys elegance and sophistication. It denotes strength and authority and it’s also a colour associated with death and mystery… Black gives the feeling of perspective and depth, and contrasts very well with bright colours. As a background it gives a sharpness and clarity that is hard to beat. As a wall paint though, it is seldom used at home. Or hasn’t been yet really – just wait to see what this autumn has to say about it. There are numerous shades of black, whereof the softer toned ones, like dark charcoal grey, and black velvet and suede are particularily interesting.

What colours suit black? I guess there are as many opinions on that matter as there are personal styles. No rules. Personally I am very fond of the combination soft black-grey, powder-rose and crystal/glass. And a touch of gold or copper. I’d put some sharpening black items, like the sofa above, into this scheme to enhance the soft luxurios athmosphere.

Just three picks of interesting lighting going on right now. Since time immemorial, I do believe, people have appreciated the splendor and grace of crystal chandeliers. This one, from the portfolio of stylist Lili Diallo, has the very interesting shape of an old ship.

In the Department of Chandeliers, colourful, pearl-based and not least the gypsy-style versions have become increasingly popular. This turquiose empire chandelier below was featured in House Beautiful.

Another recent boom is copper. This over-sized copper bowl of a lamp was featured in Italian Marie Claire.

I like them all. How about you?

At my latitude one may have to wait looong, almost until summer, to put out beautiful flowers on the balcony. But there is an amazing plant – the pansy – that despite its splendor actually can stand some splashes of April snow and occasional sub-zero temperatures. I house my brave beauties in flea market bargains: e.g an copper bowl that in the old days used to carry coal, and a worn and torn old chocolate box.

There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance; pray,
love, remember: and there is pansies. that’s for thoughts.

OPHELIA said.