The last couple of weeks, my regular sources of inspiration (such as magazines, blogs, etc) haven’t injected the regular dose of excitement. I think maybe I’ve had a bit more than I can chew :) Nevertheless, during the year passed I’ve decorated more than ever. Had more creative thoughts than feasible. Our home is funnier than ever! And over and over again, I find new inspiring books. This is one of them, published in 2008: New London Style by Chloe Grimshaw; photography by Ingrid Rasmussen. Just next to Undecorate in my compartment of favourites, this book features the homes of some of London’s most exciting young talents from the music, fashion, design and art scenes.

The interiors have been put under the heading “New London Style” but it’s not a showy parade of ‘taste’ nor a rulebook or instruction on pretty – it’s a book full of creativity. I adore the kitchen above, it gives me so much inspiration! I’d take it right-a-way…Many of the interiors are pretty simple, or rather effortless, relaxed. With my love for beige-ish walls, I think this scene is lovely.

Though superbly edited, it’s the charm and sensible personal choices (i.e. the photos!) that matters in this book. Style varies throughout the book, and there is no glossy quest for perfection – which makes it spellbinding to study: there’s something interesting to consider in almost every photo! Like this one, who lives in this room below?

By now, all guests should have arrived safely to Westminster Abbey. Our best wishes to the Royal couple: hurray, hurray, hurray, hurray! And of course, hope you UK citizens are having a nice time celebrating on this bank holiday. Our Swedish royal wedding, between Crown Princess Victoria and her prince Daniel, was such a joyful occasion – Stockholm streets were bubbling with love and happiness. Me & Mike had champagne when they had said their vows and when they left church we ran out in the sun to see a glimpse of the cortege. Of course we later had a fancy meal next to the TV showing the wedding dinner. Now here’s a quirky Union Jack graphic tea towel featuring William and Kate, made to commemorate this day.

And as a tiny side note – we don’t want to steal attention from today’s occasion – Trendey is actually worthy of a little hooray too: for 400 rss subscribers and 100 ‘fans’ on Facebook..!:) Cool – this makes us truly happy!  THANK YOU ALL for following us – we appreciate it dearly. And it’s always the greatest fun to hear from you other decor lovers out there. Have a nice day!

Hello from London! Now both trendey-eds are gathered and yesterday we went for some antiques shopping. Here’s a brief report from trendey’s favourite: Crystal Palace Antiques.

This South London haven has four floors of antiques for sale. Everything from Victorian and country chic to ultracool retro classics. I wanted all their original Eames chairs!! And their vintage designer lamps! And they have a mid-century room too! And lots of curiosities and trendy details such as the vintage phone, antlers, etc etc..

In all, an eclectic mix to die for. Now happy ending of 2010 to you all!

Discuss!

…not on a one-horse open sleigh but on a plane. Our Heathrow flight today was cancelled but now me, Mike and the trendey-sisters’parents have rebooked to Stanstead and will hopefully jingle all the way to London. We’re going to see Henen and her husband’s New House! Well not only see but enjoy immensely for the holidays. I’ll report from there. [I might sneak take some photos when Henen's not looking, don't tell, and you'll see :o]. And I will make sure she gets her computer in order so she can jump start blogging again in 2011. Now from us all, to you all..

- A Very Merry Christmas!

| pics via living etc |

Finally, after nearly ten years in a smallish two-bedroomed flat and one looong year of very active house-hunting in London, my husband and I have had an offer accepted on a new place, yay!! We’re so excited!! =) =) =) We’ll be getting some more space and a small garden at last!  As the deal is not 100 per cent final until the contracts are signed and the fat lady sings, I’m not sharing any pictures yet for fear of jinxing it, but in CELEBRATION please join me in drooling over three truly inspirational London homes which feature the best of London style – oodles of creativity, fearless individualism and plenty of eccentricity!

No 1: Victorian townhouse in North London (Hampstead Heath) owned by Sam Roddick – daughter of Body Shop creator Anita Roddick and owner of erotica shop brand Coco de Mer. The boldly blue living room is a very original and personalised space with family pictures, drawings, paintings and vintage furniture. Underneath a glimpse of the trendy industrial style kitchen (love those lights!) and of an inviting seating area with more well-loved vintage furniture. Striking, unique and rather cosy!

No 2: Equally original, but in a completely different way, is this quirky and colourful home of furniture designer Lisa Whatmough (of London label Squint) in Hackney, London. Here, uniform and minimalistic backgrounds allow the happy, multi-coloured granny-esque lamps and vintage-style furniture to take centre stage and really sparkle joy and friendliness. A brightly bohemian and homely fantasyland!

No 3: Third up, is this 1930s arts and crafts house in Brondesbury, London, owned by Joy and Daniel Isaacs.  While a little more “sober and grown-up” than the other two houses, this home is still full of charm and eccentric touches. I love the dark blueish grey on the walls together with the deep red accessories and the vintage stag head - which contrasts beautifully with the modern coffee table. I also really like the minimal yet full impact hallway. It’s bright, uncluttered and spacious and the zebra hide looks great in there.  All in all – a stylishly decorated home with a robust and timeless feel!

[all_images _via Marie Claire Maison and Living Etc]

For some urban cool and big city charm, a piece of London imagery could be just the ticket - especially if you’re a Londoner or an anglophile! :) The items below, with echoes of both the letters and monochrome trends, would look great in so many design schemes. I particularly like this print with the coordinates of the city of London (25 GBP) and the bus blind cushions (85 GBP) from Rockett St George. Am loving the on-trend charcoal grey+punchy yellow color combination!!

Also check out the real thing: Vintage London transport signs (starting from 189 GBP) are available from London Bus Blinds…

And isn’t this 2 metres tall wall sticker of the Big Ben rather striking? It even includes a fully functioning clock! :) Also from Rockett St George at 120 GBP.