Studio Oink for BastisRIKE

As you well know, I particularly appreciate the work of German Studio Oink ( see previous post here) and this time I like it even more. Their latest work is the styling for a new series of products designed by Henrike Schoen of BastisRIKE among which the beautiful black and white graphic blanket stands out amazingly.

BastisRIKE is a Siegburg-based studio dedicated to the creation of stamps, paper products, textiles and other interior products. Handmade philosophy and sustainability is the core of its designs as mirrored in the attention to details and the choice of environmental friendly materials.

To me, the blanket is outstanding. The pattern derives from a postcard Henrike Schoen designed earlier that is called NETZ, meaning network in German. I believe the pattern works even better in such a scale, reminding me of some modern, quirk transposition of the Beni Ourain rugs we see so much lately.

 

I cannot but agree with Wendy of Beeldsteil - where I spotted the blanket yesterday - and say this has definitely entered my winter wishlist.

All images via Studio Oink, with thanks.

KOKO KLIM, a refined organic collection for home

The Barcelona-based brand Koko Klim has just renewed its image thanks to the collaboration with Int-sight. 

Respect for nature and well being are at the core of Koko Klim's philosophy - as shown by the care in the selection of their natural materials, always 100% ecologically certified. The textiles are then transformed into an elegant and very curated collection of products for your home: some of the products are entirely handmade according with ancient techniques that give the object a unique value.

I particularly enjoy the new image of the brand: I feel they managed to make visible Koko Klim's special bond with nature and simple living.

following ancient textile traditions, giving the product a unique beauty and value. - See more at: http://www.kokoklim.com/en/about-us#sthash.4oDL9HTL.dpuf

following ancient textile traditions, giving the product a unique beauty and value. - See more at: http://www.kokoklim.com/en/about-us#sthash.4oDL9HTL.dpuf

Photography | Noemi DLP Fotografa
 Via  Int-sight

Design Bloggers at Bemz

When Leslie Pennington moved to Stockholm, she was immediately caught by the Scandinavian lifestyle and, like many of us, by the IKEA possibilities. But she would have never thought that IKEA would have been the starting point for her successful company. 

Bemz is an acronym of her four children's names because it was during her maternity leave she came up with the simple yet intelligent concept. Everybody - willing or not - shops at Ikea for its very affordable yet stylish products. Also, none of us like the "serial effect" we can come up with: homes from opposite corners of the world can look too much alike, making personalization very difficult. 

Bemz is the solution to this globalization effect. With 180 different fabric designs, that include classic and contemporary patterns, we can make over our IKEA sofa, armchair or cushion and create a home that is a perfect reflection of ourselves. 

During our staying in Stockholm for the Design Bloggers Tour, we spent some lovely hours at the Bemz store, surrounded by beautiful fabrics and inspirations. My favourite corner was the sample desk where you could pick your favourite fabrics and see how they combine together.  I really enjoyed mixing all the black and white samples, especially the Marimekko ones! The sample area was also where we drew the inspiration for the Cushion Competition we had at Bemz (see picture 5-8 above and here) where we were so lucky to meet Leslie herself and also the lovely girls that work at Bemz.

We really need to change our sofa and I feel so inspired now (aren't the all white pictures beautiful?). Is there anything you would like to give a new life yourself?

Images 1-4 courtesy of Bemz
Images 5-8 courtesy of Riika Kantinkoski / Weekday Carnival

For more insights from our Stockholm Bloggers Tour, please check here.

PLACES | Asplund selection

I'm back from Stockholm and have now some time to share with you part of the beautiful things we saw during our Design Bloggers Tour. It was an amazing experience in toto: the Swedish capital is so vibrant and, surely, we had the chance of visiting during one of the best moments because of the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair and the Design Week.

One of the things I loved most was we could actually meet the "minds" behind some of the companies I heart and, luckily, the designers behind some of my favourite objects. This was the case during our visit at Asplund, one of the most fascinating interior stores in town. Here, before relaxing with a delicious Turkish dinner, we were given a tour by two of the studios that collaborate with them.

Having a piece explained by the very voice of its creator is something extremely interesting for many reasons: the designer guides you through his/her intellectual journey; explains how the primeval idea interacts with the production of the object and how this can sometime change the final output. Also, we could understand why that specific combination of materials was chosen and, something "outsiders" always forget, the fundamental exchange and interaction with the commissioner.

Johan Ridderstråle of the award-winning studio Broberg&Ridderstråle talked to us about the products they developed with Asplund, such as the Luc storage system and their rugs for the Capture by Nature collection, as well as about the Tati series. One of my favourites, Tati combines the elegant simplicity - in the core of Asplund selection - with the possibility of personalizing the object in many ways through the different materials and frame finishings. Infact, the frames are made of lacquered metal and the tabletops are available in wood, leather, metal, Carrara marble or slate. This series consists of a nest of tables — coffee table, side table and vanity table — all of which slide together beautifully. There is also a clothes hanger - perfect as a display in a store or for the intimate selection of our favourite items at home. A big table has been added recently and new products could be added in the next future. Broberg&Ridderstråle's work is very recognizable for the rational approach and the witty twist they always give to their designs (Leaf Lamp for Muuto is an example of this). Nevertheless, their production is characterized by great elegance and a particular emotional patina.

It was a beautiful experience to be surrounded by a quintessence of Scandinavian beauty and a striking selection of international pieces, like Issei Miyake Mendori lamp for Artemide, Martin Margiela's objects, Pallucco Mini in white, just to name some. Asplund is surely a must-visit for anyone planning to visit Stockholm.

For more insights from our Stockholm Bloggers Tour, please check here. All pictures by Riikka Kantinkoski / Weekday Carnival

MONDAY CRUSH | Knit throws

As Autumn is slowly but steadily arriving even here in Barcelona, I find myself craving for some warm things to cuddle me during winter time and these chunky knit throws in dark grey would be absolutely perfect.

Clockwise from left top | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Grey shades from Barcelona

Barcelona textile company Mik Max has finally launched their web shop and the selection is just amazing. Here it is some of my favourite item in grey: aren't they gorgeous? First row, Calella duvet set, Bobo plaid; second row: Bobo cushions and Basic cotton pillows.

Styling: Int-sight

Photographer: Mireia Rodriguez

Via mikmax

Mik Max, Barcelona

Mik Max, the Spanish textile company for interiors founded by Cristina Montaña, has just launched their new website and I had to share with you their new pictures. The visual identity has been transformed greatly and I love the new look and selection of products: I cannot wait for the webshop to be active. The whole project was developed together with Intsight, whose styling is nothing less than superb: the combination of grey hues, wood elements and coral hints is beautifully balanced. And I love the industrial look given by the concrete floor and the metal railings. Talented photographer Mireia Rodriguez managed to capture the very essence of the concept behind the label: a subtle, timeless collection for interiors across the world.

Lisa Pappelina and me

It took me much more time than I expected but finally I managed to write this post that is very special to me for many reasons. First of all, I want to thank Niki of My Scandinavian Home and Robin from the Scandinavian Design Center  for choosing me for the competition they run on Niki's blog last October: they were so kind to still be willing to give me the prize after so many months... Lot of things happened back then, most of which were very sad for my family and me. But Niki was very sweet and caring when I explained her the reasons why I was so late and I feel it is important to recognize it. Then, the prize managed to bring a bit of light and warmth to a moment that was quite dark. So, thanks Niki! : )

The competition prize was this beautiful Lisa rug from Swedish brand Pappelina: a piece that has been in my wish list for so long I cannot even remember. It took quite a long time to be eventually together, Lisa and me, but thanks to a bit of patience and a lot of help from Robin and the Scandinavian Design Center, we managed! 

I'm so happy!

Lisa has been moving a lot around the house and D. and I tried to find the best spot. I think we got it right at the end. What do you think: does it suit our bedroom style?

With many thanks to My Scandinavian Home and Scandinavian Design Center.

SELECTED | Ferm Living

Spring is about to arrive officially though buds have started to come out already here in Barcelona. Air is fresh and frizzy, days are longer and I'm enjoying some reading out. I really enjoyed the Ferm Living Spring 2013 catalogue: it's an explosion of pastel graphisms and geometries. Very enjoyable.

 

SELECTED | Gandia Blasco Rugs

I spotted these rugs on a picture taken by Annalena Leino at Lotta Agaton's shop in Stockholm. They are a project of Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola for Gandia Blasco.

The collection is called MANGAS - that means sleeve in English - and it is based on a patchwork of different wool knits, to create a collection of various typologies with different shapes, going from Manga farol (bellowed sleeve) to Manga de campana (bell-shaped sleeve). I find the collection playful and extremely orginal with a great colour scheme. What do you think? 

Gandia Blasco

Spring/Summer 2013: Normann Copenhagen new collection

 

Danish design label Normann Copenhagen presented all their new products at the last edition of Maison&Objet 2013, in Paris. Here it is a selection of my favourite ones. I've fallen in love with the Agnes Vases (above) by Agnes Fries. Initially a part of the Danish Crafts Collection in 2012, the vases are white with black graphic hand painted strokes applied to the top of the vase. This means all the vases are sightly different. Agnes explains, ”The brush strokes on the first versions of the vase were painted on the bottom, until one day when I turned one of the vases around by coincidence. And all at once it became obvious that this was just what was needed.”

Other products are Dropit hooks Nature, Fold Mirror by Javier Moreno,  Tablo Table, Ready Hooks by Kirsty Whyte and Cube Bedlinen.

  

 

 

 

Pictures | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |