Somewhere, in a Faraway Life...

It's said that creative souls need change to find new inspiration and stimulate the senses. Travel is one way, but for some, the ultimate is to divide their time between two homes. Detective novel writer Annika Von Holdt is one of them (enviably dividing her time between her apartment in Copenhagen and the Bahamas (Guh!). And jewellery maker Malia Grace Mau and film maker beau Jess Bianchi are another truly inspiring example. Malia, Jess their newborn son and furry friends spend part of the year in the laid-back vibe and lush landscapes of Topanga Canyon, California and the other in Kauai, an island in the Central pacific, part of the Hawaiian archipelago. By my reckoning that's two incredible locations. Here's a glimpse inside the dreamy, bohemian lives of the Bianchi-Maui family. 

The pair's Topanga home is simply decorated in a neutral palette made up of warm brown, beige and off white. Natural textures, fluffy rugs, plants and wall hangings also help to add warmth. 

Wall hanging by Native line, Dreamer couch by Pop & Scott.

"One of my favorite things about this house is the old floors," Malia.

Baskets, sculptural wooden tables, drums and personal items are placed around the fairly sparse room attributing to the home's soul.

A magnificent mid-century teak credenza (source a similar one here) and Beni Ourain rug.

"I almost can't even explain it but I do know that I feel in harmony and balance when I am here up on this mountain." Malia

Malia's jewellery line 'M Grace' is made from locally sourced, recycled material and draws from images and symbols found in ancient civilizations and nature, combined with a modern rustic aesthetic. Malia believes jewellery transcends aesthetics and serves as power pieces to invoke the wearers intentions.  She also makes other items such as the beautiful Reda hook and incense holder. The shop is currently closed for maternity leave. I can't wait for it to re-open, how about you?!

Kauai Surf Shack

The pair also spend part of their year in Kaui, an island in Hawaii where Malia and Jess grew up. The idyllic cabin was featured on the cover of Surf Shacks, and although small and basic it has everything they need to enjoy the lush surroundings of 'The Garden Island'.

Is it OK to to feel a little envious of Robyn the cat, right now?!

All photography  © Malia Grace Mau / Jess Bianchi

Jess Bianchi's 2016 film 'Given' is the story of a legacy that takes one unique family (legendary surfers Daize and Aamion Goodwin) on an adventure from their home in Kauai around the world through 15 countries, a life depicted through the eyes of a child (named Given). The film is not designed to dictate a right or wrong way of living, but more inspire the idea that it's possible to live differently.

What a great thought to take with us into the start of the working week?! Kauai anyone?

You can see more of Malia's beautiful, creative life and their travels on her instagram feed and keep an eye out for the re-opening of her webshop here (*watches like a hawk*).

Other inspiring rural retreats include a relaxed artist's cabin by the sea (with one of my all time favourite 'get the looks'!) and an idyllic Scandinavian inspired cottage. 

Have a dreamy start to the week all! 

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Suvi's Beautiful Modern Home on Finland's West Coast

Hei, Kuinta voit? ('hi, how are you' in Finnish I hope!). It's Friiiiday - woohooooo! I always find it so hard to concentrate at the end of the week, don't you? (it could be the thought of a G+T on ice just around the corner!). Tomorrow we're heading to the family cottage a little further up the coast where I'm hoping to take some long walks (the nature is beautiful up there). A girl after my own heart on the nature front is Suvi Melender-Lågland who lives on the beautiful West coast of Finland with her husband, children, Daniel and Fiona and two cats. Suvi's inspiring blog Valkoinen Harmaja and instagram feed features snapshots from her modern Scandinavian home peppered with intermittent pictures of the incredible nature that surrounds it. Let's take a peek inside Suvi's world!

Rocking chair, Round mirror: Save / splurge, Kähler Omaggio vase.

How would you describe your style? 
Modern scandinavian with a cosy twist.

What's your goal when it comes to decorating?
I want to create a timeless interior, which I spice up with small trendy items. Interior trends can be seen in textiles and smaller accessories.

Flos 2097 Pendant, Artek stool by Alvar Aalto, Bertoia chair, Series 7 chair

Would you say your home is fairly minimalist?

I am not a minimalist in the strict sense. It is important to me that home feels cosy and inviting - not too styled.

Can you spot the TV?! Maybe my greenhouse make-over last summer might give you a clue?! It's the Samsung The Frame disguised as art!

If you had to pick one Finnish designer who would it be?

My all time favourite Finnish designer is Alvar Aalto.

I love Suvi's bedroom, it's so pretty! There's something about the combination of dusty pink bedding (this one is similar) against the St Paul's Blue by Jotun Lady wall colour. It also helps that one of my favourite lights (the Formakami by &Tradition) has also been thrown into the mix (remember it from this home?). 

The bespoke headboard has been painted in the same St.Paul's blue as the wall and doubles up as a shelf - such a clever idea when space is of a premium. I think I prefer this to the wall mounted shelf, there's something cosier about it, what do you think? Suvi has shared the DIY instructions here (in Finnish but the pictures are helpful!).

Do you have any tips for anyone looking to bring Finnish style into their home?
Use (Finnish designers) Aalto furniture and Iittala and Marimekko. Keep everything simple and minimalistic.

And finally, where would you recommend people to visit in Finland?
I would recommend spending time in nature - it is very inspiring! Beautiful areas in Finland can be found around the coast (we are just starting to build our summer house by the sea and the nature is so beautiful there!) as well as the East side where there are thousands of lakes. Lapland is a great place to visit in the winter. Visit Finland shares some great tips!

Thank you so much for inviting us into your world Suvi!

You can see more of Suvi's home over on her blog and instagram feed. I also featured her sitting room back in 2014 (it's gone through quite a big transformation since then!).  

In case you missed it, I shared another Finnish home earlier on in the week here - both homes have opted for blue in the bedroom but the one from earlier in the week has a surprising twist!

And finally, if you're looking for a simple way to incorporate Finnish style into your home, Suvi suggests adding a Finnish design piece, and one of these beauties are a great place to start:

5 Finnish Design Classics That look Great in Any Home

1. Artek A331 Beehive 2. Oiva teapot by Marimekko 3. Aalto Stool in Birch 4. Aalto vase 5. Block light

If you're into bold and bright patterns - Marimekko sells some really funky fabrics both for the home (check out this bedding!) and to wear (this skirt is pretty!). And of course, no mention of Finnish design would be complete without the Moomins! Who doesn't love the Moomins?!

Right. I think that's it from me for the week! I hope you have some great plans for the weekend! See you Monday campers!

Niki

All photography © Suvi Melender-Lågland
My Scandinavian Home posts include affiliate links. 

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