Warm Pools of Sunlight In a Monochrome Home

Tjena! We're going monochrome today with Alexander Parr's pad in Bielefeld, Germany. Black, white and earthy shades set the tone for a calm and contemporary apartment which is bathed in sunlight for much of the day. The items have been carefully edited and whittled down to a selection of new Nordic design and Scandinavian classics, while rugs, sheepskins. cushions and sheer linen curtains help to add warmth. Pull up a chair and enjoy the tour! 

A selection of Eames chairs have been draped in sheepskins in the dining area. In the corner a print from Paper Collective has been hung above a Grasshopper lamp. 

A drinks trolley* by Normann Copenhagen provides a practical place for vases, books and other pieces. The top print is from Normann Copenhagen (I love this one - especially when the light catches it in this way!). 

Alex sits at a 'Siege Ballon' while working. I actually once used an exercise ball to sit on when I worked in London. They're meant to be really good for your back and core strength as you're constantly moving and adjusting. Having said, it always used to roll away (although I did also suspect a couple of my colleagues played football with it from time to time!) - so I'd always be going off to retrieve it! Find out more info about this one and the health benefits here. 

While on the topic of office chairs, these days I use this one - which I love! But on a recent visit to the IKEA headquarters, I noticed that people were sitting on kinds of different seats - and one was even on a stationary bike! What do you sit on when you work / study? 

White linen is so fresh for the summer (source similar here*). I love how Alexander has paired with black lighting including a mantis wall lamp. So simple, yet so calm!

I hope this lovely monochrome pad has filled you with inspiration today! 

You can see more snapshots of Alexander's light and airy home over at @alexanderpaar. 

I can't believe it's Friday tomorrow! I'm looking forward to finishing the blog week with a beautiful 'before and after' tour. Make sure you stop by to take a peek! 

Niki

Photography: Alexander Paar

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Dreaming About This Fabulous 19th Century House in Barcelona

In my days working for a corporate giant, we always made an annual pilgrimage to a consumer electronics fair in Barcelona, Spain. As someone who's not too interested in tech (some might say a total luddite!) the highlight of my trip was to stroll through the old town and dream about what lay behind the lovely old facade. I knew the homes would be pretty, but I certainly didn't think they'd be quite as fabulous as this! Located in the heart of the city, the 19th century house belongs to interior decorator Marta Tobella - who has lovingly transformed the space into a perfect oasis. Think fresh whites combined with tactile rattan, bamboo and wood - as well as large double doors that flood the kitchen and master bedroom with a welcoming cool breeze! 

Wow!

This house has me longing to return to Barcelona (without the expo!). I love that Marta has installed a small pool to help keep cool on balmy days. Heaven! 

Could you imagine rocking about here? 

Tonight I'm doing a live session with Carl Hansen & Søn at 7pm CET. If you're around and fancy hearing about 'The Danish Concept of Hygge' and seeing my film of the incredible Danish Manor I visited last week, sign up here and join the fun (it's online, open to all and completely free). I hope you can stop by!

And tomorrow I'm heading to Copenhagen to meet with Skandinavisk (it's all go right now!). I'm slightly concerned that this means I won't get around to writing tomorrows post - if this is the case, rest assured I'll be back on Friday! 

Have a lovely evening!

Niki

Photography: Pere Peris, Styling Monica Klamburg,  Featured in El Mueble via Style Files with thanks.

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