A magnificent chalet in the Austrian Alps

A few weeks ago I was invited to visit the Bernd Gruber studio and workshop in Kitzbühel, in the Tyrol region of The Alps, Austria (imagine the little dance I did when it dropped into my mail box). Bernd Gruber is a carpentry and interior design business working with clients all over the world to create bespoke homes. Not only are the team passionate about incredible craftsmanship, honest materials and attention to detail (the fittings and furniture are created in their workshop in the quiet countryside of the Stuhlfelden region), the occupants are central to everything they do. 'The things we surround ourselves with know far more about us than we think: we are not the same person in each room. This knowledge allows us to create rooms that suit the character of their inhabitants – by telling a story about that character, ' says Bernd Gruber, who took over the business from his Father in 1992. Located a few kilometres from Kitzbühel, Chalet Jochberg was completed in 2015 and is a fine example of their work. The interior is both modern and timeless in equal measure and beautifully crafted down to every last detail. I could just imagine returning here every afternoon after a day in the mountains, how about you?!

All photography by Alexander van Berge.

What an incredible space?! The natural materials, the warmth of the wood, the incredible finish - and of course that view! I can just see myself sitting amongst those cushions with a good book and a glass of Gluehwein, how about you?

Is there anything that catches your eye?

Thank you Bernd Gruber for a fabulous weekend in Kitzbühel. I hope one day you're able to design my mountain chalet (I just need to to acquire one first......eh hem......anyone want to go in with me?!).

It's been a while since I've been in The Alps and there's no way I could leave without hitting the slopes! I had such a magical day skiing, taking in the scenery, snapping inspiring log cabins, enjoying the fresh air and of course, picking myself up from the odd wipe-out!  Have you ever been skiing in Austria? If not, I can highly recommend it!

Have a wonderful weekend!

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A dreamy holiday home in a former miner's cottage

Tell me Aussie friends - what is it about Daylesford, Victoria with it's beautiful array of houses?  The latest property to catch my eye is Vintage House Daylesford, captured by Sharyn Cairns.  Set in an acre of land with views over Wombat State Forest and Doctors Gully, the 1860's miner's cottage has been beautifully restored to it's former glory by owner, interior designer Kali Cavanagh.  Available for rent for 6 to 8 people the main house and garden room have been decorated in shades of white, black and everything in between and furnished with a blend of antique, vintage and industrial pieces. Personally, I'm longing for a soak in one of those salvaged lion claw bathtubs! How would you wile away your day?

Credits: photography Sharyn Cairns interior design / styling Kali Cavanagh (shared with kind permission). Vintage House Daylesford is available as luxury accommodation and photo shoots. 

How heavenly?!

I'm feeling particularly inspired by the garden room - this is just what we need at my man's family Swedish summer cottage.  Must pin immediately!

It's also taken me way longer than usual to write this post because I keep day dreaming about how to re-arrange my bedroom to create space for a bath tub! I've worked out the only way I could do it would be to do away with my home office! Hmmmm. Seems a bit radical....but then again....?!

Is there anything that's got you day dreaming?! 

Get the look from Vintage House Daylesford: white and grey stonewashed linen bedding, buy beautiful made to measure linen curtains here, source vintage industrial pendant lamps here. Try Ebay for a salvaged claw foot bathtub.

I've just noticed there are now over 60 spaces to drool over in my 'holiday home' archive - how will I get anything done today at all (mind you, with no home office.....that would be OK, right)?!

Have a *dreamy* day!

PS I got a note from the post office this morning - I think it could be my mobile - yay!

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A soothing Swedish space in shades of grey

It's so grey here in Southern Sweden today. A 'lights-on-all-day' kind of grey. So I'm doing my best to get that hygge vibe going. The candles are lit, the coffee's brewing and later I'm heading over to a friends house for 'fika' - just what the doctor ordered on a day like today, wouldn't you say? There's no point in hiding, so let's just embrace it? And actually when I see spaces like this Swedish home it's even possible to see the beauty in it too - in a calm, soothing sort of way. Other than the soft hues, there other factors at play in this apartment - like the use of space (the tiny bespoke work corner proves there's always room for a desk!) and I love, love, love the various forms of lighting and that Ghost sofa in grey. Let's take a tour....

Credits:  photography - Anders Bergstedt / styling: Nouvel Interior - for Entrance Mäkleri.

.......just add candles! 

A little guide: Flos multi light pendant, Ant chairs, the clothes rail is by Anna Leena. The walls have been painted in 'fjäder' by Jotun. To achieve a similar floor colour I can recommend Strong White by Farrow & Ball (I've used it in my bedroom and absolutely love it).

Does anyone know who designed the three legged stool and lamps in the bedroom and kitchen? It would be wonderful to know a little more about these, don't you think?

And before I shoot off for that all important fika, here's a little mid week link love I thought you might like..

Many people shy away from visiting Scandinavia in the winter - one look at @joonaslinkola (awe-inspiring!) and the @visitsweden instagram feeds though and you might well change your mind!

A lovely plant arrangement for the home. 

Healthy lunch, not so healthy supper. It's all about balance right?! 

Thrilled to be included in Domino Magazine's 'best Scandinavian feeds to follow on Pinterest - I do love a little pinning now and again I have to admit! Loving the other tips too - you can never follow to many Scandinavian pinners right?

Have a lovely *calm* day!

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A wonderful home from home on Ibiza

Have you ever been to Ibiza? I've never been. I think it's because my sister lives in Mallorca - so it's our go to place in the Balearic Islands. But I'd absolutely love to visit someday. And now that the beautiful design hotel La Granja Ibiza has come on the scene a trip might just be imminent! Set on a farm, La Granja Ibiza has nine guest rooms and a freestanding guesthouse marked by 'classical Iberian architecture and traces of  Moorish influences', not to mention cool dark walls and simple, rustic touches.  The pool and kitchen area bring guests together - while cozy nooks found inside and out provide moments of 'simple solitude'.  If you like a little action, you can always head down to the farm to meet Coco the 'all-knowing pig' and learn about biodynamic agriculture through a series of workshops, classes and community-based projects. I'm loving the sound of 'lucid Sunday' and 'Other Thursdays' rituals too. Meet you there this summer?!

La Granja Ibiza. Found via  (My) Unfinished Home with a big thanks! 

Could you imagine staying here?!

Yesterday I was dreaming of spending the day besides Daniella's pool and today - this one in Ibiza. Sigh - another day, another pool, if only it were all real!!

Get the look from this beautiful Ibiza design hotel: bedroom - pick up charcoal linen bed covers here, these wooden workman stools are similar, I love Private 0204 rugs. Sitting room - buy off-white linen by the half yard here to cover your sofa.

If you'd like to dream over more design hotels today I'd definitely recommend checking out this idyllic holiday home in the South of France (heaven!), your very own Tasmanian island hide-away and a Brazilian escape in lush tropical gardens.  The question is, which corner of the world should we visit first?!

Have a lovely day!

PS It was a pleasure to be interviewed by My Domain on the subject of 'Lagom in the home'  yesterday. Thank you for inviting me guys!

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