2019 Colour Trend: Rust And Other Earthy Tones

I have just arrived back from a fun, yet massively intense few days in Germany, attending Domotex floor-covering fair and IMM Cologne. I caught up with a load of brands, met inspiring people from the world of interiors, chatted with bloggers and journalists and checked out the latest design news on the stands (cue biggest step count ever - bonus!). It was a great way to get the low down on what to expect in 2019 and it was the colours that really struck me. As always there are a fair few different directions, but the one I felt super excited about was the palette I'm going to refer to as 'Earth Year'!

Reflecting Nature
There's no denying the climate is changing at an alarming rate and we need to act, fast. Sustainability will continue to be a key focus in 2019 (thankfully!). This could be why we're looking to the 1970's for inspiration (it's the decade in which 'Earth day' was. born and homes were awash with earthy brown, rust, beige, harvest gold and greens. Yep, the trend colours for 2019 are all about nature and climate change - from rust (symbolising decay), terracotta (meaning 'baked earth'),  harvest gold (to reflect the sun), green (plants), and teal / blue (the oceans).  Nature also has a calming effect on our soul. In a world where we feel permanently connected and more than a little stressed, these gentle, earthy tones will help turn our home into a temple: creating a calm sanctuary in which to unwind.

Rust
Out of all the brown tones, rust seemed to be a firm favourite this year - it was everywhere at the fair - from velvet sofas and armchairs to table lamps and book shelves - this tone has hit the big time!

A touch of orange
As a throw-back to the 70's era, orange will most certainly pop up here and there. I have to say I've never been a fan, but when I see it in combination with rust and mustard yellow I could well be swayed, how about you?!

In the pink 
Every revival has a modern twist - and the dusty rose / dirty pink accent will continue to provide a pretty touch to interiors. As we've seen, it fits beautifully with the earthy browns - but also helps to soften the look. Go all out with a subtle tone on tone and you'll be bang on trend!

Feel the Teal
A new addition to the look, teal offers a fresh, spa-like feeling and helps to create a space where we can breathe thanks to it's gentle, nurturing tone.

Ocean blue

A mid-tone grey-blue is also in the mix. Whether in the form of paint (try Denim Drift by Dulux), accessories (the baby duvet below is called Ferm Living Moon*) or wallpaper (Raphael by Sandberg),  it offers a subtle retro vibe and is a fine match with rust, dusty pink and harvest gold. 

Finally, if you're feeling bold - you could throw in an electric blue. As mentioned in Friday's home tour, the 1990's is a rising trend - and you may remember (depending on your age!) there was a 70's revival in the 90's, so it all ties together!

What do you think? Are there any accents you're thinking of adding to your home. this year? Any shades you think will be big? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Niki

Credits: Jotun lady / Design Seeds / Unknown / Ferm Living / Ferm Living / Unknown / Dulux / Dulux / Ferm Living / Unknown / Ferm Living / Wunderblumen

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Ida's Poetic 19th Century House in Southern Sweden

A few months ago I was invited to Villa Strömsfors for the night by Sandberg Wallpaper. My allocated roommate was Swedish artist, photographer, author and journalist Ida Magntorn. I loved chatting with her about her photography, books, interior and travel (including a sojourn in Paris) and we've kept in touch ever since. Needless to say, Ida's own house in Lund, Southern Sweden, which she shares with her husband Erik, five year old son Olle and two older children Mira and Måns (who regularly return home from their studies) is absolutely beautiful. Parts of the house date back to the late 19th century and the decor perfectly reflects Ida's love of sustainability and light. In the summer the family venture into the garden for meals under the boughs of an apple tree. Welcome to Ida's poetic world! 

Ida describes her style as "lagom bohemian but with a clean, Nordic undercurrent". This is visible in every aspect of her home where vintage wooden pieces 'float' on a light wood floor and fresh flowers are never far away.

Erik loves to play the piano. Chopin, Mozart, Schubert, Taube and Cornelis can often be heard flowing through the house. 

Ida is known for capturing the play of light in interiors resulting in poetic images reminiscent of 19th century Danish Artist Villhelm Hammershoi. Her photographs have appeared in numerous exhibitions around the world. Ida has also written five books including Home Style by City, in which she profiles spaces in Los Angeles, New York, Paris, London and Copenhagen and Ett Hem med Omtanke - which has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental awareness. "I carried out a lot of research and there are a lot of facts in the book, but it's also filled with inspiration and beautiful pictures to inspire readers towards environmental thinking and to care about our planet."

Ida's first passion was antiques. "I was interested in the stories behind the design of old pieces and furniture - who made them? What inspired them?" In her home, you'll be hard pressed to find new items, and this is what gives the space so much warmth and soul. 

Today, Ida works more and more as an artist, holding exhibitions all over the world, often with friend and sculptor Karin Wiberg - if you're curious about going to see her work in person, you can check out all the dates and locations here).

What a truly lovely house. It just goes to show how much warmth antiques and vintage pieces can add to a space! 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

You can keep up to date with Ida's latest projects here and follow along on Instagram here. 

I'm enjoying a few more hours at IMM Cologne before heading home today (more on IG stories!).  I can't wait to see my husband and girls (FaceTime just isn't quite cutting the mustard!), I miss them! Yay!

Kram!

Niki

Photography: Ida Magntorn, shared with kind permission

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My Dream Home: Serena and Mason's Topanga Canyon Cabin

New year, new start - and I'm wondering if Serena Mitnik-Miller, Mason St Peter and their adorable children would be up for a life swap? I've always fancied Topanga Canyon and I'm sure they'd be very happy in Malmö. I'd promise to take great care of their beautiful, relaxed, light-filled home - without changing a single thing! I might even muck in at their shop: General Store (selling items by local Californian artisans, many of which can be seen throughout their home) - although I'd need to leave my wallet at home, otherwise it's be a little dangerous. Feeling curious? Here's a snapshot...

 

I'm actually a little lost for words. Isn't it beautiful?

See you in Topanga Canyon?!

Just a little side note - I love the open wooden book shelf used to carve out a separate zone for the dining space - a clever idea for a large open space.

Back to planet earth... do you have any plans for the week?

I've just arrived at IMM Cologne, Germany for a couple of days - it's my first visit and I'm so excited! If you live nearby, it's definitely worth popping along on the public days 18th - 20th January to discover the latest interior news. Hopefully see you here!

Have a great start to the week friends!

Niki

This home is a photographer's dream and often captured for publications around the world. The photos in this post have been taken by:

Serena Mitnick-Miller, Mason St Peter, Nicki Sebastian and Jason Rothenberg.

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A Swedish Home With a Subtle Nod to the 1990's Trend

The fashion world has been channeling the 1990's for a while now and it was only a matter of time before it reached the world of interiors. Reminiscent of my secondary school years - but hopefully an improved version (!) - we're starting to see electric blue, orange, fluorescent shades, turquoise and green accents as well as patterns with triangles, zigzag lightening bolts, diamonds, free form shapes that overlap, and art and sculptures inspired by comic books and pop art. And those of you who held onto your Louis Ghost Chairs are also in luck - perspex items with a sustainable twist are also expected to hit the scene! Spotted over on Trendenser - this Swedish apartment bears a very subtle nod to the 1990s - can we call it minimalist Scandinavian modern with a 90's flair? Either way I'm kind of loving the playfulness against the backdrop of calm - and of course those period features!

Vitra graphic print eyes cushion,  PH5 pendant light*, La Chaise 

Get the look with these: Series 7 chair*, Herman Miller Eames Moulded fibreglass armchair*, Eames dowel leg chair*, Classic 255 / 290 table*. 

Bokkrubba book stand / Bruno Mathsson*

I did say it was subtle - but did you spot the connection too?!

I love the playful touches (I keep noticing more and more things each time I look through the pictures!). Is there anything that stood out to you?

So, wonderful people.... it's the weekend! WOOOP! Any fun plans?

I'm off to Hannover to hang out with my favourite blogger friends Decor8, Happy Interior Blog, Vosgesparis, Passion Shake, Monster Circus and Trend Stefan at Domotex, the leading trade fair for floor coverings, where we'll be discussing the latest trends on stage.

On Sunday I head straight to IMM Cologne - I've never been to Cologne so I'm super excited - tips welcome! I can't wait to see what's going on at the fair too (if you're in the area pop along on the public days - it sounds like it's going to be truly inspiring event, more info here!).

But first I have a photo shoot at home that involves a GIANT chocolate cake and champagne. No way the props are going to last to the end of the shoot.... but if they do I'm going to have one very happy husband when he gets back from work!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Credits: Boukari / Styling Ahlqvist för Historiska Hem

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