Old Meets New In A Charming Paris Home

Zoé de Las Cases deliberately sought a smaller apartment in central Paris so that she and her family could acquire a bolthole in the countryside. Exactly two years ago, her dream was realised when she stumbled upon this wonderful etage in the 2nd arrondissement, and an abandoned country house in Normandy. Zoé is a creative soul, and divides her time between working as a graphic designer for French stationary company Clairefontaine, an artist - her latest project includes a collection of colouring books which have been translated into more than twenty languages including Secret Paris, Secret New York and Secret Tokyo and an interior decorator - she is currently juggling seven houses and apartments between Paris and the South of France! And I thought I was busy...! Her creative philosophy is born from an art of living "that is a mix of decoration and style in a happy, playful and colourful universe." Laid out over two floors, the family's Paris apartment is a charming blend of old and new, resulting in a wonderfully relaxed home that's full of soul. Let's take a peek!

Zoé finds inspiration in "objects, books, nature, flea markets and everyday life" and shops for items for her home "everywhere in France".  The space is filled with pretty vintage finds, a result of weekly flea market visits with her children. "They love it too!!" The finds pop out against a sea of white creating an eclectic yet calm home, with influences from both France and Scandinavia. "I love mixing contemporary and older objects, I love the poetry of objects that tell a story."

Isn't this just such a pretty space? I love the blend between old and new, it gives the home such a warm vibe.

I particularly love Zoé and Benjamin's bedroom with those double doors leading out to a balcony and bathroom behind the glass room dividers.

Is there anything that stood out to you?

If you're curious to see more (I can't blame you!) - you can see more pictures on Zoé's instagram, and discover more about her latest projects and services here and take a peek at their charming country house here.

There are some incredible French homes in the archives if you fancy a delve. Some of my favourites include a pretty home with striking black floors (possibly one of my favourite kitchens of all time!), a charming French family home full of inspiring details and a light and airy Paris loft. 

Vive la France!

Have a wonderful weekend, see you Monday!

Niki

Photography: Zoé de La Cases, shared with kind permission

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A Light And Elegant Swedish Home

Tjena! I thought we'd nip to Sweden's capital city for today's post and check out the recent work by Refine Design Studio. What do you say?! The Swedish design studio created this incredible space for one very lucky family who are returning home from overseas. The family were keen for the apartment to combine Swedish design with subtle influences experienced during their time abroad. The design worked with the spectacular 19th century bones and full ceiling height (imagine?!), while also adding elegant, contemporary design pieces. Clearly, these pictures have been (beautifully) styled for the shoot, but can you imagine returning home and unpacking all your books, clothes and other belongings here?! Heaven!

This is one of my favourite tables right now. It's the Palais Royal designed by Anya Sebton and Eva Lilja Löwenhielm for Asplund. Isn't it fabulous? Understandably, it's making waves across the interior world right now.

It's a fairly small master bedroom, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in clever furnishings - and has everything you might need: plenty of storage, black-out curtains and compact bedside tables. Loving the contrast between the Lampe Gras 214 wall light* and linen Ghost headboard - perfect! 

We often have friends and family over from the UK, and since it's usually for a couple of days at a time, they don't need an entire wardrobe - a simple hanging rack like the one below is ideal! I found a great DIY post here in case you're considering one too!

What do you reckon? Could you imagine moving into this space and making it your own? I certainly could!

Check out other places in Sweden's capital city here (love Amelia's home full of books and Lovisa's stunning apartment!).

Have you ever been to Stockholm? If not, it's an absolute must but definitely wait until the summer so you can venture out to the islands too!

Haj så länge!

Niki

PS this has got nothing at all to do with Scandinavian design - but have you see 'A Star Is Born'? I was in bits!! Brilliant though!

Photography: Clearcut Factory / Styling Johanna Larsson found via TDC with thanks.

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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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