6 Design Companies Working Towards a Sustainable Future – From Ambiente 2020

Paid press trip: 
A few weeks ago I was invited to visit Ambiente - the leading international consumer goods fair in Frankfurt. It's a huge, awe-inspiring fair with such a vast diversity of items that I barely scratched the surface. Even so, it was exciting to discover the latest news and trends from the home decorating world. A couple of factors really shone through - the first was the increase in handmade, artisanal items - which you can read more about here. The second, was how the design world is tackling sustainability - whether in the form of upcycling, recycling or offering entirely new solutions altogether. Here are six companies that stood out:

1. 3DCORK: Based in Alentejo, South of Portugal, 3DCORK produces contemporary cork items which are 100% natural, biodegradable, recyclable and ecological. The collection is a story of love for land and nature - as well as the home!  

2. LPJ Studios: This Bavarian upcycling company founded by renowned designer Hedwig Bouley recycles leftovers from the fashion industry to create fabulous, avant-garde pieces such as handmade rugs, blankets and dog baskets. A part of this rug for example is made from an old sweater! The entire production chain is fair, local and C02 neutral. 

3. OOhh Collection by Lübech Living: Made from 100% recycled materials (primarily paper as well as eco-felt - a fabric made from recycled plastic bags and plastic bottles) the OOhh Collection is the result of a Danish design combined with a Fair Trade project in Sri Lanka. Look out for beautiful pots, vases containers, seasonal decorations and office accessories! 

4. Carpenter Brother & Sister: founded in 2005 in Taiwan, Carpenter Brother & Sister focuses on bringing creative woodwork to the home. The company only works with FSC-certified, sustainable forestry centres to achieve their goal of being an eco-friendly supply chain and create beautiful pieces that benefit both society and nature. 

5. Reisenthel: For over 40 years, Reisenthel bags and carrypacks have stood for modern, innovative design. This year marked the launch of a funky neon yellow and blue collection aimed at kids and made from recycled pet bottles. 

6. retap: Danish hydration company retap offers reusable bottles, carafes and water glasses especially designed for tap water, offering us an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to stay hydrated. The colours are nice too! 

I also spotted countless other brands both big and small, working towards a more sustainable future which was very encouraging. I can't wait to see what's happening at Ambiente 2021! In the meantime, hop on over to the Ambiente blog today where I've written a feature about some of the beautiful handmade pieces I spotted at the fair.

Niki

This article is written as part of a paid press trip to Ambiente 2020. However, all words and pictures are my own. 

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The Inspiring Life-Changing Story (And Tour) of Wild Run Farm

Do you ever have a niggling feeling you're missing that lifelong project? The dream you can't quite put your finger on. Tamlyn was looking for something that she 'could dig deep within and pour her heart and soul toward'. It all started with a cross country family road trip in an Airstream from their home in Florida. It was a year Tamlyn, hr husband Scott and their twin boys would never forget and made them want to fight for what they loved most: each other. It also helped them suss out the life they wanted to lead. Today the family  live on a beautiful Wild Run Farm in California, surrounded by animals, an orchard, kitchen garden, a barn for workshops and a shop. Welcome to Tamlyn's world deep in the heart of the Californian countryside!  

The farmhouse is nestled in the middle of pasture surrounded by rolling hills. It was instant love, despite the level of neglect and desperate need of renovation!

"The moment I started up the drive, I knew she was the one. I did not even need to walk inside. She had the most beautiful bones and just need a loving touch and lots of TLC."

Tamlyn was keen to create a home void of clutter but that still felt lived in and warm.

"I really love good, clean lines with a bit of texture. Not stuffy but filled with character. We have added in the warmth of plastered walls, redwood plank floors, classic schoolhouse lighting, deep moody greens and blacks along with the warmth of walnut shelving and paneling."

With beautiful surroundings, it's hard to ignore the sheer force of nature and Tamlyn was really keen to bring it indoors. 

"A huge part of my design inspiration comes from nature, when I sit outside, I can't help but notice how everything ebbs and flows naturally. Nothing is forced and I wanted that for the farmhouse."

Tamlyn has managed to strike the elusive balance between decluttered and cosy. The look is also timeless and sustainable. 

"When doing higher budget renovations, you will never regret sticking with classic and simple, and saving your statements for things that are easier to change out - like paint colours, pillows and artwork." 

If you're anything like me (and my Mother - who's currently renovating her kitchen) - changing things in the home or renovating can be a little (understatement) worrisome and it's easy to start second guessing yourself. Having completed the major farmhouse renovation Tamlyn is very philosophical about this: 

"Most of the time, the first ideas that pop into my head are the best fit, even though I'll second guess it a million times. Go with your gut more often than you feel comfortable doing when designing your space, and odds are you won't regret a thing."

Sound advice indeed. I'll do my best to follow this next time I change something up (music to Per's ears!). 

The lovely farmhouse came with acres of land filled with fruit trees, raised vegetable beds and flowers - and not only being a novice but an actual self-confessed 'plant killer' (made me laugh!), this was somewhat daunting for Tamlyn, but she surprised herself. 

"One thing I can tell you is the ridiculous amount of time I've spent with my hands in the dirt and a big ol' smile on my face. Don't ever thing you're too old or it's too late to learn something you've walls wanted to learn..."

You can read more about Wild Run Farm on Tamlyn's wonderful website. And if you're in the area, why not stop by, pick some flowers, buy some fresh produce or simply say hi - I have no doubt the family will welcome you with open arms! 

Are you feeling as inspired as I am? 

Time to invest in an airstream...! 

In other news, today is Per's birthday so we're heading to Copenhagen for the day to celebrate. So excited! I wonder if I can sneakily pop into a few shops, I've got a feeling there are some great vintage ones in Norrebro (where we're headed). 

Have a great day friends! 

Niki

Photography: Wild Run Farm with kind permission

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Cool Colour Ideas From The Home Of A Swedish Set Designer

Hump day (nope, still not used to that term!), calls for something that little extra special, don't you think? After all, we still have two whole days until the weekend and need something to dream about! Today 'special' comes in the form of the wonderful world of Swedish interior stylist and set designer Emma Wallmén. Emma, her fiancé Magnus and their two children Alba and Edith live in an apartment in Kärrtorp, Stockholm. I love the uniqueness of their home - from funky design chairs, cool lamps and handmade features to the fab use of colour. Think pink, green and sand hues applied to walls, curtains, furniture radiators and bed headboards. Not only does the colour create a wonderful thread throughout the home, it also helps to create an entirely personal living space! Welcome to Emma's world! 

I haven't seen kitchen cabinets like these before, have you? The cabinet fronts and drawers are from Pickyliving (who make cool designer fronts for IKEA kitchens) - and Emma has applied valchromat to the fronts and worktop. 

Check out the radiator which has been painted in Card Room Green by Farrow & Ball to match the bedroom. Such a lovely idea! 

A kitchen nook is always a good idea in a small space, don't you think? 

Emma has added a Flos Parentesi Suspension lamp* and a simple set of IKEA shelves to the corner of the kitchen - which is perfect for small, pretty items that deserve to be on display! 

The sitting room walls have been painted in Cashmere by Jotun. But the real showstopper is the fabulous Etcetera armchair by Jan Ekselius. Incredible piece! I've got a feeling Alba and Edith fight over who gets to sit there (my girls certainly would!). 

The bedroom wall and (hand built) shelving has been painted in soothing Card Room Green by Farrow & Ball while some has also been left in plain wood to emphasise the 'sleep zone'.  

Wow, I'm feeling so inspired by this home - especially the use of colour and all the different lamps (look closely and you'll spot so many in all different shapes and sizes!). 

Was there anything in particular that stood out to you about Emma's home?

Take a peek at more corners over at @emmawallmen.

If you love pink and green you might also like a retro 'funks' home in Norway, pink and green accents in a beautiful Swedish home and an idyllic Swedish cottage with an awesome pink caravan! 

Ha det fin! 

Niki

Photography: Emma Wallmén

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Victorian Charm Meets Modern Scandinavian Style In A Lovely Bristol Home

This lovely Victorian terrace apartment in Bristol, England has been doing the blog rounds lately (it appeared on SF Girl By Bay and The Style Files) - and I can completely understand why! Currently under offer the beautiful property combines English Victorian charm with cool Scandi simplicity - as well as some very modern touches (loving the Crittall doors and windows!). Look out for the vintage touches and very cute dog who totally owns the space (love how one ear's up and the other's down!). I have to say, a wave of nostalgia washed over me as I looked through the pictures. Perhaps this is how our home would look if should we ever move back to old Blighty - here's hoping! I hope you feel as inspired by this charming space as I am! 

What do you think? Could you imagine living here?

I'm curious to know if the owners are from Scandinavia. The last time I raised this question was with this London home - and it turned out that the owner was very much British but had a passion for Nordic design. Stay tuned, in case I find out. What would you guess? 

Other British homes with a cool Scandinavian vibe: 

Before and after: a rundown flat becomes a stylish pad

Cate St Hill's London oasis 

A striking Victorian villa with deep blue walls

There's a big birthday coming up in the Brantmark household later this week, and I mean BIG. I'll be the crazy person sprinting around Malmö for the next two days (in case you're looking for me!). 

Hope your day is calmer than mine! See you tomorrow! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of The Modern House. 

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Step Inside Anita's Earthy Family home In Switzerland (Wait Till You See The View!)

Men, tjena! How was your weekend? I hope you had a great one. Ours was a little uneventful but I did manage to squeeze in a trip to the cinema to see 1917 - what an incredible film! So moving! Well worth seeing. Anyhooo, I know you're here to get a little interior inspiration and I promise we're all in for a major treat today. This serene home in Gelterkinden, a town in the countryside near Basel, Switzerland belongs to Anita, her husband, three children, two cats and 7 tortoises (I was desperately looking out for a reptile in the pictures but sadly didn't spot any!). The house was built in 1949 and Anita and her husband have spent three years renovating it ("it's still an ongoing / never ending project!" - don't I know that feeling!). Just like the lovely family concept store Wundernest, which Anita runs with her friend Claudia, the family home is full of earthy, natural and ethically made items giving the entire space an element of calm and a lovely warm feel.

It's quite unusual to see light wood kitchen cabinets - and I absolutely love them, especially when combined with white walls and a concrete floor. 

A gallery behind the sofa is made up of a subtle yet eclectic array of items including shelving, a print and skateboard (from Indiana Skateboards & SUP). 

This set-up reminds me very much of my own vintage mid-century trolley (these pictures of it were taken 8 years ago - I can't tell you how much has changed since then!) - pick up a similar one here*. I love the way Anita has used it to display books, plants and a Marshall speaker*. 

Imagine how nice it would it be to throw open the shutters to this view of the Swiss countryside every morning? Talk about taking that first coffee to another level! 

Monday mornings tend to be a little fraught (don't you think?) but this lovely home makes me feel instantly calm and like I can achieve anything! It's simply beautiful! 

I love the earthy tones. And the view over the Swiss countryside from the bedroom is wonderful! How nice would it be to throw open the shutters to that every morning?

You can see more of Anita's home over on her instagram @wundernest. In two week's time, Wundernest will open its doors in Liestal - if you're in the area,  do stop by!  

Looking back through the archives I found this to be my first ever feature of a Swiss home - hopefully the first of many! But if you're looking for more 'earthy' inspiration I love Danila's Finnish home in a rental, the fabulous Sydney home of an interior stylist and a Gothenburg home full of treasures. 

Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Anita / @wundernest

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