Summary Christmas Decoration

As much as I love this warm temperature we are having at the moment, I still struggle with the concept of a southern hemisphere Christmas. I miss the cozy atmosphere around this time of year in Germany - the smell of baking, candles and snow.

This year I combine my traditional decoration with some beachy elements. The boys and I collected driftwood and turned it into stars and a small tree.  

 I loved filling the advent calendar bags this year. The temptation of peeking was just too much for my little one though so I ended up taking them down and putting them all in a basket - out of little hand's reach.

I hope you all have a lovely time leading up to Christmas. It will be very quiet around here as we are waiting for the baby to arrive early in the New Year.

Tschüss...

Niki Jones

I received Niki Jones' new season catalogue today and had to share some of the exquisite images with you. Niki Jones has created a unique collection of home accessories fusing traditional craft techniques with a modern aesthetic. Trained in textile and industrial design, she has previously worked at Habitat before launching her own company.

I love the fresh yet traditional feel of the textiles. I am determined to add a hint of citrus in my home this summer and the cushion above is just simply perfect. 

The Niki Jones collection does not just include home textiles and vintage quilts but also selected furniture, decorative accessories and mirrors. You can view the full catalogue here.

Tschüss...

(all images: Niki Jones)

Bedroom sanctuary

Some people's bedrooms are a calm sanctuary, mine in all honesty is usually a complete mess. I have an inability to put clothes away and they end up all over the floor and bed. I must have always been like that as I remember my mother regularly threatening to throw everything out the winder. My poor husband has reluctantly gown used to it - but that's ok because it's really the only flaw I have (hahaha).

Since I have started studying again our bedroom also functions as my office and I have a little desk set up in there. I found it hard to concentrate when the room is messy, so now I just throw everything into my wardrobe before I sit down in the mornings - easy!

You might recognise the painting from our lounge in our old apartment in Germany here

I do like it in our bedroom as it's very soothing. Another bonus is that a canvas on your head at night during an earthquake hurts less than a wooden picture frame. Got to keep these things in mind around here :-)

I have only one more week to go until the Uni semester finishes and will hopefully have some more time to visit this space. I have also been busy sewing up a storm - my bump is growing by the day and these maxi skirts are a lifesaver. I whipped up three yesterday - so easy. 

Tschüss...

Some {spring} changes around home

With the days getting longer and the temperatures rising I felt like a bit of a change at home - my grey cushions have been replaced with light pink ones and I have re-arranged a few things around the lounge. What better opportunity than the change in season to keep things looking fresh.

The window seat has been a recent project. Originally dark brown, I painted the seating area white and made the black & white blind. I am still planning on covering the seat with a large cushion but really don't want to spend a fortune on foam & fabric as this is a rental home. I am pleased with the temporary fix though. It us such a great spot to snuggle up with the kids and read to them. 

I hope you have a wonderful week. The boys are on holiday from kindy for the next two weeks and we have lots of exciting adventures planned. I am working on a teepee at the moment - I will share some pictures when it's ready.

Tschüss... 

IKEA live Magazine

I am sitting all wrapped up with a cup of coffee enjoying a lazy Sunday morning. It's been really quite cold and I am struggling a little with the lack of central heating. Germany has made me soft. At least I can dig out my nice Merino jerseys which were too warm to wear inside our old place in Koblenz.

Talking about our old apartment. Two days ago I received a little surprise package containing two copies of the latest IKEA live magazine. I was asked to submit some photos months ago and hadn't really thought about the feature for some time. It's nice to have a reminder of our old apartment "officially" printed and forever treasured in my growing pile of interior magazines.

I have been all consumed with trying to sort this place out a little more. The windows here are huge and the first thing I did when we moved in was take down all the horrible curtains - which now leaves me with blank windows everywhere. I have started buying fabric to make roman blinds for some of the windows and am waiting on an order of curtains from Germany. I know that seems a bit crazy but I just couldn't find what I wanted over here so back to good old IKEA. New Zealand doesn't have one :-(

I do feel like we are settling in very well though. My oldest boy started kindergarten and my youngest has two mornings in daycare which he is enjoying very much and gives me some time to myself - which is something I haven't had since they were born.

Tschüss...

Citta Design

I think one of the best things about moving to a new place (or returning after you've been away for a while) is discovering new independent shops and companies that have emerged. New Zealand has always made it pretty easy for people to set up small businesses, compared to Germany. That results in a great range of independent shops and businesses with unique products - particularly in fashion and interiors.

I have recently discovered Citta Design, a home ware and accessories design house based in Auckland, New Zealand. Each new collection takes its inspiration from far away places and allows us to bring some of the flair, textures and colors of those particular destinations into our home.

Their current collection has a South American Influence. I really like the fresh color palette that will bring a hint of exotic vibrancy to any home - Viva Cuba!

 

Above is a selection of my favorite products in their range, don't they give you an instant summery feel? 

For their full range and list of retailers you can go here or visit their blog for great inspiration and updates.

  

(images: Citta Design)

Cox&Cox Autumn Collection

It feels as though Autumn is just around the corner and with it we see a lot of beautiful new collections in interiors. Cox & Cox are among my favorite online shops and their catalogue does not disappoint:

earthy tones, natural materials, hints of industrial elements and whimsical detailing.

Check out their full online catalogue here.

For more autumn inspiration check out House Doctor's catalogue here 

and Broste Copenhagen's look book here

Tschüss...

Glass Bell Jars

I am only slowly settling into a routine after our holiday. It was great coming home to our house and seeing everything with a fresh eye - do you get that after you've been away? Summer is usually a time where I spend a little less time decorating/re-arrange my home as I prefer to be outdoors. That said, I still like adding a few bits and pieces every now and then to keep things interesting.

On our holiday I spotted a beautiful bell jar but was too scared to bring it back as it would probably not have survived my husbands vigorous attempts to squeeze everything back into the car AND I was a little unsure as to whether it would be an impulse purchase that I might later regret. Now that I've had a look at some inspirational images on the many great ways to use bell jars I am determined to get one - so the new hunt begins.

What do you think, do you like them and do you perhaps own one already?
How do you prefer to use it? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Tschüss...

picture credits linked below (top to bottom):

white bird and butterflies

flower left and flower right

cake left and cake right

shells and lamp

Cox & Cox

I've come across a wonderful (new to me) online shop that I simply had to share with you. Have you heard of British company Cox & Cox?

Set up by Fiona Cox and Lizzie Thornton-Allan in 2001, the company has since grown into a brand known to provide customers with unique and individual products that have a nostalgic and retro feel.

I absolutely adore their styling and product shoots for their Spring 2011 catalogue. 

Their philosophy of "having nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful" really resonates with me (though in reality I am having some troubles with that being married to a bit of a magpie).

Well, let's look at some of their useful AND beautiful products...

• I like the idea of displaying precious things under a glass bell jar - and how lovely is that white butterfly sitting on the shells?
• Scented candles - one can never have enough of those.

• Those travel gift tags are beautiful and a great addition to any gift
• Keep your ribbons and string under this glass jar as a nice display
• Most people have a collection of odd buttons, why not keep them all in a nice container
• Stamps provide such a quick and simple way to make a unique card 

P.S. Cox & Cox ship internationally in case you were thinking of moving to the UK :)

Tschüss...

(images: Cox & Cox)