Vases of the future

I absolutely adore the whole collection Botanica of Italian design studio Formafantasma. The lines, the natural colouring, the organic detailing are all beautifully chosen and remind me of old artifacts. Since plastic is turning into a 'nono' because of the effects on our planet the studio experimented into giving it news shapes and a different feel by looking to the past when researchers were looking at botanicals and stones to extract plastic from. The goal was to develop a new-post industrial aesthetic. I'd say they've succeeded. I want all of these vases!

Send out a tree

The latest design of Dutch interior stylist and product designer Jurianne Matter are these cute pop out cards called little tree. All of her designs are quite popular in The Netherlands. Her concept is simple; always using paper goods and cheerful colours. Also good to know; all of her products have the eco stamp of approval.

Wooden textiles

I'm very impressed and amazed by the work of designer Elisa Strozyk. The series Wooden Textiles is an experiment to change the sensation we have with the material wood. She turned this blanket into half textile and half wood deconstructing the wood into pieces and attached them to a textile base which creates an interesting field of tension between hard and soft. I'm not sure if it will be comfortable to sleep under, but it sure is a sight for sore eyes because of the shape and geometry. Stroyzyk also constructs beautiful lamps, cabinets and carpets.
photographs©Sebastian Neeb

Photo print jewelry

I first heard about this 'hidden memories' collection through Sophie Sweet Vintage and the concept is amazing; using old photographs as a print on nature inspired jewelry. The idea comes from Dutch accessories designer Miranda van Dijk. She was inspired by a book called abandoned by nature in which the last woman on earth get's banned by Mother Earth. Of course the protagonist get's help and makes an insightful journey after which she's born again into half human, half nature. As for the jewels: the brooches and necklaces are made from printed cotton. If you'd like to see more of this collection, please visit the website of Puur Anders.

Water bottles

With the weather getting warmer keeping yourself hydrated is well important. The true eco-junkies will not walk around with a plastic water bottle, but a stainless steel one. I find these from brand Earthlust amazing. They have a large collection with stunning prints and the bottles are made in China through an ethical project (so the workers do get a good price and work circumstances).

Tim Walker's new book

Good news for fans of fashion photographer Tim Walker who is known for his magical pictures that seem to be a bit out of this world. teNeues published his new book 'The Lost Explorer' with beautiful stills from his first short film with the same name. This volume companions the original short story by Patrick McGrath as well as the annotated shooting script. There's also a special autographed issue for sale.

Sawdust table

I like both the esthetics and the concept of this table which was made as a part of a graduation project of Israeli designer Yoav Avinoam. He chose to use sawdust waste for the top of the table which was pressed into a mold to make people aware of usage and exploitation of material. Also the wooden tree shaped legs create extra awareness for nature and make it a well balanced and thought trough furniture piece.

The art of getting lost

This weekend I decided to take a different route to a nearby forest. I figured I found a quicker way to get there, but didn't look on a map. So I got onto my bicycle, but halfway I wasn’t so sure anymore of where I was. Interesting enough I came pass an estate I had never seen or heard from before. And might I add I've been living in this city from about 14 years.
I discovered a beautiful and quiet area which used to belong to the monks in the 11th century. There even was a little store there which sold biological products and a terrace in the sun. It was a very enjoyable morning and I realized everything we are searching for quite often is there right in front of us. We just have to see it. So take that different route and allow yourself to get lost. You never know what you might find.

Northern summer

I've always been a great fan of the special editions of Iittala. Some of their ceramics look like small fairytales as you can expect from Scandinavian design. After all, they grew up with stories of magical creatures in the woods. The Korento collection reminded me instantly of summer, because of the bright orange and the flowers. Turns out that was the idea of designer Klaus Haapaniemi; capturing the intensity of the short Scandinavian summer. He obviously succeeded. I can only sigh: love at first sight.

A bird in your hand

I've been a bit busy with writing articles the last couple days, so I've been horribly neglecting my blog, but this morning I've been searching the web and found this loveliness. For those who want to pimp furniture, a new set of door knobs can easily do the trick. These glass birds and butterflies door knobs are being delivered in sets of two. Also a dragonfly and a bee are available from Dutch shop Klevering.

Butterfly umbrella

I hope I'm not tempting the Gods to let it rain with this post, because as I'm writing this I can hear the birds whistle and the sun is shining through my windows. Looks like it will be a wonderfull day, but still... a girl just can't have enough umbrella's especially when there as cute as this number covered in pink and cream butterflies. Found at Miss Selfridge.

Fabric love

I love the bright colours this Scottish fabric design company Bluebellgray uses on textiles, pillows and lamp shades. The colours blend into each other like water paint on canvas and perfectly fit the spring season. Each design is hand-painted before it gets printed onto natural cottons and linens. Last year the company was even nominated for the Elle Decoration Award. I first learned about this company on the inspiring blog of stylist Rebecca Newport.