Saturday, February 25, 2012

Ideas For A Happy Weekend


Some of you who are regular readers will know that I love to stress the importance of relaxing and spending quality time with people you love. And that is exactly what I am about to do. I am off to Austria to my family's home to spend some time with them and old friends. And I will make a stop over at the local flower market. I don't know about the place you live in, but here temperatures have gone up these days and believe me or not, I can smell spring! It must be around the corner. And there is nothing more springlike for me than going to the flower market, absorbing the charming scents, enjoying the bright colours and picking that bunch of spring for your home. With this in mind, I'm wishing you a happy, springlike weekend!

Photography via Real Living

Friday, February 24, 2012

Happily Ever After: Illustrator Blanca Gomez


Let me tell you how I decide on what to feature on my blog. I either see something in a magazine, I get inspired on-the-go or - yes - I browse the internet for inspiration. Then the progression goes something like this: I open a website and then it happens - the first sight puts a big smile on my face. Yes, beautiful and inspiring content makes me happy. And then it is more than clear. That has to go up onto Happy Interior Blog. Now that exactly happened when I opened the site of Blanca Gomez, 'Cosas Minimas', a talented Spanish illustrator and designer from Madrid. 



Her playful illustrations inherit a healthy dose of happiness and cheer. Bright colours, fine lines and a pinch of wit makes her illustrations the right choice for a happy home. Don't you agree. And the best: Her designs are all available through her Etsy shop. Well, sometimes happiness is just a click away. 


Photography via Cosas Minimas

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Home Tour: Eclectic London Home


This Hampstead based eclectic home is the humble dwelling of Sam Roddick, the daughter of Body Shop founder Anita Roddick. The Victorian house is a real masterpiece of interior design. The eclectic interior results from a refined mélange of a variety of styles. Romantic corners counterpart the clear, strict minimalism of the dining room with a touch of mid-century. The industrial kitchen is juxtaposed to a vintage styled living room, the modern bathroom in enriched by baroque elements whereas the master bedroom opens the doors to a disco glam world of glitter and vibrant colours. I love the abundance of style, details and colours in this home. While I usually love white, bright Scandinavian spaces, I must admit, I'd move into this Victorian gem right away. Glam it up, babe!



Photography via Marie Claire Maison

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

5 Happy Inspirations: Design Chairs


Today I am focusing on five design classics. I love chairs. And I'd love to own one of these amazing design chairs. I am seriously considering to buy a Hardoy Butterfly chair but still pondering on where and how to arrange it in my small apartment. If I had a bigger space and - yes - a bigger budget, I'd go for all of these:

1. Acapulco Chair: The iconic 1950s Mexican chair combines both retro and contemporary coolness. The turquoise version is an amazing eye catcher for bright apartments.

2. Eames DSW Chair: Another 1950s classic by Charles and Ray Eames. I love the DSW version with maple wood legs is a subtle yet stylish accent for any modern home - be it as a dining chair or home office chair.

3. Hardoy Butterfly Chair: This chair was designed in 1938 by Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy and has been reproduced in so many versions. The framing comes in varieties such as stainless steel or black and the changing covers ensure an individual fit for any room. My favorite would be a brown worn leather version with black framing. 

4. Bertoia Diamond Chair: Yet another mid-century superstar, the Bertoia Diamond Chair available through Knoll Studio, is a masterpiece of bent metal with a typical mid-century fixture. It's classic and modern - and upholstery solutions add comfort. Or you simply throw a sheep skin on it - effortlessly classy. 

5. Hans J. Wegner Shell Chair: Danish designer Hans J. Wegner created this stunning chair in 1963 made of bent plywood thus achieving a floating lightness due to its wing-like seat and the arching curves of its tapered legs. Sometimes it's also referred to as 'smiling chair'. It certainly puts a smile on my face. 

Happy hump day, folks!

Photography: Acapulco Chair via Acapulco Chair; Eames DSW Chair via Vitra; Hardoy Butterfly Chair via circa50; Bertoia Diamond Chair via Knoll Studio; Hans J. Wegner Shell Chair via Design Within Reach.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Organizing + Storing


Maybe some of you will now roll their eyes and click away. But hey, let's face it. Winter is ending, spring is approaching. And with it comes one thought: spring-cleaning. To be honest, I like it. Cleaning out after a long, cold season. Uncluttering the home, cleaning out closets and drawers, organizing books, magazines, household goods, washing all blankets, covers, cushions, linens. Creating new storing solutions for home office supplies, paperwork and textiles.

It also is the season when I get rid of many things. And it feels so good and liberating. Some things I give away, others I sell on flea markets, and some are simply going right into the trash bin. I reorganize my magazines and books, clean and unclutter the kitchen shelves, sometimes I change rugs, pillow covers and blankets on the sofa. I add a bit more colour and spring feeling. How about you? Do you love or loathe spring-cleaning? And do you have some tricks and tips?

Photography via Martha Stewart

Monday, February 20, 2012

From Place To Space: Prague


The advantage of living in a city like Munich that is located in the heart of Europe, is the proximity of other European capitals. Like Prague. It is a few hours drive away and definitely worth a weekend visit. The medieval city center bursts with picturesque sights like the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square. Don't be surprised if you're not all alone there - Prague has been discovered by many international tourists and has become a bustling city with a wide touristic offer. Try to discover the city off the beaten track and you will find charming little cafés and bars mainly visited by locals that will give a more genuine flavour of the Czech capital. 


But not everything is historical in the metropolis on the banks of Vltava river. Prague hosts some very refined, modern homes like this airy loft designed by local A1 Architects. Or a growing number of cool, urban design hotels like the Moods. Might be a good option for your weekend trip. Happy Monday, folks!



Photography: Loft via A1 Architects; Hotel pics via Hotel Moods; all other by Igor Josifovic.



Saturday, February 18, 2012

Ideas For A Happy Weekend


It is a sunny and mild weekend here in Munich. My window is wide open while I type these words to share them with you. I had another long and busy week at work. And as you know me by now, weekend's here at Happy Interior Blog are all about enjoying life, rebooting and remembering the beautiful and nice things in life. So this weekend's mission is: Surround yourself with beautiful things. We all love a beautiful and cosy home. We all put a lot of effort into transforming our habitat into our own personal and safe haven. Don't blame me for being superficial or material, but I gain so much happiness and comfort from a nice piece of home decor, a great illustration, a beautiful throw. I could continue all day long. So I want to share the super duper nice things from the Australian brand Country Road. Simply looking at those cuties makes for a happy weekend. This said, have a fab one, friends!

Photography via Country Road

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