Happy Weekend!

Just thought this image was so Happy and Cheerful, I had to share :)

Natasha

Image via Pip Boydell on Instagram

New on the Virtual Newsstand...

Pretty, Right?? :)

The new Matchbook Magazine hit the virtual newsstand yesterday. While the super talented Christian Siriano made the cover, this is the Fashion Issue after all, I found the introduction to Genifer Sohr a wonderful read!

Genifer's vintage one-of-a-kind-style, is so fresh and preppy, yet vintage-y all at once. LOVE the color and style she has going on!! Check out the article on page 68.

Now, I am not a big jewelery wearer myself, but I can really appreciate when someone does the accessorizing well, all Genifer's colorful pieces are also on display, for you to view.

Looking for more inspiring images that didn't make it into Matchbook, check out Gen's Blog here. You can also view her Pinterest boards here...

On another note...

The art by Alison Cooley caught my eye as well, must be because I am currently in the art-sourcing-stage for two different clients! Of cause the piece featured, is the one I like the best, and it's also already SOLD... :(

Hope you are having a fantastic Friday!!

Natasha

Image #1, 3,4 & 5 via Matchbook Magazine, Image #2 via Matchbook Blog, Image #6 via Gen's favorite, Image #7 via Alison Cooley

Catching up!

So while I am playing catch-up; Sending out long overdue emails, looking at floor plans, reviewing recently photographed product shots for a local Design Shop, I did steal a moment - while having a bite for lunch - to look at what is going on over on Pinterest. I came across this photo, that I pinned a few weeks back... reminds me of a similar - but much bigger - version in my parents home, of the house they live in, I believe it dates back to 1918. Cool way to preserve the history of a home, especially when they are hand drawn! Now all the plans are done by CAD, as I am sure you are aware...

TGIF!

Natasha

Image via Northern Light Blog on Pinterest

New on the Virtual Newsstand... Vol. II

So, I just found framework, via the Marcus Design Blog. Thank you for the introduction, Nancy! Nancy eluted to the fact that there were "other issues", oh my! I have now spent a little time going through the archived issues, and if you haven't seen them yet, you are in for a treat!! Here are just a few images to entice you :)

Issue One...

The art of saying Thank You... couldn't be more appropriate now that we have just had the Thanksgiving Holiday, and I am sure many of you should be writing a little note.... I am just saying :) Personally, I love sending cards. I enjoy finding just the right card!

Issue Two...

Vancouver artist Christine Breakell-Lee's lust worthy art is on display, along with a lovely interview! Get to know the artist, always fascinating.

Issue Three...

Who doesn't love to travel?? Framework has many cities covered throughout these six issues, ready to explore from a far.

Issue Four...

Fashion, fashion, fashion!

Lot's of great advise on how to build a wardrobe, what to spend on, who to make friends with... Fun read :)

Issue Five...

Got to know Randa Salloum, the artist behind this super cute BeYouTiful print. 

... it's always nice to see the face behind the art, and to know what inspires them, how they work etc. I truly enjoyed this article. By the way, the art piece above can be found via Randa's Etsy store, I See Noise.

In every issue there has been a Shopping Guide, I have pretty much found something that I would love to have in each :). And you know what... the girls at framework have linked all the goodies (a-la-Lonny) so your need for instant gratification couldn't be easier!!

I also noticed some really cool Gift Guides. Now that the holiday season is upon us, you might need a little inspiration, and it's all here!!! Go check it out, you will be happy you did!! The Blog, The Pinterest Boards, The Website... it's all there! And if you are planning a trip to Vancouver, you must check out all these issues, they have so many go-to shops & local knowledge!

Natasha

All images via framework, some from the magazines, some from their Pinterest boards.

Sketching...

Lately I have been drawn (pun intended) to simple sketches... and I thought I would share a few with you here! Continuing yesterdays Golden Moment, I am starting this post with a super sweet drawing, complete with a glittery trim...

And then I came across these great fashion sketches by Swedish Lovisa Burfitt. Aren't they cool? I - as you might have guessed - love the graphic Black & White thing going on, but I also totally dig the clean gold frame!! 

If this is something that you might want to hang on your wall, Lovisa's prints can be purchased here.

Natasha

Image #1 via Pinterest, Image #2 & #3 via Lovisa Burfitt

Seeing Dots...

Today I am loving the simplicity of this black & white abstract artwork; Black Dots.

Found it over at Dwell Studio.... 

I imagine it would look amazing in an entryway, the size is great at 44" x 56".

If you are into color (green), check out this equally cool piece. Which is your favorite?

Natasha

Image via Dwell Studio

I'm Baaaaack....

It's been a fantastic trip to NYC, there is no arguing that... I have walked more than I care to share :), it's been super hot and humid... I have taken a lot of photographs, met some wonderful people and after a looooong trip home (four (!) flight delays, resulting in an arrival time well past midnight), I am spending some quality time in my house today, before starting back up tomorrow!

While I was away, Lonny magazine published their August 2012 issue.
I am sure you have all "been there, done that", but I am looking forward to a few moments of peace and quiet!

See you tomorrow!
Natasha

Image via Lonny

Completely random...

Just absolutely fell in love with the colors in this image, and since there is a bunch of vacationing kids in my house at the moment, I figured it would be appropriate... :)

Have a happy weekend, y'all!

Natasha

Image via designfiles

That moment...

I want to share a cool thing that just happened... You know, THAT moment, when you find exactly what you have been looking for.

I came across this image above, the room is designed by Samantha Pynn Inc, and I just could not get that feather image out of my head....

To make a short story looooong, my feather "obsession" has been cultivated for years. Let me explain... While growing up in Denmark, long walks have always been part of the "routine", and often we would find feathers form all kind of different birds. Ranging from the really long skinny pheasant feathers, to the tiny little fluffy dotted and bright blue ones. My mother would often bring the really decorative ones home, they would become a piece of artwork in a windowsill or on a pin board.

This past September, I helped my mother look for artwork with feathers for a design project. We found a lot of different watercolor versions, but I had to leave before the project was finished, so I am not sure exactly what ended up on the walls...

SO, I do have a point, I promise :)
When I saw this beautiful photograph above the sofa, I just HAD to do some research. A colleague of mine also fell in love, and we just absolutely had to find it. Tonight I did! Via Pinterest (thank you very much for those back links) and here you go.... Photograph by Virginia Macdonald.

We are working on a project where this piece of artwork will be PERFECT, but even if the client nixes it, at least I know where to find it for next time...

Don't you just love when the stars align?

Natasha

Image #1via Samantha Pynn Inc, Image #2 Photograph by Virginia Macdonald, via Art Interiors

New on the Virtual Newsstand...

Just having a single day off this week, I was looking for something to inspire me...

Guess who just published their March / April 2012 issue? LONNY!!
... and with Michelle Adams in her Editorial video, promising more issues to come (beautiful hair, by the way), I am one happy reader!!!!

I was just introduced to Jenna Snyder-Phillips, the artist behind this great Black and White artwork. While I am not particularly a skull person, I really like the dark / light composition of this little tableau. Check out her story, and pick up a cool piece of artwork while you are at it....

Happy Sunday, Happy Reading!
Natasha

Image via LonnyMag.com

Butterfly World

It is no secret that traveling will inspire you, just as much as recharge your batteries. I find that if you keep your eyes open, inspiration comes to you!
Check out this "great wall" of China....

Let me explain; The owner of this condo lives in Norway, but the inspiration for this amazing art installation comes from a visit to the Phillip Starck designed restaurant Papillon in Shanghai, China. Upon returning to Norway, he set out to recreate this amazing art installation, and what a great job!

All these amazing butterflies are from China - hence the "great wall of China" reference above... but you probably already figured that out :) There are 200 frames, and it must have been a great math problem, figuring out the exact measurements of the frames and the spacing... I'm just saying...
 

What do you think? Pretty cool, huh? Can you imagine having this installation in your home? I am mesmerized... loving the modern atmosphere and cool colors to off set this somewhat busy nature wall!!

... and this image really just made it into the post 'cause I like the kitchen / dining area with the open fireplace :)

Here are a few other butterfly posts to check out (here and here), if you have a moment?
Enjoy!
Natasha

Images by Yvonne Wihelmsen, Styling by Tone Kroken for Bonytt

Art work

Inspired by this great photograph of peeling paint, framed and positioned above a bed, acting as a giant headboard, I went searching for a version of this for a client...

The only request was to incorporate blue, so this was my first choice. I really like how the small areas of ocher show through, yet the overall feel of the piece is still "blue"!

This was my second choice...

The room has bamboo flooring, but otherwise its white, our accent will be pulled from the artwork. What do you think??

Natasha

Image #1 unknown, sorry. Image #2 & #3 via a trade resource, email me for info if interested.

Shell Shock

I came across this beautiful image the other day; what caught my eye was the striking color of the Limpet shells... this fantastic turquoise color, in all the different variations. This image really show how a few simple shells can make a big impact, don't you think?

Limpets do not only come one shade, there are also White versions and Pink versions (they are sub tidal) as well as Grey and Brown versions (that are an intertidal species). And guess what... you can actually eat them! They are sought to be a delicacy in both Hawaii and Portugal! Have you ever tried one of these??

OK, so you might not want to eat these little guys, but appreciating their beauty, that we can all agree on, right? What about using the shells in artwork?

I see this as a wonderful DIY project for all you shell collectors out there!! Get your self set up with a shadow box frame, a glue gun and some of these beautiful shells and go to town. I suggest measuring out the space first and marking where to place the shells.... but that's just the designer in me :)

Depending on how may shells you have collected, or the size of them, decide on the size of your frame.

Hope this has inspired you to use some of those shells you have collected over the summer?!
But if you - like me - have not had a beach vacation, but want a little beach decor anyhow, a few of these beautiful Shells in Shadows can be purchased here.

Have fun!
Natasha

Image #1 & #2 via Google search, Image #3 & #4 Via Shells in Shadows

Living large in a small space!

Check out this very cool, but small home, located in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Great way to bring a little color to an all white space, and gaining valuable storage space at the same time! I really like the worn leather chairs; the warmth of the leather against the cool chrome....

This is how you do it! Art wall at it's best...
Keeping it black and white, mixing frames and sizes. Great job!!

A peak out to the small outdoor space, extending the living space.

Taking full advantage of the summer and the green space, this little oasis is living large!!

Natasha

All images via Skona Hem

Picture Perfect!

This art wall remind me of an art wall in the Flag Ship Store of Malene Birger in Copenhagen. She also uses this type of revolving art display in her home, as seen here in a previous Northern Light Blog post.

I am liking the shiny, cool Sputnik light fixture paired with the warmth of the dark wood table!

Do you prefer art walls on ledges, like here, or the art work actually hung on the wall in a collage?

Natasha

Image via Screaming Lobster on tumblr.

Blue Lady

Some of you may recognize this Blue Lady from the home of Anna Spiro. She recently featured an image from her bedroom, the post was about curtains, but what really struck me, was this artwork. I love the color, and the mix of this piece alongside the ornate, gilded mirror on the opposite side.

What's your take? Love, like or not so much??

Natasha

Image via ABT

It's the Weekend...

I first "grabbed" this image because of the Chinese Brush...

I have a few of them; one I picked up here in the states (from an Asian furniture store), a few in Denmark, and a few in Hong Kong. My latest acquisition was from a local interior design store, the handle is clear quartz, and it's just beautiful!! I love the carved handles, and also the simple beauty of the stone used.

Are they passe in the decorating world, (I don't know) but mine are often on display... :)

Secondly... the black and white drawing in the background remind me of Oscar!
My parent's dog. HI!!
Thirdly... (is that a word?) the small watercolor of the feathers... My mom often brings in feathers from her walks in the countryside. Sometimes it's a pheasant feather, sometimes it is a small vibrant feather :)

Hmmm.... It's the weekend, what will you be doing? I am having my best friend over, we are cooking for other friends, I am sure it will be fun!!
She is even sharing her secrete Lasagna recipe with me!! Ssshhhhh!

Natasha

Image unknown

New on the virtual newsstand...

Meet the new girl in town! How exciting is this... another new magazine, full of great reading material and fantastic images!!!

I am so proud to say Shari Miller of Little Blue Deer is the Art Director! I had the pleasure of working with Shari when I reached out to her to help with the Northern Light Blog header.
I could not have been happier working with her, and I am super excited to see what else she and the House of Fifty have up their sleeve.

If the first issue is any indication, let me tell you, we are all in for a treat!

Check it out here!

Happy Monday reading!!

Natasha

Cover and artwork via Hose of Fifty.

Peacefull vignette.

Is this not a great art wall? As much as I love color, this is a very soothing combo...
What initially got me, was the silver punch-bowl filled to the brim with orchids! It reminded me of the one Anne Fabricius-Bjerre had on her grand piano (here).  Notice how all the frames are different materials, thickness and colors, yet it is a very cohesive look! There is everything framed here; a beautiful kimono (how appropriate), a cartoon character and even a child's drawing, this is definitely an evolving art wall, but when do you stop adding? Do you stop?
Do you have an evolving art wall like this?

Natasha

PS. Just 3 more days to sign up to win the give-away! :)

Image via Skona Hem (I think....)

The evolution of a room.

I was first introduced to designer Tia Zoldan a few years back, via a feature by Cottage Living...

...Who can forget that turquoise tufted ottoman, the striking artwork, the girl in the orange pants...?

Well, it seems she has re-decorated her place, and we are all lucky to be invited to view the redo... Notice how certain colors have been brought out with placement of accessories in these two images (above and below), and see it change the mood of the room further down this page. Take her clue, pull accent colors from artwork and rugs...

I love this image... the black upholstery, the color of the glazed pottery, the pop of color in the silk pillow, how the books have been stacked deep on the table...

This image shows more of the earthy tones, the oranges and golden colors come through. The room has a different vibe just by changing out the fuchsia pillow and adding gold embroidery pillows + metallic accessories, such as the votive on the white side table, the brass sculpture on the books etc, as well as highlighting the wood demi lune table.

I, for one, love to see the evolution of a space through a designer eye, especially when it comes to such a personal space, as her own home!! Notice how the main furniture pieces are the same, they have just been reupholstered... And then the focal point, the artwork, has been changed up, and totally softened the space! A mix of textures, fabrics, pattern and colors make this space uniquely personal...
Thank you, High Gloss, for the sneak peak!

Natasha

Image #1-2 Via Country Living, Image #3-4 via Viva Full House Blog, Image #5-6 via High Gloss