finely Inc.

The ease of the ordinary!

2012-01-18T17:45:00.000+02:00

I like the ease of the ordinary. It gives me strength. I enjoy the simple life. It gives me comfort. I look at my beloved cat and smile! I drink giant teas after my morning coffee and plan today's meal. I do my daily chores and still have time for a proper lunch. I talk on the phone. I cook. I clean. I dream!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T09:40:00.000+02:00

A new year started already! A perfectly clean canvas to hold all the new memories which are yet to come... While saying goodbye to 2011 I found myself cherishing those last hours of the year! I can honestly say that the new year's Eve was one of the best, in my life, so far. I was surrounded only by people I love and care and I know that they, too, love me in return! That was the main reason which made the day so special and not some spectacular but empty happening. The day and evening passed so gracefully with food preparations, good company and smiles. So now, I choose to keep this single memory of 2011 in my heart and mind for the new year to give me strength, hope and courage. It's the simple things in life that matter the most. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

IMAGE SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Last minute X-mas diy! (earth-friendly)

2011-12-22T17:35:00.000+02:00

Today's post is about X-mas, diy and fun! It's also about you who live hectic lives- like most people do nowdays and you find yourselves with X-mas around the corner and not a single idea for quick and easy festive decorations. You see, anxiety hits all year long and I believe these days it should take a break! Christmas is all about fun and easy time! We should celebrate with our family and not worry over anything, but because as always it's easier said than done, I hope that my last minute diy will cheer you up and get you back on track;on that of Joyride! So, let's say that until now you didn't have the time or energy to do something festive! Plus, you are one of those fellas who can't stand those cookie-cutter decorations while you strive to be original and also keep up with the earth-friendly spirit. Look no further! Here is the simplest diy ever that will change your moods and give you the right attitude. Ok! enough talking, let us be happy alltogethernow!

You gonna need some driftwood, a crystal beads garland, a golden beads garland and a tall glass vase. Maybe the most difficult to track down is the tall vase but that's nothing fancier than a super market vase that I got with my long-dead orchid. You see, I only use leftover and what's handy around the house. The rest of the stuff, I acquired over time and all are decorations from my past. The driftwood came from a forgotten walk at the beach when it was warm and sunny! The images talk for themselves! You just rest the golden garland at the bottom of the vase add the driftwood and decorate with the crystal beads. Instant makeover, instant Christmas spirit! Enjoy!

ALL IMAGES SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Find & Refined { bohemian gifts }

2011-12-09T15:50:00.000+02:00

My first round-up for gifts is dedicated to Boho chic. Bohemian lovers and admirers take a note! Those items above will make someone very happy!
1. stool / 2. set of prints / 3. wall hook / 4. sofa / 5. pillow / 6. herb pot / 7. rug / 8. birdcage

Fog days!

2011-12-08T19:29:00.000+02:00

Those images above depict the sights of our garden and home on a really foggy day! It was this first actual winter weekend it happened. I got up early in the day only to find out that we were under a veil of fog. When you live in a sunny climate, fog sounds magical and enchanting not to mention rare even for winter. Imagine my surprize to wake up in a world like this. I was totally astounded. I rushed for my camera and I couldn't stop until the fog cleared several hours later! My usual reality seemed disguised, transformed into another more mysterious and enticing...

ALL IMAGES SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Cheap & Chic! {perfume bar}

2011-12-07T18:16:00.000+02:00

As the holiday season approaches we all want to spend for family and friends. It's the festive spirit that lifts up in the air and the feeling of sharing and joy! Before we know it though, we exceed our budget and sometimes can't afford gifts for all the people in our list. My rule, to avoid that, is to act early on and spot those places where I can enjoy a spending spree and still have money in my pockets. A good example is my purchase above. I first went on a smell quest and tried several different fragrances. I decided on Bulgari for its underlined elegance and fruity flavors and made sure to find the best offer available. My purchase of the specific fragrance included two more treats, a body lotion and a beautiful pouch but also came with a good 25% discount. So content after all and I didn't break the bank!

ALL IMAGES SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Keep your mouth full! {hazelnut chocolate spread & banana sandwitch }

2011-12-05T18:31:00.000+02:00

I don't like sweet. A fact. Sometimes though, I crave chocolate really hard. Usually what I have around is hazelnut chocolate spread. A childhood memory I can't depart with... Now that I'm all grown-up I embellish that flavor. An open sandwitch with my favorite spread, topped with banana! Delicious and simple!

ALL IMAGES SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Cheap & Chic! {Interview with Elsa from "Elsa Handmade Inspirations"}

2011-11-30T10:59:00.000+02:00

Today, instead of the usual “Cheap & Chic” column I have the honor to present you a very talented lady. Her name is Elsa and she creates beautiful handbags from scratch! Needless to say they are both chic & cheap. Elsa is a genuine personality with flowering creativity and I’m certain that you‘ll find her designs inspiring the way I did! Elsa and I had a little chat the other day about her work, the styles she prefers and her design ethos. Let’s find out what she said, shall we?

Sophia: Elsa, how did you come to design handbags?

Elsa: I have a vast background in fashion originally. I’ve spent several years designing clothes for my own little firm which was very daunting but at the same time taught me valuable lessons on how a business is run.

Sophia: And you make mostly handbags?

Elsa: Yes! It’s a fashion item I like the most as it’s quite versatile and not as heavy on somebody’s shoulders as creating a clothes’ line, but equally rewarding nonetheless! Plus I believe in the power of accessorizing and handbag is definitely a key piece for everyone!

Sophia: Your designs are all lovely and well made. You make everything by hand?

Elsa: Yes, I have total control over production and since I make only a small batch at a time I can still manage all stages of production including sketching, cutting, sewing and assembling.

Sophia: What are the materials you prefer to use?

Elsa: To tell you the truth inspiration is what defines my use of materials. When I envision a new bag then I see what kind of materials I would like this very bag to be made of!

Sophia: So, where do you find inspiration?

Elsa: Everywhere! It sounds like a cliché but it’s true. I have a vast collection of things that boosts my creativity. I simply like to accumulate stuff. Materials are very important to me. I have tons of leathers, fabrics, buttons, ribbons you name it! Also being in the fashion department I’m always aware of new trends and depending on the season I’m influenced by them. For instance, this season velvet and fur are big so I’ll find ways to incorporate them into my collection.

Sophia: Is there a type of bag you prefer to make over and over again?

Elsa: Surely I make everything from casual to formal, but my all-time favorite is the evening purse.

Sophia: Can you define your style?

Elsa: My mood swings and my style too! Though, I gravitate towards modern but tailored with a touch of vintage and sometimes eclectism.

Sophia: Name your favorite celebrity designer?

Elsa: The one and only Gaultier.

Sophia: Where we can find you and your bags?

Elsa: At the moment through my blog, and email which is esklavou@gmail.com.

Elsa, it was a pleasure to talk with you and share your creativitiy here. Thank you very much!

(all images show Elsa's new collection for A/w 11)

Keep your mouth full! {aragula, tomato and feta cheece open sandwitches}

2011-11-28T16:44:00.000+02:00

It's been sometime since I wrote here because, you know, life works in mysterious ways. Today though, I'm glad because I'm back on board, on this little and secluded creative place of mine! So, whoever you are I would like you to stick around. You see today, I'm gonna share one of my secret and all-time favorite recipes. It's one of those easy peasy recipes eveyone can make and it's feels so good when in no time you can actually sit down and enjoy a meal that is delicious, healthy and comforting at the same time! Trust me, if you haven't taste it then when you do, your mouth will be full of the most savoury and wholesome ingredients.

Plain and simple food can be so rich and mouthwatering! The secret here lies on the things we're using; fresh baby aragula and tomatoes. A first quality of feta cheese. Handmade rustic bread that we then toast for a few minutes and extra virgin olive oil to springle on top. To take this a step further, you can be a connaiseur and choose the right type of feta cheese.

Actually a slightly hard and peppery kind will act its best when combined with the sweetness of the rustic bread. The bread must be handmade from a bakery you trust and know. Any other mass produced bread will spoil the flavours. I can go and on and on about the importance of quality here, but I think you get the picture. This recipe requires only the finest of ingredients since its execution has barely any additives or cooking to enhance the taste. Assemble everything together, add freshly ground pepper and cherish your life; food is blessing!

ALL IMAGES SOPHIA DIAMNTOPOULOU

Cheap & Chic! {red coat}

2011-11-17T15:11:00.000+02:00

It's feels like cheating, since I'm posting this today and not yesterday but I guess it's better to go on and do it rather than postponing it because I get distracted by daily happenings. Life happens and if plans are put on hold one day there's always the next to mend this! So, why I'm posting this red coat today? First of all, it's one of my all-time favorite garments. I have it for four years allready and it's like brand new. It's such a happy coat in the most wonderful red color ever! It's pure wool of excellent quality and I got it on super sale since the Donna Karan tag on full price was quite intimidating. Still, you say it must cost more than a regular coat. That's absolutely true, but compared to the quality and the long wear it's still a very good deal! I believe it has every right to be considered as an item that falls right under the cheap and chic category. You see, sometimes we need to invest on certain pieces even if it feels like breaking the rule by paying more than usual. The reward from the top quality of both, material and craftmanship is unconditional and the many years you're going to enjoy your choice, break down the price to mere pennies(on a daily count). I followed my heart and got me this amazing coat and I haven't regret it since, not a single day!

IMAGE SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

A manhattan pied-a-terre

2011-11-15T17:25:00.000+02:00

Sometimes I see a space and I really get excited! This happened with the pied-a-terre featured in Veranda Magazine. Then, I try to figure out what in particular I find inspiring about those interiors and why... Probably I wouldn't incorporate all the above elements in my abode but the color combinations that I see here are very interesting and certainly well thought. Black and white is a favorite of mine but I believe that when someone adds injections of other colors like greys or browns it takes it to another level of visual impact. It also warms up the formality of the duo. Obviously this interior is also quite traditional and those gold accents prove it greatly but when grey and brown enter the scheme it's their softness that occupies me the most. Plus, the focal dynamics of those vertical black lines on the main storage space are so strong and symmetric that open up this pied-a-terre to great lengths. Even if my place is not that small I believe that inspiration from compact spaces is more valuable since it's those spaces that push aesthetics and design to new boundaries in an effort to incorparate more elements with less actual space!

ALL IMAGES FROM VERANDA MAGAZINE

Find & Refined { warm up }

2011-11-12T13:01:00.000+02:00

Yes! It's Saturday and not Friday (the weekend is here, I checked) but I was feeling realy itchy to post this since it was in my head on time but due to other reality commitments I was unable to put it together yesterday... The weather is getting colder fast and what better excuse to stay inside and cuddle while enjoying the change of scenery! Ideally, there's a bunch of stuff out there that will make this transition smooth and here we showcase a few but with extra style and character!

obj#1: chair / obj#2: scarf / obj#3: rug / obj#4: warmers / obj#5: plate / obj#6: knitwear

Cheap & Chic! {feminine blouse}

2011-11-02T18:19:00.000+02:00

Another alternative to the feminine blouse, which sometimes feels boring and bland, is one that has the animal print all over. We've seen before the power that an item with this type of print holds and again we need to be conservative when it comes to the rest of our outfit. Usually a black skirt or trousers is enough to turn the ensemble in an utrla chic combination suitable for day or night. I have a beautiful pair of woolen trousers (at least four years old) and when I wear them together it feels like they are new but mostly I see how easy it is to be elegant! This blouse above is also semi transparent which makes it a tad sexy but safe for any occasion. Instant chic for less than 50$, well I'll take it!

IMAGES SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Keep your mouth full! { spaghetti and baby shrimps}

2011-10-31T15:36:00.000+02:00

Let's start the week with another great recipe! This is one is extra easy-breezy and it combines two of my favorite ingredients seafood and pasta. I use spaghetti No. 6 which I cook according to cooking instuctions and then rinse under running cold water. I always do that because it halts the cooking process right there on the spot, plus it removes most of the surface starch which I personally don't like to taste at all! Now, to the sauce, which is what gives life to the dish. In a heated pan slightly covered with olive oil I add a clove of garlic and wait until it turns a bit brown, then I remove the garlic and add a yellow pepper sliced into squares. When the pepper is softened I add a few cherry tomatoes crushed and a few minutes later my baby shrimps. The shrimps are already bathed in fresh water which has a few lemon wedges. The shrimps cook very fast (about ten minutes max) and I want my tomatoes to be slightly cooked in order to keep their freshness. In that time, a thin layer of tomato sauce is built which is enough for the rest of the ingredients. I add fresh ground pepper and sea salt along with oregano and a handful of chopped parsley and give it a last stir. I remove the pan from heat and toss the pasta in. A lot of grated cheese on top and I can hardly resist for another minute!

ALL IMAGES SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Guest Post: Tiny decorative details

2011-10-25T12:48:00.000+03:00

Hi, I'm Susi, a writer for Design Shuffle, an online community of interior designers, design professionals and design lovers from around the world. I'm so happy to be visiting Finely Inc. today to guest blog about one of my favorite topics: decorative details in interior design. The saying “the devil is in the details” definitely applies to a well styled room. The details, even tiny ones, are what make a room beautiful, chic and stylish. I've pulled together some of my favorite tiny decorative details to share with you and your readers. Enjoy!

Like jewelry and accessories in fashion, tiny decorative details can make a room, a vignette or even a piece of furniture. Beautiful bowls and trays make lovely table accessories and places to hold beautiful baubles.

Love the grosgrain ribbon and nailheads that trim the door frames in this mudroom. Such a chic (and simple) detail that adds tons of style.

Accents are great bathroom design ideas. A silver tray in the bathroom to organize perfume bottles and other objects is a lovely design detail—one of those versatile and easy decorating ideas. The silver adds shine and an extra bit of elegance.

Nailhead trim is a classic decorative detail that is small but creates a big impact. It can be applied to all kinds of furniture and even walls.

You can greatly enhance your bedroom design with some small details. Pulls and knobs can completely change the look of a piece of furniture. These tiny decorative details can make the difference between fine and sublime. Love the shiny brass against the navy on this chest.

We use them every day but how often do we really pay attention to door handles? Swapping out standard knobs for antique or vintage knobs can turn a tiny detail into a design statement.

Even the smallest piece of furniture in the room can make a big statement in a bedroom design. Adding an interesting patterned fabric to this footstool makes it stand out in the room. Small is beautiful.

Trim is the tiny detail that can transform a piece of upholstered furniture. Piping on cushions, trim and ribbon are beautiful details for furniture. [ Images 1/ 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 ]

Details make all the difference! If you'd like to see more details for any room in your home, head on over to Design Shuffle where you'll find inspiration from many talented designers including Los Angeles interior designers and New York interior designers.

Guest Post for tomorrow!

2011-10-24T19:40:00.027+03:00

Ok! I'm really excited! Stay all tuned because tomorrow I have the honor to present you a great guest post in Finely Inc! Susi from Design Shuffle is gonna be here with us to talk about details, details and some more details when it comes to stylish interiors! Yay!

Keep your mouth full! {rigatoni with anchovies}

2011-10-24T18:38:00.000+03:00

I can't say that I like to compromise when it comes to taste. I love food so much and if my meal is bland usually it ruins my day. That said, I have to admit that I can be lazy too so I need to prepare meals quickly and easily. I enjoy pasta quite a lot and I try to bring a new flavor almost each time I make it. For the above dish I used rigatoni. I always drain my pasta under cool water and then I use a bit of warm olive oil to coat them for extra flavor. Yummy! For the sauce I used 2-3 fillets of anchovies and a tablespoon of capers along with a clove of garlic, finely sliced, in a warm skillet. I made sure the skillet was coated with olive oil (again!), just a few drops is enough. When half way cooked, I added a few cherry tomatoes and when those were ready I removed the skillet from the heat. I combined the pasta with the sause, springled fresh parsley over it and served in a large plate with lots of cheece and black pepper! Food for the soul!

Find & Refined { animal planet }

2011-10-21T19:25:00.000+03:00

Today, on Find & Refind we showcase the fauna kingdom and its take on design and everyday items. The theme is not new. In human history, animals played an important role which consisted more than merely a source of nutrition. The contemporary items based on animal figurine are playful and sometimes ironic. There's certainly a plethora out there but what you see above are some of my favorites!

obj#1 / obj#2 / obj#3 / obj#4 / obj#5 / obj#6

Cheap & Chic! {ruffled grey dress}

2011-10-20T16:21:00.000+03:00

When I run errands I want to look well dressed but I need to feel comfortable. Actually, every time I chose pretty instead of practical I ended up doing less than half of what I anticipated and not looking that pretty anymore. So, I decided to wear clothes that give me that much needed sense of fancy while retaining all the casual feeling. Enter the above dress. It cost me less than 15$ at Zara's super sales and it serves its purpose perfectly. Its plain grey cotton fabric makes it so easy to wear but the ruffles and belt give a tone of grace! I love it with black leggings underneath for extra comfort. It feels right, airy and allover beautiful!

IMAGE SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Keep your mouth full! {broccoli & turkey salad}

2011-10-17T17:30:00.000+03:00

This salad recipe is so easy and quick to be considered as an excellent choice when things are in a hurry. The great thing about it though is its taste! Velvety as can be because of the broccoli but rich in taste when you grab a bite of the turkey schnitzel. I get mine from a local meat market to make sure I get the best quality. So, back to our recipe; you only need to steam your broccoli florets until they're soft but not muchy and fry your ready made schnitzels for three to four minutes each side in very hot oil. Since we are using turkey, there are no worries about extra calories. To spice up the dish, I use a homemade dressing that I prepare in seconds by whisking together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons mustard, 1 teaspoon honey and 2 tablespoons of wine vinegar. I pour the dressing over my salad and I serve immediately. Bon appetit!

ALL IMAGES SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Find & Refined { the fierce lady}

2011-10-14T16:17:00.000+03:00

Get out there! Be fierce!

1.pink tribe dress / 2.yellow men's watch / 3.foldover clutch / 4.arrowdrop bracelet / 5.high heeled hasbeens / 6.neon bracelet / 7.back to black LP

Cheap & Chic! {animal print}

2011-10-12T17:23:00.000+03:00

In the spirit of yesterday's post I continue with the black and white theme...Today, through "Cheap & Chic" series I want to showcase everyone's fave of the season, the animal print. A trend which many also consider too risky to pull it off. Make no mistake, animal print can lead you easily in the land of cheap and tacky. The secret is to accessorize with it rather than go for the full costume. An all black outfit paired with flats like the ones above gets nice attention and shows graceful style. I got mine at Zara's and since they were on super sale they cost me next to nothing.

ALL IMAGES SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

The amazing world of photographer Charlotte Moulard!

2011-10-11T16:48:00.000+03:00

I'm always excited to find out about new and talented photographers like the uber cool french lady Charlotte Moulard. She has already contributed to the ever beautiful Stella Magazine. Those images above depict chic and elegance in a delicate and enchanting manner. La femme fatale in a new version.

ALL IMAGES FROM CHARLOTTE MOULARD

Keep your mouth full! {green beans & eggs}

2011-10-10T16:05:00.000+03:00

For me this is comfort food. I enjoy the richeness of the egg and the freshness of the green beans. Sometimes, if eggs feel like a lot and I know for sure that I'm not going anywhere else later on, I will have a crushed garlic clove and chunks of bread to dip in the flavored oil of the beans. Always though, I 'll add lots of black pepper. To make this plate you'll need fresh green beans from the farmers market. A good quantity is one kilo of greens. Wash them thoroughly and cut off both ends. Half cup of olive oil (extra virgin) or more is needed. When the oil has warmed up, you add one red onion, finelly chopped. About three minutes later you add two crushed cloves of garlic and your green beans. You give them two good turns in the pot so they are covered with oil thoroughly and you add canned tomatoes, preferably the ones which are already in chunks because when cooked they don't disappear but rather give an extra dimension to the plate. You will need 3/4 of the can. You will also need some water to help your greens cook more evenly. A good rule is to make sure that while cooking you have enough liquids to simmer properly. Salt and pepper to taste. When the boiling starts, lower the temperature and let it simmer. The food is ready in 20 minutes more or less. Not a long time for such a satisfying meal. Fry the eggs and you're good to go!

IMAGES SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Find & Refined {neon}

2011-10-07T20:49:00.000+03:00

For all the fluo lovers. Dedicated.

1.stool / 2.pot / 3.lamp / 4.case / 5.vase

Cheap & Chic! {earings}

2011-10-05T14:30:00.000+03:00

Ethnic trend is always big. On clothes, accessories, furnishings, rugs, everything! What is small here is the price! These adorable earings cost me about a dollar and thirty cents at H&M. Yes, Hello! The pair!

ALL IMAGES SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

The amazing world of photographer Lukasz Wierzbowski

2011-10-04T15:38:00.000+03:00

His name I can't tell without breaking my tongue, but what I can tell is that his work is simply amazing. His imaginery is magical and dreamy, the sort I like. You can find him here and here.

ALL IMAGES FROM LUKASZ W.

Keep your mouth full! {the oven beans}

2011-10-03T16:49:00.000+03:00

I always try to find new ways to use beans in my meals because a)they are healthy and b)not everybody's favorite ingredient(you know what I mean!). I assure you though that this recipe proves to be a delightfully unexpected dish for eveyone! It combines gracefully white beans and shrimp which gives these humble pulses some status. Plus the cherry tomatoes and capers make it a little savory which is good because it takes away some of the earthness of beans. The original recipe was found at the Martha Stewart Living issue of September '11 but I always stray away and do what suits me better. For this recipe I only had a pack(500 gr) of frozen shrimps(80/120 size) and I used those. I also boiled the beans in advance. I used 3 gloves of garlic and about two tablespoons of capers which I made sure they were rinced well. Most of my ingredients like beans and cherry tomatoes where eyeballed to match the quantity of my shrimps. I also use coarse salt and olive oil all the time. I combined tomatoes, beans, capers, garlic, oil and salt in a bowl while my bakeware was warming up in the oven. When ready, I tossed in the bowl mixture and let it in the oven until tomatoes started to look charred. While those were broiling I made another bowl with the shrimps, 1 tablespoon of oil and salt. I added them to the bakeware with some water for extra liquid and let them bake until shrimp looked ready and golden. I served with some rustic bread and enjoyed the meal.

ALL IMAGES SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Find & Refined {faceted is cool}

2011-09-30T22:23:00.000+03:00

Here's today list presenting nothing but cool multi-faceted objects. A trend that deserves to stay around a little longer! It makes ordinary items more exciting to look at. I just love them all, don't you?

Obj#1 asteroide vase

Obj#2 reclaimed faceted bookends

Obj#3 pale pink geo beaded neckless

Obj#4 marionette wood lamp

Obj#5 faceted mirror side table

Cheap & Chic!

2011-09-28T13:16:00.000+03:00

I have a vice. I don't want to sacrifice style over money. Even if it's a carry-all bag. Even if I don't plan to use it on a daily basis(so not true, I carry it with me every day). I spend endless hours online coveting myriad designer pieces but when I need to balance my expenses or I get the regular reality bite, Zara comes to my rescue. It's one of those places you can secretely buy items on ridiculous discount and then go pretend like you spend much much more than it actually cost. Don't ya love it? I do! This canvas bag fits the bill perfectly! The size is right, the shape one of the most desired of lately, the color so elegant and the price...well the price is unbeatable! I gave around 14 bucks and this baby came home with me. Shopping is fun!

ALL IMAGES SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Keep your mouth full!

2011-09-26T18:33:00.000+03:00

The other day I wanted to have a quick and easy salad for lunch. I was working from home and didn't have much time, plus I wasn't feeling like eating the usual greek salad. I had some leftover white beans. I thought "it's good idea to use them in my meal" and embarked on my quest. After a bit of searching, I found this salad from the truly inspiring site 101 cookbooks. You can always make the original salad but that day I didn't exactly followed the recipe but rather used ingredients I had around and made me a wonderful meal! I had already my fresh boiled beans which are always better than the canned. I also had a juicy merlin orange and I used half. No fancy vinegar for me, just the regular wine vinegar I use daily. I substitued the walnuts with almonds that my uncle send me from his garden, they are delicious toasted! A nice iceberg could do the job and olive oil (ours) and goat cheese aren't the things we lack of. Combined everything to my taste and as a surprise ingredient I added milanese salami! Now, you can skip the last one if you want a more healthy version but I always crave little bits of delicatessen in my food.

ALL IMAGES SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Find & Refined

2011-09-23T20:46:00.000+03:00

Another round of unique finds for the home. This time, more contemporary and with a little twist!
#1 bubble lamp, #2 teal rug, #3 silver skull, #4 splash pillow, #5 munich sofa, #6 gnome

Cheap & Chic!

2011-09-21T15:03:00.000+03:00

Fall is here to stay along with the first chills and showers. It's a good time to pull our life together, since so far summer called for other activities! I'm pretty sure a dedicated organiser will help us do that. I wanted to update mine, to give me a head start, but without spending a fortune...Usually the good ones cost more than you think, so the only way I could make this work was to hunt down one with a great discount. Hopefully, most major brands have already updated their lines for the new year and knowing that fact made my life easy. I only had to look on discount selves and pick the one that matches my style and color preferences. This pretty one above is what I chose from filofax and I am more than happy!

ALL IMAGES SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Keep your mouth full!

2011-09-19T12:30:00.000+03:00

Don't get me wrong. I love preparing fancy food! I do most of the time. But when time is stretched thin or work keeps adding up the answer can only be a quick but satisfying meal! This food is not only practical is nutricious too, which we all strive to have in our daily routine(everyone keeps telling us this!). So, let's move on to the recipe; you only need a can of herring (I had this stuff from Ikea but I guess any could do), some plain cooked rice (usually leftovers are welcome too) and fresh cherry tomatoes. Put them in a large plate add a dash of olive oil and your preferred herbs (for me that is oregano) and presto! meal is ready!

IMAGES BY SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Find & Refined

2011-09-16T18:20:00.001+03:00

This week's Find and Refined is all about organic elements that evoke elegance. We sure can have both and those unique objects above prove it at first glance. Let's take a look! obj#1: yew jam spoon, obj#2: stackato table lamp, obj#3: bamboo tray table, obj#4: black & gold bowl, obj#5: moccasin edition 16inch bag

Cheap & Chic!

2011-09-14T14:37:00.000+03:00

Some say there's no way to be chic and cheap. Yeah, it's like trusting that good taste comes only with good money... But today, it easy to be chic and keep your wallet happy! For instance, the other day I was window shopping H&M. You know, it's a good activity and keeps your mind alert and your blood pumping, speaking of cource style wise. That means, if there's a treasure it can be found. Like it happened with those cute red ballerinas. They are a delight, and to pay less than 5 dollars a pair, it's a steal! Wearing them, makes you feel kinda special and precious(the red fake snakeskin does it)! It's a dash of sparkle in everyday life and paired with a nice navy striped dress, the epitome of style. I say, Cheap and Chic, for all!

PHOTOS BY SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

Find & Refined

2011-09-08T18:01:00.001+03:00

Gold. A hot trend for fall. Paired with white or creamy white it's a win-win combination. Always fresh, always stylish!
1//pillow, 2//nutcracker, 3//bracelet, 4//cup&saucer, 5//chandelier, 6//chair

Jam of Figs

2011-09-05T15:15:00.000+03:00

Every year I try to enjoy figs as much as I can! They are one of my favorite fruits you know... This time though our white fig tree started delivering some not so good-looking fruit after the first bunch of awesome figs. I guess the tree was pretty heavy with fruit and since the spot is dry and harsh, it hadn't enough juices to make them all right. No worries though, I love me some jam! I picked the remaining figs that were pretty good even if they weren't big in size or bright green in color. I was going to mash them after all, so their looks were not what I was looking for. I just made sure that the fruit wasn't spoiled or anything. Just for variety, I picked a few dark ones also(those were perfectly ok)! My recipe is pretty simple. My mom share it with me as her mom did beforehand. The only secret lies within simmering time. Looong and sloooow! It really takes time because the heat should be very low and you need to make sure the jam isn't gonna stick in your pan while your liquid starts to become syrupy. Mine took about forty minutes but it was so worthy!

So, you gonna need for every two cups of fruit, one cup sugar, one cup water. That simple! You put all the ingredients in a pan and when the boiling starts you turn the heat to low( really low) and wait until your jam thickens and reduces to less than half of the original size. The trick for the jam is that you take one spoon from your mixture. You let it cool for a couple minutes in a small plate. If the mixture is still runny when you turn your plate in one side it means more simmering if not, the jam is ready. Voila!

ALL PHOTOS BY SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

The girl will always lust a new bag!

2011-08-26T21:59:00.000+03:00

The wind that blows my hair almost everyday isn't enough to call it a change in seasons and sometimes summer stays longer, for a few borrowed weeks from a lazy autumn. I still go to the beach but my heart wonders in fresh fashions, my eyes search for new trends. I long to revive myself and usually a bag does it for me! Suddenly, my strip navy dress looks different, easy-breezy still, but more sophisticated. The short of thing I could proudly wear at a client meeting or while I meet my mom for a chat over coffee!

1;clare vivier, 2;zara, 3;jototes, 4;zara, 5;katespade

A beautiful house in Oia!

2011-08-11T15:03:00.000+03:00

I don't talk quite much about my work here on the blog but from time to time I get to photograph some spectacular places that's worth talking about! That's the case with this unique house in Oia, Santorini. Before anything else, I have a little secret to tell about this particular home. On my first ever trip to Santorini and while visiting Oia for the wordly famous sunset I saw the gate leading to this house and my awe made me stop and dream for a moment how it would be to live inside it. Then we moved on to the spot we could watch the sunset and I forgot all about this house and its occupants. They say, sometimes fate plays little games and here I am, not only taking pictures of it, but living inside while doing my job. Excitement, oh yes! The place is charming inside as grandeur is on the outside. The best part though is that I got to meet and become friends with the daughter of the owner who happily opened the doors to this little paradise on earth. Her warm welcome and good manners is a treat and she's totally easygoing and fun to be with. This shooting became more than a job it was a dream come true. The memories from this trip will be imprinted in me, forever.

ALL IMAGES BY SOPHIA DIAMANTOPOULOU

I think I need this...

2011-08-05T18:01:00.000+03:00

Every now and then I'm drown to some darker pieces. I guess it's my need to make up for all the bright stuff I usually like. Somethin' wicked ain't but in small doses, my friend. It brings balance to life especially when is so darn well executed. You see, The Great Bear shop justifies this urge of mine to the bone with all its great prints laid upon my gaze like little gems waiting to hauntly glow inside my place.

ART FROM THE GREAT BEAR

I love storage, I love me some luxury!

2011-08-03T21:21:00.000+03:00

If money weren't an issue I 'd love me a handful of these beautiful boxes, the house of Hermes has designed as archives for past agendas. They combine both my love for right storage and timeless aesthetics in one. Scattered around the house and not only the office area, as seen above, they would happily collect any clutter and still be pretty to look at! Items of perfection themselves they can turn any space into something more elegant, more pristine. They seem to be the ideal high factor in a mix and match design situation. The orange hue is perfect in small doses and it will add the right amount of color in any enviromnent. It 's a touch of luxury and sometimes we want to treat ourselves in it!

IMAGES FROM HERMES WEBSTORE AND SARASTORY

My Daily life!

2011-08-03T00:14:00.000+03:00

My dear friend and mother of my godson sent me an e-mail recently and since she lives far away in another continent I thought some pictures of daily life would be fun to see! So I came up with these snapshots which perfectly capture my everyday! I love where I live and there's not a single day passing by without enjoying my views. The look and smell of greens is essential for my well being. Second to my heart is my home office.This is the place I spend most of my time when working, daydreaming or by just looking over and over again some old tear sheets! I guess simple pleasures of life is what matters the most and I cherish them the more as I get older.

Photographer Louis Lemaire

2010-11-30T20:51:00.000+02:00

Today, I felt like I need some visual inspiration and as I was looking around a bit I found this brilliant photographer called Louis Lemaire! His base is in Netherlands and his work has appeared in numerous magazines like vtwonen. Nice settings and beautiful colors. An injection of styles and ideas is always welcome!

IMAGES FROM LOUIS LEMAIRE

Happy Home!

2010-11-29T16:11:00.000+02:00

This new week starts with certain accomplishments. Not big ones, just ones that matter to us... The staircase was finally painted, so did the molding and rail next to it! We had a few minor flakes on the wall when I removed the tape( I used a cheap one instead of a painter's tape) but compared to the outcome we barely noticed them plus we have our leftover paint just for this sort of mess! It wouldn't feel though completed without some sort of decor. So, my beloved poster from The Small Stakes found its place right in this small built-in shelf along with some ikea vases I had hanging around.
Also, we manage to hang or screw most of our lighting and that took up the rest of our time but in a good way. It was worth it!

Stepping Stone

2010-11-26T21:54:00.000+02:00

This is gonna be another looong weekend where we're gonna be working around the house. Hopefully, a lot will get done by the end of this weekend and we'll be a step closer to the move... Almost two months now, we're working on the house so that we can make it livable by the end of November. That's not to happen anymore, still I'm sooo excited because we're very close! Hard work means(in any possible way) make your dreams come true!

IMAGE FROM FREUNDE VON FREUNDEN

Lingering Priorities + Endless Possibilities

2010-11-25T22:45:00.000+02:00

This little world of mine feels neglected... Every single day, passing by, I have great thoughts of it and when the evening comes they are diffused in the air like clouds. Each day I make a promise just so I can break it in the end. It feels strange and yet so familiar. Life is always full of broken promises and lingering priorities. Yet, I believe that it doesn't matter in the long term. Afterall I am here, aren't I? Not a lingering priority anymore!
So, real life continues and things get done, sooner or later... Daily inspiration is abudant and I admit my life isn't the same since I found the online universe of immense beauty, incredible people and thousands of inspiring places! I feel like a better person, more enthousiastic and more appreciated in many ways. I see so many captivating things in a daily basis which I could never believed they existed, outside the secluded world of my country's poor magazine production. Two years ago, I 'd had this unquenchable thirst for all things design but none seemed fitting to my tastes in the local press. So, by accident I found Apartment Therapy and from there I discovered an amazing online world of design blogs and many other great places.
Today, there's almost not a single day without my daily fix; all those incredible sites that I devoutly visit and feast my eyes with their awesomeness! My little world feels tiny yet it's a place of endless possibilities when it becomes part of a greater whole... I guess my point is that I feel like sharing too, and I will strive to deliver as often as possible!

Lost in Happiness

2010-10-26T13:36:00.000+03:00

Incredible work and cool title as well from ceramics artist Lenneke Wispelwey. It's from a series she has yet to introduce! The photo preview above is hilarious and ingenious at the same time!

IMAGE FROM LENNEKE WISPLWEY

Maggie's cakes

2010-10-22T20:59:00.000+03:00

Edible creations of art... That's what Maggie's Cakes are, or else what happens when a ballerina becomes pastry chef. Take a moment to visit her beautiful creations at Maggie Austin Cake!

IMAGE FROM MAGGIEAUSTINCAKE

In hopes of...

2010-10-16T00:22:00.000+03:00

...a better world, a new beginning, beautiful surroundings, big smiles!

IMAGE FROM CHERI MESSERLI

Trippin'

2010-09-24T15:51:00.000+03:00

"Color Cinema, no.1"

I'm drawn to pictures like the one above from the artful shop of
Jen Zahigian that fully intrigue my aesthetics and compel my vision of a longlasted untouched era in modern times of America. A sign of times.

IMAGE FROM RoadsidePhotographs

An amazing space!

2010-09-13T21:12:00.000+03:00

If it's not a sight for sore eyes what else could it be? I've died and gone to heaven (at least this is my version of it)!

ALL IMAGES FROM MIXRSE

Pleasant surprises!

2010-05-21T19:57:00.000+03:00

It's been ages since my last post but I found something that was so good that I couldn't resist even though I have tons of much undone work to deal with... So, here comes a series of pictures from what is apparently a new campaign for Ikea. Well, I had to hold my breath from excitement and awe! I haven't seen such an amazing and unique work done before for such a mainstream company. You see I love Ikea (too much) but I always thought that their campaigns usually follow what is good for the crowd- so this caught me by surprise, a great ONE! Just, enjoy!

ALL IMAGES FROM IKEA

Boombastic!

2010-04-26T09:03:00.000+03:00

Great shots, Great campaign, great clothes! Alberta Ferretti...

On a second level; I'm being really slow lately because I started working on a commissioned project, photographing real homes and that keeps me busy 24/7.

ALL IMAGES ALBERTA FERRETTI

India Mahdavi

2010-04-21T21:50:00.000+03:00

Her work is aesthetically pleasant and fully ergonomic. I respect a great deal people who are passionate about their work and follow their inner voice of inspiration, India is one of them. The spaces, she creates as the pictures show above, are stylish with fine tuning and a rythmical vibe. She believes places always have a story to tell and she listens carefully in order to satisfy this need. An esoterical truth that seeks to see the light and India is here to preserve it!

IMAGES FROM INDIA MAHDAVI

Sweet soaps

2010-04-19T08:07:00.000+03:00

I'm always for a treat, so I couldn't resist these sweet handmade soaps from Naiad. Their cuteness is evident but what sold me was Erin's no animal tested policy. Above you see only a portion of her amazing soap creations. I guess, it's nice to pamper oneself!

ALL IMAGES FROM NAIAD

Broad stripes in B&W

2010-04-16T21:06:00.000+03:00

I first spotted them on Skona Hem (the magazine) and then I realized they are everywhere! Marimekko carries them in different products and so does Ikea. Their boldness is so refreshing for the summer! And these broad stripes look so good next to favorite color of the season, turquoise or another interesting choice, lime green.

IMAGES FROM SKONA HEM, MARIMEKKO, IKEA

When Grey meets White

2010-04-15T21:18:00.000+03:00

When Grey meets White a sense of purity is formed... Everything feels smoother! Clarity reins! You just add a bit of metallic hues and the space becomes splendit. And... Don't forget, a touch of solid wood gives warmth and desired depth. All done, you may now rest.

ALL IMAGES FROM SKONAHEM

New York, New York!

2010-04-14T13:42:00.000+03:00

I haven't been to New York (yet) but if I were to go soon I would love or just say die? to stay at Crosby Street hotel, right in number 79. Needless to say, I was left with my mouth wide open when I saw the first pictures from their site and things didn't change much after inspecting all of their rooms... I was there (with my mouth still pending) and I could only envisage what a delight would be to visit this amazingly charming city and stay at such an elegant place. Then, I realised that many aspects in their rooms, in terms of decorating, were great examples of unparalleled style and notion and that made me want to go there even more... The hotel itself has a charm that I find hard to resist. I look at each one of their rooms and instantly It puts me in daydream mode! Oh, New York, New York!

ALL IMAGES FROM FIRMDALE HOTELS

Oh! so pretty headbands!

2010-04-09T13:17:00.000+03:00

Mmm...What's that? Headbands! Do I wear them? Usually no. To me, they feel like being imposed as a fashion accessory, pretty but akward at the same time (to walk around with). But those above from Love, Taza made me stare at them for soo looong that my heart jumped and my eyes rolled. What I like the most is that they compliment her looks without being too flashy or loud. They are tasteful and have the most pretty details on them! I like the color combinations and I feel that I could wear them, not only on a special occasion but on any given chance.

ALL IMAGES FROM LOVE, TAZA

An english home

2010-04-08T17:49:00.000+03:00

Having lived in England for a while, I grew a certain fond of british interiors. This particular one, above, gets extra credit for its sense of tranquility. The house has a welcome tone and although its grounds are modern it manages to carry you away to another era. I guess what I admire the most it's this ingenuous style of blending old and new stuff together. Treasured possessions, flea market finds and antiques occupy the space without having any feelings of constrain. Live with what you really love and you'll be happy -a thought I always keep in mind but sometimes I find hard to execute... But this home is such a fine example of this fashion.

IMAGES FROM 1ST OPTION

2010-04-07T14:55:00.000+03:00

I hope everyone enjoyed Easter Holidays in their part of the world. Over here, the weather was sunny and bright, turning our festivities warmer and happier! The aftermath finds me relaxing with a good read, Atlanta Barltlett's At Home With White and some freshly picked flowers from the garden that were used as decorations on our Easter Sunday party and now are scattered around the house, bringing spring in. When the rush of the week keeps us busy I tend to forget to pick fresh flowers, but having them now in abundance makes me think how much we miss in our daily lives. Small things make such a huge difference and don't tell me that smelling and seeing something beautiful everyday, wouldn't be satisfying for all! Also, these little fellas are gonna stay with us for a bit! Every time we see them, they put a big smile on our face. Btw, I made so many Easter eggs that we'll have some over the weeks so they look cute together!

Clay Heaven!

2010-04-02T14:26:00.000+03:00

It's been an hectic week and time passed by, unbelievably quickly...Time was divided for Easter shopping, and spring cleaning (not a good combination) and on top of that all the usual stuff we all do it our daily lives. I'm glad I'm almost finished and today I can devote myself on the online world (such a delight after a few days off). Now, let 's see what we have here... I like pottery a lot and I'll always enjoy a good piece when I find it and at whitney smith pottery I found more than one. Whitney Smith left a career in Anthropology to follow her passion and we sure feel she did the right thing! Beautiful handmade pieces for the home in delicious colors or just pure white! Clay Heaven, here I come!

ALL IMAGES WHITNEYSMITHPOTTERY

Photographer Virginia MacDonald

2010-03-29T14:01:00.000+03:00

Have an awesome week and don't sterss so much for Easter preparations. There's no point in stressing over something and loose the fun! Holidays are just around the corner! Now...Some beautiful, beautiful images for starters this week from astonishing photographer Virginia MacDonald! The images speak for themselves. Enjoy! And if you crave for more, her amazing site awaits for you!

IMAGES FROM VIRGINIA MACDONALD

Feelin' happy!

2010-03-26T18:23:00.000+02:00

Today, I started a banner for the upcoming party (Easter Sunday). You can see it in the first picture. I had this remnant fabric that I ordered from Volksfaden a while ago. Actually the piece was quite small because I got it in clearance. It was an out-of-the-blue purchase. I just liked the colors and pattern, so I had the faintest idea what to do with it. I'm so happy that I found a nice way to use it and enjoy it! Oh my! What a sweet bunny... A little proud doll from Lou Lou & Oscar. She found me while I was poking around at the online world! Just adorable, but Lou Lou Oscar has more goodies like her wall hanging hand embroideries. Lovely!

IMAGES FINELYINC, LOU LOU & OSCAR

Hello Easter!

2010-03-25T19:59:00.000+02:00

Easter is ten days away (at least in this part of the world) and we are running crazy with preparations! We've decided this year to celebrate Easter Sunday with family. That said, it means several chores need to have been done before this day comes. Since the closest family bears twenty more or less people, housing plus dinner arrangements are utterly important. We are lucky to have enough space to accommodate such number of folks but tableware was difficult to accumulate. So, we 've decided to go disposable!
To tell you the truth it was quite hard to find supplies that meet all our requirements and look nice! I had to check all the local stores (in Greece) since internet wasn't an option and make sure I'll stay within budget limits. Above you see my (almost) final choices. I might use a napkin variaton and some extra easter decoration but the rest stays. Plates were such a pain... Either ugly plastc whites or some pretty ones made of paper, but paper is not suitable because it easily bends and accidents might occur when food is loaded on them (people always tend to overload their plates when food is served over a buffet). Well, I looked around twice before I settled on those clear ones. They are fair and they are square, and a tad expensive but I love them! They come in packs of six for 5,19 euros per pack.
Same thing happened with the glasses. I decided to get crystal clear ones that don't squeeze when you hold! Again the prize was above regular for 6,70 euros a pack, but it has fifty and with two packs I'm covered for any liquid; beer, soda, water, you name it! Smaller ones I got for wine and that's about it.
Now, my color palette was picked up from one thing! I knew from the beginning that I'll have the wild daisies which grow in abundance around the house as my flower selection. They are cheerful, sunny and come free of charge! Plain jars dressed in yellow wrap paper with a ribbon will serve as vases and I 'll make easter eggs in matching colors to have on the tables and pump up the whole decor.
What I really fancy is the white lace placemats. They are quite cheap paper repros though they give a dash of luxury in any table setting. Navy paper (again) tablecloths were a natural choice. Last but not least, my miniature pegs. I 've got them probably last year ( I tend to buy stuff that is cute but I don't need) and now they come pretty handy to serve as napkin rings.
That's about it with my festive preparations. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

A house in Hollywood Hills

2010-03-24T19:00:00.000+02:00

My mind is set on this house. The color palette, warm and undertoned as it is, brings a certain quality on the surroundings of this abode. I especially like the hue in the living room walls. It looks like a shade of taupe which differs quite a lot from all the grey we see around and it manages to compliment finely the brown and blue elements (all favorite of mine) of furniture and accessories! Definetely, the fuschia accent in flowers and round pillow is scoring high points in this arrangement, promising jaunty moods for its inhabitants! The whole project is realised From the Desk of Lola, an upbeat interior firm which has teams both in New York and Los Angeles.

ALL IMAGES FROM THE DESK OF LOLA

Mmm, I like!

2010-03-22T09:40:00.000+02:00

My eyes rattle and hum when I look at sites like the one of photographer Justin Bernhaut. Some images might look familiar because he has worked quite a few times for Domino. Actually, he has worked for all the big ones like Real Simple, Country Living, etc! What is showcased here it's only a small portion of the fine imaginery this one man has generated. Beautiful visual compositions and some interesting places to visit! Take a look!

ALL IMAGES FROM JUSTIN BERNHAUT

Pretty eclectic!

2010-03-19T16:39:00.000+02:00

It's friday and I believe we all need to make way in our weekend with lifted moods! So, I have some feast for the eyes! Ok, shall we go over to England to meet a successuful gal who dominates the eclectic spirit; Lisa Stickley, after undertaking several collaborations with major brit names like Paul Smith and Burberry, she ventured her own brand and now offers a vast collection of mellow pieces for our homes. From mugs, to bespoke furniture pieces her signature english style is apparent and uplifting! Take a tour in her online world and if you happen to be in London, maybe you could visit her brick and mortar shop.

ALL IMAGES LISA STICKLEY

My compliments go to...

2010-03-18T13:37:00.000+02:00

Priya at Once Upon A Tea Time...Design Stories on her lovely feature! It was an honor for me to include my home on her series of homes from around the globe!
Priya has an absolutely sweet way of putting her stories together and inspire us!

Take me home (ware)!

2010-03-17T12:19:00.000+02:00

Dainty and charming ceramics and accessories from take me homeware, each one created and decorated by hand from May Luk in her studio in Brooklyn. May Lyk, a dedicated artist with a flair in design and a background in illustration, produces one-of-a-kind homeware embellished with nonchalant images. I love her style and I admire her work; it's unique and cheerful and it has an affection that shows! If you want to get your hands on May Luk's ceramics or other items, hop on her etsy store, it's full of eye candy.

ALL IMAGES FROM TAKE ME HOMEWARE

Archetypal luxury

2010-03-15T13:58:00.000+02:00

The collaboration of Ana Meier (daughter of the renowned architect Richard Meier) and Charlie Ferrer led to an amazing furniture collection under the name of Meier/Ferrer. Creating, at first, custom pieces for private clients, they took their idea a step further into establishing a company that delivers contemporary aesthetics in the form of sleek and modern pieces for the home. Their design is beyond words, just magnificent! They use only the finest of raw materials like linen, steel, hardwoods and leather, full of character and sustainability. Their interprentation of archetypal lines into modern luxury is unparalleled. Their work definetely depicts timeless style!

ALL IMAGES FROM MEIER/FERRER

Sophie Blackall's Illustration

2010-03-12T16:46:00.000+02:00

This is only a small sample of Sophie's whimsical illustration. Still, it's enough to show her sensibility and her artistic gerne. Sophie has illustrated more than fifteen books for children and her work has been exhibited in many places around our small world. I just love her fine strokes and subtle coloring! Those images above are a selection from her etsy shop and all belong to "Missed Connections", an ongoing series of paintings based on real, anonymous messages posted online by lovelorn strangers. Find out more about Sophie at her site www.sophieblackall.com .

ALL IMAGES FROM SOPHIE BLACKALL

2010-03-11T18:09:00.000+02:00

Today we visit the online portfolio of photographer Maria Reme to pick up some great inspiration. I believe photographers' sites are great resources when we feel that we are in need of some boost to get our creativity going! Fortunately, Maria has a lot of eye candy for us in her site. I chose to show beautiful visuals from her interiors section! Maria has worked for major titles like Elle interiør and Bo Bedre. Also many stylists like Louise Andersson and Marte Hasselø or Susanna Hellström have worked with her. Take a big breath and dive in a sea of delicious images!

ALL IMAGES FROM MARIA REME

A style of its own!

2010-03-09T20:25:00.000+02:00

Today we carry on with our house calls by visiting a bright home in Sweden that belongs to gallery owner Axel Mörner. The house celebrates a style of its own, combining traditional and modern furniture to an aesthetically pleasant form! The heavy and dark wood pieces give an air of formality and preppiness but then fuschias and oranges take over and relax our moods. The walls stay light accustomed to the scandinavian trend, a proper backdrop for contemporary art along with family heirlooms. I hope you enjoy this apartment as much I did!

IMAGES COURTESY OF SKONA HEM

The house of the Sharps!

2010-03-08T10:39:00.000+02:00

We kick off the week with a stunning house call. The house of the Sharps, owners of the established label of handmade rugs "The Rug Company". Their home amazes me not just because of its famous inhabitants (at least to the world of interior design) but of its elements that I find so well-defined in terms of shade, style and combination. It justifies my belief of creative people who can always make it work. The house seems to serve well as a family shelter and still retain a strong aesthetic value not pretentious or overdecorated. It encompasses a sophistication with a sense of fun. The blue velvet sofas are to die for and kid smart as well, with such a rich dark color. Rugs from their collection are scattered around the house like the Sellarsbrook Blue-a absolut fave of mine in the study or the Key Shadow in the livingroom.

IMAGES COURTESY OF VOGUE

Oh Bambi!

2010-03-05T15:39:00.000+02:00

Bambi Sloan... A name that definetely shows character! Bambi is held responsible for the stunning interior work at Derrière restaurant. Her off-beat interiors chez Derrière made me crave for more! So I did a bit of a search... Lo and behold! I found a truly inspiring portfolio unfold before my eyes! Take a look at her parisian apartment which as her own space unravels the full extend of her exuberant personality! But my all-time favorite is the work she did for the Lodge in the isle of Jura. Bambi did her magic again and created an eclectic interior using vintage accessories, flea market finds and contemporary furniture to stay up-to-date in terms of decorating. This lady really knows how to mix and match. She has a way of sensing the vibes of the present and manages to stay atop of interior trends without compromising her individuality.

IMAGES FROM TELEGRAPH UK, THE COOL HUNTER

Item of Perfection

2010-03-04T10:29:00.000+02:00

My eternal search for the "perfect carry-all but remain chic bag" both online and in shops has come to an end! The item that meets all the requirements is the weekender bag from the whimsical laber nancybird that holds the nicest fashion accessories I've come around! The design is amazing and the craftmanship is beautiful. It shows that this bag is the labour of love. Fine materials like italian leather have been used and details are considered to the last bit. It feels like this bag is going to be the perfect companion for a girl's adventures, never to fail her in any occasion! Feel free to indulge in the world of nancybird and who knows maybe you find your item of perfection too!

ALL IMAGES FROM NANCYBIRD

Manger a Paris!

2010-03-03T15:21:00.000+02:00

It's been quiet, for a couple of days around here, now we're back on track! I shall propose to take it back from where we left it and that means only one thing; Paris, oh la,la, la! I was enjoying Paris so much I thought of prolonging our visit a bit longer! Strolling around Paris opens up our appetite so it's about time to visit one of the hot spots the town has to offer. The famous restaurant Derrière. The name comes from its location, right at the back of the 404 and Andy Wahloo -restaurant and fellow bar consquently. Customers would like to choose where they want to sit, whether it’s in the lounge, dining room, bedroom or boudoir. The food is French, simple and wholesome, made with the finest quality products. A place that resembles an eclectic home rather than a restaurant and introduces a new "art de la table". The ingenious man behind this endeavour is Mourad Mazouz aka the Momo. Mourad opened his first bistro Au Bascou in Paris in 1988, since then each new culinary launch of his has been bound up with success!

ALL IMAGES FROM DERRIERE-RESTO

It smells like Paris!

2010-03-01T13:51:00.000+02:00

Spring is on its way and where is a better place on earth to celebrate the new season but Paris. A romantic getway for most of us it has a charm that won't fade as years go by... I long Paris with its small cafes, its antique shops, its fashion! The place that many great writers were inspired from to woven their tales, the love stories that have been told and the ones that are yet to come! Awesome Paris with its great palaces and jardins and the smell of a thousand aromas...But when I go there I want to feel its vibe utterly, I want to blend in and get lost in a sea of senses... I want to experience Paris at its whole, I want to stay in aunthetic places that look and feel parisien! A place like the Canal Apartment Paris! A little colorful apartment that will be my starting point for all my adventures in the city of lights. As the locals say; Oh La, la, la!

ALL IMAGES FROM CANAL APARTMENT PARIS

Look what you've got!

2010-02-26T11:32:00.000+02:00

This is the title, two very aspiring guys Shaz and Billy, gave to their project in order to restore our love for the mundane. A manifesto for the modern (over consuming) society. A prolific thought to rely on. A philosofy to abide by. A hope for the future. An idea I utterly believe! So, look what you've got!

ALL IMAGES FROM SHAZ MADANI

Baby, rock on!

2010-02-25T11:15:00.000+02:00

Lou Doillon personifies the woman of today- the rebellion from one side yet fragile and sexy creature from the other, through this amazing collection of french designer Vanessa Bruno (whose home has been shot by Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer). Her clothes signify the femme fatale but smart and sensible woman as well. Her creations evince femininity, promote a state of flux and describe the relaxed and chic style we all look for. Basic tones and some bright hues like yellow and fuschia compliment the fundamental pieces of her outfits.

IMAGES FROM VANESSA BRUNO

Fine Pictures

2010-02-24T14:50:00.001+02:00

In the pictures above you see the work from the danish photographer Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer. In the photography field for over 20 years, she's specialized in interior photography, creating outstanding images for world-wide publications like ELLE decoration, AD, Vogue Living, Homes and Garden, Maison Francaise just to mention a few. Lately she's joined forces with her sister Julia Mincarelli, a renowed journalist under the brand Sisters Agency . Their creative fluids are pumping and together they produce excellent features providing quality, inspiration and a fresh approach to the world of interior design enhanced by the keen eye of Birgitta and the intellect commentary of her sister Julia.

IMAGES FROM BIRGITTA WOLFGANG DREJER

Tea towels? Yes, please!

2010-02-22T10:36:00.000+02:00

I'm always happy when I find a place that sells tea towels with attitude! A tea towel is such a humble homeware amongst our belongings. Ranked usually at the bottom of desired objects in many people's list, it's so exhilarating when it becomes the reason for creating. Today, that's the case with these beautiful tea towels in display. Enormouschampion is a small shop that specializes in renewable resources with a love for natural materials and innovative design. For the tea towels above they used 100% Belgian linen which they had silkscreened based on original themes delivered by the duo behind enormouschampion. If you have time, take a moment and visit their shop. I'm sure you'll enjoy their goods as much as I did and probably you'll find something that speaks to your soul!

IMAGES FROM ENORMOUSCHAMPION

United Bamboo

2010-02-19T20:18:00.000+02:00

Today I feel inspired by the creative duo behind United Bamboo. It's been said that Miho Aoki and Thuy Pham (aka the duo) have mastered the technique of making preppy classics with a twist. For a girl (like me) who likes lady-like clothes but loooves cutting edge style, it seems that United Bamboo is what I was looking for! Now, if you consider that their designs introduce elements with direct reference to origami and architecture it's even more fascinating to wear their clothes. But their artistic pursuits take them a step further. They are entrenched in the indie scene, lead to numerous collaborations. So, you say, ok all that but the cats where do they fit in? This is the project that sold me! It's a calendar featuring their 2010 women's line worn by purr-fect kitties in hilarious shots... The photographer Noah Sheldon did a truly fine work! You can purchase it through ooga booga's online shop.

IMAGES FROM NYMAG, OOGA BOOGA

Interior themes

2010-02-18T10:13:00.000+02:00

Interior themes are endless (and thank God for that!). The possibilities are equally countless for any aspiring decorator amateur or professional. From all the different styles out there -and to be honest I like so many that it ends up a mess in my head, it seems I am most loyal to one; the mix and match! High and low, upscale and downscale, vintage and modern, rustic and minimal, you name it I'm in. I guess that there's a charm which won't fade over time in a space where a dominant style is absent and sometimes sublte changes lead you from one look to another (and how refreshing is that?). Monochromatic spaces, in terms of style, soon seem dull for my moods. I need layers upon layers to feed my appetite for fascinating viewings. Take this apartment for instance. It blends an english country style seater with a rustic console and Eames chairs next door. Ikea products mingle with flea market finds and antiques. Of course editing is a key factor when mixing different features. You need to constantly perform editing sessions in order to achieve a balance and an unification of styles. Enough saying... Today I'm gonna inspect carefully those images above and I will try to retrieve what's important to my fancy and save it for future reference, that's how I built up my personnal choices.

IMAGES FROM ALVHEM

Item of Perfection

2010-02-17T14:53:00.000+02:00

Wild anemones arranged in a glass. A special item of perfection... We live in a material world and when an item of perfection comes from nature its priceless! Flowers can surely transform the modest of places. Wild anemones with their saturated color add instant freshness to our interiors. They warm our heart and satisfy our minds. Delicate petals and little green leaves have such a great power over our senses. I feel inspired every time I pick fresh flowers -it feels as an act of exhilaration. A little secret? I always enjoy the smile I see on guests' faces when their eyes meet these tiny yet vibrant flowers.

Martin Cederblad

2010-02-16T14:54:00.000+02:00

Selected work from photographer Martin Cederblad. A Scandinavian spirit brushes them with a certain quality. I'm smitten! His images had appeared in Skona Hem. Enjoy!

IMAGES FROM MARTIN CEDERBLAD

Pretty witty seasprayblue

2010-02-15T18:19:00.000+02:00

Ok, I have a thing for people who can create pretty and affordable art. Katrin Schwlust is definetely one of them! Genuine, interesting pieces of art. You put it on the wall and you will enjoy it for a long time. I like the colors and I like the motifs. Clearly she has an eye for it and a blooming imagination. Well to put it in another way, I would simply trust someone who says that inspiration comes the moment just before getting asleep! Her shop Seasprayblue over on etsy is really sweet and if you haven't visited her before it certainly worths a visit.

IMAGES FROM SEASPRAYBLUE

Happy Valentine

2010-02-14T10:46:00.000+02:00

A tribute to Ettore Sottsass' design for Olivetti "VALENTINE"

Why I love Scandinavia...

2010-02-12T18:54:00.000+02:00

To me, this place looks right. For many reasons I could own this house. Ok, like many of us, I like many styles and dream about the perfect home. But this place is real. It has stuff that I like (low storage space in the living room) or I want to buy like the floor lamp from Ikea. It combines wood and white furniture and it has wallpaper, but most of all it has this undeniable scandinavian charm! Who can resist?

IMAGES FROM BOOLI

An ethereal girl

2010-02-10T18:55:00.000+02:00

Akira Isogawa is a brilliant designer who comes from the faraway land of Australia. Though, his talent has reached all five continents and continues to flair each year from the runaways of fashion capital, Paris. His clothes are wearable, fresh and beautiful. A female figure wrapped in silks and cottons, all natural and full of romantic hues. I like how he incorporates in his creations vintage fabrics found in flea markets and maintain a contemporary look as well. All the pieces above belong to his latest collection for spring-summer 2010 and are my favorites. Enjoy!

IMAGES FROM AKIRA ISOGAWA

Look for a moment...

2010-02-09T12:56:00.000+02:00

Places that inspire...

No words, just visuals...

IMAGES FROM INSPACELOCATIONS

Low storage space

2010-02-08T10:47:00.000+02:00

Low storage space is on my head for quite some time. In fact, it's a project that, once completed, will improve the home office a great deal. Looking around for inspiration I gathered some visuals which showcase perfectly the concept for low storage space. Neat, sleek and modern are the first words that came in my mind. I'm sure though that there is a vast line-up of adjectifs to choose from. The more you look at them the more you can justify their existence! They fit in most rooms and spaces and make all clutter disappear! Also, these storage units can be totally customised and adjusted according to someone's needs. For me the best choice is Ikea because it's affordable and looks right. I'll go for Besta shelf unit in white and matching doors. The idea is to keep the look unified so I'll use at least three of these units lined-up and maybe instead of hang them on the wall I'll put on castors for flexibility.

IMAGES COLLECTED FROM APARTMENT THERAPY, RUM MAGAZINE, FFFOUND, HOMEDESIGNING, OBSESSILISCIOUS

Lenny lived here...

2010-02-05T15:23:00.000+02:00

The Villa Roxie was designed by BNOdesign firm. The vibe is a blend of mediterranean laid back attitude and seventies chic. It was primarily created to suit the needs of a rock star. So, Lenny(kravitz) lived here once... The mansion provided a relaxed ambiance with its eclectic mix of furniture, lighting and color palette. Stars do love glamour, don't they?

IMAGES FROM BNOdesign

Item of Perfection

2010-02-04T12:33:00.000+02:00

Pumpkin table by turkish company Autoban is my latest obsession. Inspired by the Ottoman Kavuk and a pumpkin, the top and bottom circular plates are connected with metal rods. Its shape and lines emit perfection. Well proportioned, curvy and suntainable falls right into the timeless object category! It's such a versatile object and can be used both as a side table or stool. Also, its form allows it to be used as a magazine rack. What else does a stylish gal need? Of course its price puts it high above an ordinary budget, nevertheless one can find many regular priced options like the one we see in this pretty house above, found via Martha Stewart.

IMAGES COURTESY OF AUTOBAN, WALLPAPER, MARTHA STEWART

Summer house in Sicily

2010-02-03T18:25:00.000+02:00

A garage area of a seventies summer house in Plemmirio Sicily is transformed into a new dwelling. On Office has done an amazing work as you can see. On Office is an international practice, based in Porto, Portugal. They see architecture as the fulcrum of a seamless gradient spanning from furniture and industrial design to urban incisions and global tactics. In this house their philosophy and spirits are apparent. Their key choices are impeccable. Concrete flooring, white walls and mid-century modern furniture... I'm in love(yet again)!

IMAGES FROM ON OFFICE

J'aime Jaime (Hayon)

2010-02-02T20:18:00.000+02:00

Jaime Hayon created this -indeed- spectacular new look for the restaurant "La Terraza del Casino" in Madrid, Spain. Just imagine having dinner there! So elegant and sophisticated beyond comparison. The place kept its original grandeur but a thin tread of modernism, appearing here and there, makes it irresistable. Jaime Hayon has worked next to Oliverio Toscani, best-known worldwide for designing controversial advertising campaigns for Italian brand Benetton, before spreading his own wings. Now he creates interiors for leading hotels and restaurants around the world. Jaime Haydon's work is part of a new movement of designers that blurred the lines between art, decoration and design and a renaissance in finely-crafted, intricate objects within the context of contemporary design culture.

IMAGES FROM HAYON STUDIO

Lady on the wheel

2010-02-01T09:00:00.000+02:00

Her pottery wheel is singing... Her hands are dancing... Look at those bright almost transculent pieces she's making. Cynthia Vardhan owns a sweet little studio where she delivers from her heart all these handmade wares. Each piece is hand decorated with pigmented clay. Additional layers are formed through the use of metallic lusters and decalls. Well, I'm smitten! Please take a moment to look at her shop! It's beautiful!

ALL IMAGES FROM CYNTHIA VARDHAN

The Love House

2010-01-29T18:01:00.000+02:00

This is actually called the Love House. It's built by Takeshi Hosaka Architects in Japan. An airy yet quite structural composition which I believe blends well in any urban landscape. Pure forms and natural elements convey a balanced abode. The use of concrete, wood and white surfaces define the minimal style of the house.

IMAGES FROM TAKESHI HOSAKA ARCHITECTS