A KITCHEN'S NEW LIFE

There's nothing like having a spacious and cozy kitchen that will motivate you to cook delicious meals for the family. That's what London-based photographer Aby Campbell was aiming for when she renovated her newly-bought house. To achieve the warmth she was looking for, Aby took inspiration from the time she spent in upstate New York and used panelling on the walls and ceiling of the kitchen—a sure way to add character to any room. I love the fact tha she did without wall cabinets, a smart move on her part to make the room feel larger. There isn't a thing I don't like about this space. Every single nook in this kitchen screams good taste, plus her attention to detail is beyond amazing.

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A DELIGHTFUL MIX OF STYLES

The use of materials such as concrete and limestone can make a space look somewhat cold and sterile. But that's not remotely the case in this smashing house designed by Spanish Architectural Studio Ábaton. By incorporating a variety of rich wood textures, leather, metal and pops of red and yellow into the mix, the I-P House feels welcoming and homey. The mix of furnishings and styles is delightful and the architectural features—like the floating staircase and modular fireplace that divides the living and dining areas— add character to the dwelling.

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WARRIORS OF DESIGN

The secret is in the styling. Of course, taste and creativity are key too. For the creative team behind the Swedish Design Studio The Love Warriors these attributes are innate. From interior design to brand building, this talented team of four excel in their trade. Besides their wonderful design work, they love to travel the world in search of unique items and hidden gems to sell in their store. These beautifully curated images capture a few of their special treasures available in Le Shop. And guess what? I already started making my wish list.

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AN ALPINE OASIS

A destination that's always been on my short list of places to visit is Salzburg, Austria. I guess I've always been drawn to this Alpine city for its history and my love for Mozart. Just an hour away from Salzburg and set smack in the middle of beautiful rolling hills, the Hotel Wiesergut re-opened its doors after a complex renovation and extension by GOGL Architekten. Their goal was to upgrade the existing traditional structure with purist architecture and transform it into a modern retreat that exudes organic warmth and comfort. By using local wood, natural stone, granite, glass and exposed concrete they created a timeless style putting nature at its center. The furnishings were entirely commissioned to Austrian designers who gave a contemporary twist to classic materials like linen and weather-beaten leather, all of which factor prominently in the hotel’s design concept. I'm really impressed with their attention to detail which gives the the hotel its harmonic and elegant overall impression. No doubt Hotel Wiesergut has become yet another reason for me to cross the pond and visit my beloved Salzburg.

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LIVING WITH PALLETS

If there's one thing I miss most living in the Big Apple is S-P-A-C-E! As you know square footage doesn't come cheap in this city. Living in just 500 square feet has helped me realize the importance of scale when designing a room. Of course, after seeing this magnificent loft located in the heart of Florence I can't help but have a bit of space envy. Do you blame me? Florence-based Studio q-bic converted the attic of a 19th century industrial building into the “Pallets Loft”—a home worth drooling for. One of the features I can't get enough of is their clever use of palettes (hence its name) in such unexpected ways. I'm amazed how cool they look as a kitchen island as well as in the bathroom as a vanity. How inventive!

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IN PERFECT HARMONY

I'm always curious to find out where and how other design bloggers live, and today I'm letting you in my latest find. This darling flat belongs to fellow blogger Desiree from Vosges Paris. A Parisian stylist, painter and DIY'er living in Amsterdam, Desiree is in constant search of the perfect harmony between her love for French grays and Scandinavian white. “It's a cliche to say you can find inspiration everywhere around you but I think there is something true about it”, she explains. “I guess it is  all about what you do with it. If I come across something I like, I can use it some other time in combination with a new find”. She has a great eye for mixing pieces and styles, which she uses splendidly to tell stories in charming vignettes throughout her home. Thank you Desiree for sharing your place and inspiring us all with your splendid sense of style.

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A NEW RESOLUTION

At the beginning of every new year we challenge ourselves to lead a better, healthier and more fruitful life by coming up with a list of resolutions to keep us in track. Mine are often the same: exercise more, eat a sensible diet and be nicer to the planet. However, this year I added living a clutter-free life by pairing down on unnecessary stuff around the house and keeping it simple. To sort of inspire myself to do that, I felt these gorgeous images by the talented photographer Trevor Tondro were great inspiration to have around. I love their striking simplicity and how beautifully arranged each one of them is. How about you? Do you have any resolutions fo this year?

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ECLECTIC SIMPLICITY

It's no secret I love everything Nordic, especially their design sensibility. There's something about their aesthetic that says so much without trying too hard. Today's interior treat comes from a town outside of Stockholm furnished with an eclectic blend of furnishings in that distinctive Scandinavian style. I love the subtlety of the checkerboard pattern painted on the entry hallway's floor—it's an easy and inexpensive way of defining a space while at the same time creating the illusion of an area rug.

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