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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THE PERFECT HIDEAWAY

It's often impossible finding a swanky trash can worth displaying in the kitchen, but this trash bin / laundry basket hybrid can proudly sit in my kitchen anytime. Muuto’s new Hideaway bins, by Finnish designer Mika Tolvanen, neatly hides your trash or laundry in style. It's functional and streamlined design conceals the trash bag within when the basket is closed to avoid any unsightly messes, and when open the lid can practically hang on the side of the bin. Hmm, I think I'll add this beauty to my long wish list. Happy weekend!

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GIVEAWAY: KAUFMANN MERCANTILE

•• Sorry, but this giveaway is already closed ••

I'm crazy excited to bring you this great giveaway sponsored by our dear friends at Kaufmann Mercantile. If you haven't heard about it, you're in for a treat. Kaufmann Mercantile is a wonderful online store built on the concept that everyday objects should be designed well and manufactured to last a lifetime—a "luxury" general store if you will. From kitchen and home decor to beauty and grooming accessories, every goodie is carefully selected, long-lasting, and well-designed with substance, wit and inspiration. I love every single item in their collection, and I'm sure you will too. So how would you like to win a sweet $150 GIFT CARD to be used towards ANYTHING you fancy in their store? All you have to do is follow the easy steps below to enter. Additionally, Kaufmann Mercantile is offering TheDesignerPad readers a fantabulous 15% OFF any purchase for the next two weeks using code KM-92512. BTW, did you know that by signing up to receive their newsletter you will, besides getting an extra entry for this giveaway, receive a code that will take $7.00 OFF your first/next purchase? How peachy is that? Now hurry and enter to try your luck by doing the following:

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THE DOVE HOUSE

I can't get over how gorgeous this renovation by Gundry & Ducker Architects turned out. They've beautifully transformed a formerly dark and narrow kitchen area into a light-filled kitchen and an informal family room with direct access to the garden. By using a monochromatic color palette in the new addition of the house they've created a lovely contrast with the Edwardian colors already used in the existing London home. A double sigh and a round of applause for such a stunning space.

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GETTING PERSONAL

No matter which home decorating style you fancy, it's all about how much of YOU is reflected in your nest. Undoubtedly, this 900 square-feet home shows lots of special touches from owner Benedikte Ugland. Her passion for photography and interior design is present in every nook as lovely details that exude personality. I'm particularly crushing on the impromptu chandelier in the kitchen, made with six different hanging bulbs wrapped around a pole she commissioned to a blacksmith. The mix of concrete, industrial accessories and flea market finds gives this home a lived-in feel that's really charming and inviting.

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COLORFULLY ORGANIZED

Organization has always been my weakness, well more like my obsession. That's why when I saw these neatly arranged kitchen drawers I felt in heaven. Undoubtedly, these are drawers for any design lover. The color-coordinated drawers display utensils from Normann Copenhagen's Fall line of kitchen gadgets, known for their great balance between form and function. I've always been a huge fan of their products, more so after visiting their flagship store in Copenhagen—it was like walking into a design paradise.

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BRIGHT MORNINGS

The first thing I do when getting up every morning is pouring a cup of joe to get the day going. And how much brighter my day would be with one of these colorful Geo thermoses by Normann Copenhagen. It's great how they've fused its minimalist yet stylish design with such wonderfully bright and fashion-inspired color combinations. “My idea behind Geo was to make a thermos that has character. I have worked with the various lines, circles and forms of the thermos to create a geometric harmony and to give the flask weight and stability. Its shape is what gives Geo a sharp and graphic expression, and the masculine design perfectly counterbalances the lively color combinations,” explains the designer Nicholai Wiig Hansen. They're all so so wonderful I would have a hard time picking a favorite, even though the black and gray combo will look amazing in my kitchen.

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TRASH CHIC

If you still haven't gotten into recycling, these crazy fun trash containers by Hong Kong-based retailers Goodss Passion, will for sure motivate you to get into the habit. The lids for each container are topped with whimsical sculptures of a bottle, a can and a carton to make it easier to recognize each recycling group—and to make recycling fun and convenient for everyone. I'm really fancying these wonderful bins, but sadly my tiny kitchen doesn't have the room to enjoy them. Oh well... maybe yours can.

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