Our Home on Design*Sponge + Giveaway Reminder

As one of the world's biggest interior blogs, and one that I have followed for many years, Design*Sponge continually inspires. Since launching back in 2004, Brooklyn-based founder Grace Bonney has been declared a “Martha Stewart Living for the Millennials” by the New York Times, with Design*Sponge reaching over 1 million readers per day. Needless to say, when I was approached about having our home featured in their most loved post Sneak Peeks, I very quickly said yes! Published early this morning, I was very excited jumping out of bed for a read first thing. 

My "favourite thing about our home" hand written note, that every homeowner is required to write for the Design*Sponge Sneak Peeks post

An added bonus is that it coincides with a recent redesign of Design*Sponge. The sixth one in 10 years, it has marked a an important time of reflection for Grace, resulting in a beautiful 'manifesto of sorts', comprising 10 statements centred around what the blog stands for. Laying their hearts, minds and beliefs on the table, their admirable goal is to connect with even more with readers as they move forward, into what will no doubt be a continually growing and exciting future for Design*Sponge. 

As a blogger, influencer, writer, stylist and home-owner every one of the statements resonated with me. It was hard to choose as they are all so good, but here are a few that really stood out. 

My favourite statement of all, 'The creative community online has the power to transform,  not just spaces, but lives', is explained here by Grace:

Design blogs aren't just about decorating. We're helping each other start businesses, find collaborators and friends, and more importantly, share ideas and tips that help us all build happier homes. When people have a place where they feel happy, safe and comfortable, good things can happen.

I agree whole-heartedly with this. Even though I have only been blogging for a short time in comparison, I have seen this on-flow of positivity first-hand. Read through all of the 10 statements here, and take a look at my home on Design*Sponge here. 

One more VERY important thing before I go, in case you missed my post last Friday. I have a signed copy award winning interior designer Greg Natale's new book, The Tailored Interior to give away, thanks to the first and only current NZ stockist Designer Rugs! 

A must-have coffee table book, it is filled with pages of Greg's stunning interior projects along with his generous and unique view into the creative process, his passions, experiences, advice and the philosophy behind his richly tailored, sophisticated style. For further info, and a look inside the beautiful book, take a look here.

To enter, simply email enter@thedesignchaser.com with The Tailored Interior in the subject line. Please include your full name in the email. The competition is open to New Zealand residents only and will close tomorrow, Thursday 18th December at 8am. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced on the blog and Facebook page, and contacted via email to arrange shipping.

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DIY Inspiration | MyDubio

I recently discovered the blog MyDubio, written by Joyce Croonen, a lovely young Dutch psychologist, who loves to share her passion for interior design, fashion and photography. She juggles blogging alongside her consultancy job, running her business, and writing a book, admitting to being more of a "workaholic and computer addict than a let’s-party-and-sleep-all-day kinda girl." Well good for her, I say! Especially with all the cool content she posts on her blog, including an impressive line up of DIY projects. If you love a clean, monochrome Scandi-style but struggle to find (or afford) homewares that you love, then you should follow along. You're bound to pick up some great ideas to help add those finishing touches to your home.

First up, I want to show you Joyce's walk in wardrobe. I have to admit that since moving into our new home, and unpacking the wardrobe, I haven't done very much at all to our walk-in, but this has inspired me! I'm adding it to my bookmarks, along with my Wardrobe Inspiration post I wrote earlier this year.

As much as I try to colour code my clothes, they always end up getting mixed up. This is perfection! I also love the Small Talk Print, marble paper covered storage boxes (see the DIY below), vintage industrial cabinet and hanging light cluster (also a DIY, seen here).

Simple and affordable, Joyce made this Magazine Holder from a rack that she bought for €10 from Gamma, a Dutch home improvement retailer. 

Any mention of diamond-inspired homewares gets me excited, and these Clay Diamonds that Joyce made are awesome! See how to make them here.

Being that marble is another one of my obsessions, I've been lapping up all of the marble objects Joyce has cleverly created. Perfect for the home office or wardrobe (as shown above) these Marble Boxes are so easy to make. The DIY Marble Cage Lamp is another favourite. 

These DIY Coasters would definitely come in handy over the festive season. 

I think Joyce needs to make and sell these Painted Ombre Candles. I'd be her first customer! For her DIY on how to make your own candles, take a look here. The second image shows the Ombre Candles alongside her DIY Concrete Pyramid and Thrift-shop side table that she partly painted white.

For more of this DIY goodness, as well as interior design and fashion inspo, sign up to MyDubio on Bloglovin. I also recommend following Joyce on Instagram.

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Blog Love | Daniella Witte

Daniella Witte is a multi-talented creative from Sweden, whose work gets me in 'the zone' every time. I get excited when I see she's posted a new blog entry, knowing that it will undoubtedly add a dose of visual inspiration to my day. As an interior designer, stylist, photographer, blogger and shop owner, Daniella juggles many roles, sharing her work for all the world to see. If you're not yet following her lovely blog, you must!  

Daniella masters the Scandi style aesthetic that I love to perfection. Monochrome with splashes of green, touches of metallic and layers of texture by way of natural materials like wood and fur are seen here in her stunning home and styling work.  

With an amazing eye for detail, and an incredible knack for using simplicity to create visual impact, Daniella is able to produce the most beautiful product shots, vignettes and still lifes. Captured with incredible clarity, I'm also in awe of her photography skills.

Notice the way Daniella plays with light in these next photos.  

So pretty! I know Daniella's talent will continue to shine on. See plenty more of the magic over here. 

All images via daniellawitte.blogspot.co.nz

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Blog Love | Nordic Leaves

When I came across Nordic Leaves a couple of weeks back I felt like I'd struck gold. The beautiful interior design blog is written by Edina Sæther whose style and design aesthetic immediately struck a chord with me. As with many of the bloggers I write about here, Edina shares her own photography and home along with other inspiring design, art, fashion and foodie finds. I would say that her mission to make her blog "a magical place for dreams and inspiration" has definitely been accomplished!

Edina's signature Nordic style is evident throughout her stunning home and I've picked out some of my favourite areas to show you. In her office she favours black and white, splashes of colour (particularly yellow which she says she never tires of) and copper or brass. Although Edina is a self-confessed minimalist at heart, she likes having her favourite things on display which is why the String Shelving System works so well. Accessories from Hay, a Stendig Calendar and Eames House Bird from Vitra (who she lovingly refers to as Mr Birdie) are just some of the gorgeous homewares I'm coveting right now.

In fact I'm not kidding when I say that looking through Nordic Leaves is like looking at my own personal wishlist! The Etch candle holder by Tom Dixon is incredible. Available in brass, copper and silver, even just one would be lovely! They also make great pencil holders, don't you think?

More Tom Dixon magic with the Beat lights in the kitchen. I like how Edina mixes Ikea basics like the black picture frames with designer pieces like the Kartell Masters Chairs. There's a bit more colour here thanks to the gorgeous Smeg Fridge, fresh flowers, bright recipe books and a set of Pantone Mugs. 

Even Edina's baking and food styling is impeccable! 

The living room is bathed in light. A mustard coloured cushion adds a nice contrast to the grey and white furniture. I love the Gubi Floor Lamp, Eames Rocker and homemade pouffe. If you are thinking of painting your floors white, you'll find some great advice from Edina who is somewhat of an expert after painting hers twice in less than two years! Take a look here. 

The entry way is another gorgeous spot where Edina has added her own personal touch by decorating the front door with Ferm Living wall decals. She also painted four Ikea boxes and mounted them to the wall (with the help of her hubby) providing a great place to display her treasures. 

I feel like de-cluttering, painting my floors white and indulging in some retail therapy now. How about you? So much beautiful inspiration and the good news is Edina plans on taking more photos this year, so make sure you pop over to Nordic Leaves and follow along.  

Images with permission, via www.nordicleaves.com 

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Blog Love | Deas & Mia

Holidays are great aren't they? We had a wonderful day yesterday catching up with friends for lunch, taking the kids to the park and then cooling off at home in the paddling pool with a hose! I can't get enough of listening to the boys squealing with delight. It brings back so many lovely memories of childhood and long hot summers. Depending on where you are in the world, enjoying sunshine or braving the cold, I hope you are having loads of fun! 

I thought I'd tell you about the delightful blog Deas & Mia today - perfect for perusing while on holiday, it was created by Norwegian blogger Line and tracks the ongoing renovation of the home she shares with her husband and two children. Built in 1974, the transformation of this house is remarkable. I love everything, from the white walls and floors, to the beautiful but simple styling. A layering of textures by way of natural materials include such things as wool throws and cushions, wooden crates and a leather pouffe. Black and white details are off-set by greys and pops of bright yellow.  

Feeling inspired? Pop over to Deas & Mia to see many more photos of this gorgeous home, some clever DIY ideas, and to follow along. 

Can you believe tomorrow is the last day of 2012? Thank you so much for all your support, comments and feedback during the year. Enjoy your celebrations, and I'll see you in the New Year! Woop! 

All images via http://deasogmia.blogspot.co.nz 

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