New + Noted

The kids have an extra day off school today so things are a little slow around here. I was however up early to check in with progress on my new blog design. Huge thanks to the incredibly talented and hard-working Ana Degenaar of Blog Milk who has kept going over the Easter break to make this happen. Ana's beautiful minimalist aesthetic is such a great fit for TDC and she has been a dream to work with on this customised design. I couldn't be happier!

Now on to a New + Noted post, starting with a peek at the Oliver Furniture 2016/2017 Collection. The Danish company born from a proud Scandinavian tradition of wood making are known for their simple design and high-quality craftsmanship. The stunning range includes the Seaside collection, inspired by easy beach-house living and the Wood Collection which highlights the natural beauty of wood as a material. Catering to both adults and children, the designs are both charming and timeless. And as always, the styling is impeccable! Packed with so much beautiful Nordic inspiration, check out the entire catalogue here.




Images found on Stil Inspiration via Oliver Furniture 

Fred International, one of Australia's premiere distributors of Scandinavian furniture, lighting and homewares has reopened its doors after an extensive redesign. Founder Michael Liira and Managing Director Melissa Walker enlisted the help of interior stylist Simone Haag and interior designer Angela Harry to transform the space. Embracing the design principles of form and function, they have created segmented spaces that each tell a story. As a result, the Sydney showroom evokes the warmth of a Scandinavian home rather than the traditional furniture showroom experience.

The reopening coincides with the launch of a new website and the addition of three new brands to the Fred International stable: Friends & Founders, Fogia and Lightwork. These brands, along with Secto Design, by Lassen, Swedese, Lindholdt Studio and Rubn Lighting, will also be on show later this year when Fred International exhibits at Melbourne’s DENFAIR.

Design by Simone Haag & Angela Harry / Photography by Felix Forest

Images courtesy of Fred International

Fashion brand COS and furniture company HAY have added new home items to their collaborative range that was first launched last year. The spring collection includes furniture and accessories in a fresh palette of green, blue and pink, along with traditional Scandinavian light wood and cork finishes. The collection is now available from COS stores at London High Street Kensington, Vienna Neubaugasse and Gothenburg, with an edited selection available on the COS website.

Images via Dezeen 

Based in Denmark, DESIGN NATION was founded by Christian and Jens Brorsen in 2012 with a view to become an internationally recognised design brand with clear references to Scandinavian design. Working with designers like Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, Søren Ulrik Petersen, Mads Sætter Lassen and Tobias Jacobsen, they clearly have an eye for beautiful design. This has resulted in a growing number of dealers across Scandinavia and Europe. Excited to see that they have also reached Australia, I was glad when they got in touch and knew I had to spread the word! Find out more here. 

Bookrack by Tobias Jacobsen / Mill Salt & Pepper Grinders by Søren Ulrik Petersen

Round and Heights Candlesticks by Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm

Images courtesy of DESIGN NATION

The emails I receive in my inbox from Melbourne design brand Lightly always get my heart racing. Their beautiful new flat weave rugs Lightly Tribe and Desert Shapes are certainly no exception. Hand woven, these artful pieces are inspired by designer Cindy-Lee Davies spirited adventures to the Thar Desert, India. Made from 100% Cotton or New Zealand Wool, each piece is made by artisans in villages using custom hand dyed colours. The soft palette of rose, grey and cream palette evokes the desert sunset. Beautiful! 

Images courtesy of Lightly 

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Kutikai | Creative Furniture for Kids

Kutikai is a children's furniture brand created, designed and produced in Poland by two architects, Maria Borgosz-Smaga and Dorota Luczak-Leniar. Best friends and mums, the clever duo's inspiration comes from watching their kids play while discovering the world around them. The result? A range of beautifully functional, minimalist furniture that is designed to be both safe and ecological. What's more, it gives kids the freedom to create. Produced at a small, family carpentry shop in southern Poland, each piece is made with love and refined in every detail. 

Kutikai offers two collections of kids' furniture from cribs and toddler beds to dressers with changing tables, bookshelves, wardrobes and desks. Each one has a surprise element designed to unlock creativity and imagination. The The Roof Collection has been designed to transform any room into a playground - a desk for drawing can be a house to play in, or a secret den. A bed with a roof will turn in ta private ship or a castle in the blink of an eye! Such unique and clever products, it's little wonder this collection was a finalist of Good Design 2015  - a prestigious, nationwide design competition held annually by the Institute of Industrial Design in Poland. In addition, Kutikai are finalists of ECO DESIGN, awarded by the Ministry of Environment in Poland.

The Peekaboo Collection is simple in form with one distinctive feature - a little hole that works as a handle to encourage independence, while also stimulating curiosity and imaginative play. In addition to their furniture lines Kutikai offer a selection of accessories including a gorgeous range of bedding made from 100% linen in a range of natural colours. 

Interior Styling by Monika Lenarczyk / photography by Jakub Pleśniarski 

Currently available at www.kutikai.com with shipping across Europe (UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, shortly in the Netherlands and Sweden), Kutikai will also soon be available in Australia. To stay in the loop, be sure to visit their site to sign up to their e-newsletter and follow on social media. 

Images courtesy of Kutikai 

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Instagram | Ideas + Inspiration

I know not all of you are on Instagram so I like to keep the blog up to date with a summary of my 'life in squares'. It also gives me a chance to introduce you to some new finds along with direct links for easy reference...  and shopping! I'm not sure about you but while Christmas time is definitely all about giving (predominantly to the kids!) I can't resist treating myself to a few new things too. 

Firstly I have to tell you about the new brand ILA founded by Karen Mordechai of Sunday Suppers, the renowned food and design community based in Williamsburg Brooklyn. A gorgeous collection of essential ingredients for your kitchen and home, carefully sourced and delivered to you with great care and purpose, I was lucky to be sent the Black Lava Salt to try out. Beautifully packaged, the dramatic black colour and texture of the salt is amazing. Drawn from activated coconut shell charcoal found in the earth, the salt is harvested from Molokai, Hawaii by hand using a thousand-year-old tradition. Renowned for its health benefits, which include antioxidant properties and enhanced digestive health, a sprinkle takes even the simplest of dishes to the next level.

Still looking for gift ideas? The Jo Malone Christmas Collection features an incredible range of gifts for both her and him. I can highly recommend the Pine & Eucalyptus Candles. Divine! Now available in store at the Jo Malone London Boutiques, including Britomart Auckland, for international stockists visit the Store Finder.

Creators of the Original Roundie Towel, The Beach People have launched their second collection, Volume Two which includes The Paloma pictured above. Inspired by seas near and far, each Roundie was designed to whisk you away to the dreamiest holiday locations around the world and bring bliss to your next seaside adventure. A must-have for summer, check out all of the gorgeous new designs here.

I have a soft spot for beautiful tutus, having worn a fair few in my ballet days, all of which I still have. I still remember going to fittings and being fascinated with the detailing of the netting and intricate sequinned bodices. Australian brand Tutu Du Monde, the creation of celebrated designer Andrea Rembeck captures the magic with an exquisite range of tutus for little girls. I picked out the In The Clouds Tutu Dress in Sand for the special daughter of a close friend recently.

New discovery, British designer Anna Pugh creates timeless luxury leather handbags, known for their buttery soft leather and focus on shape. Just in time for the party season, Anna made me an Ava clutch and the craftsmanship is superb. Definitely one to watch, Anna Pugh's upcoming projects include a collaboration with womenswear brand Jigsaw and an appearance at the National Portrait Gallery shop for the Vogue: 100 A Century of Style Exhibition in February 2016.

Sitting next to my new handbag is a pair of AGE Eyewear sunglasses from LET LIV. The new NZ-designed eyewear brand pride themselves on creating unique, handmade designs. Believing that age is something you feel, not see (amen to that) AGE references vintage styles influenced by the ‘50’s through to the experimental ‘70’s, yet also appreciates the modern details, manifested in materials, finish and practicality. I'm so in love with mine I may need a second pair!

I'm thoroughly enjoying the Nespresso Limited Edition Variations right now. Inspired by the festive season, they include three delicious flavours; Vanilla Amaretti, Vanilla Cardamom and Ciocco Ginger. I also attended the opening of the Nespresso Flagship Boutique in Auckland last week. In true Nespresso style, they put on a fabulous night and the gorgeous store is a wonderful addition to our CBD.

Lastly, a look at Roman's room with the Geo Black Skate Deck from One Hundred Percent Heart. You may remember seeing the Geo Shapes one in my Christmas Gift Guide for the Kids yesterday. They make such a great piece of wall art. See the full collection here. 

All Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for The Design Chaser Instagram (@thedesignchaser)

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Christmas Gift Guide Part Three | For the Kids

Finishing up the TDC Christmas Gift Guide Series with some gorgeous picks for the kiddies, here are some last-minute gift ideas and stocking fillers.  

Geo Shapes Skateboard Deck by One Hundred Percent Heart

Casper Capsule PJ Set by Pop Factory Shop

Lightning Bolt Wall Hooks by The Wall Collective

Block Pegboard from Leo & Bella

Lola Sunglasses in Yellow Jelly Mirror by Sons + Daughters

Sew Heart Felt Celeste Unicorn Head from Leo & Bella

Soaring Hearts Tutu Dress in Lait from Tutu Du Monde

Kip & Co Grey Cord Beanbag from LET LIV

Black Graffiti Pillowcase by Henry and Co

Mouse Bookends in Black from Cooee Design

The Goodies Sack by Pop Factory Shop

Lucky Boy Sunday Bad Eye Lily from Simon James Concept Store

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Neutral Instinct welcomes ooh noo

With both design-conscious parents and kids in mind, the beautiful, Scandi-inspired online store Neutral Instinct has recently expanded into children's ware. Stocking popular international brands such as Tellkiddo, Design Letters and Cooee, their latest addition is the beautiful children's label ooh noo.

Designed and created in Europe, with love and traditional craftsmanship, the collection combines old-world charm with minimalist contemporary design. Made from the highest quality materials, the bedding is extremely soft yet durable and features original artwork that will appeal to girls and boys alike. In fact ooh noo was created when one of the brand's designers wanted bedding that she could mix and match and use for both her children, a girl and a boy. Bedding that was well designed and made of pure materials that could be washed and dried again and again while getting better with age. Giving new meaning to the term hand-me-downs, ooh noo is designed to be passed down and to stand the test of generations. The collection also includes a range of gorgeous toys such as the Alphabet Blocks, Googy Rocking Horse and the award-winning Mr Crocodile on a Stick.

I've had the pleasure of seeing the bedding up close, and the quality really is amazing. It certainly lives up to the promise of being beautiful, pure and lovable. See which products I picked and how I styled them in Marlow's room over on Instagram.

To celebrate the launch of this gorgeous new brand, Neutral Instinct are offering TDC readers 15% off all ooh noo bedding pre-orders, from now until midnight on Wednesday 2nd of December. 

NOTE: this offer applies to all ooh noo duvet covers and pillow cases. It excludes ooh noo cushions and toys. To redeem this offer, enter TDC at checkout. Pre-orders are expected to arrive 7th December. Open to New Zealand and Australian residents only. 

Happy shopping! 

Images courtesy of Neutral Instinct

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