A natural instinct

What Scandinavians always seem to achieve so effortlessly is a inherent sense of balance and calm. I think this is largely due to their focus on soothing natural palettes and materials. Several times I've laughed when discussing colour palettes with clients who have said their like 'natural palettes' but are shocked and confused if I suggest all white, I always reply, 'We live in Canada, of course all white is a 'natural palette'. All white with accents in black conjures up images of a snow covered landscape with bare trees that appear black against the crisp white. Clearly the Scandinavians have taken their natural surroundings to heart and feel quite at ease with all white. This provides a quiet background for another Scandinavian obsession - natural wood. This adds the much needed warmth for the cool all white environment.

The home of Danish designer Hanne Berzant whose nature inspired line By Nord, embodies these Scandinavian sensibilities beautifully. Images of Scandinavian wildlife adorn the pieces from her collection throughout the home and bring a little bit of the outdoors into this natural environment. 

 

* Love this easy idea- paint simple black polka dots on a white paper lantern, for a little hit of pattern.

{Photos: Heidi Lerkenfeldt, Styling Pernille Vest and Bolette Kiaer/ Linnea Press for Living Etc February 2012}

{Family Day} Angelina + Maddox

In celebration of all the weird and wonderful things that make a family...

 

"I know why families were created with all their imperfections. They humanize you. They are made to make you forget yourself occasionally, so that the beautiful balance of life is not destroyed."

Anais Nin

{Photos: Angelina Jolie and her son Maddox, photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair, May 2004}

Nestled in the French Alps: Chalet Béranger

Nestled in the French Alps, waits a traditional wooden chalet with an unexpected modern twist. Chalet Béranger by French designer and interior architect Noé Duchaufour Lawrance keeps the classic rustic atmosphere of the ski chalet with wood clad interiors throughout, but instead of the traditional warm wood tones, he has opted for a soothing soft grey wood, its silvery tone matches the outside environment. The space itself has an internal contrast - while Noé has stayed true to the traditional geometrical design of an Alpen chalet, inside many of the walls are undulating with soft curves and very few hard lines. There's a distinctly quiet atmosphere throughout the space, to allow you to relax and fully take in the spectacular view that surrounds it.

{Photos: Vincent Le Roux for Noé Duchaufour Lawrance}

A fine balance

Always love art that's a little unexpected - this quirky vintage photo on a plate fits that bill. Created by Jeff Koons for Sotheby's Art Production Fund's Works on Whatever limited edition series.  Far too pretty to eat on in my opinion, I'd love to see it hanging as an interesting addition to a gallery wall of framed art or even just in a little corner all on its own. 

{Photo: James Ewing, Courtesy of the Art Production Fund, via Vogue}

Kelly Behun: Soho Penthouse

Call me a bit of a Scrooge, but I've never really been much of one for Valentine's Day. While I love the idea of a day intended to reflect on and celebrate the ones we love, the mass commercialization of the holiday has put me off a bit. That being said, I'm definitely a romantic at heart, and while I don't really like the notion of forced romance, we all could definitely use a little more in our daily lives and this day is perhaps a good reminder of this. So today, rather than force the issue, I thought I'd share an interior for those looking for more of a 'Valentines-Lite' approach.

The notion of 'romantic interiors' always conjures up images of a warm, luxurious atmosphere. While I may not be one to go all out, little hints of romance really brighten the everyday, show consideration and of course, often include flowers. I think this Soho Penthouse designed by Kelly Behun and Natasha Ziff has the perfect understated modern romantic feel. Cool, clean and contemporary with just a few little hints of luxurious textures (plush throws and velvet upholstery), pretty floral arrangements (always love the elegance and purity of white roses) and of course, an obligatory dash of red. Throw in a box of chocolates and that would be all I need for the perfect romantic atmosphere.

P.S. As you can probably tell, I'm a little besotted with designer Kelly Behun's beautiful work at the moment, so couldn't resist sharing another one of her stunning spaces.

See more of her work here, and at her website.

{Photos: Kelly Behun}