Sixth Holiday Post.

 

Cozy summerhouse covered in snow... why keep the house empty during the winter months, if it can look this good during the Christmas season? As long as you can keep it warm....

Is this the coolest Charlie brown tree, ever??
I LOVE how this looks!! Very contemporary. Even with all the white, this living room reads very warm to me, of cause the roaring fire helps ;)

 

Ta - da! So simple and effective!!

Even in the dead of winter the natural light keeps the place bright, how cool are the high gloss floors and glossy ceiling?

 

Close up of the simple decorations, great mix of pine cones........

Would love to eat Christmas dinner with friends and family here, wouldn't you? Notice how the table picks up the other glossy surfaces with it's lacquered finish.

 

Why only decorate inside?

Have a cozy evening, stay warm!

Natasha

Images via Bo Bedre

Black & White

Black and white does not have to be stark, dark, cold or any of those negative things!! Check out this beautifully composed bedroom....

The mirror, well, check out an old post here for more on that, but what I really would love to know, is where to get those super cute dog pillows?? Does anyone know?

Very cool texture on the lamp base.... like little tree stumps :)
I have always liked a good tray table, and these do not disappoint!

Why not have a black & white cookie today ;).....

Natasha

Images via rue

Singing in the Rain

Well, so today is a total washout...
I will be at work, and hope to get a lot done since the distraction of beautiful and sunny weather is not in the cards!

Stay dry :)

Natasha

Image via Northern Light Blog on Pinterest

Fun and Games

Casual Friday, right??

There is a fun Style Quiz over at Ethan Allen.... try it, and let me know "what" you are!

My style, according to the quiz, is "Villa"... "Pedigreed while also modern" and "Inspired by French and Scandinavian design"; that's right on.... However, the images chosen for my style are a bit too country french :)

Go ahead, it's Friday, live a little, it's all fun and games!!
TGIF,

Natasha

Image via Ethan Allen

{Fall} House Love

Last year I featured this Summer House in a Winter Holiday post, complete with a thick blanket of snow and a Christmas Tree. This time around I will share different images, more appropriate to fall!

(OK, so I know enough about flowers and blooming bushes to know that the above image was taken in the spring - as the rhododendron blooms in the springtime - BUT the colors in the interior of this house (below) lends itself well to fall, don't you think?) 

Warm and cozy colors mingle with candlelight and a beautiful book! I purchased this book (Rajasthan) and it's completely worth a long afternoon, curled up with a blanket!!!

Weather use for sleeping or simply for a cozy and relaxing spot, this nook is soooo inviting!

Imagine cool weather, the stack of glossy magazines, nowhere to be, and lot and lots of tea lights!! I am in LOVE with the skinny picture ledge, filled with all these different, muted colors of glass and candles... surely they look magical in the evening!!

The warmth of the wood in the kitchen is echoed throughout in other textures such as the pillows in the background... Notice the matte black paint on the walls, the door and the huge light fixture. Lots of glossy surfaces as well throughout this house, helps to bounce the light around! This might be a log cabin painted black, but it is not a black hole, or a cave, but a light filled Scandinavian Summerhouse, dressed for fall with lots of texture and wonderful fabrics!

Look at that amazing piece of artwork on the wall!! Entirely made up from butterflies... and I love how the over sized urns are perfect in scale!

Peaceful exteriors as well! ;)
It is very common in Scandinavia to paint woodwork black, and I really like how it plays off of the naturally weathered decking...

Wonderful terrace to enjoy the last days of summer, and with the outdoor fireplace, why not stay outside just a little longer? I am happy to see this house clad in fall colors, hope you enjoyed it as well!!

Natasha

All images via Bonytt, Norge

New on the Virtual Newsstand...

... again, I know :)

If you don't already know, the new rue magazine is out, it's the 1 year anniversary issue, YEAH! Congratulations!! Can't wait to really dive in, looks like some great stuff has made it on to the pages! 

Natasha

Image via rue magazine

Stark Contrast

In stark contrast to the book-filled spaces in the post below, these are a perfect study (literally) in clean, and orderly! I really like the old worn office chair, in the image above.

The girly version; super pretty little spot, to do your office work....

...and TGIF !! I figured I would leave you with a pretty little nook with two of my favorite flowers; Hydrangas and Ranunculuars! Will you be picking up flowers for the weekend??

Have a fun filled weekend!

Natasha

Image #1via House & Garden, Image #2 via ?, Image #3 via Brabourne Farm

Checking in...

Hi all,
just back from vacation, had a wonderful time!!!!

This will be a quick post, as I have a long week ahead of me, but just wanted to check in and say Thank You for all your comments, and kind wishes, during my vacation!

Nothing like a little vacation to get the creative juices flowing...
So..... I have a lot of "stuff" planned!

Stay tuned!

Natasha

Photo By Dorrit Elmqvist

It's the Weekend...

... and I am still on vacation! Yeah!!

Don't really have any plans, Just a weekend with long walks, quiet time, family time and a little computer time. I have been going through a lot of Danish magazines, I have come across a lot of interesting people, products and fall fashion. I am absorbing it all and eventually some will make it to these pages, so stay tuned :) !

What's on your schedule this weekend?
Natasha

Image found while reading a blog the other day, I didn't write down the name - sorry - but I believe the image was originally from Elle Decor. Any info?

White, Grey, Black and Natural

Bringing you a beautifully home, photographed by Brigitta W. Drejer.





Capturing the special Scandinavian Light is a job in its self...

The very subtle nuances... An all White home, sprinkled with the palest Grey and beautifully aged furniture...

Bringing in Black to ground the space, Metallic to ad a little sparkle and natural texture to keep it real! Love the touch of the leather boxing gloves, even if it's just styling for the image...

Now, this is a dining room table I would want to spend time at!! Again the White space has been balanced wonderfully by the three Black lamps, the Zinc table top and the natural materials.

... A small but interesting detail from the large cabinet in the living room. Photography, as well as Scandinavian decorating, at its best!!

This post was inspired by my visit today at Basalt Indretning in Copenhagen (you might remember this post, featuring the private home of Anne Fabricius-Bjerre, owner of Basalt).

Natasha

All images by Brigitta Wolfgang Drejer

Black & White

My vacation is comming to an end and I was just thinking about all the pretty things I have seen! Some new, some old, even antiques....

I had the pleasure of visiting a few of the best antique stores in Copenhagen, and boy, it's really tough not to pick up stuff!!!!! 

Quite frankly I could have filled up a cabinet like this one (almost), and I am sure it would have been a lot of fun styling it..... just a thought :)

In a few days, actually, it will be on our last full day here, my mother & I are planning to visit one last, very cool looking antique store half an hours drive from the house.... Let's see if they are open on this day! We discovered this store while the owner was away in France on a buying trip, hence the store was closed. We re-visited on the next scheduled business day, but to our  my disapointment, the store was closed..... I guess someone was in need of a vacation day. The windows had been re-styled, so my hope is that we will be able to actually enter the store next time we visit... time will tell, and I will keep you posted!

Take care,

Natasha

Image #1 & #2 Skona Hem

Life & Work

During Copenhagen Fashion Week Malene Birger launched not only a new collection, but also a new book!

Life & Work; Malene Birger's Life in Pictures. The book is a collection of fantastic images from Malene Birger's two homes in Copenhagen, as well as two homes on Mallorca.

Many of her own black and white abstract paintings are included in the book.....

.... and during a fashion show, Malene Birger's clothing is on display, but so is her art work!

When visiting Copenhagen, you must visit her flagship store! It's fantastic, could have spent lots of cash in there; Ballerina shoes with tiny metal studs, comfy knitted cardigans, leather bags and clutches, cool jewelery! .... I was good .... I only walked out with the book :) Never mind that it's over two hundred-some pages & weighs a ton!

Check out this post on one of Malene Birger's homes, featured here on Northern Light earlier this year.

UPDATE...
I walked around København for two days in my black boots, determined to blend in, but had to wear my dreaded sneakers the last day.... lot's of walking in Copenhagen, so be prepared!

Natasha

Book Cover Image Via TeNeues.

Shopping: Skagen, Denmark

I have just returned from Skagen, a small and charming town at the very northern tip of Denmark. It is known as a mecca for the Who's Who in Denmark during the summer months (equivalent to that of the Hampton's in the US), priding its self on wonderful weather, wide beaches and wonderful, fresh seafood!
(We had one day of sunshine and one day of misty rain...)

Mr. Wonderful and I spotted this pretty little shop, Oscar Bad & Livsstil, and just made it inside before closing... Chatting with the owners sister, who was very accommodating, we were able to browse the shop. I spotted a few super cool items, turns out they were from (new to me) designer Louise Roe.

I picked up this over sized postcard, wanting to know more. I spotted the canvas and leather Book Bag at Oscars, as well as the lumbar pillows with the flowers.

I am thinking I might have to take a closer look, it's looks like a fun bag!!  ;)

Designer Louise Roe got her start in fashion and has since moved on to the Interior Design aspect of designing. Her line includes both fashion and accessories for the home.

As I was leaving Oscar, I quickly ran my fingers across this over-the-top, luxurious floor cushion, made of suede (shown here in lambskin as well)... OMG! I'm totally in love!!

The "Inspiration behind LOUISE ROE designs is often found in nature, as well as in vibrant city life. A combination of the two and their obvious contrasts give the designs tranquility, energy and an edge. This is reflected in the highly organic choice of materials, colours and prints being used. Nature, and the rhythm and renewed life and energy it provides us with, is essential to us humans - it’s genuine and real!"

Check out the Louise Roe website, super cool, I promise!
Natasha

Image #1 via Oscar, Image #2 - #5 via Louise Roe

Cozy corner...

While it's technically still very early fall here in Scandinavia, the last two days have been super stormy, rainy and cold (at least for us, who on a daily basis, live in the tropics). BUT really, I am not complaining! Actually, it's been quite nice for a change...

We have been able to relax indoors, camped out by the fireplace and we have read a lot! We started our vacation with good conversation, great coffee and super food! Everything in this neck of the woods is organic, EVERYTHING, and we are loving it!!

While the weather has been a little dark outside, it's been warm and cozy inside!

In the next couple of days we will start exploring; Shopping, sight seeing, more family time, more great food and a little golf for the boys. Not too bad :)

I will check in from time to time... Most likely post about our trip, even bring you a few images from here. Hope you check back in, and if you have any questions about Scandinavia... let me have 'em!
Natasha

Image #1 Interior Design by Nathan Turner, Image #2 & #3 via Northern Light on Pinterest

Exquisite Lace

I want to share these two white lace blouses with you, in the hopes that your day will be just as beautiful!  :)

  

Blouse by Stella McCartney. Notice the three dimensional quality of the lace... the applique is so pretty and feminine!

Love that this image is in black and white, you really get to appreciate the fine detail in this Grivinchy, flowery white lace blouse....

Pretty, huh?

Natasha

Images via Hanneli Mistaparta

Vintage Bahamas!

When visiting the newly restored Dunmore Beach Club on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, this charming little reception pavilion is where you start your journey...
The Beach Club has been given an overhaul by designer Amanda Lindroth, bringing the property back to its early 1960's roots, complete with vintage photos and lots and lots of island-y rattan and wicker!

This exterior porch has been reworked as a bar and lounge area, complete with louvered windows (good for tropical breezes). The graphic fabric on the ottoman and the bar stools is Petite Zig Zag in New Brown from China Seas. The pillow fabric is Melong Batik in Brown, also from CS. These fabrics have been used throughout the property. It gives the furniture a cohesive, natural look, complimenting all the rattan and wicker, making sure the furniture looks substantial and not cheap.
Pay attention to another detail; the light fixtures in the bar are Bahamian baskets that have been fitted as lampshades, a detail that has been repeated throughout the property as you will see.























Without actually having visited myself, I must admit this dining room corner is my absolute favorite spot! LOVE the Tangerine color used, so fresh! LOVE the vintage posters and photos! And what a great idea painting one or two frames in the accent color, totally makes them pop!! (This trick could easily be used in your own home!)

Notice the great attention to detail; Napkins have a pattern in the same Tangerine color! The same light fixture as in the bar is hanging above the tables... and the Tangerine sash on the little Bahamian statue on the top shelf.

Sometimes you just need a place to sit and somewhere to hang your straw hat... Rattan piece upholstered in the same China Seas fabric as seen throughout the property. Gotta love those big hats, a sophisticated beach look, especially in the tropics where the sun is super strong!

The Cabana Bath...
Now it does not get much more beach-y, or prettier, than this; Island Living at its best!!!

 A sneak peak into one of the guest cottages, reveal crisp white sheets, an Indian Quilt by John Robshaw Textiles and furniture upholstered in China Seas Island Ikat in Pale Aqua. The braided sea grass headboard can be found here.

This Tangerine color is used throughout the property, and while it reads a little more on the coral side for me, I know where designer Amanda Lindroths inspiration has come from.... Not only the inside glossy color of the conch shell, but also from Palm Beach where she grew up. This is a color that is widely used in Palm Beach, from stucco to flowers to paint.

Nassau-based designer Amanda Lindroth sitting pretty in the tropical interiors she has (re)created so beautifully. The Dunmore Beach Club has been infused with crisp white backdrop, layered with natural colors and textures and brought to life with colors found in the surrounding landscape; coral, green, natural and let's not forget the most amazing turquoise.

The original aqua and white cabanas are a trademark of The Dunmore Beach Club, since 1963... By the way; The Beach Club is named after Lord Dunmore, the first Governor of the Bahamas.

Now that I have tempted you to seek out this restored Beach Club, you can get your reservation here.

Enjoy yourself :)

Natasha

All images photographed by Tria Giovan, for Coastal Living.