Exciting Book Release

Remember this post? Well, it led to this short book review....

.... and soon I will post a review on the newly finished book by Iben & Niels Ahlberg, "Visit Visit; Kunst & Karisma".

("Art and Charisma")

I have done a little research on this book, prior to it's release on December 1st. We will be entering the world of 8 homes filled with art! Not only an interior decorating book, but "Interior Design as Art".

When one of the featured homeowners, Chresten Rud, said "Eclectic Living.... living with elements from different cultures, different styles and different time periods... making it all work together cohesively" , it makes me want to see his digs, as I am sure they are outrageous....or maybe not ;)

This image is from Chresten's store Couch, located North of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Such fantastic use of color!! The painting is by the top contemporary Thai artist Attasit Pokpong.

Attasit Pokpong lives in Bangkok with his wife, he exhibits all over the world, and is booked two years in advance!! He is all about the facial expression.... His paintings are easily recognisable, often it's just the lips that have "real" color, as in the two images above.

A peek inside the artists studio.

"Boy in a Yellow Shirt" and "Young Girl" hanging side by side.

If you would like to know more about Attasit Pokpong or see more artwork, Tusk Gallery has a large selection.

Check back to read the book review, I am told there is an English version (text inset), for those of you who do not read Danish :) !

Natasha

Image #1 & #2 via Visit Visit, Image #3 - #5 via Tusk Gallery

Starting THE LIST...

I know, I know, it's almost too early to start The List, don't you think?
I just could not help myself when I heard that this book just hit the stores.....

The cover is so cute, and made me think of a mood board right away.... and don't we all LOVE to look at other peoples inspirations?

 I admit to loving this shot, originally used for a Kate Spade ad....

OK, so where's the party? Did I miss anything?? LOVE pink peonies and confetti!

... and as we all know; Every girl MUST have a little sparkle!!

I can just imagine having one of those days, and just looking through this book will transport you away to a happy place! I am sure of it!! Putting it on my list :)

Did you start your list?

Natasha

Images via Pink Lemonade Design

Hanging with the Cool Kids

Today I had the pleasure of opening my email to GREAT news...

Northern Light has been featured on the VisitVisitBlog, by Iben & Niels Ahlberg, the authors of Nordisk Eksotisk.

Thank you so much! Mutual admiration!!

Natasha

Image via Visit Visit

Punch of Color

How GREAT does this look?
I have been on the lookout for bedroom images lately, wanting to make over ours. I can't quite decide if the all white should be infused with pops of color (like this) or kept serene.... Then again, theses are for the most part pillow covers, so it would be easy to change either way!

... and really, these two images have nothing to do with each other, I just liked how they compliment the White with a Punch of Color-theme ;)

Have a great day!

Natasha

Images via Skona Hem

Nordisk Eksotisk

There is a new book in town, and I can hardly wait to share with you all!!
It's a book, the first in a series, with so many wonderful images of homes from Denmark. I won't go into too much detail, as I could get lost in explaining why this is such a wonderful book, and why you should have it, and look at all those designers "at home" and......

This is the bedroom of Danish fashion designer Naja Munthe. I just love the colors and all the fantastic textures!  The fur throw is cashmere backed... Talk about luxury! How about an oversize image of your child, propped against the wall? Naja Munthe has just launched a new home collection, and it's easy to see that her creativity reaches far and wide!! All of Naja, and husband Henrik's, house is featured in this book, NOT to be missed!!

This home belong to a couple that works in the fashion industry... Every where you look, there is something you will want to touch or take a closer look at! An incredible treasure trove of finds from all over the world, at first glance it's very busy, but step back, take it all in and you will be surprised and would want to stay longer, I promise!!! SUPER Cool!!

I know, I know, I keep saying skulls are not my thing, but in this home they totally work, you would almost expect them to be there....

Lookbook for SAGA Furs, created by Nikoline... no peeking allowed, but if you would like to see her home, check it out in the book! Liv Tyler has worn Nikolines clothing, this girl knows a thing or two about design and trends...

Check out this link to view the cover of the book; Visit Visit, Nordisk Eksotisk. The book even has it's own website (in Danish), and you can join all the other fans over on FB, if you like.

Go ahead, even if you don't read Danish, the pictures alone will make it worth your while!

Natasha

All images via Visit Visit

A little Teaser

.... look for some really beautiful, fun and exotic images soon to be posted! I picked up a super cool book on my last trip, I have just finished reading it, and can't wait to share with you all!

Stay tuned and have a fantastic day!

Natasha

Image Iben & Niels Ahlberg

1001....

... Nope, not 1001 Nights Dream, that's not where I am going with this post :), one thousand and one books, perhaps!?

Look at this great reading nook! The ticking on the cushions and the bolster, the fresh soft-pink roses, the large soft pillow, perfect reading light.... Spending a cozy afternoon here would be alright with me!

At Lonny Magazine, this image is tagged as an office......    hmmmm, I don't think I would get a thing done, at least not for a while! On the other hand; how inspiring, every thing at your finger tips!

Too much, or just right??

Natasha

Images via Lonny

Books I am bringing back...

... well, actually, that statement is not entirely true.
For the very first time, there have been absolutely NO Danish Design books to swoon over, not even a single one to buy, just so that I could say I found something of interest! Sadly!!

However, the Norwegian furniture brand Slettvoll, have just released an inspirational interior design book called "Velkommen Hjem" (Welcome Home). While this book is not yet in my possession (I am confident my Norwegian readers are familiar?) below - for the rest of us - are a few interior shots to drool over :).

Happy Fall Weekend!

Natasha

All images via Slettvoll

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

Books I am bringing back....

Hi, just stopping by to let you know I have picked up the coolest book, and since I am indeed visiting.... I figured I would show you!

Planning to pick up this book, when traveling to Copenhagen next week..... (translates to : (A) Home after my (own) heart).

.... and I am posting this beautiful image, just because...
I found it (sorry, I forgot to write down the source) and wanted to share, as it is very nordic on so many levels; natural light, blond wood floors, white paint, huge windows, simple and unfussy furniture, indoor plants, right down to the ticking fabric on the sofa!

That's all for this time as I am on vacation.... :)

Take care,
Natasha

Neutral kind of day

If you are a regular reader of Northern Light, you would know I like white interiors, with black, and often also a pop of color.... I have assembled a few beautiful images in neutral tones, non of them have any real relation to each other, I just felt they went well together for this post!






















What caught my eye in this first image, besides the pretty wall color, was the Suzani. I think it might just be the only image I have seen of a neutral Suzani, and I really like it!! Very tasteful, and a wonderful way to infuse a bedroom with texture and interest. 

You have probably seen this image before, I am sure, but I think it is the cutest little nook! The round porthole window is so pretty... The bench cushion, the blanket, even a pair of binoculars for birdwatching, could you not spend a good long afternoon there?

... So serene ...

I have spent sometime studying this very clean image, and I think nothing has been left to chance. Of course you have to start with good bones (the floor and the vaulted cove), then echo the arch with the demi lune old wooden table, and the round base of the lamp. Continue the natural theme with the linen shade, the carved woodwork to the right and the olive branch in the glass cylinder...

Heather, Habitually Chic, posted on a few new books coming out for release this fall, and I am looking forward to this one, but I am sure I will have to save up for a few more....

What is your take on the neutral Suzani? And do you think that hallway just happened to work out so great?

Natasha

Image #1 House Beautiful, Image #2 & #3 Hjemmets Gleder, Image #4 HC

It's the Weekend...

... been a super busy week, and I am looking forward to a few calm days, time to catch up.
I want to "pretty up" my house, and get ready for my first vacation in over a year! One more week to go, and we are off to New England, YEAH!

Hope your weekend is a fun one!

Natasha

Image here

Summers In France

Wouldn't you like to spend the summer in France? Well, I would, but that's not in the cards this year.... I ordered this book, it arrived just in time for the weekend, how lucky!! It was such fun to read, I didn't put it down, finishing it in one day; Day dreaming and laughing my way through it! Some of that British, dry sarcastic humor show through, making for delightful reading :)!!!!

Author, Interior and Textile Designer Kathryn M. Ireland invites you come visit her retreat, La Castellane, in South West France, off the beaten path. The Million Dollar Decorator shares her passion for the french countryside, and takes us along for the ride.

Not only is the book filled with wonderful images of her summers there, spent with family and children + what seem like a steady stream of friends and their children... Apparently there have been so many visitors, Kathryn has written down a few house rules, compiled a wonderful list of House guest Do's and Don'ts, even tips on what to bring if you are lucky enough to be invited!

I absolutely feel that I can abide by these rules, and yes, I'll bring wine!! (hint, hint)

While none of these two (above and below) images are from that book, I felt a need to include them, as they so perfectly reflect the easy and comfortable style of Kathryn M. Ireland.

In the homes she decorate, it's all about texture, warmth and lived in spaces, no museum-like homes...

... ahhhh, the Blue Room at La Castellane. A wonderful mix of toile and gingham, of beds made from bamboo cane and fresh lavender on the bedside table... Mosquito netting ads a little extra summerhouse feel, especially when sleeping with the doors and windows wide open during the summer!

Now, there's a fun DIY project for the summerhouse; What a great way to spruce up a standard net!!!!

 

The Owl Room... An old hayloft, quite a large space, functioning as both an office, a guestroom and "get-away-room" ... Lovely! Red is typically not my color, but I really love the cozyness of this space! Great conversation area.

Fabrics, fabrics, fabrics...  This book is chock full of wonderful fabrics; all colors and patterns! It's no wonder KMI is requesting "No fabric items..." from her house guests. Who would bring fabric (unless it's vintage) to a textile designers house as a gift, anyhow? I'm just asking...?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; finding it beautifully photographed, written with wit and very interesting as a tale of a restoration of an old vineyard! (Remind me a little of this book) I am sure Kathryn's friends and family + neighbors are happy she took on this project!! Such a wonderful place to gather for the summer and collect memories!

I was inspired to look up Kathryn's website to view more of her wonderful fabric collection, you can too, here. I also signed up for her newsletter, didn't get one yet, but did received a welcoming email with a discount code (!) for my first purchase!!
How wonderful is that! :)

I hope you enjoy the book!
Happy summer reading,

Natasha

All images via Google search for Kathryn M. Ireland Interiors