Side Effects: Art Prints From The Balkans

Some of you know that my family is of Serbian origin and thus I like to peek to the Balkans from time to time and observe what is happening in the design scene over there. Belgrade has become a sort of center for the Balkans design scene with various cool concept stores like THIS one ore fab design cafés like THIS one. Now the first online store for art prints by Balkan based designers has been launched - Side Effects.

Side Effects has curated a fine selection of large scale art prints by local designers and every print is a carefully created silk screen art print and it comes in a limited series of 100 pieces with a hand-signed serial number. And the collection of art prints is constantly growing and so is the pool of young artists.

When I browsed through their current collection I was particularly drawn to the work entitled 'Layers of Needs' by artist Sandra Milanovic and 'Golden Boy' by Mane Radmanovic. But I also fell for the art print called 'Field of Rhombus' by Danijel Savovic - it looks a bit like a giant sketching in a very orderly and designy manner. Now I wonder: Which one is your favorite art print?

I think we will have to look more often to the southeastern edge of Europe in the future. There is lots of interesting happening there right now, many young, creative people are emerging on the design market and I think we all can handle a little bit of a fresh breeze from the Balkans!

Photography via Side Effects

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Happy Interior Blog Recommends: Xmas Gift Ideas

Time is running, can you believe Christmas is in two weeks? Crazy, right? How about your Xmas gift shopping? Have you finished most of it, are you in the middle of the maze or right at the beginning? Well, in case you are still on the hunt for creative gifts, I thought I'll share a few of my latest design discoveries and favorites as Xmas gift ideas. Without further ado, here are my Christmas gift suggestions:

1. Ay Illuminate pendant via Oh My Home
2. Glass dome via Nature & Découvertes
3. Poster via Bond and Fox
4. Marble box via La Maison d'Anna G.
5. Hanging planter via Holly's House
6. Marble condiment holder via Holly's House
7. Tea ball via Such & Such
8. Art via Original Art Under 100
9. Cushion via Stil Haven
10. Scented Candle via Möve
11. Salt and pepper mills via Oates & Co.

Now you should be ready for Christmas. At least I think I am. Sort of. Happy hump day, friends!

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Gift Ideas For Design Lovers

When I was asked by the German Pinterest team to join their 'Xmas Market', I was all game - curating a Pinterest board with gift ideas for design lovers was the task. Challenge taken! Pinning cool design products is anyway an activity I love spending my time on. Pinterest is one of my favorite platforms to find inspiration and new products - in fact, I have found many new home accessories for my own home through Pinterest over time!

My Pinterest account has a variety of boards with a focus on interior design, home accessories, decoration, plants, travels. And I usually extend my account with seasonal boards, like gift idea boards for Christmas and other festivities. Especially those gift idea boards serve as a sort of inspirational archive when I have to find presents for my beloved ones (or myself for that matter). And that's exactly what I did for the 'Pinterest Xmas Market': I have curated a fine selection of gift ideas for design lovers!

So if you need some more inspiration and ideas for the upcoming festive season, make sure you have a look on Pinterest. And yes, it is absolutely fine to buy yourself presents, too!

Happy hump day, friends!

Links: Wooden letters / Leather covers / Stool / Lamp / Coffee Tables / Plant Stands / Light Garland / iPhone Case / Copper Kettle

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Happy Interior Blog Recommends...

Wednesday is hump day is half way to weekend is a day to treat yourself - this is the sort of weird sequence of thoughts I have on hump days. You know, little treats motivate you to tackle the remaining half of the working week and then indulge in a relaxing weekend. Now I admit, some might say, ok, get yourself some chocolates, buy yourself a jumper, a pair of new shoes or a a nice book. But hey, I am who I am and I love to buy things for the home. And this week's recommendations could all go right into my virtual basket. Is there a treat for you too? Today we've got fresh on offer the following goodies:

1. Hand made porcelain vessels by British designer Rhian Malin via Cavaliero Finn
2. Surprise (design) gift box for yourself or a beloved person (perfect in time for 
    Christmas) by Not Another Bill
3. Roxy arm chair with ethnic pattern via Onefortythree
4. Undercover blanket via Starling Store
5. Crescent cup/planter via Nasty Gal
6. Cactus tote bag via Leif Shop

Now hump day looks all better, right? Have a happy one!

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Happy Interior Blog Recommends: Hunting For George

There are many reasons for a trip to Australia: the ocean, the beaches, summer in winter, the easy going lifestyle. And for interior maniacs like myself: 'Hunting For George'. Truth be told, I discovered the Australian online shop only a few days ago, but it was an instant love affair: the products, the styling, the photography - every detail told me that this online shop is curated with love and passion.

'Hunting For George' was established in 2010 by Melbourne based sisters Jo Harris and Lucy-Glade Wright as a platform for both larger, well established brands as well as smaller, up-and-coming labels from Australia and abroad. I am particularly smitten with their range of homeware. Their latest addition is the fabulous Siesta Collection. It's all about taking a break, escaping and letting the designs fill our homes with plenty of good vibes - yes, they truly are Australians! What's not to love?!

Now while I am getting ready for winter here in Munich (my iPhone forecasts a max of 5 degrees Celsius with rain tomorrow) I am clicking through the amazing 'Hunting For George' website and daydream of an escape to sunny and happy Australia. Thanks for all the good vibes, 'Hunting For George'!

Photography via 'Hunting For George'

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Happy Interior Blog Recommends: Stilherz

Let's be honest. Summer is over and we are stepping into autumn. It's September and here the weather has really turned into a mild autumn atmosphere. Traditionally, we tend to reconsider our interior styling and decoration with the change of seasons. So I thought it's a good moment to introduce you to my latest 'happy sponsor': Stilherz.

Stilherz has a fine selection of home accessories to support your autumn redecoration at home. I've browsed the online shop and I've picked five favorites for an autumn styling at home. Let's see what I've found:

1. Concrete pendant light
2. 'Straight Twill' blanket by Tina Ratzer
3. Glass bottle vase
4. Marble candleholders
5. Green ceramic candleholder 'Illumina'

If you are looking for a little decoration item, a lovely lighting solution or beautiful home textiles, make sure to check out the online shop of Stilherz. Oh and if you like to shop, make sure to use the code 'Happy' for a 10 % reduction on all orders above 50 Euros. Happy shopping!

But I wonder: Anyone of you planning a redecoration project at home? Let me know!

This post has been brought to you in collaboration with Stilherz

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Happy Interior Blog Recommends...

Currently I am pondering about a new bookshelf for my tiny apartment. A slightly bigger one than the current one I have, so that I can store more books in it and that I can use some shelves for those tending 'shefies' - you know, it's quite a good way to train your styling skills with shelves:-) 

I haven't made up my mind about the shelf yet, but I have found a few new accessories that would look rad on my new shelf. These and a few more findings, including some lovely home accessories I already own, are part of this week's recommendations. Hope you gonna like them! Have fun & happy hump day!

1. Simple and beautiful organic bedlinen by Laura Thomas Linens
2. Kay Bojesen Monkey via Nest
3. Tivoli Model One radio in white and yellow
4. Rama chair via Olsson & Gerthel
5. Mid-century Danish walnut candlesticks via Ebay
6. Handmade cactus print via SR Paper Works
7. Blue Pantone espresso maker via Howkapow

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Happy Interior Blog Recommends...

Hello my dear readers! I am back from a full week of family vacations that I had spent completely offline - yes indeed, not a single day online! I am pretty amazed I managed to get through the entire week and at some point I thought about how life must have been before the industrial revolution and all the modern inventions that followed the subsequent decades. Speaking of industrial revolution I want to move to today's blogpost - I'd like to use the opportunity and share a few furniture pieces and home accessories with an industrial vibe and old school touch with you.

The industrial style in interiors has been a pretty success over the past few years. However, my favorite interpretation of the industrial style is setting accents with carefully chosen pieces - be it a piece of furniture or some accessories or decor items. Finding nice pieces with a good patina for your home can be quite tricky sometimes - and pretty pricey if you only focus on old, vintage originals. Luckily many brands and shops provide also more reasonably priced pieces that convey the industrial vibe - even through new products. 

One of these is a local shop here in Munich and one of my 'happy sponsors' called 'Fabrikschick'. They have a showroom and an online shop with a fine selection of furniture and home accessories with an industrial touch. You can find lots of new pieces but also some rare originals - the offer varies from time to time. For today's post I've selected my personal favorites in the collage above. And if I had to break it down to one single piece than I'd pick that fab blue pendant light - I would use it for the kitchen or over the dining table. 

What's your favorite pick?

Photography via Fabrikschick

This post has been brought to you in collaboration with Fabrikschick

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Happy Interior Blog Recommends...

Here is a little thought I have from time to time while writing my Wednesday column: Is shopping a bad thing? More precisely: Do I have to feel guilty every time I buy a new little decor item or home accessories? Let me spit out the answer straight away without any further doubt: No! Ok, I would not want you to turn into an obsessive shopaholic who buys just for the sake of buying. But adding one or two little pieces for the home from time to time helps elevating your spirits and interior happiness. Trust me, I am a living test subject!

My little challenge every Wednesday is to not shop everything I recommend here myself. Believe me, I have often bought those things myself because if I gave in, I knew it's good enough to share with you all on the blog. So in last Wednesday's round-up of recommendations I bought one piece for example. This week I have resisted and haven't bought anything. Yet. How long will I remain strong? Who knows! Here are my 'coups de coeur' for this week:

1. Auva wallpaper by Trove
2. Ball Mason jar via Lieblingsglas
3. Isaac Sconce Brass by Schoolhouse Electric
4. Seagrass ceramic cup via Sugartrends
5. Blue enamel vintage teapot via Etsy

Happy hump day, friends!

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Happy Interior Blog Recommends...

Hump days are shopping days! Well, at least they're shopping inspiration days here on Happy Interior Blog. I've said it a few times, I am the first victim of my product recommendations for happy homes as I tend to buy some of them myself. Just like with this week's recommendations - yet again, I've bought one of the pieces you can see here. I'll let you guess what I got for myself.

This week's product recommendations are inspired by a modern-bohemian style with touches of ethnic vibes, contemporary styles and Scandinavian inspiration. I hope you'll like today's suggestions and maybe you will find something your your happy home, too:

1. 'Sasha' art print by Sofia Bonati via Redbubble
2. Beep Table Lamp by Conran via JCPenny
3. Wooden candleholders by Bloomingville via Stilherz
4. Handmade ceramics by Robert Blue via Mociun
5. Kilim bed cushions by Barrington Blue

Enjoy my friends!

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Happy Interior Blog Recommends...

A few weeks ago I read an interesting story about the life and work of the French novelist Marguerite Duras. Ever since I feel the urge to read one of her most successful novels entitled 'The Lover' (L'Amant). It is an autobiographical story and placed in what nowadays is Vietnam. This might seem like a far flung intro, but this story came back to my mind when I saw the work of Chinese illustrator Oamul on my friend Anya's blog a few days ago. The above shown animated illustration is my favorite and makes me think of a happy life somewhere in southeast Asia. But I digress.

Maybe the whole Asian touch has influenced a tiny little bit this week's recommendations. Or I would rather say an inspiration drawn from nature. That's why I opted for one of the lovely baby zebra prints from 'The Animal Print Shop' (1), the fantastic Botan vases and watering cans by Scandinavian designer Kristina Stark (2), the simple and beautiful tea pot with bamboo base by Bredemeijer (3) and the wonderfully sleek Aiken lounge chair by Furnie (4). 

Well, what would you choose for your home? I could go with all of these. As usual.

Happy hump day!

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Happy Interior Blog Recommends...

Last week I went to visit the local showroom of the French design brand Roche Bobois. I've known the brand for many years but I have never been to one of their showrooms before. Why? I always perceived the brand as very traditional and rather interesting for wealthy customers in the age range 50+. 

Well, at one point I thought it is my duty to explore this French brand more closely as I am a big francophile and can you imagine my surprise when I entered the Munich showroom of Roche Bobois and I was welcomed by a fireworks of colours and funky, young furniture design? I was totally smitten and so I decided to share some favorites with you. Admittedly, one fact has proven true - Roche Bobois is not a brand for small budgets. But we've all learned that it is well worth investing in good design and high quality. So here we go!

1. Coffee table 'Architecte'
2. Desk lamp 'Cities PM'
3. Rug 'Brushing'
4. Floor lamp 'Pilu'
5. 'Bubble' sofa

Do you know the brand Roche Bobois? If so, what was or is your perception of the brand? I wonder if I was the only one thinking the way I did...

Photography via Roche Bobois

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Art Crush: Decorating Your Walls With Lumitrix

According to my love for illustrations, photography and any other wall art, I should live in a palace with an abundance of free wall space to decorate and redecorate. Alas, reality tells another story. The story of very limited wall space and a pile of framed wall art stored in a corner of my apartment. However, nothing could hold me back to add one amazing piece of art photography to my abode - a large photo of Bondi Beach by Australian photographer Louisa Seton, exclusively sold on Lumitrix.

The atmospheric photography simulates an airy feeling and seems to emanate a light sea breeze and salty ocean mist. This incredibly calming vibe seems not to be disturbed by the numerous bathers populating the famous beach - to the contrary. The juxtaposition of a lively beach scene with an almost elusive atmosphere has a strong visual power - it fascinates me day in, day out.

When I received the art print from Lumitrix I had to decide on the proper framing (but you can also order any photography framed). My choice was a light, thin wooden frame made of beech to complement the airy photography. And I had to decide on the appropriate place to mount it. Since my space is limited, the choice was quickly made. I decided to add it to my bedroom nook thus creating a light, sea inspired bedroom atmosphere (well, I happened to have the ideal bedlinen to colour match the photography).

Lumitrix's motto is 'see, love, frame' - and it basically rounds-up my personal experience. Their mission is to offer fine art photography at an affordable price tag - currently most of their fine art photographies are available for 50 pounds each, as numbered editions of 500. However, as of coming week, Lumitrix will be launching a fine art range with more collectable pieces and different sizes including a wider price span. So if you have been looking for that very beautiful fine art photography to adorn your home, look no further: Lumitrix is a fab source with a great selection and quick delivery. 

Happy decorating & happy weekend!

Photography by Igor Josifovic, other images by Lumitrix

This blog post has been brought to you in collaboration with Lumitrix

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Happy Interior Blog Recommends...

The search for the perfect sofa can take you all around the globe. The hunt for the perfect armchair can make you browse the web for days. A new graphic print for the wall? Hours of Pinterest surfing are the result! Yes, I am not different than most of you. Luckily I have my regular blog series 'Happy Interior Blog recommends...' so here are this week's finds of my ongoing surfing endeavor in the world wide web:

1. Wilfred sofa by Jardan: For this fantastic sofa I'd travel all the way to Melbourne, where it comes from. Such a hot Aussie!

2. Crystal illustration by German design studio Garden01 via Newniq: This cool urban illustration is now exclusively on sale on Newniq, a Berlin based online platform for one-of-a-kind design pieces sold in limited numbers for a limited time span. So if you like this illustration, go and grab it at Newniq. 

3. 1960s vintage armchair by Hook & Eye: The vintage armchair is called 'Silent Paula' and is sold reupholstered by the Germany based design studio Hook & Eye, specialized in upholstery of vintage cocktail chairs from the 1960s.

4. Vintage vase from La Mesa: This beautiful vintage vase is sold by my friend Sabine in her wonderful online store La Mesa. 

5. Last Look Mirror via Moorea Seal: Such a beautiful, vintage looking mirror to adorn your hallway or bathroom - found at Moorea Seal.

Happy shopping & happy hump day!

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Happy Interior Blog Recommends + Etsy Giveaway

Today is a great day for two reasons: First, I've rounded up ten of my current cravings from Etsy for a happy home. Second, I've teamed up with Etsy and have a shopping voucher for one of you - no matter where you live, you can join the Etsy giveaway and secure yourself a 50 Euros shopping voucher and kick off the shopping fun! How does that sound for a hump day?

All you have to do is leave a comment under this blog post until Sunday, June 8th midnight CET. If you are commenting as 'anonymous' don't forget to leave your email address so that I can contact you in case of winning the giveaway. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced in the comment section under this blog post after the giveaway has closed. As mentioned, the giveaway is open worldwide.

So hurry up and leave a short comment & maybe you can start shopping some of these goodies as of coming Monday:

1. Sea watercolor painting from HERE
2. Swimmers oil painting from HERE
3. Nautical plate from HERE
4. Wintery mug from HERE
5. Blue glass bottle from HERE
6. Colourful ceramic planters from HERE
7. Kilim cushion from HERE
8. Patterned planter from HERE
9. Geometric planter from HERE
10. Coffee maker from HERE

Happy hump day & shopping!

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My Sweet Weakness: Studio Oink

By now it is no secret anymore that I am a huge fan of Studio Oink. No, actually I am afraid that Lea Korzeczek and Matthias Hiller, the two masterminds behind the interior design and styling brand Studio Oink might think that I am a crazy stalker. Recently I guest blogged about them on my friend's blog My Paradissi and on the blog of the interiors community Woont.

I might be a Studio Oink stalker, but in a positive sense - I mean I am one of their regular customers whenever they update their online shop 'Studio Oink Selected'. This week they updated their store with beautiful handmade and vintage one-of-a-kind pieces and I shopped twice on the same day. To be honest, I had to stop myself cause I wanted to buy way more. I am looking forward to share my latest buys with you soon. In the meantime here is a photo of the Danish vintage ceramics and the blue vase I bought last month from their online store. 

If you love vintage pieces and handmade home accessories, check out their store now!

Happy weekend friends!

Photography via Studio Oink, last shot by Igor Josifovic

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Happy Interior Blog Recommends: Westwing

Today I want to share my latest acquisitions with you: An incredibly soft blanket with soft yellow and grey triangles, an industrial stool and a glass cloche with ceramic base. I found all these goodies on Westwing, a shopping club that some of you might know already. I have teamed up with Westwing as a sponsor to do a little styling vignette with their products and this is the result of some quick additions to my rather neutrally coloured home.

I've been a Westwing customer for years now. I registered as a member even before I started blogging so I was pretty happy when they approached me and suggested this collaboration. If you don't know Westwing yet, here's the idea in a nutshell: As a shopping club, Westwing offers daily new sales that are limited to a few days and available while stocks last. So sometimes it is smart to be quick when you spot good deals. The best way to stay up to date is their app - I am using it on my iPhone and I never miss their new sales and potential bargains. And the best thing: Westwing is available in ten countries!

For this project I'd sourced the products over a few weeks - I liked the powdery yellow and grey triangle pattern on the soft blanket (it perfectly matches the blue hues of my cushions), I fell in love with the industrial stool which serves as an extra seating when I have guests over and otherwise as a lovely base for my aloe plant, and the cloche with a white porcelain base. I use it for different objects like the candle, but sometimes I also place a little cactus inside. It is perfect for changing vignettes on your sideboard.

So if you like what you see then you might want to register as a Westwing customer HERE. I also recommend to download their app on your smartphone. You won't regret it once you've found what you like!

Happy shopping & happy hump day!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

This blog post has been brought to you in collaboration with Westwing

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