From Place To Space: Bregenz, Austria

Are you ready for a new Monday adventure? Buckle up, I am taking you somewhere special - to the city where I was born: the small west Austrian city of Bregenz. Bregenz is located at the shores of Lake Constance in the bordering area of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. I was born here and spent my whole childhood and school time here before moving away for studies. My family, however, still lives here and due to the proximity to Munich I keep on coming back to see them and enjoy some family time.

That's exactly what I did this weekend and I couldn't help but share these Instagram snapshots with you. The weather was fabulous, almost like summer, and it was the opening weekend of my beloved 'Beach Bar'. Moreover, I was stunned over again by the spectacular stage design of the world's biggest floating stage on a lake! Bregenz is very famous for its grand summer festival 'Bregenzer Festspiele' with a biannual schedule. This summer, Umberto Giordano's 'André Chénier' will be played. And from next year, Mozart's 'The Magic Flute' will be reinterpreted on this spectacular stage. The little bonus: shows start around sunset hour so the audience enjoys two spectacular scenes. 

I admit, this week's 'From Place To Space' post neglects the 'Space' aspect a bit. But the weather was just too good to spend it indoors. Nevertheless, the western part of Austria is known for very modern and edgy architecture and interior design. A great focus is put on sustainable architecture, the use of local materials (lots of wood combined with concrete and glass) and a salient embedding in the vast nature. Thus, quite often you can spot very modern, cubic houses in a 'Sound of Music' kind of ambiance. In Bregenz itself I love the contrast between old and modern architecture. The 19th century main post office is adjacent to the glass cube of the modern art museum KUB, the medieval upper town bursts with historical houses and its landmark, the Martin's Tower, whereas the town's port has recently been renovated and combines modern and traditional aspects. 

So, today I've taken you on a little trip to my 'home' - a city that might not be on anyone's agenda at all, but hey, isn't it cool to discover new places with me here? Have a great week!

Photography: Top pic via Railtour; all other photography by Igor Josifovic

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Ideas For A Happy Weekend

This weekend I am off again. Packed my suitcase, took the train, headed off to Austria. To meet my family and friends. To play with my nieces and nephews. To catch up with my mum. To share my happiness. As much as I love my quiet moments (which are few), when I can cocoon in my world and be all by myself with a good book, a movie, a cup of tea or coffee, sharing my thoughts and emotions with others is crucial. And I am thankful to all the people who surround me, who love me, who support me. Cause after all - happiness is only real when shared. Right? Will you share your happiness this weekend? Have a happy one!

Photography via Feedfloyd

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Happily Ever After: Etsy Love

TGIF. With capital letters. And this Friday I am sharing some capital love from Etsy with you. Sometimes I can simply forget about the time when browsing through Etsy. I am amazed by the plethora of beautiful, predominately handmade pieces in one of the largest online marketplaces. How about adding some colour with this mountain print or setting a statement with a quirky bulb oil lamp? Or are you all chimes & bells with this happy string?

I also loved this hand-painted vase, the granite side table with its stunning combination of natural and industrial style, as well as this little succulent cutie - all available through Etsy!

The wooden puzzle sculpture reminds me of Olle Eksell's iconic eye prints whereas the bowl charmed me with its soft pastel mint hue and organic shape. 

The cushion? Simply: j'adore! And the multicoloured basket is so happy it had to go straight on the blog. 

And to round things up I picked this catchy red fishing boat pendant with enamel finishing and the cute wooden table with hairpin legs - oh I love hairpin legs so much!! Happy Friday, friends!

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Geometry For Interiors

Back in school, geometry was not my favorite subject. In a retrospective this might have been due to the cruel teacher. Anyways. But recently I have spotted many geometry inspired beauties for the home - from furniture to decoration: sideboards, beds, pendants, throws, cushions, vases, art, deco objects. And I must admit: I like it. I like it a lot. Be it triangles, cylinders or diamond shapes, the clear lines and the forms combine style and a sense of visual functionality to any interior. 

In my home, I've added some geometrical focus predominately through textiles. I have a zigzag rug, the geometrical quilt as seen here on the blog post and a lamp with a twisted triangle lamp base. Moreover, I got myself that cute little porcelain tray with the triangle pattern. Do you have anything geometry inspired in your home? 

Photography: Bedroom via Pinterest; print via Designspiration; pendant via Design Milk; living room and bedroom via Blackbird; jar via Present & Correct; tray via Etsy; zigzag pattern via Lost At E Minor; art print via Lisa Congdon; geometrical quilt via Urban Outfitters; plant pot via Etsy.

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5 Happy Inspirations: A Little Guessing Game

Yet another Wednesday and yet another hump day - we've almost made it to the weekend, folks! And to cut the remaining time short I was browsing the net for five new inspirations that I love and could see myself buying...ok, you got me, I've already bought one of these goodies. Can you guess which one?

1. Side table by Slow Wood

2. Amber Orbs Lamp by Anthropologie

3. Doug Johnston's 50s basket via Monoqi

4. SY - Love For Textiles book by Ikea

5. Henning vase by Zara Home

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Loving Metro Tiles

I am back from Paris! I think you've seen how inspired and happy my prolonged weekend was and of course I came back with a strong inspiration for an upcoming interior design project. I am definitely in love with metro tiles. I enjoyed daily the simple yet beautiful tiles in the Paris metro. The beauty lies in their simplicity: they are white, rectangular, shiny, with flattened edges. So simple. So stylish. So urban. I would love a kitchen backsplash with metro tiles or a bathroom tiled with those beauties. I could see the lower half of the walls covered with metro tiles and the upper half of the walls painted in a sleek anthracite. Oh well, the only thing that I need now is an adequate kitchen and bathroom. Up to then, let's enjoy the inspiration!

Photography: Kitchen via Red Online; Paris pics by Igor Josifovic

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From Place To Space: Paris, Da Capo

A very happy Monday, friends! While I am typing this words I am still in the City of Lights - in Paris. You've noticed the French 'je ne sais quoi' over the past few days on the blog, but hey, I can't help it - this city keeps me constantly under a spell. Plus, there were two exciting happenings coinciding: my blog's sixth months (half)-anniversary and the French presidential elections. If you've been following me on Instagram, you might have seen most of these pictures, but I thought it might be good to accompany them with a little text and helpful recommendations - it might come in handy for one of your next Paris visits. But let me take you slowly down the lane.

When in Paris, I love to kick-start days slowly and lazy. My first day was just like that. After a good breakfast I headed over to the Trocadero square to enjoy the view on the city's grande dame, the Tour Eiffel. I sat down in the famous Café Le Malakoff, sipped on a good glass of Brouilly and watched the delivery of fresh baguettes by the local baker with his cute little bakery van. The typical April weather with spectacular clouds and a never ending mix of sun, rain and wind proved to be good after all - at least for some great shots. After the little break I set off towards the Arc de Triomphe and after being caught by a spring rain shower on the vivid Champs Elysées I decided to jump into the metro and head off to the Marais. Since I started to feel hungry I decided to have a quick yet yummy lunch in the Jewish quarter - and I opted for a falafel sandwich. If you think eating falafel is to profane in Paris, then you haven't tasted the best falafel sandwich at L'As Du Fallafel in the Rue des Rosiers. Try it, you won't regret it. Later on I continued towards the Centre Pompidou and enjoyed an invigorating French coffee at Rue Beaubourg while watching the world go by. The day was rounded up by an evening walk through Montmartre and a good dinner at the quarter's oldest restaurant 'Le Bon Bock'. Parfait!

The next day was marked by an early getting up. But even that is sort of glamorous in Paris. I had a fine French breakfast at the Place Gambetta before heading to the city's south to visit the Marché aux Puces (flea market) at the Porte de Vanves. A plethora of 'brocante' was waiting for me and I really enjoyed thrifting and taking pics although I haven't bought anything at the end. The afternoon was reserved for my friends and we had a great and fun afternoon in a bar called Le Tournesol, a shopping spree at Bon Marché (seriously worth a visit) and the best cookies in town at 'It Mylk'. A cinema night made the perfect end to this day (and I watched a movie that depicted some French clichés in a funny way).

A visit in Paris must be accompanied by a brunch, too. Although not a French invention nor tradition, the city offers very good placed to enjoy a good brunch. This time we went to a place called 'Coutume' in the seventh arrondissement - the place is known for its excellent coffee but I would add also the excellent interior design. Traditional, high stuccoed ceilings, old 19th century columns counteracted by rough, plain concrete walls, industrial lighting, and plain white tiles really caught my interior loving eye. A shopping afternoon, yet another visit to friends and a good, long walk along the Seine made my day. 

And I must not forget: On Sunday I joined the French elections by joining my friend to an electoral office wearing my 'tricolore' vest. Enough said, je vous laisse. À bientôt!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

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Happy Six Months, My Dear!

Hello my friends, this time from Paris! I am currently enjoying some beautiful days in the City of Lights and I am - as usual - sharing many of my moments with you through Twitter and Instagram (just look for #igorinparis). A detailed round-up of this trip is yet to come in a dedicated 'From Place To Space' blog post.

Actually, I've almost forgotten that today is a special day: Today, my little 'Happy Interior Blog' is celebrating its first six months of happiness, love and fun. After six months I can tell you that this blog has given so much happiness to me, that I love it dearly and that it has become an inexhaustible source of fun. But all this would not have been possible without one very, very essential ingredient: YOU. Each and everyone of you. I am such a happy blogger to have you, my dear readers. All the happiness you've shared, all the love you've sent, all the comments you've written, all the feedback you've given - all that has made me truly happy and honoured. You all make my day. Every day. Happy weekend! Et à bientôt!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

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Happily Ever After: Marimekko

Today I am such a good mood that I need to add a good splash of colour to my day. I've worked and now I am sitting at the Munich airport and waiting for my flight to Paris. So in order to tame my hunger for colour, I thought I'd share one of my beloved brands that is so iconic with patterns and colours for me: the Finnish brand Marimekko.

I am pretty sure that the majority of you guys knows this brand. They are globally renowned for their colourful fabrics with great patterns. They not only sell interior decoration but fashion, too. However, you know my obsession with everything for the home so I will focus on their current home range. Even though I started this as a colour story, you will notice a good deal of black and white goodies, too. That is just because I couldn't help but share these too as I love the simple yet adorable pattern. 

What do you think of Marimekko? Do you love or loathe it? And to round things up - TGIF!!!

Photography via Marimekko

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Home Tour: Mix Styles & Add Interest

It is no secret that our northern buddies know how to do it. I guess the colder climate and the gloomier days give the Scandinavians lots of time to focus on their homes and to make them as cosy and comfy as possible. And just like that it happens that their homes are among the most stylish ones, too. 

This home tour caught my eye as I admire the mix of styles while tying everything together in a interior style framework. The industrial elements in the kitchen, the quirky wallpaper and the country style furniture in the living room seem to be contradictory yet they work well together as the overarching black and white theme ties them together. This concept is extended to the other rooms, too.  A romantic table lamp, a vintage dressing table and a bright yellow Tolix chair? Yes, it works! It's all about finding a certain topic that will be the 'red thread' through your interiors and you are free to mix and match to your personal taste and add a good deal of interest to your home. Do you mix and match at home? If so, what do you like to combine?

Photography via Boligpluss

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5 Happy Inspirations: Fab Wednesday

It's Wednesday again and thus time for a little collage of '5 Happy Inspirations'. After a long day, I sat down for a short break and glanced through the current Fab offers in Germany and my eye got caught by five lovely goodies that I wanted to share with you. 

My passion for everything nautical has been expressed frequently so I couldn't help but pick this anchor shirt to add a bit of fashion to my interiors passion. That floor lamp has been a big allurement to me, it was hard to resist (due to my limited space at home). The wooden print by artist Alexander Girard would be a fab companion for my Swedish Olle Eksell poster whereas the vintage book clock would stylishly embellish my white living room wall. And to round things up I've picked this London inspired Victoria Eggs bag. Phew, a FAB Wednesday can begin!

Photography via Fab.de

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In Love: The Paris Print Shop

Some of you might know that I am emotionally bound to Paris. The City of Light. The City of Love. Well, above all it is a fascinating city. Now, this weekend I am off to Paris again for a four days retreat and it came as a sort of coincidence that just yesterday one of my fellow bloggers and great Paris lovers, Nichole of Little Brown Pen, has announced the opening of her new web shop 'The Paris Print Shop'. 

In her new online boutique you will find some of her finest shots of Paris. Her artful eye captures those tiny, little moments that convey the unique spirit of the city and enchant every art loving and Paris adoring heart. And how charming are the colour stories of her shots? Well, this weekend I will pay due attention to all those fine little details in Paris! Á bientôt, mes amis!

Photography by Nichole Robertson for The Paris Print Shop

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From Place To Space: Andalucia

Traveling is one of the most important sources of inspiration for me. The richness of different cultures, the varying styles in architecture, the specific little details in interiors, the ever changing nature, the savory adventures of local food - all that adds widens my view on life, the beauty that is all around us, and sparkles creative ideas and ongoing dreams. So could there be anything worse than a life without the joy of traveling. In fact, yes there could: a life without imagination. 

This time I am taking you for a sunny trip to the southern part of Spain, to Andalucia. Some time ago I spent two weeks traveling this beautiful part of Europe and visited the cities of Almería and Granada. The specific beauty of Andalucia is its splendid nature with snow-capped mountains, rich Mediterranean gardens, a deep blue sea and swell beaches enriched with a yummy cuisine. But above all I was inspired by the region's varied history that has left impressive marks in architecture and lifestyle. The Moorish influence can best be seen in the amazing Alhambra in Granada. This palace is a masterpiece of Moorish architecture with the finest mosaics, enchanting gardens and courtyards, elaborate water systems, carved colonnades, and colourful tiles. Now look at that pic of me sitting in front of those tiles - can you imagine my thoughts? And now have a look at my Happy Interior Blog logo and its colours - I think these tile colours have left a lasting impression on me, don't you agree?

I also love the fact that in Andalucia you can find great examples of architecture and interior design that combine the local tradition and history with a modern approach just like this artist's retreat named 'Welcome Beyond' in the natural park Sierra Maria - Los Velez. In general, Spain has a great deal of creative minds that enrich the European scene when it comes to interior design, furniture etc. How about those amazing creations from the Spanish design company 'Santa & Cole'? Illuminated furniture? Folding coffee table? I'd say yes and yes.

I hope you enjoyed our little voyage and wish you a happy new week!

Photography: Artist's Retreat via Welcome Beyond; furniture via Santa & Cole; all other images by Igor Josifovic.

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