I Am Off: Happy Israel Trip!

Yes, the time has come for a new happy travel adventure. And this time it is a very special trip: For the very first time in my life I will be traveling to the 'Holy Land', to Israel. I am excited on so many levels. Not only I will visit some of the most stunning places in Jerusalem like the Wailing Wall, the church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock, but I will also enjoy the vivid lifestyle and design scene of Tel Aviv and the fantastic nature of the Dead Sea. And I will meet some wonderful Israeli friends. I already feel blessed!

In order to fully enjoy my happy Israel trip, I will keep it quiet here on the blog and will return packed with inspiration on May 12th. But up to then I will not let you alone. In fact I am inviting you to join me on my happy Israel trip. All you have to do is follow me along on Instagram. I will use the hashtag #HappyIsraelTrip for my pictures on-the-go and will share the most amazing spots of the 'Holy Land' with you.

Do you want to join me? Buckle up, I am taking off on Saturday!

See you back on May 12th! 

Photography by Richard Nowitz via Fine Art America

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Urban Jungle Bloggers: Green Windowsill

April is the month to get my windowsill green! Even though it was a pretty typical April up to now with literally everything - sun, rain, snow, mild weather, cold weather - it is still a good moment to add some greens to the windowsill. And the moment could not be better: A few weeks ago I got myself a little greenhouse and I couldn't wait to build it up and fill it with green life!

I only have two windowsills in my apartment but they are deep enough to place my new greenhouse. I was pondering what to place into the greenhouse and to be frank, I am still changing and exchanging its content. You can see that I added some cacti, then I added my new little mouse planter with succulents. But one component will remain inside: My recently planted herbs. I bought some little herb pots with soil and seeds and planted a pot of parsley, lemon balm and oregano. I was a bit suspicious when I bought those little pre-packed pots but now after just a few days I can see the first seeds sprout. I am optimistic again! 

Buying the little greenhouse was a great decision by the way. I really like its simple and unpretentious look. Depending on the weather and light conditions, I either keep it entirely closed or open one roof wing for ventilation. With the approaching hotter season I plan to add more plants in it and create a little thriving green chamber - let's see how it will work out.

I must say that adding more green to my windowsill was a fabulous idea - especially since I am living in a small downtown apartment without a balcony. The green windowsill is a little dash of nature that seems to sit right at the connecting point between the indoors and outdoors. The only thing I realized after taking all these pics? I so need to clean my windows - but that is an entirely different story. 

How about you - do you have a green windowsill or balcony? If so, join us Urban Jungle Bloggers - you can sign up HERE!

Urban Jungle Bloggers is a monthly series initiated by 2 bloggers: Igor (Happy Interior Blog) and Judith (JOELIX.com). Every month we share ideas to create an urban jungle through styling ideas, DIYs and green tips & tricks. You can find additional inspiration on our Urban Jungle Bloggers Pinterest board and keep up-to-date on our Facebook page. Want to join? Use #urbanjunglebloggers on Twitter and Instagram. Or let us know and we'll share the badge and upcoming topics with you. Let's bring some green into your homes and blogs!

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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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Why This Room Caught My Eye

Orange is a colour I always put on the side of more 'challenging' interior design and styling thoughts. Why? Because I am very suspicious of orange as a colour in interiors. It seems to be too flashy, too dominant and too individual in its first sight appearance. I found it always difficult to fit in my own interiors but then I was challenged to tackle the colour with a new vase (I blogged about it HERE) and after doing some Pinterest research I must admit that orange is an absolutely legitimate colour in interior design.

Orange should be carefully considered and used adequately. This example of a living room with orange elements is a great proof for that: Combined with similar warm hues from the same colour family and placed in a neutral background it comes to its full and beautiful force. But let me put it in three simple points:

• Orange & Warm Hues: The use of warm hues of the same colour family with a clear dominance of orange makes this room very bright and inviting. It looks cosy and uplifting - a place where you can see yourself unwind as well as have inspiring conversations with friends.
• Ethnic Patterns: Ethnic patterns seem to be a great friend of vibrant colours. The rug on the floor and wall as well as the pillows make for a perfect stage to showcase the colours in this room.
• Black Cabinet: The wooden black cabinet is a strong visual counterpart to the vibrant hues. It calms the entire room, sets a focal point and ties in with the remaining furniture - if it was another colour the room could quickly turn into a restless visual chaos.

What do you think of orange? Is it a colour you can handle in your interiors?

Photography via Norrgavel

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Spring Styling, Press Coverage + Happy Easter!

The long awaited and well deserved Easter holidays are commencing - I have packed my suitcase, bought chocolate bunnies for my nieces and nephews, and I am ready to head off to Austria for a family Easter weekend. But before I am off to Austria I though I'll share a few shots of my recent spring styling at home - well, styling is a bit exaggerated. I have just brought home a blossoming branch and my entire apartment was smelling divine thanks to those delicate white flowers. You gotta love spring!

Moreover, I am honored to be chosen as 'Blog of the Month' in the May issue of the German interior design magazine 'Wohnidee' with a little interview. What a nice pre-birthday present! 

But now I am wishing you happy Easter (if you celebrate Easter) or else a happy weekend! I will be back on Tuesday with more interior delight!

Photography by Igor Josifovic, tear sheet from Wohnidee

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Book Review: The New Book Of 'So Leb Ich'

'So leb ich' is a wonderful statement. It is resolute, sound and individual. It literally means 'That's how I live'. But 'So leb ich' is not only the title of the new book, it is actually the name of a very successful German interiors community. In fact it is the largest interiors community in the German speaking parts of Europe. Founded back in 2007 by interior designer Nicole Maalouf this community has attracted thousands of interior fans to share pictures of their homes and inspire each other. And right now the second book of the community has been launched with the full title: 'Das neue SoLebIch-Buch für ein schönes Zuhause' (the new SoLebIch-book for a beautiful home). And it is packed with beautiful inspiration.

Over 190 pages burst with 245 photographies of numerous homes beautifully styled and decorated by its dwellers. The book's charm lies in the magic of such interior communities - they showcase authentic homes, styled, decorated and photographed by mere mortals - no glossy finishings, no sophisticated dashes of this and that, no big photo editing. 

The book is structured into rooms - the reader is being welcomed through the hallway, passes the kitchen, the dining room, the living room, enters the home office, the bedroom and finally the nursery.  Each chapter is opened by an enticing illustrations by Larissa Bertonasco. Moreover, every picture is described, the participating community members are being quoted throughout the book and the content is enriched with additional trend descriptions, design classics information and DIY tips - including hints that more background information is available online on www.SoLebIch.de.

I've been going through the book over and over again and I really must admit that I love it. I adore the authenticity and personality of every photograph, I love the book's layout, its touch and feel. On one hand, it is informative and helpful, on the other hand it is as inspiring and beautiful as a coffee table book. If you are an interior design aficionado like me, you will love this book equally - no matter whether you understand German or not. You can buy a copy HERE.

Have an inspiring Thursday, my dear friends!

Photography by Igor Josifovic

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Happy Interior Blog Recommends...

My current interior design cravings encompass blue, grey and natural hues, weathered surfaces, wood and leather, round and organic shapes, ombré shades on hometextiles. Add my beloved houseplants to that mix and I am all happy and content. Now, the homeware section of French Connection UK seems to be catering to my cravings in a freakily perfect way! Going through their website was an ongoing 'oh' and 'ah' kind of experience.

Everything on my little product boards could go directly into my home. Of course I would have to get rid of half of my current things to fit in the new goodies - but no worries, I am not all that crazy. But I could definitely see one or two things move in with me. 

What do you think of the homeware range by French Connection UK? Is it your style or not? What could move into your home?

Photography by French Connection UK

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Why This Room Caught My Eye

Imagine this: Gathering in the kitchen with your family and friends around a big table, serving homemade food, chatting and laughing along. Real happiness seems to include very often the people you love (of course) and good food. And I totally agree with that. Well ok, I would add that a beautiful kitchen and dining area will enhance that happiness of course as I take quite some pleasure in well designed interiors. This kitchen and dining are are a great example of a happy space. Warmth and cosiness with wood and colours evoke an inviting ambiance for happy gatherings. But let me put it in three bullet points:

• Blue Industrial Pendants: These large industrial pendants in a dusky blue hue are a visual highlight for me. Paired together they really have visual impact and tie together the colour scheme of the entire kitchen design.
• Mix & Match Chairs: The playfulness of a mix & match approach when it comes to chairs is a winning factor. Various designs and colours mixed together result in a vibrant and interesting effect. 
• Wood: Hardly any other material has so much warmth and character like wood does. This kitchen is defined by wooden structures and surfaces - from the ceiling over the kitchen fronts to the furniture - definitely a kitchen I would like to cook and dine with family and friends.

Would this kitchen and dining area catch your eye too?

Photography via 101 Woonideeën

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From Place To Space: Walnuts Farm, England

Last Monday I shared a little preview of my rural escape to East Sussex in England. Today I want to give more details and above all more pictures of my countryside experience on Walnuts Farm. Now, as an urban dweller it seems to be very favorable to plan a little rural getaway every now and then. You learn to appreciated the serenity of the countryside, the rich green fields and the forests. You wander through gardens and get some face-to-face interaction with animals. All this I experienced two weeks ago on the Walnuts Farm in Stonegate, East Sussex.

Our one-day getaway was entitled 'Farm Bloggers' and our mutual ambition was to spend a day styling and photo shooting on the countryside. We were ten lifestyle bloggers: Emily (who kindly organized the day), Yvonne, Kat, Lottie, Catherine, Heather, Geraldine, Tina, Bridgee and me. 

Our day began with a very early departure from London. Meeting Geraldine in her happy yellow dress and two picnic baskets full with yummy food and props at 7 am at London's King's Cross station was such a fun moment - barely awake we already started our day chatting and giggling along. The train ride took us through the picturesque English countryside towards southeast. One and a half hours later we arrived at a tiny little station where people were smiling and greeting each other with 'good morning' - welcome to Stonegate! 

A very energetic and smiling Yvonne was waiting for us with her car and after a few detours we eventually arrived at Walnuts Farm where the others were waiting for us. Naturally, our first action was to ask for a wifi code and set up our connection to the outer world also known as our realm where we usually reside. A fresh pot of coffee was brewed and we gathered for a little get-together and kick-off of an inspiring blogger day. Moreover, we had the opportunity to peek into Yvonne's brand new cooking & interiors book 'Yvestown in de Keuken' - what a beautiful book. I definitely need to get hold of the English copy. 

The sun peeked through some passing clouds and the turkey was prancing proudly while the geese cackled along peculiarly. The first veggies sprouted in the garden and before I even grasped all of this it was time for a mutual lunch under the English sun. Homemade food was served and colorful tableware set to be photographed and enjoyed. Rose lemonade, couscous salad and a wonderful sour bread wreath from Kat were just a few of the delicious treats served that day.

Later on I set off to discover the interior of Walnuts Farm with its rooms full of character and memorabilia. Details were abounds and yet it was so hard for me to imagine that people actually live there - probably I've been living for too long in a small city center apartment! Of course I couldn't help but practice my Urban Jungle Bloggers skills by repotting a beautiful succulent - an urban jungle blogger gone rural jungle blogger. 

The day on Walnuts Farm was a great and unique experience for me. I was happy to spend the day with wonderful people devoted to the beautiful aspects of life and I was happy enough to team up with my friend Bridgee to bring back this great set of photography.

I hope you enjoyed this little getaway to the English countryside. And now I am wishing you a great Monday and a successful and happy new week!

Photography by Bridgee Melling and Igor Josifovic

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