The Home Of Artist Ana Kras

'It's an improvisation of an apartment' says Ana Kras, the Serbian designer who has relocated to New York City's Lower East Side a few weeks ago. Most of her belongings are still with her parents in Belgrade, Serbia, and in her previous home in L.A. And yet, she has added a witty and artsy touch to her new home with just a few pieces. 

I love the work of Ana Kras and I blogged about her two years ago and I am fascinated to see her career going from great to greater. Her new apartment showcases one thing: you don't have to fill up a space. Sometimes just a few practical items and some personal details will make a home. Some knickknacks, some art pieces. And a few houseplants of course. 

As an artist she is not surrounding herself with her own work - it is a personal decision. However, you can see one of her famous Bonbon lamps on her dining table - it is an early model of an ongoing series that was included in the 2014 NYC Makers biennial at the Museum of Arts and Design in Manhattan. 

Her initial quote made me think: isn't every home a sort of improvisation? It reflects our current state, lifestyle, situation. It changes and evolves with us. We improvise. Every day. And that is good. Anything else would result in stagnation and idle life. Here's to more improvisation in life!

Photography via T Magazine

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Happily Ever After: Curio Magazine

Interiors, people, life, style - doesn't this sound just perfect for a relaxed afternoon on the sofa? I think it does and the British e-mag Curio Magazine offers it all. I must admit, until recently I didn't know the magazine. A few days ago the second issue was launched and I was absolutely enchanted by it. Interesting stores, great portraits, beautiful photography - the ingredients of any fabulous magazine. 

What attracted my immediate interest was the cover - it features the creative work of Serbian designer Ana Kras whom I featured last year on my blog HERE. The interview with the US based designer is one of my personal highlights as well as the Bodie and Fou feature. And there is plenty more of interior inspiration and swoon worthy photography.

So, grab your favorite cup with freshly brewed coffee or invigorating tea, get your tablet or notebook, and cocoon on your sofa or bed with the latest issue of Curio magazine.

Have a relaxed Friday, friends!

Photography via Curio Magazine

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Happily Ever After: Designer Ana Kras

Before I left for my family vacations to Serbia, I cheered you good bye with a picture of the 'Bonbon Lamps' by Serbian designer Ana Kras. Today, I want to use the opportunity to present this amazing (and beautiful) designer to you in more detail. 

Ana was born in Belgrade in 1984 and works on different personal and commissioned projects. Today, she lives and works as a designer, photographer and illustrator in Los Angeles. Ana creates pieces with a great deal of handwork. Probably a fact that reflects her Serbian roots. 

We all grew up with grandmothers and aunties that made pullovers, socks, cardigans by hand. We all had grandpas and uncles working with natural materials and creating pieces for the home. I sort of read this in her 'Bonbon' and 'Hive' lamps and the quirky, slightly retro 'Ksilofon' coatrack. Her colour codes speak of the abundance of nature and happiness - the Serbian countryside, summers on the Adriatic Sea in Montenegro, lush farmers' markets in the cities. Her urban upbringing in Belgrade seems to be mirrored in the sleek, sophisticated designs such as the 'Moon Table', the 'Noodle' sidetables, or the 'Hug Chair'.

Probably I am making up a lot of these, but sometimes this makes design and art so appealing to me. It's about what it speaks to me. It's about the story behind. Sometimes it's a story based on facts and the designer's actual background. Sometimes it's our interpretation, our vision of design and the way we reflect it. It's always a story that makes a design complete. And from what I've seen, Ana Kras has a lot to tell. 

If you want to know more about her, read a great interview with Ana here.

Photography by Ana Kras

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Time To Exhale: Vacations!

What's the best about summer? Sun, warm temperatures, the life outside, but above all: vacations! Yup, it is that time of the year. I am all packed and ready. The suitcase is full, the ticket is printed, the passport is ready. I am heading for a 10-days family retreat to Serbia. The majority of my family lives in southeast Europe and usually I get to see them once in a year. So I am dedicating my full time and attention to a huge bunch of family members which means I will be mostly offline. It is weird for someone who is daily online, but I think it is just the right thing to refuel my body and mind. 

And if you happen to wonder why I've chosen that pic above to announce my holidays: these beautiful lamps named 'Bonbons' are the work of the beautiful and talented Serbian designer Ana Kras. 

Enjoy your summer my friends & I will see you back here in ten days! Here's to summer!

Photography by Ana Kras

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