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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Happy Interior Blog Recommends...

Now it is official - it is snowing and the festive Christmas twinkle lights are switched on all over town. Yep, it is approaching - the holiday season! Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, other holidays or nothing at all - a bit of festive décor is never wrong, right?

That said, I browsed the world wide web for you quickly in order to give you just a few inspiration sparkles if you haven't decided yet on your decoration scheme. So here we go!

1. Crystal Votive Holders by West Elm
2. Copper star by Stoer Metaal 
3. Feather ornaments via Etsy
4. Vintage baubles via Etsy
5. Foxy Mrs. Nutcracker via Xmas Deluxe
6. Geometric ornaments via Etsy

Happy hump day!

Photography on top via Etsy

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5 Happy Inspirations: Cute Frenchies!

Now aren't they cute, the Frenchies? Ok, ok, I am not referring to the people this time (although there are some real cuties there, too) but some happy French finds from Etsy. Since this week is pretty 'French' here on the blog, I thought it would be a nice idea to have a closer look on home accessories from France, too. 

I was browsing the online marketplace and found '5 Happy Inspirations' that could go instantly into my happy home. A dotted set of vintage saucers, a neon tea towel, triangle patterned planters or yellow antlers? And what about the watercolour painting of a French fig jam recipe? Swoon! Which one would you pick?

Photography via Etsy: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

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5 Happy Inspirations: Etsy UK Picks

We continue with our 'British Week' on Happy Interior Blog. All eyes on the Brits and their creativity! Ever since I attended last year's London Design Festival I am convinced that the UK is a leading design nation full of creativity. But it's not only professional design that sets the tone. The Brits rock it all the way - from handmade goodies to refined interior design. For today's '5 Happy Inspirations' lets have a closer look at some great picks from the Etsy UK shops. Drum roll, please:

1. Nobody does retro as the Brits do. How about this retro inspired rain print by Eloise Renouf? At least it reminds us that there are no rainy days in a happy home!
2. Speaking of retro - the mid-century day bed sofa by Hopper & Space is a flirty fellow and a 'coup de coeur' for colour lovers.
3. The view of the calm sea is soothing and balancing - and incredibly stylish above a sofa in the living room or above your bed. Seen at Ribbon Squirrel.
4. The handpulled Scandinavian fish screen is in fact - British! Handmade by the fab British artist Jane Foster. 
5. Playful, cute and oh so trendy. The linen tote bag with neon knitted bottom is an eye-catcher for your next home decoration shopping spree. Guaranteed! Seen at Memake.

Which one would you give the Brit Award to?

Photography via Etsy UK

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Happily Ever After: Caitlin Shearer

A few weeks ago I stumbled over the beautiful work of Australian illustrator Caitlin Shearer. I discovered her blog and her Etsy shop. It took me about 10 minutes before my index finger hit order. A few weeks later it arrived all the way from Down Under - my beautiful illustration by Caitlin Shearer. I was drawn to her work due to her enchanting style - the soft hues and a charming lightness of her brush's stroke. Moreover, her portraits have something mystical - the museful looks, the dainty beauty...

As soon as the charming illustration arrived, I framed it and started a project I've envisaged for so long: a little gallery wall. I've decided to start with four prints for the time being, I have a fifth one waiting to be framed and hung. My approach is to let the gallery wall grow slowly. For now, I love how the new Caitlin Shearer illustration looks on my wall. Don't miss to check out her wonderful work HERE and HERE.

What do you think of her work? Happy Friday!

Photography by Igor Josifovic, last three images by Caitlin Shearer

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Happily Ever After: Studio Meez

In today's 'Happily Ever After' post I'd like to present you a super cute Etsy shop with a small but fine selection of home goodies. I really love handmade, unique products because they are the best way to add something to your home that is not available in stores around the world. And Studio Meez is certainly a good source if you like something playful for your happy home.

I instantly fell in love with the soft apple cushions in grey, pale green and soft pink. They would be a great accessory for a nursery as well as for a grown-up scheme in grey on a bed or sofa. Well, plus it is supposed to be healthy. You know, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Even an apple cushion. 

You can find all goodies on sale in the Etsy shop HERE and more inspiration on their blog HERE.

Happy Friday my friends!

Photography via Studio Meez

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Happily Ever After: Art By Tush Tush

These days I am hooked on Etsy. It so happens that I have periods where I can't stop browsing Etsy and one click leads to the other and before I notice, hours have passed. Can you relate to this? Well, in one of my last browsing sessions I've stumbled upon a fabulous Etsy store called Tush Tush. It is the creative outpost of an Israeli artist who has recently moved to Canada and sells über-cute tiny drawings and paintings, mostly on canvas. Those kind of little art pieces that are ideal as accents for gallery walls. 

You can find a few original paintings made with acrylic paint as well as reasonably priced canvas prints. I am no art historian, but last December I visited the Edward Hopper exhibit in Paris and I must say, these works remind me a bit of the artful play of light and shadows that are distinctive for Hopper's oeuvre. 

My personal favorite is the guitar playing seaman (probably because of my soft spot for stripes and anything nautical). Which one do you like in particular? If you like to see more, click HERE to visit her Etsy shop. Happy Friday, friends!

Photography via Tush Tush / Etsy

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5 Happy Inspirations: Etsy Five

Two weeks ago I scouted five goodies from the cute webshop 'Der Kleine Bazar' followed by five finds from the fab 'Human Empire Shop' last weekend. Today, I'm sharing five happy finds from the inexhaustibly inspiring realm of Etsy. 

I guess most of you can relate to this behaviour: Usually I receive a newsletter from Etsy, I click, click again...and I am lost. Lost in inspiration (not necessarily translation). I love how I every click leads me to a new discovery and new Etsy shop. This way I've discovered many creative shops from all around the world. Well, for today I've selected five happy finds - all of which I'd order in a minute. If I had more money. And more space. Help me out here with my excuses. Otherwise...I will just click. Again!

1. Colourful cushions by Butterscotch & Beesting; 2. Vintage southwestern wall hanging by Vintage Marmalade; 3. Mint green ceramic elephant by Claylicious; 4. Purple feature chair by Chair Revival; 5. Colourful patterned plates by Butterscotch & Beesting.

Photography via Etsy

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5 Happy Inspirations: Quick Ideas

Today I will KISS...you know, marketing talk, I will 'keep it short and simple'. I had a fun evening hanging out on Google with a few great German fellow bloggers as we were discussing some ideas for the near future. As a result, I ran short of time to compile my blog post for today so I won't bother you with too much 'Igor talk', instead I am leaving you with five happy finds:

1. A fun, geometric art print by Judy Kaufmann as seen on Pretty Dandy.

2. A beautiful glass canister for the bathroom or bedroom as seen on Anthropologie.

3. A soft blanket for a proper cuddle session as seen on 'by mölle'.

4. Warmly glowing votives from Iittala as seen on Connox.

5. A smart and stylish notebook as seen on Etsy.

Hope you like my happy finds! Enjoy this hump day!

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Win A Suzani Cushion And Get Inspired

I have a soft spot for home textiles. And I certainly love traditionally produced and locally sourced pieces from around the world. Today I would like to take you to central Asia, to be precise to Uzbekistan, the home of traditional Suzanis and Ikats. 

The colourful designs, rich patterns, handmade embroideries add textures and interest to any home. Sometimes the bold designs and vivid colours could be scary, but don't be afraid, a Suzani or Ikat cushion could be blended into nearly every interior. Whether you go for a statement piece in a rather monochrome home (think of a white room, grey hues, black and white interiors) or you decide to go eclectic and bold like in the first two pictures by my fellow blogger and impeccable stylist Justina Blakeney, handmade Ikats and Suzanis from central Asia will definitely add interest to your home. 

A crucial fact when sourcing traditional textiles is its origin. I love to learn where the textile comes from, how it was sourced or produced. And I've found a great source for you: the Etsy shop Ikatsuzani. There you will find handmade pieces, new and vintage ones, all sourced from Uzbekistan. It can't get any more original. 

So my friends, be brave! Be playful! I'd like to give one of you the chance to try it in your very own home. Thanks to Ikatsuzani shop you can win the Suzani cushion cover as shown here. It's a Lumbar vintage Suzani that is hand-embroidered and rich in colours. All you have to do is visit the Ikatsuzani Etsy shop and leave a comment here under the blogpost telling me which piece is your personal favorite. 

The giveaway is open worldwide and runs till coming Thursday! Go for it, friends!

Photography: Coffee table and bedroom by Justina Blakeney, all other pictures via Ikatsuzani

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5 Happy Inspirations: Good Mood Treats

Every Wednesday I am compiling a little round-up of goodies that inspired me this week. These five treats really boosted my good mood. Sometimes I am so simple as to be happy with a little cushion, a lovely illustration or a happy plant pot. But being simple is not equal to being dumb, right?

1. The 'City Sunday' magazine rack by Finnish Design Shop is the right potion for my Scandinavian design loving, urban heart. Ok, I admit, I bought it!

2. This apple cushion is such a fruity refreshment for any sofa. Certainly for mine! Found via Etsy.

3. Last Saturday I spent my afternoon in my local Ikea. I wandered around, shopped, and got hooked by this beautiful woolen bed throw in ecru with delicate, colourful threads. 

4. I also stocked up on new succulents. And this Anthro plant pot would be such a happy pal for my succulents.

5. I loved 'Pushing Daisies' back then. Do you know that series at all? If you do, you will understand my passion for this illustration - The Piemaker. Seen on Etsy.

Happy hump day, friends!

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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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Happily Ever After: Illustrator Blanca Gomez

Let me tell you how I decide on what to feature on my blog. I either see something in a magazine, I get inspired on-the-go or - yes - I browse the internet for inspiration. Then the progression goes something like this: I open a website and then it happens - the first sight puts a big smile on my face. Yes, beautiful and inspiring content makes me happy. And then it is more than clear. That has to go up onto Happy Interior Blog. Now that exactly happened when I opened the site of Blanca Gomez, 'Cosas Minimas', a talented Spanish illustrator and designer from Madrid. 

Her playful illustrations inherit a healthy dose of happiness and cheer. Bright colours, fine lines and a pinch of wit makes her illustrations the right choice for a happy home. Don't you agree. And the best: Her designs are all available through her Etsy shop. Well, sometimes happiness is just a click away. 

Photography via Cosas Minimas

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Ideas For A Happy Weekend

It is weekend, finally! After a busy week at work, I couldn't help but share this amazing quote with you, folks. I think by doing this I am reminding myself of it, too: Be kind to yourself! Maybe we really need to be kind to ourselves first to spread kindness and happiness to others as well. How often do we catch ourselves being our own slave driver, questioning our decisions, rushing ourselves from task to task, cutting us short of quality time to relax and do what we love to do. Is this all about modern life? I don't think so. I don't accept! So let's take this weekend to step on the break and be truly kind to ourselves. Find your way to slow down, to calm your senses, to focus on your body and soul. Ok, I am getting now too esoteric - but you get the point. I will obey to this quote and stay in bed. As long as I want to. And remember: no feelings of guilt. Be kind to yourself! 

Photography: Art print via Etsy; Bedroom via French By Design

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From Place To Space: Dublin

Traditionally, I am inviting you on Mondays to a little virtual trip entitled 'From Place To Space'. Today I am taking you to the Irish capital Dublin. When I visited Dublin, I didn't know what exactly to expect. A wanna-be city? A less spectacular version of London? Pub town? And then I unpacked in the hotel and took off for a city tour - and loved every bit of it. I was surprised by the energy in the city, the vibrant atmosphere, great sights, lots of culture and a good'n'healthy shopping spree.

I visited the venerable Trinity College and its breath-taking library, I spotted great museums and galleries during the Dublin Culture Night, had a few pints of Guiness, and paid tribute to one of my all time favorite writers, Oscar Wilde. And when it comes to interior design, I can't help but feast on traditional interiors - I am thinking of the opulent drawing rooms where Mr. Wilde met his friends and attended parties. Ah, luckily there is a good deal of hotels in Dublin bursting with traditional interior design - residing there takes you on the fast lane to the 19th century and its opulence, decadence and extravaganza. Moreover, I spied (online) into the home of Sharon Greene, the brain behind the eclectic Dublin Flea Market and had a look at Klickity, a Dublin based design studio renowned for its contemporary product design, and found a cool Etsy shop selling typography posters inspired by the Dublin subway. Have you been to Dublin?

Photography: I in Dublin, The Temple Bar, Oscar Wilde, Drinking Guiness all by Igor Josifovic; Detail of Sharon Greene's home via House & Home Ireland; Typography posters via Etsy; Buskers via Enthralled by Beauty; Pendant lampshades via Klickity; Tailored Tradition via Ireland's Home Interiors & Living; Hotel pictures via The Shelbourne Dublin.

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We Have A Happy Winner!

The lovely give-away from last Tuesday with the Etsy shop TexturedINK has come to an end and I am happy to announce a winner chosen by Random.org: It's comment no. 16 posted by oaxacaborn! Congrats!  What next? Easy peasy - drop me an email and I will get you in touch with Ankita from TexturedINK and you are free to choose any paper good in her Etsy shop you'd like! Have fun!!!

Photography via Style me Pretty

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New Etsy Shop & Give-Away: TexturedINK

Last week I was approached by a talented graphic designer named Ankita Kejariwal who recently opened a new Etsy shop called TexturedINK (click on the name to visit the shop). She saw my blog featured as 'blog of the week' on decor8 (thanks so much, Holly) and asked me if I'd be interested in featuring her work on Happy Interior Blog. I jumped over to Etsy to see her work and loved her illustrations instantaneously. She offers beautiful prints, many of them personalized and ideal for events such as weddings, birthdays, and other festivities. Plus I thought that a newbie Etsy shop and a newbie blog are a great match to support each other - and here we are!

But looking at her work was not enough for me, so I asked Ankita about her background and work. She's lived in India, the UK, and the US - a fact that can be seen in her art. The rich colours and vibrant contrasts (influenced by her Eastern upbringing in South Asia) are tamed and held within crisp and simple lines - a clear impact of the Western design aesthetics. Ankita is attracted to simple, clean art and draws inspiration from the many cultures she's embraced while traveling. Her love for typography, colours and layouts is clearly visible in her work. Moreover, her Etsy shop is a culmination of her different creative careers - she's been a copywriter, an interior designer and a graphic designer - great professions to combine and boost creativity, don't you think?

Ankita's work convinced me, but she's upped the ante by offering one of her paper goods (no wood panels or canvas) as a give-away to one of you! All you have to do is put a little comment in the comment section and tell me what you think of Ankita's work. All comments until  Thursday midnight CET will be taken into account and a winner will be chosen randomly with random.org on Friday. Be the happy winner!

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