Book Review: The New Boho Book

I have been a passionate follower and reader of Justina Blakeney's blog over the past few years. I love her unconventional style, her eclectic collections, her love for plants and colors. She is a sort of a beacon who reminds me that styling a home is a personal matter, it allows for all aspects to be included that reflect your personality, it is your playground to get creative. She is something like the antidote to the overstyled interiors devoid of personality as seen in some glossy interiors magazines. All those inspirations, ideas and decor tips including some cool and simple DIY ideas are now condensed in one wonderful book: The New Bohemians - Cool & Collected Homes, shot by the impeccable Dabito (have I mentioned I am a fan of his work too?).

The New Boho Book takes us on a tour through various cool and collected homes. By guiding us through inspiring real homes, Justina highlights the aspect that boho or bohemian is not a fixed, determined term. It is not you are either boho or not. Bohemians come in various forms of expression and intensity if you want so: You could be the modern, the earthy, the folksy, the nomadic, the romantic or the maximal bohemian. After going through the entire book you are tempted to look around you and ask yourself: Am I a bohemian?

If someone asked me to define my bohemian style after consulting The New Bohemians, I'd say I'm a modern bohemian with slight influences of the earthy bohemian. What exactly defines those styles? Well, I think you simply have to grab a copy of this amazing book and look it up for yourself!

Photography: First pic by Igor Josifovic, others by Dabito 

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Book Review: Maker Spaces By Emily Quinton

One of the fascinating factors of today's digital era is the emergence of a 'maker' movement. Creative people all around the globe have nowadays the opportunity to share and sell their creative ideas and designs - easier then ever before. It is 13 of those creative minds that opened the doors to their inspiring homes for the new book 'Maker Spaces' by my friend and fellow blogger Emily Quinton. On 170 pages Emily will guide you through 13 creative interiors from the homes and studios of inspiring makers and designers beautifully photographed by Helen Cathcart.

The book is structured into chapters by styles - rustic, homespun, retro chic and eclectic. The book allows us to peek into the homes of jewelry designers, illustrators and textile artists, interior designers and letterpress designers - all of which are styled and decorated with the maker's very own sense of style. Maker Spaces includes colourful homes, mid-century inspired interiors, rooms filled with blooms and plants as well as creative spaces and studios where the ideas of the owners come to life.

After I had gone through the book I felt the urge to be a maker myself although I still believe that my design and/or DIY skills are very (add another very) limited. Moreover, my tiny home offers no extra space for a creative corner but this book gives enough inspiration and ideas to style and decorate any home - no matter the size of it or the owner's occupation. 

Maker Spaces was published by Ryland Peters & Small and is available HERE.

Photography by Igor Josifovic

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Happy Guest: Happy Mundane

I love finding interior inspiration from magazines, blogs, websites, and stores, but one of my favorite sources is vintage decorating books. I've been collecting these books for many years and can not resist checking out the interiors/decor section of any used bookstore, thrift store, or vintage shop I pass by. My favorite eras are generally from the late 60s through the 70s and 80s. One of my favorite finds is this book: Young Designs in Color, by Barbara Plumb. It was originally published in 1972 (here is the link). Here's a few of my favorite pages: 

Pic 1:  I love the overall white scheme. The use of pop colors only in the pillows and artwork is something that I've actually used in my house as well. All the tonal textures, such as the ceiling and the mix of natural leather, wicker, and textiles give the space warmth (not to mention that awesome long fireplace!).

Pic 2: While the first pic was all about white - this room goes the opposite direction and gives you full drama of super dark walls. I love the high contrast use of white moulding paired with the wood floors. Interesting that they kept the insides of the built-in book cases white. It breaks up all the dark and allows the accessories to stand out. Also love the oversized leather sofa and the fun and unexpected use of a Matisse painting as a piano bench cover!

Pic 3: How amazing would it be to live in all this natural light?! Excellent mix of textures, and a great reminder that rugs can act as large scale artwork and bring depth and interest to a big wall. I love the graphic painted bench/low cabinet! This could be an easy DIY idea!

Pic 4: Another amazing home with so much natural light. Similar to pic no. 3, a great mix of textures and although the 70s are notorious for the use of wood paneling, I feel like the way it's used here still feels fresh and gives the space a "modern rustic" feel. Love the bright yellow sofa in the back and bold modern artwork scattered throughout. I could imagine spending a wonderfully relaxed weekend afternoon just lounging in this space.

I hope you've enjoyed taking a little step back in time with me. It just goes to show that good design is timeless. Maybe some ideas from the 1970s will inspire you today in 2012?

Thank you again Igor for having me on the blog today, and please follow more of my mundane musings over at Happy Mundane (happymundane.com) as well as find me on Instagram and Twitter (@happymundane).

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