5 Happy Inspirations: Autumn Hues

I love the change of seasons. And I love the beginning of autumn. Most certainly when it's a golden and warm autumn with crisp nights. Then the nature prinks itself up with the most charming colours - I think of yellow, red, orange, purple, brown, forest green. I took this as a starting point for today's '5 Happy Inspirations' that have one thing in common - autumn hues.

1. You love tiles and you love plaids? How about a combination - these tiles come in plaid or gingham patterns and wonderful colours. Seen on New Ravenna.

2. Love this XL glass bottles in warm autumn hues. Found them on the fab and super cute webshop Pierrot & Coco.

3. Two weeks ago Zara Home opened its first store in Munich. And this chunky knit and happily coloured throw will make its way into my apartment soon!

4. The best treat for your next DIY project - the environmentally responsible paint range by Mini Moderns!

5. My friend and illustrator Tanja added a super happy autumn idea to her home by transforming hazelnuts into cute little bears. So adorable!

Any favorite here?

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Ideas For A Happy Weekend

When I used to live and study in Greece, I grew accustomed to a local tradition and daily habit – playing backgammon. It was a fun and relaxing way to socialize with friends over an ouzo in a local tavern, to spend evenings with flatmates in ‚poorly decorated’ student apartments or to enrich a  long day at the beach. I even got myself a beautifully made backgammon set as a little souvenir of those happy times. Ever since it is collecting dust in a forsaken corner. When have I forgotten to break the daily routine with an hour or two of fun gaming? When did this fast paced life make me rush from one to-do to another?

Well, this week a great reminder terminated my neglect of gaming. Minimodern’s new Backgammon collection. Inspired by the graphic geometry of chevrons and discs, this collection adds interest to any room. It’s up to you to decide whether you go bold with the wallpaper or accentuate with a cushion or a mug. Either way, it is a great reminder to go back to some past habits and memories and spend some time with a fun game. Especially on a weekend. A happy one. 

Photography via Minimoderns

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Happily Ever After: Mini Moderns

To set things straight: Right now I am sitting on my sofa, leaning on a Whitby cushion and sipping a double coffee out of my beloved Whitby mug. Both made by the fabulous creative folks at UK based Mini Moderns. So I thought it is about time to dedicate a 'Happily Ever After' blogpost to my favorite British designers. Especially since they launched a brand new range of wallpaper right now: the 'Camberwell Beauty' - the first wallpaper to launch from their forthcoming 2012 collection entitled 'The Buddha of Suburbia'. For the new collection, Mini Moderns designers Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire have gone back to the decade they grew up in - the 1970s in Britain and transferred the memories into the wallpaper's decadent look with calligraphic butterflies.

But be warned: When you jump to their website, you will find many more wallpaper designs - from modern, to retro and quirky, everything's there to please a design loving heart.

Moreover, their recognizable designs can be found on other products, too. Fancy rugs, stationery, kitchenware, cushions? You won't be disappointed. So, that's it for today. Gotta finish my yummy coffee. And cherish my Whitby mug. 

Photography via Mini Moderns

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5 Happy Inspirations: Cosy Fellows

After all the feasting and celebrating during the past weeks, I love to cocoon in my little apartment during the first days of the new year. These days I love to stay in, light a scented candle, read a new book, watch a DVD, blog on my sofa or in my bed and surround myself with lots of cosy fellows - cushions and pillows. And I admit, I have a soft spot for them and maybe too many at home. But then, can you have too many cosy fellows? Here are a few recently spotted beauties that I am flirting with.

1. This amazing huge pillow by young and aspiring Finish textile designers Saana ja Olli (an adorable couple) is part of their new Yö Metsässä (Night in the Forest) and is made of eco-friendly European hemp and is produced locally in Finland.

2. These new linen cushions of H&M Home's Spring/Summer 2012 collection are absolutely meeting my current craving for tactile materials and neutral colours.

3. This handprinted cushion with its floral understatement is made by the creative Swedish trio behind the brand HAPPYsthlm.

4. To be honest, I hardly ever leave a Ikea store without buying a cushion. Next time, I might go for this embroidered beauty, the Birgit cushion.

5. Minimoderns is always a safe source for style and quirky design. I already cuddle with their Whitby cushion and love these two fellows too, the Pavilion and Festival cushion.

Happy hump day, friends!

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My Little Xmas Wish List

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Can you believe it is December 1st today? I am getting into the real Christmas mood these days with all the decorated stores, traditional German Christmas markets dotted all around Munich, the scents of mulled wine and gingerbread abound. And I love shopping for Christmas presents (yes, despite the horrid masses sometimes). And I do love to jot down little Christmas wish lists for myself. To celebrate the start of December I compiled a little visual Xmas wish list here. In addition to the amazing Sparrow & Co. finds from yesterday's blog post, these are the things I'd like to see in my Christmas stocking. Are you ready for the festive season?

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