Happy Interior Blog Recommends: Swift Handcrafted Textiles

Discovering small design labels is probably the best part of design blogging. It is always so refreshing and motivating to see young designers realizing new ideas with enthusiasm and vigor. Admittedly, it is not easy to find those cool small design labels in the endless world wide web. But sometimes everything works out and you discover a wonderful textile design label with a few clicks - meet 'Swift Handcrafted Textiles' from Tel Aviv.

This independent design label is run by two textile designers, Michal and Roni, who have focused on the combination of modern design with traditional handcrafting textile techniques such as tie-dye, silkscreen prints, block prints and more. And hand work is a major principle at Swift - which makes their home and fashion products even more desirable. 

When I browsed their Etsy shop I was instantly charmed by the blue shades, the ombré designs, the handmade patterns. Everything I love in fact. Imagine those hand drawn tea towels, the colour soaked cushion covers, the summery tote bag - they seem to be shaped by the sea, washed by the sand and dried by the sun. Or maybe I am just being taken away with summer nostalgia? Whatever the reason, I think these designs deserve a second look of you and probably a little place in your home. 

Happy hump day my friends!

Photography via Swift Handcrafted Textiles

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Happy Interior Blog Recommends...

Since Pinterest my shopping habits and desires have changed considerably. It has never been easier to find inspiration for new shopping adventures and my wish list has never been longer I am afraid. Today's interior related recommendations are just a tiny little slice of all my desires on my Pinterest boards. But still, these goodies have made it to my shortlist of recommendations today - and one of these I already bought and have at home. Now it's up to you to guess which one:-) Today I would like to recommend to you:

1. New textile designs by Flock like the colorful 'Northmore' pattern by Rachel Parker or the graphic 'Cracked Ice' design by Angela Johnston.
2. The sculptural 'Manhattan Chair' by Redford House.
3. The stylish 'Molly Glass Table Lamp' by John Lewis.
4. The scented candle 'Gently Rose' made of old wine bottles by Upwined Candles.
5. The adorable 'Socker' greenhouse for your houseplants by Ikea.

Which of these would you put on your wish list?

Happy hump day everyone!

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Bemz Design Award 2014: Vote Now!

End of January I was invited by Bemz to participate as part of the German national jury for the Bemz Design Award 2014. I was very honored and happy to be sitting next to an editor of Elle Decoration Germany and of the online interiors community 'So Leb Ich' and look through more than 80 design submissions by young talented textile designers from across the country. And now it's your turn to cast your vote HERE for:

1. Marlen Mästele from the Reutlingen University

2. Caroline Bermes from the Trier University of Applied Sciences 

3. Barbara Regus from the Hof University of Applied Sciences 

The task was pretty difficult: We had to look through more than 1.200 slides of presentations, read the student's inspirations, look at the designs, make shortlists and discuss it. Eventually we managed to break it down to three German finalists that are very different from each other which I love in particular. Only one of the German finalists will go through to the big international final with design submissions from Sweden, France and the UK.

It is up to you now to vote for your favorites until February 28th, 2014. You can vote HERE - not only will you help a creative young textile designer to win the Bemz Design Award, but you will also qualify to win a one-of-a-kind designer bed make-over by Bemz worth 880 €.

Join in and cast your vote - I count on you my design-savvy readers!

Photography via Bemz

P.S. The usual Tuesday series 'Why This Room Caught My Eye' will be back next week!

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New Home Textiles: Bemz & Designers Guild

Two weeks ago I was invited to the press event of Bemz at the Designers Guild store in Munich. The reason was the new home textile collection of Bemz and Designers Guild. So I rushed directly after work to the store and was welcomed by the charming founder of Bemz, Lesley Pennington. 

While sipping on a glass of bubbles and nibbling on tasty tidbits, Lesley introduced me to the beautiful new collection. Bemz is known for its custom made home textiles that match a big variety of Ikea products, thus add more personality and individuality to your favorite Ikea pieces. The new collection is compiled of luxury linen for happy homes, all made of Designers Guild's popular Brero pre-washed linens. I am currently craving linens so I was totally in love to see and feel the new collection. I love the haptic of linens and the subtle colours are ideal for a summery vibe at home.

I particularly fell in love with the Brera Lino fabric in the pale blue Duck Egg shade as curtains - these look so dreamy and cosy and remind me of salty sea breezes blowing into the home through open windows. Now if a fabric can make you daydream like this, I think it's a safe investment for the happy home. Well, I better get measuring my windows.

If you want to see more of the new Bemz collection, click HERE.

How do you like linen for home textiles? Do you own any at home and where do you use them?

Photography by Bemz, shot 2, 3 & 4 by Tanja Bruch Photography, last shot by Littlestar Blog

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