I am huge fan of Scandinavian design and love to blog about it, but usually it is against a back drop of white painted floors, airy oversized windows and charming architecture details - so I was especially happy to come across this manly and mod loft in Stockholm! Clean lines and clever built-outs make this space warm, inviting yet still so cool. The palette of black, rich moss green, browns and crisp white gives a wonderful graphic contrast. And the result is a tough, industrial and super stylish home that makes the most of every inch!

I love how the poured concrete ledge extends to act as a media unit, a reading nook, and a fireplace hearth all in one.

A few antique pieces and quirky accessories warm up the minimal and ultra efficient kitchen.

The addition of these floating wood shelves is just perfect - a brilliant way to transform a narrow window and add natural texture to the otherwise slick bath.

Building out a nook around the bed offers storage and creates a space that is cozy and private.

Now I love Scandi interiors even more . . .  guess its time to make a visit to Sweden! 

{images via}

Summer Style: Rustic Bar Cart

Here in Singapore, summer never ends, so we all end up doing a lot of outdoor entertaining! One of my clients has a fantastic terrace and since he has company over all the time, a bar cart was a must. I love the look of sleek, polished bar carts for inside, but I have to admit I love these rustic, industrial inspired outdoors ones almost just as much! The climate is brutal here - so whatever we pick must be able to stand the elements! Here is a bit of our current inspiration. . . . 

{ the bar above in Thom Filicia's Hamptons home is so simple but chic and is just screaming for the party to start! }

If you are looking for one, I like this Abott Zinc one by Pottery Barn or this distressed iron Styler Cart from Jayson Home. But for a bargain, I also love this metal and wood Cortes Cart from Overstock. 

{via}

Decorating Progress: A Perfect Picture Ledge

I am very slowly making headway on decorating our place {it always seems to fall last on the list of course!} There is one wall in corner of the living room which is feeling very empty and I just decided it would be a wonderful place for a picture ledge. I love how collected and natural art and objects can look leaning on a ledge, and even better you can move and rotate things as you want! I am thinking of this simple white one from Ikea {what a deal too!} but also really like the metallic brushed finish of this silver toned one from Crate & Barrel. Here is a bit of my inspiration . . .  

The very blank wall in question. Do you like a white wood or brushed silver finish? 

I love the contrast of mixed frames used here, and the pale, pale mint wall color is so pretty but still modern.

And now for the most fun part . . . off to scour Etsy for lovely photos, small painting or vintage prints to add to my ledge! 

Color Combo: Cool + Dramatic Brights

I love when I spot a truly unexpected color combo! And I was so struck by this bold vignette layering saturated tones of turquoise, indigo, cerulean, teal and purple. Blues and greens are often subtle and watery, but these hues are so lively and bright. It certainly is dramatic, but the hit of yellow in the rug and warm lavender wall behind helps balance the richness and add even more depth. I could only find this one shot, but am so curious about the styling of the rest of the room - I think a few natural textures or pieces with dark wood would be especially lovely additions! 

Do you love this color combo too?

{PS how incredible is that hand painted wall paper!?}

Iconic Pieces: Clear Cocktail Tables

Sometimes less really is more! For me there are a few classic, essential pieces that will work in almost any interior, and a mod, clear cocktail table is one of my very favorites. I have always loved the clean, airy look of glass or acrylic and their versatility makes them a perfect pair with most other furniture styles - in fact, I especially love them contrasted with a few antique or traditional pieces. Plus, clear cocktail tables are idea for displaying books, decorative objects and trays and can be styled and re-styled anytime you want. They are also fantastic for small spaces, offering a table surface without adding visual clutter to the room. Would one of these transparent beauties would work in your home?

I actually love both the glass and acrylic options equally! CB2 makes a great Peekaboo Clear Coffee Table, and I love the large scale of this Zuo Glass Table, and this Acrylic Coffee Table has clever spots to stash magazines. For those of you in SGP we do have CB2 (yay!) but if you are in the market for a glass one, there is this classic at Lush Lush or this Infinia Table at Forty Two.com.

InstaTravels: East Coast Summer Adventures

For the past 2 weeks I have been traveling in the states having the best, best time seeing family and friends {I am so lucky!} I have adored my time in RI, NJ, NY and MA and now am headed on to MN and WA - it's a bit of a crazy race but I am loving every minute! I just had to share a few of my favorite Instagram memories and inspirations from along my travels so far. . . 

Hope you are having a wonderful and beautiful week too!