Iittala Leimu lamps

I've been pinning up a storm lately, which has led me to rediscover my love for Iittala. I first got to know about Iittala when I was living in Helsinki (couldn't have been more fitting :). Finland has definitely shaped my appreciation of clean & simple design that's also highly functional (yup, I think it must be prettttty clear by now... I LOVE simplicity :).

This is why I'm totally head over heels for these Leimu lamps. They were created by Norwegian-born & London-based designer Magnus Pettersen for Iittala and were exhibited at Clarkenwell Design Week. I love the use of the word 'Leimu' as well - it means 'flame' in Finnish and since the use of light is a really important part of Nordic design, I think they couldn't have picked a better name.

The lamps have concrete bottoms but they are mainly made of glass. Pettersen has indicated that he wanted to 'combine opposites in a lamp'. Don't you think this lamp totally evokes cold & warmth? I love everything about it - the shape, the materials, the orange glass shade. Sophisticated yet cozy! Coming to an Iittala store near you this September (totally adding this to my wishlist ;).

Story via Dezeen
Original article by Dan Howarth, photos via Iittala

Gore Design Co. Sinks

Apologies once again for not posting for a few weeks. I promised myself that I would NOT apologize anymore - after all, this is my blog and I would like to post whenever I'm inspired to do so and not because I feel I have to. On the other hand, I would definitely like to post more frequently... Ugh, I promise I won't bore you with the same old speech every single time I'm a bit behind my 'blog' schedule (seriously). 

So, how come I haven't posted in yonks? I think there came a point where I was just getting a bit fed up with all the Christmas-related posts on all the blogs I read. Yes, this sounds a bit Bah-Humbug-ish and I swear I still love all those blogs dearly (& Christmas!) but it was just getting a bit too much. And then I got sick on Christmas Eve which didn't really help with my blog amnesia. I did have a really nice Christmas, all things considered. Buuut... I think I'm ready for a new chapter and I'm really excited for 2013! Bring it on!

Today I wanted to put a spotlight on some awesome design. I haven't really posted about anything design-related (apart from Joke's Gift Guide, which was, obviously, a guest post :), so I thought it was about time. 

I recently came across these awesome sinks by Gore Design Co., an artisan studio from Tempe, Arizona, specializing in custom concrete surfaces and interiors, and immediately fell in love. Even though I'm not sure if I'd buy them for my dream house, I still think they're pretty cool. 

I really love design that's 'different' and maybe pushes the boundaries a bit. And I even love design which may not exactly be my cup of tea - I know that may sound strange, but I guess I can simply appreciate things even though they're not conventionally 'pretty'.

What do you think, are you a fan of these sinks?

Tomorrow, I will be posting about New Year's resolutions, so stay tuned! And thank you so much for coming back to the blog & commenting, I really appreciate it! :)

P.S.: I'm now on Pinterest (well I have been for a while, I just never informed you guys - oops!). Totally addicted! :)

All photos by Gore Design Co., via Design Milk

Guest Post: Dutch Design Gift Guide

I'm baaaaack. I feel like I have been saying this way too many times lately (way too much for my liking anyway). Anyway, back to something more exciting: today's post is by one of my favourite people ever, Joke! I asked her whether she'd be up for compiling a Dutch design gift guide a while back (as you can see from her tumblr, she's got a great eye for design) and she came up with some really cool stuff! I know this gift guide is a bit late, but that's totally MY fault - Joke sent it to me some time ago. Also, I'm pretty sure some last-minute Christmas shoppers (or am I the only one? ;) will appreciate these rad ideas. 

Hi Third Culture Cool fans! Martina asked me to come up with some nice gift ideas. So here is some Dutch design inspiration!

1.       For anyone who is forced to take their shot of caffeine from the office coffee machine; Rob Brandt’s crushed cups at least make it look good.

2.       For the bird lover who wants to give her garden visitors a three star dining experience; Marcel Wanders Birdhouse.

3.       For your friend who just loves a good leather bag; My Paper Bag by Ramon Middelkoop.

4.       To brighten up your kitchen; Tejo Remy’s famous Milk Bottle Lamp (single).

5.       For the IKEA-lovers out there. A Dutch-Swedish collaboration; PS Jonsberg designed by Hella Jongerius.

6.       This lamp which will put a smile on everyone’s face; Miffy!

7.       Interesting (and expensive…) World Skin Colors Scarves for your friends from all over the world by Reineke Otten.

Thank you SO much, Joke! What's your favourite item? I just love the Miffy lamp - I will definitely have to buy it one day. :) The crushed cups are pretty amazing as well.

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays!

Emerald 2013

Firstly, I'd like to apologize for going AWOL - it was not my intention, but sometimes life happens (OK, I think my 'cheesy statement' limit for this post is officially up :). I am getting really excited to blog more over the holidays (a gift guide may be in the works ;).

Today I wanted to talk about the colour emerald green. Why? Every December, Pantone releases its colour of the coming year and this year, emerald green ('17-5641 Emerald' to be more precise) is the 'winner'. Check out Pantone's Holiday Look Book Pinterest board, which features emerald green-inspired gift ideas. Plus, isn't this emerald iPhone 5 case really cool?

What do you think of this choice? Personally, I love it. It's a bit strange for me to say, though, because I've never really been a fan of the colour green (not only emerald, but most shades of green). That all changed this summer though - I think I got bored of always (ALWAYS) buying pastel-coloured clothes and, well, things in general. I also fell in love with this nailpolish - it so wasn't 'me', but I think that's why I loved it (and love it) even more. Sometimes you need a crazy pop of colour in your life.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the whole emerald subject. Hope everyone is enjoying the Christmas holiday season (I'm still waiting for snow). x

Story via Whitney Port
Photo from Christmas Stock Images