Category: Product Picks

Guest Picks: Scandinavian-Inspired Staycation

This month I am dreaming about running off to a beautiful little Scandinavian summer cottage. . .but sadly, that is not in the cards for me! So instead, I’ve rounded up 20 of my favourite finds to recreate the appearance and texture of a Scandi escape in the home. Think white flooring, crisp blue and white ceramics, luxury fabrics, and diverse decor finds with a international texture. Happy summer!

BHLDN

Knotty Pine Treat Pedestal – $148

This darling little faux bois cake stand would make anything from blueberry muffins to coating cake seem even more flavorful. No snacks on hand? No worries. It would be adorable with a little potted fern or vase of flowers at the top, too.

India Rose

White Devil Shower Curtain – $125

This ruffled shower curtain from India Rose is well worth the high cost because it makes any toilet feel insanely decadent. I’ve got one in my home and it makes me grin whenever I see it!

Pigeon Toe

Pleated String Lights – $225

These ceramic series lights from Pigeon Toe are so much chicer than the usual plastic variety! String them up over your table, indoors or out, to make an inviting mood.

HORNE

Cobalt Large Jug with Handle – $59

I adore the cobalt and white stripes on this pitcher in Design House Stockholm — it screams me summer. Can’t you imagine pouring a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice from this beautiful jug in the breakfast table on a sunny Sunday morning?

gallantandjones.com

Qualicum Garden Deck Chair – $300

I would love some of those deck seats from Gallant & Jones to put in my backyard for summer afternoon reading! The cloth sling and cushion are detachable and interchangeable, so you can swap them out from year to year, and the wood frames are handmade with care, so they’ll last forever.

Les Indiennes

Fleur Deco Pillow – $72

Les Indiennes is one of my favorite textile businesses, producing fresh, simple block-printed designs on organic fabrics. This soft cushion would be perfect for curling up with on your own daybed for an afternoon nap, and I really like the small, subtle printing.

Williams-Sonoma Home

Sorrento Daybed – $1,250

This daybed from Williams-Sonoma Home has me fantasizing about sipping limoncello when gazing out at the sea… but I suppose I would settle for my backyard.

Anthropologie

Kasbah Coffee Table – $998

This luminous octagonal dining table inspired by Moroccan archways is calling my name! I can just imagine spreading out a pile of magazines that are fresh and also a glass of mint tea and kicking my feet up following a very long day at the shore.

Le Souk

Fez Pouffe – EUR 95.95

If you haven’t stumbled upon Le Souk yet, you’re in for a real treat! Shop proprietor Danielle de Lange curates the most amazing collection of decoration finds from around the world, and her taste and aesthetic are perfect. I adore this particular embroidered pouf; I would use it as flexible seating, but you could also put a tray on top and use it as a different coffee table.

TOAST

Tunisian Basket Weave Carafe – GBP 22

Decant your inexpensive”house wine” or ice water into this carafe from Toast for a festive twist to the everyday.

Mothology

French Café Wine Glass – $10.95

I would use these small glasses for sipping rosé in the garden.

Julia B.

Hemstitch Cocktail Napkins with Monogram – $195

All these heirloom-quality linen cocktail napkins with monograms from Julia B. would include a glamorous note to any summer fete. I am partial to the female mild pink — pink leaves me happy!

Anthropologie

Acrobatic Fringe Tablecloth – $98

I’ve had my eye on this tablecloth from Anthropologie for a while now. The stripes, fringe, and muted colour palette include up to make my ideal summer table covering, whether indoors, dining room as well as camping!

Dimensions: 72″ x 90″. Larger size also available. Cotton, Cotton. Machine wash.

canvas

Coffee Spoon – $12

I enjoy discovering little things that bring beauty to ordinary moments, like this delicate golden spoon from Canvas. Use it to stir your tea or coffee, or set it into a bowl of sugar or spice.

Calypso St. Barth

Wire Acrylic Tray – $275

Made from chicken wire under acrylic, the picture pattern of the unique serving tray could make an eye-catching backdrop for a heap of novels, a small vase of flowers and a beautiful candle.

Dimensions: 23″ x 17″. Indoor/outdoor use.

Stray Dog Designs

Faux Bois Mirror – $440

Stray Dog Designs is a fantastic company known for their usage of eco-friendly recycled substances and enjoyable color options. This papier mache faux bois mirror is just one of my favorites from their own collection. It is announcement making without being over the top, and that I think it’s especially beautiful in this pale violet.

John Robshaw Textiles

Elephant Cards by John Robshaw – $40

Hand painted elephant stationary from John Robshaw are a fun indulgence. It appears so exquisite I would have a hard time sending it off in the mail! Fortunately it comes at a set of six, so that I really could pen notes to five dear friends and have one card left to seem pretty on my desk.

HORNE

Hawthorne Chateau Bud Vase by KleinReid – $88

The glowing yellow color of the glaze on this exceptional bud vase from KleinReid caught my attention. It makes quite a statement and will elevate even the simplest cutting from your own garden.

Traditional Tablecloths – $158

These linen blankets by Coyuchi seem so luxurious, do not they? I would keep one handy for snuggling under on cool summer nights stargazing in the backyard.

BHLDN

Printed Lumière Votives – $34

These sweet small votives are amazing lined up down the center of an outside dining table, and the lavender and lime color palette is one of my favorites for the summer.

Next: More guest blogger merchandise picks

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Guest Groups: Warm and Woolly

When the temperature drops and the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing cozier than wrapping up in your favorite sweater. But there’s no reason you can’t bring that exact same sense of warmth into your house too. Here are a few interesting means of adding the beautiful textures and comforts of knits and woolens to your environment.
— Lori from automatism

ferm LIVING

Knitted Basket – EUR 70.50

Instead of the usual woven basket, why not a soft duvet one? These from Ferm Living are made of hand-knitted 100% cotton rope and are offered in three sizes and colors — yellow, petrol and charcoal. They are a terrific way to add warmth and feel in a contemporary house.

Etsy

Chocolate Pudding Wash or Dishcloths by Easy 123 – $10

Why wash the dishes with a scratchy plastic dishcloth once you can use an appealing, soft, natural one in pure cotton? Closely stitched to earn a dense cloth, it is designed to hold together while in use. Set comprises one dark tan, one java brown and one dark chocolate brown dishcloth.

Nest Emporium

Knitted Pouffe in Taupe – AUD 165

This simple pouffe is ideal for adding texture (and additional seating) into a minimalist distance… or a small additional coziness to a traditional one.

The Curiosity Shoppe

Knitted Coffee Sleeves – $18

Add some comfy style to your tea or coffee to-go with this fantastic cotton cable knit coffee sleeve, hand-knit by artist Jacqueline Dufresne. No more burned fingers while dashing back into the office!

Crate&Barrel

Holden Brown Pillow – $139

Give your sofa a comfy note with a oversized chunky knit pillow such as this one from Crate & Barrel. Its toasty brown color and continuous stockinette stitch is a terrific way to create a winter living room a little warmer. Also available in cream and navy.

wadebe.com

Granny Chair by Wadebe

The Granny seat by the French company Wadebe is a happy inter-generational cooperation with retired knitters. The end result is a sleek, contemporary seat with all the warmth and feel of knits.

Etsy

Knitted Hot Water Bottle Cover from LoftLines – $35

Stay warm on chilly nights with this pretty hand-knit hot water jar. It is created out of an alpaca, wool and acrylic blend worked in a textured zigzag pattern on the front. The back neck allows easy filling, and one mother of pearl button reverse allows cover to be removed for washing if needed.

Etsy

Fluffy Bunny Magnet by Morrgan’s Creatures – $12

Bring a small amount of cuddly warmth into your kitchen with this candy fluffy mohair mix rabbit magnet. The supermarket on the refrigerator just got a great deal cuter!

Etsy

The PRAIRIES Ribbed Pillow by lucky 14 – $125

Hand-knit from baby alpaca and filled with a goose feather and down insert, this pillow isn’t just elegant but great to snuggle up against while watching TV!

Etsy

Cable Knit Coasters Set of 4 by Red Bird Ink – $10

Really like this collection of four blind-embossed coasters in a pretty cable knit pattern. They are motivated by knitwear and created one at a time onto a 100 year-old Chandler & Price letterpress. Perfect for your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Etsy

Chunky Cotton Cable Knit Throw by BiscuitScout – $390

When the evenings grow chilly, curl up on the sofa and watch old movies while tucked up beneath this beautiful handmade cotton cable-knit throw. Measuring a generous 67 x 77 inches, it is also machine washable and available in other colours too.

Crate&Barrel

Brody Rug – $399

The Brody Rug cleverly mimics the look of a chunky knit, making it extra comforting for bare feet — something to be especially appreciated on chilly mornings, when getting out of a nice warm bed requires a little bit of encouragement!

Etsy

Oatmeal Cup Cozy from Natalya’s Studio – $17.50

Keep your mug of tea or coffee warm — and add some fantastic style too — using this cup comfy. It fits most mugs and can be offered in other colours and a selection of three distinct buttons.

Etsy

Betty Bunny Egg Cozy by Sara Carr – $16

The enchanting Betty Bunny egg comfy will turn even the grumpiest morning individual to a joyous one. Here is to sunnier starts into the day!

Etsy

Knitted Vase Cover HARU by Hogenbirk Knitwear – $30

This can be such a fantastic idea. These sweet knitted vase covers only pop over an empty wine bottle and sew! Recycling made pretty. Add some single blossom stems and you are all set.

Etsy

Knitted Ottoman Slipcover by BiscuitScout – $160

A perfect way to add subtle warmth and texture into a room, this hand-knit ottoman slipcover is versatile enough to function in both traditional and contemporary homes. Available in many colours. Base offered at an additional cost.

Etsy

Chicken Egg Cozy, Set of Two by Colour it Green – $20

Make breakfast a playful occasion with this collection of two happy little egg comfy chickens, hand-knit using wool from the manufacturer’s own sheep then felted to add a great finish. So sweet and cheerful!

IKEA

BIRGIT STRÅ Bedspread/blanket – $39.99

Really like the pretty simplicity of the 100% cotton knit bedspread/blanket from IKEA. It works both as a light summer cover or as an extra layer once the nights grow chillier.

Etsy

ARIZONA Knitted Cactus by Odds and Ends – AUD 89

Something for those who are hopeless with houseplants — a hand-knitted cactus! This will definitely add a playfully kitschy accent to your house, plus you never have to worry about forgetting to water.

Amazon

Vintage Knit Knacks: 25 Creative Knitting Projects to Boost Your Home – $17

For those who prefer to knit, the newest book Vintage Knit Knacks is a fantastic way to add the warmth of wool to your house. A collection of 25 vintage-inspired projects, it is excellent for all skill levels — a few can even be made each day. I adore the French press comfy on the cover!

Next: More knitwear for everywhere

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