Finn-tastic fabrics

It comes as no surprise that I have returned home from Finland with a re-ignited passion for fabrics. One of my favourite Finnish habits is the changing of home decor to match the seasons. Helped by clearly defined and very different seasons, I really like the idea of having decor that changes along with the outside world. It is also a great excuse to change things around and really play with different colours and make the most of the incredible fabrics available. On one of my last days in Finland I found the Vallila range of curtains with prints designed by Tanja Orsjoki. New curtains has always been on our 'to do' list for home, but now I have become a little bit obsessed - if only I had measured up all our windows before I went away!
Today I thought I would celebrate some great seasonal Finnish decor.

Here are a few of the prints I love from the Vallila Spring Collection. These were available as ready made curtains, as well as bolts of fabric.

 

I couldn't do this post without a splash of colour and bold prints from Marimekko. These vibrant prints are part of the summer 2010 range. For a great example of the way the Finns swap around design and decor based ont he seasons, compare the summer range (here) to the more muted tones of autumn (here). It' perfectly understandable that you would prefer deep navy, green or ochre colours to frame a window overlooking the flaming colours of Autumn.

indoor camping - a girls tee-pee

Last Friday evening, I found myself watching the movie The Holiday. Admittedly this was mostly due to Jude Law (hot!) but there was one enchanting scene involving an indoor tent/tee-pee that I loved. You can check it out here on YouTube (flick forward to about the 5:48 mark). Jude Laws character has 2 little girls and they have created a girly extravaganza in their bedroom!

This is the movie tent - but I have found some real-world examples too.

I would use one of these as a reading nook to hide away with a good book. Seems that Tonya from Lifeamundo had the same thought.

I came across this on Flickr, but the instructions are from another blogger. Rachel from Smile and Wave gives step-by-step instructions for creating one of these little nooks for yourself.

So now we've got instructions we can get onto the fun part of dressing our tee-pee! First we need some bed linen, cushions and throws.

I think this Anoushka bedlinen from Kas Australia would be lovely in my tee-pee. I really like the crochet throw, you can just see it in green where the model is holding the sheets. I think it would be lovely to snuggle under. It reminds me of crochet blankets we used to have when we were kids - I still have mine stored away somewhere but the colours are a bit of a 70's mix - pinks, browns, greens, blues - every colour really!

Next we need some beautiful fabric for draping. For that I have popped over to Mokum Textiles. I have fallen in love with this beautiful range called Dauphine - see the brochure here. I love the colours and the patterns in this range. So beautiful and romantic! It also comes in a pink range.

The Dauphine range was inspired by 18th Century pre-revolutionary France and I think would look wonderful draped over a bed frame or a post, tee-pee style. I like that it is mixed in with neutral grey and taupe to keep it from being too pastel.

Check back tomorrow and I will continue to fit out my reading nook with all sorts of pretty things!

bird is the word - bird textile

I had the pleasure of spending a significant amount of time sitting in traffic a few nights ago in Sydney's Surry Hills. It was only a pleasure due to the time I was able to spend peeking in the windows of Bird Textile's store.

 

The store is a homewares, fashion & gift store all based around wonderful prints. Unfortunately the shop was closed at the time but it is now on my wish list for a visit one day.

These lampshades are just a tiny sample of the amazing prints available. I can't describe the joy this find has given me. The print style is so much in line with my own aesthetic, not to mention the colour palette containing all my favourites!

 

 Brooches to add a little style to any outfit

Bird Textile create and sell a wonderful range of products all with their signature style. From buttons and brooches, to bolts of fabrics, cushions and clothes. All the prints are designed in the Byron Bay studio and every aspect of the company is eco-friendly. It is an climate neutral business and it seems that sustainability is the number one priority of the company founder, Rachel Bending. read more about the company here.

Otherwise enjoy this sampling of Bird Textile and understand why I enjoyed the traffic jam so much!

 

I could easily find a couch to house these cushions on

 

 ... and these eye pillows filled with lavender and linseed would also be a welcome addition!

 

Pick a petticoat skirt in the fabric of your choice. I like this vine leaves pattern in Peat.

 

These handmade soaps are available naked or dressed. I think the dressed ones would make a lovely gift. If you agree with me, you can buy them, and everything else too, online.

Happy weekend!