Freunde Von Frenden

Idea

Intro

Freunde Von Frenden is a Berlin based interview magazine that brings you into the homes and working environments of creative people of all ages, all around the globe.  It was impossible for me to choose just one interview to share with you so check out their website for yourself and get inspired!  

Their most recent work was a collaboration with well known {and swoon worthy!} Swiss manufacturer Vitra.  This apartment in Berlin showcases Vitra products as well as products by friends and partners of FvF.  The goal is to share their idea of urban living in the age of sustainability.  The space is available as a functioning apartment as well as for events and presentations.  Check it out!

Nordic Cottage

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a slight obsession with real estate websites.  I love seeing what's on the market in different cities, how much places are listed for and how people live.  My favourite real estate agent by far is Swedish born Fantastic Frank.  They are like no other!  Their team of stylists create the most inspirational looks for their listings.
Listed now is this gorgeous cottage in Stockholm.  The architect/designer (I have emailed FF to find out who designed this house and will give credit when I know) used plywood in the most interesting and thoughtful way.  I love how some sections of ceiling are washed with the blue to emulate the sky.

Kitchen Envy

From the Dry Creative Projects studio in Stockholm… I want this kitchen in my home!

Gorgeous Floors!

One challenge I'm often faced with when creating an open plan kitchen is finding the right solution for floor finishes.  When you are taking down kitchen walls often times you find a kitchen with tiled floors and the rest of the floors are hardwood.  You not only have to consider filling the space where the walls once were but also creating a harmonious flow throughout the entire area.  I tend to steer my clients in the direction of hardwood all around!  This makes the space feel like one open room rather than still feeling divided by the different floor finishes.  However, laying new wood to match the existing floors  can be a lot of work and often means that the client needs to stagger the new floor into the existing and sand and stain the entire floor.  Which also means moving all the furniture.  Not always an easy feat!  When time and budget don't allow for this our alternative is usually to lay new, updated tiles in the kitchen area and choose materials that compliment each other in the space.  Although you can still create a nice flow it has never been my preferred option.  {Until NOW!}

I've always loved the look of these redesigned Barcelona apartments where the beautifully tiled floors (often hidden over the years) are re-exposed and used as a major design element.  Although the walls are torn down creating open spaces, the original footprint can still be seen in the different floor tiles and plinths.

This mix of floor finishes is being seen in more and more interiors and I am actually converted!  Not only can the two work well together but they can become a gorgeous design feature.  Now, I actually want to mix the two!

Eye Candy

I just discovered photographer Marcia Prentice.  She studied interior design at FIDM and went on to host a couple of HGTV shows and then became a blogger and photographer for Apartment Therapy.  She's now travelling through Europe photographing homes of artists and designers.  Do I want her job?  Ummm… Yup!  Yeah, I do!

Check out some of the places she's been.

Porcelain POPS!

Got some boring old porcelain pots, cups, plates and bowls?  Here are some fun and easy ways to add some life {and your personal touch} to some of your daily household items!  

You can buy porcelain paint in a variety of colours at your local craft store.  Pebeo Porcelaine 150 comes in small pots to apply with a brush or the outliner can be squeezed directly from the tube.  Here's how to do it!

1. Make sure your mug is clean and dry.
2. Paint!  If you mess up just wipe the paint away with a wet paper towel. Some porcelain paints are not recommended for surfaces that come in contact with food. So just to be safe, don’t paint the inside of your mug! 
3. Once you’ve finished your masterpiece let the paint dry for 24 hours. Then, bake your mug according to the paint package instructions. After baking turn off the oven and leave the mug inside until it has gradually cooled to room temperature. After you bake it the paint is dishwasher safe.

Another {super easy} alternative is to use Sharpies.  Simply draw your pattern, bake for 30 minutes at 350F and you're done!  No mess!  No fuss!

This can also be a great way to add a personal touch to your kitchen or bathroom.  You can use one of the options above to decorate plain white tiles before putting in a new backsplash or wall tiles in your kitchen or bathroom.

I know what I'm doing this weekend!