KARMAN the magic of lighting

I recently discovered beautiful lighting by design company KARMAN. Founded in 2005 and the main focus is unconventional decorative design lighting. All lamps are produced in Italy. It's unique, as you'll see from the photos below. 

The main concept for the 2014 collection is magic, entertainment, wonder and fairy tail. To be honest, the collection looks great and it looks like they had fun creating it. I would have loved to have been at this photo shoot and to have met grumpy Snow White. I wonder what time the seven dwarfs got home. The setting is out of this world and so is the lamp collection. 

Let's meet the designers Matteo Ugolini, Bizzarri Design Stefano Bizzarri and Claudio Cinti, Edmondo Testaguzza and Luca De Bona and Dario De Meo.

all photos by Karman

 Owner owner of Karman, Davide Diamantini.

I've ashed the Karman some questions about the new collection.

How do you come up with a theme for a new collection? Why did you choose this year's theme?

The idea of magic is part of our imaginery and the light itself is magic because it gives the chance to see what is around us, giving us a surprising emotion... with a simple click we are out of the dark!

In addition to their lighting task, our lamps have a decorative function, they have a highly emotional power, and sometimes they're even ironic. That's why we chose the topic of magic.

Where do you find inspiration?

This year the inspiration came from the idea of making the catalog shooting in a beautiful theater of a small town near our city, a magical and evocative place, that has always been linked to the idea of magic and emotional shows.

We thought this would give the right strength to the emotional, scenographic, funny and ironic message that we wanted to spread and that has always distinguished us.

Where will 2015 take you? Do you already have a theme for next year?

For 2015 we hope to confirm all the projects and the work we have already done in the past years both in Italy and abroad, and especially to grow and open new markets outside European countries... United States, China, Japan etc.

We haven't thought to the theme for the new year collection yet, but we will certainly try to surprise you with our imagination again!

If you want to see what goes on behind the scenes at a photo shoot I recommend you watch this sort clip. I find it really inspiring. This clip is showing the 2013 collection. 

A great new discovery isn't it?!

hx

Tuesday Tips - Urban Jungle Bloggers

Have you heard of Urban Jungle Bloggers? If not, it's about time. It's a monthly series hosted by Igor (from Happy Interior Blog) and Judith (from JOELIX). Urban Jungle Bloggers share ideas to create an urban jungle through styling ideas. There are also DIY and green tips & tricks. You can sign up and take part via Facebook or use #urbanjunglebloggers on twitter and instagram. 

photo by Facing North with Gracia

photo by Weekdaycarnival

photo by Regards et Maison 

photo by Armoires, Pegs & Casserole

 photo by me

You can find additional inspiration on the Urban Jungle Bloggers Pinterest Board. 

Next Tuesday Tips I'll show you how to create an urban herb garden with limited space.

hx

The UK’s changing interest in DIY

I came a cross this interesting research by Ronseal. For more results click here. Apparently it was assumed that the UK has as a nation has become lazy when it comes to DIY. Well, this research proves that it's not true. We still love DIY. I'm not too surpirsed by the results, women appear to take on a stronger role than men, especially in the decision to start a DIY project. It's exactly how it is in our home, but then again I might have an unusual interest in DIY. 

I do admit that I sometimes get frustrated with DIY projects, but I think it's important not to take on a project you don't think you can accomplish. If the project is too difficult then it just becomes a chore and it's not fun at all. Sometimes we do need help. Then again I do feel good when I manage to do something I didn't think I would be able to do. 

I can think of plenty of fun DIY projects, but I guess a lot of them are not things we need and they defenitely couldn't be concidered as maintenance. 

I guess my Decoration Frequency would be in the 3% part of this chart...  Well, I embrace change! Magnus has grown up to accept it. I think he kind of likes it too. 

all images by Ronseal

Do you have a DIY project at the moment? I've always got lots of projects I'm working on. I'm really pleased with my last project. My plywood shelf. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be - that's always a bonus!

hx

Bathrooms and hanging planters

I'm kind of addicted to green plants just now (your've probably noticed). I like the idea of having green plants everywhere, even in the bathroom. But where do you put them? I love hanging baskets or hanging planters. They can be hung either next to a window, on a hook or even on your shower rail. Wouldn't it be a nice thing to see first thing in the morning? 

photo by DingaDing on Etsy

Depending on your choice of string and pots it's also a nice way of adding some colour to your bathroom. 

photo by Brooke Holm on The Design Files

Frisson via houzz

There are so many fun hanging planters out there and also lots of DIY ideas. 

You can find a tutorial of how to make your own hanging planter here. 

photo by Refinery29

Don't you think a green plant on the shower rail in this photo would look great?

Design Sponge

I think a bit of greenery is quite good for us. 

In fact, I actually believe it can make us happier. 

hx

This post was written in collaboration with Mira Showers.

The routines return..

We're back in Scotland and this morning it was back to school for Magnus. For me it's 100% back in the blog world and getting on with all those projects I've got in my head. It's been really good being away for a bit. I found it both refreshing and inspiring. I've met some wonderful people and been able to catch up with my family. We hadn't been to Norway for 3 years, so it was about time. 

Here's a coffee shop we visited in Stavern, Norway. It's called The Yellow Gallery (Det Gule Galleriet). There's vintage furniture, lots of art and colours, courses and concerts too. Every time I've been there it's always been really busy. I like the fact that different areas of the coffee shop has completely different furniture and quite often it's vintage. It creates such a nice homey atmosphere. The coffee is nice too. 

Love that wallpaper!

Hope you've had a nice Easter.

hx

Tuesday Tips - Subtle Details

I love these Easter photos from Frk Elton. Easter definitely doesn't have to take over our living rooms. It's much nicer with a couple of decorations than decorations everywhere. It's all in the details after all. I think this should go for all celebrations.

If you don't know Frk Elton her blog is very inspiring and there are lots of DIYs. Enjoy!

Here's what it looked like before Easter.

I first noticed Frk Elton's blog quite a while back when she was showing this photo of her outside space. Love it!

all photos by Frk Elton

If you missed any Tuesday posts they are all here. 

hx

Black and white studio by KASIA ORWAT

This studio apartment (46m²) is designed by talented Kasa Orwat home design in Poland. The black and white zones work really well. The living area is nice and light and has got lots of interesting details. I'm impressed they've managed to make the space feel as spacious as they have. There are specific zones for the living room, workspace and kitchen/diner. For a studio apartment the kitchen is surprisingly large. As most things in this studio are black and white, the wooden legs on the dining table and the light grey kitchen units softens the look. I love the milk bottles and the black SMEG fridge. I'm also a lamp addict, so this apartment really speaks to me. The Victor Vetterlein Trash Me lamp is my favourite here. 

With permission from Kasia Orwat photos by Weronika Trojanowska

Hope you're enjoying the Easter weekend!!

We're off to the airport. 

I'll show your more photos from Norway and Sweden very soon. 

hx

Herbret Antik

Last week we spent a couple of days in Sweden near Bengtsfors (Dals Långed to be excact). I visited vintage shop Herbret Antik and loved every minute of it. A shop with my colours and so many special finds. 

Owner Therése decorated the white Easter eggs in the window display herself.

all photos by me

Fancy a visit to do some treasure hunting?

Happy Easter!

hx