Catalonia Meets Scandinavia

During a recent visit to Barcelona, a very good friend and I embarked on a walking (or strolling rather) tour of the city-- complete with mandatory coffee and sangria stops. I nipped inside the cafe on one said stop to use the lavatory, and was struck by the beautifully pulled together nordic style interior.

What I initially thought was a hole in the wall cafe with amazing coffee, was in fact an Argentine steakhouse, designed with a nod to Scandinavia.

Upon entering the foyer, a rustic chandelier made of antlers hung from white ceiling beams greeted me, and displayed on the bright white walls were photographs taken in Buenos Aires.

The dining area, with its cafe styled seating, featured black metal pendants and white wooden bistro chairs anchored by pale blond wood floors.

I have always admired the crisp clean palettes and stylish simplicity of Scandinavian interiors, and the restaurant really inspired me to have a have a closer look. The compiled images below really lit my proverbial fire! 

Images | Nordic Design 

Some key aspects to consider when pursuing this look:

+ Lighten Up | As our northern friends suffer from long dark winters, white washed or

pale wood flooring and white walls are common. Ample lighting is also important. Combine lamps, pendants, and wall sconces with overhead lighting for a layered effect.

+ Show A Little Leg | In addition to fully upholstered furniture, use pieces with exposed legs / bases to maintain a light airy feel.

+ Minimal coverage | Keep window treatments simple. If you dare-- go bare. If not, a simple roller shade is sufficient for privacy.

+ Think Texture | To preserve visual interest, mix it up. Think chenille blankets, wicker baskets, linen cushions and a cowhide rug.

+ Touch of Drama | The use of black in small doses goes long way to help balance out neutral colours.

1. Bronze Wall Sconce, Crate & Barrel $135. Ribba Frames, Ikea £7.29 - £21. Footstool / Bench, Made.com £149. 
2. Dwell Studio Fabric Cushion Cover, Etsy $52. "Paris" Cushion Cover, H&M Home £12.99. Striped Cushion Cover, French Connection Home £35.
3. Wishbone Chair Replica, Milan Direct £129. Docksta Dining Table, Ikea £125. Cowhide Rug, Ikea £189. Rise and Fall Pendant Lamp, John Lewis £115
4. Black Floor Lamp, Ikea £52.99. Stainless Steel Candlesticks, John Lewis £36-£60. Sideboard, John Lewis £750. Glass Table Lamp, West Elm $69. Round Wall Mirror, Ikea £15

The Legacy of Jim Thompson

If you have ever visited Thailand, no doubt you will have heard of Jim Thompson. The glass fronted shops showcasing silk goods and handbags are as ubiquitous as McDonalds in America.

I first became aware of the company whilst interning for a boutique design firm in South Florida. I was responsible for maintaining the library and sample room, and would spend hours sifting through the huge sample books, fondling the silk (no shame in my game).

So although familiar with the fabric collections, it wasn't until my first visit to Thailand that I was enlightened to the legend that was the man, and the legacy that he left  behind.

Jim Thompson, was an American architect who moved to Thailand and set up the now famous silk company in 1948. He was the first to create Thai silk in the bright jewel tones that they're known for today. His innovative production process enabled him to break into the American and European markets, and after his fabrics were used in Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King and I", the company was catapulted into success.

In 1967, Jim Thompson was staying with friends in the Cameron Highlands, when he went for a walk and never returned. He was 61 when he simply vanished. 

His traditional Thai-style house, subsequently turned into a museum, is a green oasis in the middle of the smoggy, chaotic city that is Bangkok.

The house and it's surrounding gardens are pretty amazing. Stone pathways meander through the thick tropical plants that provide shade and create a jungle setting. 

Its was so serene, it was easy to forget I was in the middle of the city.

Jim Thompson's house, like many Thai homes, almost melts into its surroundings. The boundaries of where interiors meets outdoors are blurry, to say the least.

The interiors of the house are spectacular. There are marble checkered floors, carved wooden panels, and doorways cut out to look like mirrors - it's breathtaking. Unfortunately there was no photography allowed inside, but I did manage to take the below photo from the verandah - notice the niches carved out of the walls, upholstered in thai silk. The detail is beautiful.

There is a bar (which was a welcomed treat after walking around in extremely hot weather for several hours) and a more contemporary styled restaurant on site.

Believe it or not, my favourite bit of the whole experience was the public restrooms. Spoken as someone with the bladder the size of a pea, I REALLY appreciate a well thought out bathroom. The hooks on the back of the doors were quirky and practical, and the raw silk hand towels were a lovely touch.

For more information, check out the website - http://www.jimthompson.com/index.asp