Sometimes you meet the Original

The comeback of vintage wallpaper, especially from the 60s, has been around for a while. I had the pleasure of meeting an 'original' in a friend's 60s bungalow. When they moved in they felt in love with the vintage Cole&Son Gondola wallpaper which was installed when the bungalow has been originally built. They've spiced up the look with their outstanding vintage suitcase collection.  These unique pieces reflect the colour scheme of the wallpaper and work brilliantly with the period parquet flooring. A true and well presented focal point that adds storage space (they store stationary items in them)! What a fun and stylish element in their home!

(Source: private)

What I like most about this creation is the hint of 'glamour' (footstool). Very often vintage suitcases are decorated in a shabby chic environment, this mix is much more sophisticated. 

You can use those suitcases also as side tables or for shoe storage.
Vintage suitcases can be found in Camden at Original Vintage Luggage and Notting Hill's Portobello Market. Shop similar suitcases online at londonvintageluggage.com or at etsy.com.

(Source: desire to inspire)

Antique Victorian Hat Box, Hard Shell Round Luggage

(Source: etsy.com)

 Suitcase can be like a PIECE OF ART! Buy this piece or similar suitcases at uoldbag (they offer also overseas shipping).  

Antique trunks from well know fashion brands also make a STATEMENT pieces in an interior environment.Fashion lovers can find original pieces from brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermés at The Vintage Luggage Company in Hamburg, Germany.

(Source: Photo Collection J--H. Lartigue, 1978)

The Art of Tiles - Azulejos

Another inspiring decor feature found in Portugal are painted tiles, so called Azulejos. 

They can used as an exterior and interior decoration element, for example as artwork or splash back area in a bathroom/kitchen to create a true Portuguese feeling. On the exterior can be used to decorate a house facade or just elements, e.g. as a frame around the main entrance. Traditionally they've been used to cool down houses.

Some examples as seen in Lisbon:

Not only traditional motifs are used today. Contemporary artists also use the traditional tile painting as a canvas for their work (picture above by Julio Pomar)

Modern Architecture in Lisbon - worth a visit!

I'd like to share some amazing modern architecture seen in Lisbon, Portugal this summer. 
At the old Expo space there is some fine modern architecture to see. The most striking building was Portugal's pavilion during the exhibition in 1998, designed by Álvaro Joaquim de Melo Siza Vieira.
Standing in front of it makes you realise the amazing static of the curved roof, like a thin sail in the wind. 

Another eye catching element of the expo area is the train/tube station Oriente designed by Santiago Calatrava, it looks like a modern white flower field.

Inspired by Nature

Andy Goldworthy, probably the best known environmental designer, has an unique eye for the beauty of nature. His design may only last for minutes (he captures his creations with photos) but its impact lasts much longer. 
The materials used in Andy Goldsworthy's art often include brightly-coloured flowers, icicles, leaves, mud, pinecones, snow, stone, twigs, and thorns. He has been quoted as saying, "I think it's incredibly brave to be working with flowers and leaves and petals. But I have to: I can't edit the materials I work with. My remit is to work with nature as a whole."

Stone in river covered with yellow flowers, a true focal point in this picturesque scene. The yellow-green coloured leaf ends of the trees tie in the colours.

His work, in form of shape and colour, is an inspiration for designers worldwide.
I find his work very sophisticated and adorable and a photograph of his work an interesting piece of art for nature lovers. More inspirational pictures can be found on goldsworthy/photography. 

Indirect Lighting Design

Not only is the wall panelling gorgeous, have a closer look at the indirect lighting design behind them. A truly sophisticated mood is created in this coffee shop in Vienna.

Hotel / Coffee Shop  - Le Meridien, Vienna