Zyprezz

Sunday Inspiration

2011-05-08T22:48:00.000+02:00

Also a magnet from my fridge....

Dear all of you...I have possibly had the worst day ever...like Friday the 13th x 2. (which is up soon, right?)

It's time to take a deep breath, reflect, and put things in perspective.....;)

1. I am healthy and so is my son
2. I have a place to live and a warm bed
3. I have food on the table
4. I don't freeze
5. I have friends and family around me...
6. ....

Shall I continue on? ...I have been back-packing for months in Egypt, traveling through India, Mexico, USA....Caribbean...Europe.....I have seen toddlers living in tents made of plastic bags, homeless people begging on the streets, abandoned children in hospitals....

My thoughts tonight goes to all people out there who struggles with far worse issues than myself.

Good night all, and have a great week. Ingrid ;)

Mad Men & Mañana, Mañana Men

2011-05-07T00:29:00.001+02:00

Dear all of you....Picture this....It is Friday night, it is raining here in Arendal. I have an over 10 metres long rotten, old wooden boat(!) on my terrace that needs to be removed. Full of junk. The house that I don't own myself, but do rent, is loaded with stuff. Loaded. I am in desperate need of a storage place, but so far I haven't been able to find any. ....And I am totally exhausted after the longest week ever.

And I want all of you to know...I read all your comments, I am deeply touched, and the support through your words means a lot to me. A lot. I just haven't had any time during the last week to read any blogs, any papers, nothing. I drive my son to school every morning, and pick him up at school at 1400 am. Meanwhile and after, I try to run my errances. My son, now 15 1/2, is like any other teenager all over the world, messy room, likes to sleep a lot in the weekends, loves to play X-box games- and seems to think a Mother is a Household Machine serving all meals, fresh and clean clothes automatically out of a hole in the wall...:) He has only few weeks left to summer holiday, is also studying hard to get a good exam - (final year of 10 years obligatory school) so yes, I am his personal slave at the moment.

And... here it comes.... there is a very good reason why I have chosen to stay single for the last 7 years.... I am that kind of woman who prefers to know excactly when things can be done.

Just imagine the following dialogue :

-Can you fix it?
Umm..yes maybe..
-When?
-Don't know. Maybe next week.
-I need it done now.
-Stop nagging. I said I'll do it, just not now.

Is there anything more annoying???

This is the main reason why I remain single, dear sisters. I have my own tool box, my own hammer, everything....But sometimes it is sooo tough, juggling everything, being a Single Mum. But. I am so grateful, that.... after all....I am living in Norway, in 2011...

Below is a selection of vintage ads, from the 50's, 60's and 70's...The selection is from a post called "48 ads that would never be allowed today" via omni.eu. Check out the rest here. No further comments.

Take care... have a great weekend all, xoxo, Ingrid

A Desire to Inspire

2011-04-30T02:27:00.005+02:00

- Sometimes you have to jump off the bridge and hope to learn to fly on your way down -

...Some days ago, coming home after a long walk, I suddenly discovered that the traffic on my blog had gone through the roof...I soon found out that I've been so privileged to be mentioned on one of Desire to Inspire's suggested Easter Reading List.... Thank you Jo & Kim!

These girls are two of the greatest bloggers I know of...I think most of us bloggers do remember well the first weeks of blogging. I was writing in norwegian, I had one(!) follower the first week, very few visits...I felt like giving up...but then I decided to start making contact with some of my favourite bloggers around...and one of the first I wrote to was Desire to Inspire:

> Message: Ok...as I already told Susann from purplearea today, this is like writing to the Pope..so much do I admire your blog. She was laughing. And put me on her blogroll. Oh heaven! Anyway, I love your blog, really inspiring, great articles and photos, and with this newwon confidence thanks to some other great bloggers that I contacted today, I also dare to contact you. I started blogging about 3 weeks ago: My blog: www.zyprezz.blogspot.com - I'd be happy if you take the time to take a look.
>
> I will be posting some articles about my own home and projects later on, just waiting for my new camera, cause my old one is crappy. Really crappy.
>
> Hope to hear from you,
>
> all the best,
>
> Ingrid :)

And here is the answer I recieved, the day after:

...Like writing the POPE???!!! OK, you got someone else laughing at that now.

Your blog is finally our first Z entry in our blogroll!

Thanks Ingrid! And good luck with it...you're off to a great start so far!

Kim

Needless to say, I almost fainted...imagine getting such a reply after 3 weeks of blogging....

It is now 3 months later(... still waiting for that new camera!,) and through the blogging a whole new world of possibilities have come along, I have made new contacts and great friends, and suddenly my life is taking a very new, unexpected turn and direction , that I, just 4 months ago never would have dreamed of...(Yeah, this is about my new project...for those of you who read about it in one of my recent posts..)

Photography by Michael Vincent Manalo

so therefore: this magnet on my fridge is a reminder of on a daily basis to:

I wish you all a great weekend!!

Ingrid

From Oslo with Love

2011-04-28T07:02:00.006+02:00

Good morning! The early bird catches the worm, they say...today my working day start at 06.00. But first, I have to show you this city apartment from my old town: Oslo, where I use to live in my 20's. Oh dear....there have been some great times with a lot of fun in this city, I promise you...

Actually, I had a pretty similar apartment at that time, as the one I am presenting to you today. It brings back old memories of endless hours with redecoration and paint in the hair, eating take-away while sitting on empty wooden boxes.... listening to U2, Bon Jovi, Queen......

Oh well, back to the apartment... I think the owners here have done an amazing job, blending classy designer objects with great art and flea market finds. Cool and individual!

Today I will hopefully catch up with your blogs. I promise! So sorry! AND for those who plan to do some housework during the day : CLICK HERE for some music inspiration.. Have a brilliant day ! XO, Ingrid

All images via BO BEDRE

Brent Comber

2011-04-27T18:49:00.004+02:00

I'd like to show you the brilliant works of the canadian artist, Brent Comber. He runs an art and design studio that creates wooden sculptures, functional pieces and design environments. I let his impressive art in the images below speak for itself...See more of his works here.

Retro Melt Fusion - New Life for old Furniture

2011-04-25T19:22:00.007+02:00

I stumbled upon Precious.no a few days ago and became speechless. I felt like taking a Tom Cruise on Oprah. I phoned Katherine Schweder, the very sympathic and geniously creative mind of the furniture company... and ohh, did we have a lot in common...and much to talk about. I have made arrangements to very soon come visit her in the faboulous vintage shop 13.tretten, situated in Tønsberg, Norway, which she runs together with 2 other girls.

After visiting, I will present both Katherine and the shop 13tretten - more closely here on the blog.

But today, take a look at the stunning furns she "invents". Broken, abandoned items, pieces of furns, left and abandoned to end their days, are reborn and transformed into eclectic, bright and colorful painted items, with new seating, often combined with retro vintage wallpaper- one of a kind items. Some items which get to serve a whole new purpose than the original: New-Life Reuse. Mixing retro styles from the 40's - 70's. Furniture with a twist that cries out: "Hello! Look at me!" and brings smiles on their new owners faces. All her items have very original, witty names followed by an amusing and brilliantly written text.

I have come up with my own expression for her unique, innovative style: Retro Melt Fusion. Pieces of different kind of furniture from different era's of style periods "melt and fuse" together into a new and original expression. I strongly recommend you to take a look at her other items, all made with love, creativeness and geniality. Have a look at more here. Enjoy!!!

NB. I want to point out that the majority of these furniture have been so damaged, broken, and in pieces so that it was no chance to restore them back to their original form. Being a retro teak furniture collector, it was of course one of my questions that I already have discussed with Katherine.

Gorgeous Granny Squares

2011-04-23T17:41:00.000+02:00

Finally some spare time.... Now I also have the time to go visit you all, my blog friends..I have missed that!

Etsy is killing me right now.... - it is so many talented people out there with wonderful handmade products. So many at my wish list....which is growing...too fast...One of the things I hope to be able to buy...(if she ships abroad) is a blanket with granny squares....or more flowerlike, original and awesome.

I have the deepest respect for these women who have made them, after all, is it a tremendous amount of time they have spent to get it finished. The prices should be 5 times as high, but of course would be hard to sell then. Best one can do as a buyer, I think, is to appreciate it, and take good care of it, whether you put it over the couch, bed, or wrapped around yourself in the sofa on chilly nights....

The first image is to die for....I would LOVE having a jacket like this.....so retro-fantastic!! And the rest....well, have a look and enjoy. I haven't been able to locate the origins of some of the images, but visit Lucy at Attic24 and see her (11!)blankets....Such a talented girl! And Lucy, if you read this, I couldn't find your email adress....hope it is ok to show some of your blankets here....

A lovely Sunday to you all! Xoxo, Ingrid

Busy Days

2011-04-20T21:11:00.001+02:00

...I have had a lot of things to do lately. I am working on a very exciting project now, it is a little bit too early to tell about, but I am really busy at the moment...and I love it...!I will come visit you, my dear blogfriends, as soon as I have some time. Meanwhile, I'd like to show you a really beautiful renovated farm, both rustic and modern, with gorgeous details in black, white, nature and concrete....Photos by Morten Holtum...say no more...

A HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL! / GOD PÅSKE!

Via Skøna Hem

Weekend inspiration

2011-04-15T22:18:00.004+02:00

I stumbled across this beautiful song when I visited Rhônya, a dear blogfriend of mine. So now the brazilian singer Bebel Gilberto is one of my favorites. More music at her homepage bebelgilberto.com

No interiors today, just a taste of that sweet summer that we all are waiting for....

Take care, my dear friends, have a brilliant weekend,
wherever you are!!!

My favourite Girl

2011-04-13T22:45:00.004+02:00

"I have never done it before, so I will for sure manage to do it."

Pippi Longstocking

Ceramic figure, Pippi Longstocking, highly collectable, designed by the legendary swedish designer Lisa Larson

Retro collectable tableware

2011-04-12T18:23:00.001+02:00

I am really excited about today's post. As a passionate lover and collector of 1950-70's design items, I'd like to show you some pics of some of my favorite patterns in tableware. As for all of them, prices are rising, as more and more people start to collect those. Never walk away from any of those at the flea markets, where the prices still are cheap and you can make a scoop. You can always resell it on Ebay or at other places on the net, if you decide not to keep it. Some of these pieces are very rare and highly sought after from people all over the world.

I'd love to hear which one is your favourite, do you have a favourite not mentioned here, or do you collect some of these?

Have a blissful evening you all, love Ingrid

Stavangerflint, (Norway) BAMBUS FLAMINGO, 1950's, designed by Inger Waage

Rörstrand, Sweden, PICKNICK, 1950's, designed by Marianne Westman

Gustavsberg, Sweden, BERSÅ 1960's, designed by Stig Lindberg

Figgjo, Norway, CLUPEA, 1960's, designed by Turi Gramstad Oliver

Figgjo, Norway, A LA CARTE, 1960's, designed by Hermann Bongard

Midwinter, Great Britain, SIENNA, 1960's, designed by Jessie Tait

Midwinter, Great Britain, ZAMBEZI, 1950's, designed by Jessie Tait

Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, BLACK ZEBRA, 1950's, designed by Eugen Trost

Figgjo, Norway, DAISY, 1970's, designed by Turi Gramstad Oliver

Figgjo, Norway, ANNEMARIE, 1960/70's, designed by Kirsten Dekor

Figgjo, Norway SAFRAN, 1970's, Rolf Design

Figgjo, Norway, TOR VIKING, 1960/70's, designed by Turi Gramstad Oliver

And last, the crazy-cool. whimsical GAYTIME, from Lord Nelson Ware Pottery, Great Britain, 1960's

Back in business :)

2011-04-11T14:34:00.001+02:00

So now I have moved. Spring is here, the sun is shining, and my new home is so lovely, I just have a big smile on my lips these days.

I have missed you all, my dear friends here in blogglandia, so happy to be back.

My new home is an old "skipperhus" (Captain`s house), built in 1875, and is overlooking the sea. It is 15 metres from a pier where I have my own boat place, and where you can fish and swim. It is within walking distance from the centre of my town, Arendal. It is full of original details, old wooden floors, brick walls, wooden ceilings and lovely old doors. So me..It need some TLC, so next weekend I am starting to paint the kitchen walls. I will show you some pictures soon. In the meantime, here are some images from the area ...

Have a great day you all! Love from Ingrid :)

All images: Arendal Tourist Office

Blog pause

2011-03-29T16:21:00.000+02:00

today...and will be back as soon as my internet connection is up and running, which might take a little while!!

Take care, lots of hugs, Ingrid

Grete Prytz Kittelsen's Home

2011-03-28T18:05:00.000+02:00

Grete Prytz Kittelsen's home in Norway recently got sold. The "Queen of Scandinavian Design" as she often was called, died in Sept. 2010. The house, that her former husband through 15 years, the well known architect Arne Korsmo built, is a masterpiece itself, and the house and interior has been kept in the Mid-Century style. The couple both used it as a home and a place to work. They gathered their artist friends and collegues here for seminars and exhibitions. An important inspiration came from natural light, open spaces, large windows and ceilings, and a close contact with nature around. The home in these images is quite empty, not many personal items are left, but the architecture is brilliant, and the use of teak throughout make the ambiance very vivid.

Next post: Grete Prytz Kittelsen's Life and Works

Prytz Kittelsen photographed for Vogue in 1961, in her workshop in the house

Cathrineholm, Lotus Pattern, the everyday cooking line that became design icons and collectors items

Meet Elena Nuez

2011-03-27T15:32:00.001+02:00

This post is about the brilliant works of my newest blogfriend, the talented spanish photographer, Elena Nuez. The first time I visited her blog, BICOCACOLORS, I got a photogasm, very similar to a interiorgasm, that I get the times I discover awesome interiors....

Her works, close-up images, macro images of paper, pencils, waterdrops and a lot of other subjects, really blew me away...She has an eminent eye for colours, forms, patterns, lines and structures...I spent a great time on her blog, just discovering and enjoying her wonderful works.

And isn't this what blogging is really about? To be inspired by others, inspire others yourself and getting to know new wonderful blogfriends?
I have been so lucky to recieve 3 new blog awards lately - 2 "I love your blog awards"- one from Elisabeth, Eliwies Inspirasjonsblogg, one from Martha, Mitt Gode Liv, and one "for small blogs" from Bente, Bohemian Sense. Thank you so much! I will pass those on soon.

I wish you a great Sunday, a special greeting to my new followers - I am happy to welcome you :)
Take care, wherever you are in the world - Love you all! - Enjoy!!!

Love is in the Air...

2011-03-25T02:56:00.002+01:00

This is a such a cute little story about boy meets girl...

Sitting in the same airplane, little Benjamin, soon to be 4... sat behind the seat of Louise, soon to be 4 too...it was love at the first sight. After the plane landed, little Louise told Benjamin: "Let's hold hands!"....and continued to do so all the way to the baggage claim area where they continued to hug and have fun.

Neither of the parents had experienced that their child made such a fast and close connection with another child...And all Benjamin talked about later was the girl in the red dress....I let the pictures speak for themselves....Benjamins father, Jan Ivar Vik, a talented photographer, has shot all the images.

I wish you all a great Spring!!! Love is in the air!!!

New Meets Old

2011-03-23T11:52:00.001+01:00

I'm giving myself this awesome house as a birthday present today :)

I am a little bit like the walls, just getting older year by year... while the interior in my house is fresh ( not all, but still..)
The 500 years old walls are carefully restored, and the mixture of new and old in this spanish rural house is perfectly done. The house is a vacation home, more information on the website Welcome Beyond....Have a great day, you all!! Love, Ingrid

Perfect Harmony

2011-03-22T07:56:00.000+01:00

While watching my cat, I often envy her ability to totally relax and fall asleep in the most strangest places. This is what this post is about. Cats. Cats sleeping. Cats sleeping in the most wicked positions and places....I just had to show you these images, and I hope this post will bring a smile to your face today while looking at these adoreable, supercute cats...Have a calm, peaceful and harmonic day u all!!

Via designswan

Industrial Vintage

2011-03-21T19:42:00.001+01:00

Keeping up the rustic inspiration...this time with some industrial vintage chairs and stools...enjoy!! Have a great Monday evening my dears!! Love, Ingrid

Country Style Inspiration

2011-03-20T18:46:00.000+01:00

I wish you all a great Sunday evening!

Via Lev Landlig

Saturday Inspiration

2011-03-19T10:54:00.000+01:00

Just some different images to inspire you today..

Via vtwonen

Silent day

2011-03-18T03:20:00.000+01:00

One room in Sweden

2011-03-17T23:33:00.000+01:00

Just wanted to show you this delightful one room apartment in Stockholm, Sweden. It has an open plan living room, combined with a great workspace and kitchen. The colour contrast between the light brown and white is lovely. Spacious windows and with an entrance out to a balcony makes this apartment light and airy.

Via freshome

Vintage school charts

2011-03-16T15:22:00.000+01:00

I am hunting for some of these old charts. I remember them well from my own time in school, when no computers or powerpoints excisted. Yes, I am that old ;) It has become more and more popular to collect these, and I am glad they are having their renaissance, who knows how many of them that were just threwn away? The danish net shop Frou-frou.dk has a great collection, and ships internationally. If you are lucky you will find some at Ebay or Etsy too...or at your local vintage shop...The charts makes a great addition to any room, whether you like a more industrial vintage look or more shabby-chic....

Have a great afternoon my dears!

Via Wallas Verden

Via Hus & Hem

Via

French Simplicity

2011-03-14T15:28:00.000+01:00

After some days off, I am back. Today I want to show you this rural french farm house which has a contemporary style, simple but warm and with great wooden details both new and old.

Via Nuevo Estilo

More from Mathèus

2011-03-10T15:54:00.000+01:00

Some more photos from the talented photographer Nicolas Matheus...Enjoy!

A big thanks to Bohemian Sense for giving me an award today!

Light and Airy in Norway

2011-03-09T11:39:00.000+01:00

The renovation of this villa from the 80's has given the owners more space, using larger windows, taking away walls, light materials and wooden floors.

Via Bo Bedre

Hmmm...

2011-03-08T23:58:00.000+01:00

I really don't have something to blog about right now...a lot is going on in my life right now...But wanted to show you this image...Great evening, all...

Kissing Frogs

2011-03-07T18:01:00.000+01:00

Today`s post won't be about interior...No kitchens, no living rooms, no vintage pieces or talented stylists. Only FROGS.

Beautiful, rich coloured frogs, but deathly toxic. Ever met one? I have. Lots. The world is full of frogs that you find interesting and try to kiss. So far, no damn prince. I have come to think that MEN are very similar to these frogs. The more beautiful and promising they look, the more toxic they are for you....So...do not kiss!....

If you have a good frog story, share it!

Enjoy those images my dear sisters, and have a great evening! Love you!

Via darkroastedblend

A Kitchen in Sweden

2011-03-05T12:27:00.000+01:00

Today I want to show you a beautiful rustic kitchen in Sweden. Love the mixture of new and old, the vintage bird cages, the tolix chairs...and..and.....

Via Skøna Hem

Spring Inspiration

2011-03-04T13:35:00.000+01:00

Today I feel like brighten up the day with some colorful images...Some of you might think now that I have gone totally bananas, (which might be true too...) but the longing and yearning for spring is getting stronger day by day now. Here where I live in Norway it has been snowing a lot this winter, and I have been clearing away tons of the white stuff. Tired of it! So here is some crazy, whimsical colour inspiration for you..

Have a great weekend, my sweeties!!

Alone

2011-03-03T14:05:00.000+01:00

This amazing serie is called "Alone", and is shot by photographer Mikko Lagerstedt. Have a great Thursday all and enjoy!

The Sweetest Thing ever...

2011-03-02T20:12:00.002+01:00

This is a very good reason why I love to blog...Just imagine to be so lucky to have blogfriends like Cez from Mechant Design...This spring I am going to visit her and her cool son, Hugo in France...

She won one of the prizes yesterday at my Give-Away, and guess what she has done? She has posted and drawn an amazing cartoon about it on her blog...Go check out the whole cartoon here. Isn't she the cutest ever???

Have a great evening, my dearest, luv u!

Wild Adventure

2011-03-02T14:42:00.000+01:00

Today I am going to take you with me to a safari camp..... To Kenya and Naibor Camp, originally designed by Anthony Russel, is a luxury tented camp, a striking combination of contemporary style and comfort, in the heart of Kenya’s world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. The camp is hidden in a grove of riverine woodland on the banks of the Talek River and consists of sweeping pale canvas tents, king sized beds made from local fig-wood, wide sofas furnished with bolster cushions and wool rugs....I could very well have stayed here...what do you think?

Via adelto.co.uk

The winners of the Give-Away...

2011-03-01T21:06:00.000+01:00

I did use Random.org, and the winners are:

1. Ticket number 13: Designchic

2. Ticket number 8: Cez

You can choose which of the two items you want, please let me know your adresses by sending me an e-mail. You can use the form in the upper left corner.

Congratulations to both of you! Thank you to all participants!!

Last chance to win....

2011-03-01T14:49:00.000+01:00

Today is the drawing of my GIVE-AWAY - It will take part late this evening...If you still haven't participated, you still have the chance....Just click the image in the upper right corner and follow the instructions!

Have a great day all!

Monday Inspiration

2011-02-28T17:03:00.000+01:00

Here some of the images from the french stylist Camille Soulayrol's portfolio. Enjoy!

A Loft in Florence

2011-02-27T14:29:00.000+01:00

The italian architect firm b-arch by Sabrina Bignami has carefully restored this loft in Florence. Simple, light and airy and with a lot of old details intact, this cosy place has a great atmosphere.

Have a great Sunday! Love Ingrid

Proud to be Norwegian

2011-02-26T17:48:00.005+01:00

Presenting: The ultimate norwegian love song, by Halvdan Sivertsen: Kjærlighetsvisa...."The Love Song..." How I can weep and love to this song...and still able to do...The artist is from north of Norway...my favourite!

And....we are arranging the Nordic World Ski Championships 2011 in Oslo these days..our beloved Marit Bjørgen has already won 2 golds! U go girl! She is a winner, and I dedicate this to all of us, that are also winners! In our own life, and I bet we all also could have got gold medallions too! From those who loves us! Right?

Check out the bouquet to the medallion winners and the orange manchettes, that women from all over Norway have knitted....

Love, Ingrid :)

ICE HOTEL

2011-02-25T13:07:00.002+01:00

Sweden's Ice Hotel, situated in Jukkasjarvi, is built from scratch every year. A new design, new suites, a brand new reception - in fact everything in it is crisp and new.
It is not a only a hotel, it is an ephemeral art project.The rooms are all divided into themes, changing from year to year. So breath-taking...There is an amazing reception, a bar, and a beautiful church where couples from all over the world are being wed. Much more images on their website....

Have a great weekend, my dearest, and enjoy! Love, Ingrid

P.S: As some of you may have noticed, I have larger images now in my posts. My question: Are they too big??...I would appreciate your feedback :)

All images by Leif Milling

Once Upon

2011-02-24T18:06:00.001+01:00

What began as a self-imposed weekly photo assignment — “Stand on a bench. Make sure it’s Monday. Wear something pretty.” — transformed into this who-am-I photo-tale exploring the individual in various environments and apparel. The serie is called Once Upon and is taken by the photographer Heidi Lender. More images on her website...So cool....

All images by Heidi Lender

Meet Annelie Strand!

2011-02-23T17:36:00.000+01:00

This very talented swedish blogger and artist not only has a blog where she shows lovely images and tasty interior from her own home, she also has a beautiful site showing her paintings.In her paintings, you will often find a little ant as a signature thing.... Married with 3 kids and a cool black cat, living in Nykøping....She is one of my dear blogfriends, and the first time I visited her blog, I felt like moving in, and just enjoy post after post with great pictures, amazing vintage finds and wonderful poetic texts written by her. She is so creative, she knits, paints, makes wonderful items out of concrete amongst a lot of other DIY stuff. Below are some images from her home and some of her paintings...Enjoy!

All images: Annelie Strand

Rustic retreat in the south of France

2011-02-22T20:59:00.000+01:00

In the heart of the south Charente in France stands the Logis de Puygaty, a stately and authentic fortified manor dating ti the 5th Century. The Logis has been faithfully restored with native materials and the interior design has been interpreted with a contemporary twist. Notice the cat in one of the images...

Have a nice day all! Love from Ingrid

Bundi Blues

2011-02-21T19:26:00.001+01:00

Ever since I went to India on a vacation in 2006, I've been wanting to go back. The mentality, the friendly people, the strong scents, the bright colours, the spices, the noises...it is so impressive and overwhelming and is hard to describe.
I had of course my son with me, and he had a thrill, the indian families we met, wanted him to marry their daughters..(he was 10 at that time!!), fetching coconuts in the palmtrees, visiting hindu temples, bathing with elephants and sleeping in bamboo huts at the beach...

Today I want to show you a beautiful blue serie of photos taken by the swiss photographer Coni Hörler, born 1973 in Zürich. Starting 1994, he fully dedicated his life to photography. India became his major subject in photography and the center of his life since he first discovered the beauty of the subcontinent in 1996.

Extensive travelling constantly built his widespread network and profound knowledge of the country. He captures not only the beauty of nature, the smiles of the people and their life and culture, but just as much the heart beat of the mega cities and their fast growing economy.

LULL

2011-02-21T12:25:00.001+01:00

This amazing award winning lamp LULL is designed by the young designers Varmo, Kollstad and Buene from Norway. As they write on their website, this lamp is still not in production and they are searching for investors. Can you believe that? They have recieved over 500 emails from future customers, distributors and shops from over 25 countries and still haven't found a producer to this beauty....You can read more on their website: www.lull.no

As a bud during sunrise it stretches its petals to bloom. It opens carefully and dims up to give a powerful morning light. In the evening Lull acts the opposite. When it's time to go to bed, the flower slowly closes while the light is dimming down and it turns into a bud again. The user will experience a gradually dim instead of the abrupt dark you get from a normal lamp when it gets switched off.

Lull is shaped like a flower, and has a calm and soothing apperance when it's closed. When it opens it's energetic and bright. The motion of the petals is controlled by a small motor, and the lamp has a time-adjustable dimmer. It is to be set individually for each users recommended cycle of sleep...I'd love to have this in my bedroom, what do you think?

Am I getting more rough and masculine?

2011-02-20T13:56:00.000+01:00

I have discovered lately that my taste is moving slightly more and more in a "masculine" direction...arrgh...define that! I simply love vintage : steel, old brown leather sofas, industrial lamps, concrete, old wooden items....etc... Darker and more simple, rougher....How about you?

Today I'll show you a furniture company, Restoration Hardware, for us europeans, unfortunately situated in the US...but...with tons of great stuff.... Furniture inspired by the WW2 fighter planes ....huge old studiolamps...old industrial drawers....Have a look and enjoy!

I wish you all a great Sunday! Love from Ingrid

3 favourite blogs

2011-02-19T22:35:00.002+01:00

Some days ago, I was privileged enough to be picked out as one of the favourite blogs by Laila from the unique and beautiful blog, Harmoni & Kontrast, I was so happy.

Now it's my turn to pass the challenge on....

I have now been blogging in 50 days...and remember all too well the first days and weeks...nobody knew me... nobody came visiting...I felt I was writing to a silent wall....but then I started to contact some other bloggers that I liked around: And very soon, I got lovely replies back , new friends and sweet comments on my blog.

These 3 lovely bloggers I am presenting here all mean something special to me. They are strong, talented and beautiful bloggers, they all have their own personal style and often write warm-hearted comments here and at other blogs. Get to know them, and you will get yourself a great new blogfriend. I use to visit them on a daily basis, and they make my day happier with their posts and blogs....I could have mentioned a lot more blogs, so many more out there that I love, but had to chose 3 this time so....

...here are my selection:

Bohemian Sense by Bente, a norwegian blogger, mother of two twin boys at the age of 10 months. Works as a decorator, lives with her hubby near Oslo, at the time being at home taking care of her boys. She blogs about music, film, fashion and of course, interior. Great taste...She has brought me back to the 80's Eurythmics, shown me designer jackets that are gorgeous, and great images from her own home. A lovely girl with the biggest heart ever!

Méchant Design by Cez, a french blogger, mother of a son, Hugo, 17, they live with their 2 cats, Charlie & Lulu. Loves to travel around the world, she is crazy-cool, charming and energetic, and inside her chest a passionate, warm, french heart is pounding. She loves scandinavian design, vintage, wood, leather, and often buys lovely whimsical stuff from flea-markets while traveling.

Kavka design by Joanna, a polish blogger, graphic designer and illustrator. Lives with her hubby, 3 cats and a lovely dog. I have already shown you her works here...she shows great interior details from her own home, lovely graphic works and writes about visits to other homes. A great girl, kind and with a ton of talent! Opening her own shop soon!

Love u all, girls!

The Long Walk

2011-02-18T12:12:00.005+01:00

Today I feel like sharing and tell you about something from my own life. As I am getting to know new lovely blogfriends on a daily basis, I also reckon that some of you have gone or are going through illness and bad times in your lifes.

3 years ago, I got very ill. My son, that has lived with me since me and my ex split up, had to move to his father and stay with him, and in the next 2 years while I was fighting to get better, I only saw him in the holidays, due to a long distance.

Every time, when I had to send him back to his father, I was standing at the airport, barely able to hold back the tears while saying goodbye. Driving home crying. Again and again. I couldn't even enjoy entirely having him with me, because I knew I soon had to say goodbye again. The pain I felt inside me, was undescribeable...

In autumn 2009, still not fully recovered, but well enough to travel, I took him on a vacation to Spain, and by then I have learnt to enjoy the moments with him, not thinking too much about that I had to separate again after. It turned out to be the best vacation ever. Long walks, lovely trips around, eating at nice restaurants, sun, sea and fun. Below are some pics from there. That was a turning point for me. I started to think positively again. Started to fight to get my life back on track.

Anyway, long story short....After summer holiday starting last year, I had recovered fully.

My life today:
He lives with me, doing very well at school, and every day coming home saying hi to his mom with a big grin on his face. He is now 15 and on his way to become a fine young man. My life is smiling to me again....I am happy.

BUT. I take nothing for granted anymore. Every night, when I go to bed, I think about the things in my life I am grateful of. I try to fully enjoy the small golden moments in everyday life, and instead of focusing on the things that could have been better, I rather try to appreciate the things that are fine....

I hope this wasn't too personal for you, and that my story in some way might inspire you or give you hope.

Look into the eyes of your loved ones, appreciate to be near them and love them, look into the mirror at least once a day and tell yourself that you are a beautiful person who deserves all good things in life (I do that!) and remember: What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger!

I wish you all a great weekend, take care, wherever you are in the world....

Lots of warm hugs and love from Ingrid. :)

A Swedish Hideaway

2011-02-17T21:05:00.002+01:00

The talented photographer Stellan Herner has taken those photos for Elle Interiør. I like the concrete walls, in combination with grey, brown and white accents and the mood in these pictures. I think the whole place has a certain touch of Wabi-Sabi style, simple, minimalistic and intimate atmosphere.

And to one of my favourite blog, Harmoni og Kontrast, by Laila, THANK YOU so much for picking Zyprezz as one of your favourite blogs! Love ya!

Etsy - grey knitted poufs

2011-02-16T23:45:00.001+01:00

...I haven't got to bed yet...couldn't resist showing you those from Etsyseller lacasadecoto in Spain...so cool...

Good night!

I have fallen in love with...danish Mid-century Teak

2011-02-16T18:58:00.002+01:00

It all started out with this Duck and ducklings. Made by Hans Bølling, and the story behind is touching:

In spring 1959 during busy days in Frederiksberg, Denmark, a policeman stopped the traffic in order to let a young Duck family pass. All Danish newspapers published a famous photograph of the ducks.
Inspired by the charming Duck family, Hans Bølling hence designed the small wooden Duck figures, whose souls carry the essence of peaceful and harmonious Danish spring...

Aren't they adorable?

Below you will find some of my other favorite items. Some I have collected, other do I still search for at Etsy and Ebay....I want the original vintage ones, not those who recently are being reproduced...

Tomorrow I will write about the teak furniture....

My newest purchase: Kaj Boyesen Crumb Set. 1960s. I love it!

Teak ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Denmark (1960)

The monkey– designed by Kaj Bojesen in 1951 – is a Danish classic hanger and art piece.

DANSK Quistgaard IHQ round snack tray

Dansk Teak Cheese Cutting Board and Knife in Torun Pattern (ca 1950) Knife handle fits in an indentation in the board.

DIGSMED cannister and bowl

Laur Jensen Danish Modern Teak Candelabra - 1960s

Zyprezz - GIVE-AWAY!

2011-02-14T15:44:00.001+01:00

Time for the very first give-away here at Zyprezz...and I want to celebrate that my blog is growing day by day and that I am getting to know many wonderful new blogfriends.....

You can take max 4 tickets and the ways to get those is:

1. Write a comment under this post. Make sure to write how many tickets you will have.

2. Register as a Google follower in the right coloumn

3. Post a link to this give-away in your own blog.

4. Post a link on Facebook to this post and give-away.

The Give-away closes at March, 1. 2011

The prizes:

1. Design Rubber Vase from Finnish Design Shop, availible in red, strawberry, black, army green, lime, pink, purple, yellow, midnight blue and turquoise.

2. SCUSI Bowl from the norwegian designer Hege Gimle. Availible in creme, light pink, turquoise, and lime

Good luck all!

Hearts...Part 2

2011-02-13T13:21:00.000+01:00

More heartshapes, some manmade, some from nature.

NB: On Monday it's time for the first big GIVE-AWAY here at Zyprezz - register as a FOLLOWER today and get your first TICKET for the competition! Have a nice Sunday all!

via designswan

Hearts...Part 1...

2011-02-12T16:47:00.000+01:00

Valentines Day is soon here, and today and tomorrow I thought I'd show you some really nice heartshapes, some manmade, some from nature.

NB: On Monday it's time for the first big GIVE-AWAY here at Zyprezz - register as a FOLLOWER today and get your first TICKET for the competition! Have a nice weekend all!

Via designswan

A Norwegian Mountain Cottage

2011-02-11T17:00:00.000+01:00

This unique wooden mountain cottage is situated in Geilo, Norway. The owners built this only a few years ago, and have decorated it with a lot of old rustic items combined with some new modern ones in a very tasteful combination.

Via boligpluss

Warming up to Valentine's Day....

2011-02-11T00:08:00.001+01:00

And I am still looking after all these Years...sigh...

Love, Ingrid :)

New Mothers and Newborns

2011-02-10T17:06:00.003+01:00

I thought I'd show you some more of the brilliant photographer Howard Schatz' works. This serie in black and white is called "New mothers and newborns" and the mood in these images, immediately brought me back to the time I myself became a mother, and the intense love and profound respect for life I felt, when holding him in my arms.

All images by Howard Schatz

Greek Escape

2011-02-09T21:00:00.002+01:00

Perivolas is the ultimate in laidback luxury. Poised on the cliff high above the Aegean, this intimate escape is designed as a place where you can let the rest of the world slip away. Wish you were there?

Dark & Industrial

2011-02-09T14:59:00.001+01:00

Today I dived into the portfolio of the New York based design firm Roman & Williams and came up with those dark, masculine, interior images.

I have fallen in love with...

2011-02-08T19:38:00.001+01:00

...these coffee tables from Etsy, made by Michael Arras....

Factory Warehouse in Melbourne

2011-02-08T12:18:00.002+01:00

This former leather factory warehouse in Melbourne with its huge rooms, soaring ceilings, industrial fittings and innate sense of style has been seen in design books, style guides and international magazines around the world. From doors relocated from old mansions to industrial fittings sourced from disused factories, the decor of Location 424 comprises entirely of recycled vintage fittings chosen specifically to suit this unique space. Interior designer Lyn Gardener from the australian interior design company Gardener & Marks has styled, refurbished and renovated this huge warehouse.

Dette gamle varehuset for en skinnfabrikk i Melbourne med store rom, høye himlinger og industrielle innslag har vært avbildet i interiørbøker og blader verden over. Interiørdesigneren Lyn Gardener fra det australske firmaet Gardener & Marks har stått for innredningen her.

Joanna Gwis - talented graphic designer and illustrator

2011-02-07T15:23:00.001+01:00

Joanna from Poland is a dear blogfriend of mine. Her beautiful blog, kavkadesign.blogspot.com is the place she shows all her inspiration, ideas and pics from her life. Joanna graduated from Fine Art school in Lodz, Poland, in year 2000. She has been working for polish magazines as a graphic designer and illustrator for almost 10 years. She also works for publishing houses as an illustrator and is designing books and book covers. Her style is original, unique and playful. She lives with her husband Sebastian and four pets: a dog - Fika, and three cats - Antosz, Koksik and Koko. They are living in an 80-year-old wooden house in Poland. Joanna is working on the opening of her own shop called "Oh Kavka" and it will open soon. Below are some of her lovely works:

Meet the Hindsvik!

2011-02-05T21:16:00.002+01:00

Daniel and Valeria is a young canadian couple who blogs about renovating and redecorating their first home together. Here they share vintage and design favorites, spaces and DIY ideas with photos from their own home.

In addition, they run their own shop at Etsy, and stocks vintage and modern home decor and furniture.Visit them at www.hindsvik.etsy.com

Daniel and Valeria with their cat, Lambi

Lovely vintage refrigerator and rustic old table with vintage danish chairs. Wall lamp Norm06 from Normann Copenhagen

Homemade unit made of reclaimed farm woodland and metal piping. Beautiful!

Vintage metal locker with Stockholm Design House wave hanger to the left.

A vintage faux bois unit, used a an entertainment unit. Notice the vintage metal magazine rack.

A CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway) vintage stool stands in their living room. Made of solid metal, it was originally used for passengers to step aboard the train.

Homemade plywood interior in the bedroom, notice the drawing board beside the bed.

Small homemade plywood cube used as a cat house for Lambi.

Some of the items Daniel and Valeria has in their Etsy shop:

Lost Found Art

2011-02-04T15:42:00.001+01:00

Lost Found Art is a unique design company that specializes in sculptural installations and assemblages using antique and vintage pieces. Their works are created with an eye to scale, balance, color and surface interest, and the end result is a strong visual statement that combines artistic statement, whimsy, form and uniqueness. More collections on their website