Psychedelic by nature

I wouldn't necessarily put this wallpaper up in the living room, but without a doubt it will look fantastic in a club or a trendy restaurant. This wall paper collection RGB from Carnovsky (Italian designers Francesco Rugi and Silvia Quintanilla) exists of three layers that change through the use of lightning. The drawings of the human body and nature remind me of old maps adorning a psychics classroom or illustrations on century old pages from an encyclopedia. Not very surprisingly, because Carnovsky used engravings that were made between the sixteenth and eighteenth century. For more information you can check out their website.
photos: Luca Volpe

Cup a tea luv?

The Dutch Wouter van Donselaar makes abstract paintings, partly inspired by nature. Typical for his work is the use of earth colors, though recently he is also experimenting with vivid reds, yellows and greens. Not only is his work interesting, also his personal story is inspiring. He originally wanted to become a doctor, but health wise that wasn’t possible. To cope with frustrations about this he started painting, which was quickly picked up by gallery’s. The 31-year old artist doesn't only work with a paint brush, but adds different kind of materials like paper, wood, bible texts, sand and textiles so the art work turns into a unique paste-up. I especially like how he converted plain wooden tea boxes into a small artwork. That’s the way to offer your visitors a cup of tea. ‘Ooh’s’ and ‘aah’s’ assured when putting the box on the table. You can order them on his website.

Animal support

Cocoon Couture is an Australian brand specialized in items for children, which doesn't mean they are only for the little ones. I'm all for embracing that 'inner child' and installing some of these great bookends on a shelf. Nice to know: the squirrel and owl bookends are made out of eco-friendly wood. Cocoon Couture also manufactures these lovely bean bags. They have a great range of different animals applied to the bean bags. Owls, giraffes, birds, slick foxes and cheerful squirrels. The fabric used, is vintage inspired. Please check out their website for retailers' addresses and get some of those lovely forest animals in your home.

Just follow the light

I'm very taken by the work of Norwegian artist Rune Guneriussen (1977). His photographs, which he takes all over Norway, are surreal and magical. The way he places objects like telephones, books, tables and lighting into the landscape have a surprising effect on the mind. What is the story behind it? What is the meaning? He'll probably like to let you find the answers to the question yourself, because he says he wants 'art to be bewildering and doesn't want to dictate'. The thing Guneriussen would like to state about his work is that the installations are a way of finding 'balance between nature and culture'. For me they tickle creativity and let me, for a short while, rise above the real world.
From each picture there are only five to ten prints sold. Please check out his website: http://www.runeguneriussen.no
photographs copyright©Rune Guneriussen

Wild romance

Million Dollar Design describes their style as 'romantic with a bit of a wild side'. This Dutch designer duo Anneloes van den Bergh and Pauline Teunissen combines photography, illustration and fashion in their work, which turns out to be a perfect mix. I love the quirky fairytale designs and wouldn't mind buying all of their stuff. Luckily they are not only working for commercial clients, but also have a web shop where you can buy bags, laptop stickers and cushions. If you'd like the full experience of their work and you are visiting Amsterdam, than take a ride in the underground. In one of the train compartments Million Dollar Design created an underwater world as a part of an Amsterdam public transport project. Forty other artists also turned old tube compartments into something fab and new. Click here for more information on this project.

Tree trunk bench

I can't remember ever seeing anything like this when I'm walking through the woods. Well plenty of trunks of course, but none with back support. However I do suspect that Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter would like to have one for his tea parties. I like the surreal, but practical approach of this object. It's designed by the Dutch Jurgen Bey for Droog Design. The classical chair backs are made out of bronze and will fit any tree trunk. So while you're saving up for the chairs just sit back and relax on your trunk.
http://www.droog.com/

Tree textures

The age of trees is always something that works my imagination. What did they witness? How long have they been standing there? As a child I was captivated by counting the graining since it supposed to show the true age. It seems that USA-based artist Bryan Nash Gill has the same interest. Not very surprisingly, because he is a true woodsman. He grew up in Connecticut and was highly influenced by the New England forests. His love of nature shines through in all of his work, whether it is an installation or a painting. I particularly like his relief prints. He creates them by rolling ink onto a stub and placing paper above it so after pressing the texture of the wood shows on the paper.
Some of the relief prints are sold at online gallery Ashes and Milk (http://www.ashesandmilk.com/bryan-nash-gill/)
For Bryan Nash Gill's website, please click here: http://www.bryannashgill.com

Green conscious cushions

Four days a week Dutchy Claudia van den Berg from 'Ook in het Paars' works in highly scientific surroundings. The fifth is reserved for creativity and handiwork which as a matter fact, she didn't learn from a stranger. Her mum runs a handicraftsmen shop and learned Claudia at an early age all the principles of fabrics, needlework and knitting which shows in her work. For her gorgeous pillows she uses old fabrics like blankets and mixes it with new material. I love the cushions and bought two in forest green colors. She's now making a third one for me out of fabrics she let me choose. As for the woods? Well recycling is the best you can do for reserving the forest of course. Make sure to also check out her lovely owls. http://www.ookinhetpaars.nl

Sleep like a bear

Scandinavia knows the creatures from the woods. After all in this part of Europe one can find the highest percentage of forests oozing mystery. Finland takes the cake; 75% of their land exists of conifers. The Danish brand 'By Nord' is inspired by the rawness and simple beauty of Nordic nature. Sustainability is high on their list. Therefore this beautiful bed linen with photo prints of animals is made of organic cotton. I can't seem to choose which one fits me best. Would I like to run with wolves, admire the beauty of a deer, sleep like a bear or play like a squirrel? Choose for yourself and check out the website (http://www.bynord.dk)
If you are Dutch and would like to order, http://www.lillelykke.com , is the place to be. They have a large Scandinavian design collection.

Moss chair

Now don't all start leaving your furniture outside. Small chance it's going to look as fab as the 'Over Grown' chair by Jo Meesters. The work of this 36-year old Dutch designer is always innovative and he keeps looking for new materials and different ways to use it. Red thread in his designs is sustainability. This limited edition ‘Over Grown’ chair is made out of oak and the moss on the front and back doesn’t come out of the woods. Instead it’s made out of the finest wool. There are only three of these chairs which are sold at Tools Gallery in Paris (http://www.toolsgalerie.com). For more of Jo Meesters' work: http://www.jomeesters.nl/

Magic mushrooms & secret gardens

"On a big mushroom, red with white dots, Gnome Spillebeen was seated, wobbling back and forth". In this cute Dutch children’s song the mushroom he sat on breaks in the end. Luckily you can easily put a little weight onto these great 'magic mushroom' coat hooks from Rexinter. It was instant love between me and the 'Magic Garden' hooks which -of course- now lighten up my hallway. I like the little hint of magic in a utility. The green leaves, flowers and pink birds never fail to put a smile on my face. I ordered them in one of my favorite online Dutch stores 'Wonen met Lef' (http://www.wonenmetlef.nl). Their quirky collection is a perfect mixture of affordable and more expensive objects.

The log lady

In the cult series Twin Peaks, the logs of the log lady, Margaret Lanterman, tell her all kind of secrets. I'm not sure if this lightning from Dutch interior designer Nicolette Brunklaus will do the same for you, but it certainly has that same magic feel to it. She also makes amazing pillows with images of the trees which you also find in the lamps shades.
http://www.brunklaus.nl/

Amulets & talismans

Adventurers need a little something to protect themselves. After all, you never know who or what is lurking between the trees and bushes. A perfect excuse to get yourself that amulet. The porcelain jewellery collection with a nostalgic feel from Iggy and LouLou is a sight for sore eyes. The Australian designer duo is inspired by tales from the past. For sailing the ocean they’ve made a collection ‘ships at night’ and for all those lovers there is the ‘last romance in Paris’. There are pendants with birds, bears, hearts crossed with guns, anchors… What makes it extra special is their website. They portray the tales of their collections in black & white, complete with ships, hot air balloons, caves and carriages. It’s like you’re going through a century old book. Don’t forget to check it out.
http://www.iggyandloulou.com

Beware of the wolf

Ok. I do not have kids, nor would like too. But if I did, I would definitely spoil them with these fairytale blankets with the story of Little Red Riding Hood, The Gingerbread Man or the Three Little Pigs printed on them. I think it's a lovely idea and you will steal the show at any baby shower. Or be the instant favorite aunt or uncle as a matter of fact. At 'Myfairytaleblankets' they even personalize it if you wish. As for the wolf... Just let them hide under the blanket and he is nowhere to be seen.
Shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyFairyTaleBlankets

Be like Shakespeare

Most writers and journalists I know have a thing for notebooks. I'm no different and have a rather big collection. Chances are that I'm never gonna fill them all. It will keep me up writing day and night. Still I keep on searching for that perfect notebook. The phrase 'don't judge a book by its cover', doesn't count here. After all I write my thoughts and inspiration on the pages. The prettier the outside, the more thrilled I am to use 'm. The most amazing journals I ever saw come from London. Elizabeth E. Schuch made the illustrations inspired by William Shakespeare's writings. A plus is also that only the finest paper is used for the pages. On the webpage from Immortal Longings (http://www.immortallongings.com/) they write: "The very best quality gifts for actors, literature lovers, teachers, poets, dreamers, dramatics, and romantics". Well I tick most of the boxes, so I think I should order again. They also sell calenders, bookmarks and art prints.

In the heart of the woods

I came across Scandinavian designer Anna Carin Dahl about two years ago and was instantly taken by her tea lights. On the inside are images of forest animals and leaves from the trees. Not very surprisingly her inspiration comes from the heart of the forest. If you live in the city and long for some nature, just light one of the candles. Also check out her 'woodland vases' which you can order online at http://www.dewinkelvanguus.nl
Dahl's website: http://www.annacarindahl.com/

The bunny hop

According to a feng shui expert I recently spoke to, it's completely legit to spend money on practical stuff which makes you smile. "That's good feng shui. Surround yourself with lovely items and it uplifts the spirit", she assured me. And although I'm not fond of doing the dishes, I wouldn't mind having this bunny drying rack from Chris Koens. Simple concept, great result. Order at http://www.dutchbydesign.com/