Two roads diverged...

...and I chose the one less travelled, is a famous quote by Robert Frost which I love. For the New Year I searched for inspirational Etsy wall art to wish you a brilliant New Year. I'm therefore wishing everyone to find and enjoy their path:


(via Bubba and Doodle)

To keep on dreaming, believing & acting towards your goals:


(via Barking Bird Art)

When times get tough, please remember:


(via Dazey Chic)

And last, but not least. Just sit back and enjoy the ride:


(via Hey Zee)

Happy New Year!

Owl tea set

I love it when ordinary items are given just that little bit extra. It adds a bit of magic and 'swung' to your everyday life or at least makes you smile. Why use a plain tea cup when there are so many less ordinary options available? This hand-glazed and hand-painted snow owl tea set is made in Japan and you can purchase it at Lavish.

Clever wall

You'll certainly impress your visitors with this wall of wisdom. Did you read them all? Well. Err... It's just a vintage look wallpaper with shelves of old books of course. It was cleverly designed by the creative consultants at Studio Mold. Impressive design indeed.

Ivy chair

"Upcycled chic", is what Di Overton and Harvey Roll call their furniture range, Ghost Furniture. I love the look of all their pieces. They are sophisticated and obviously made with love and attention for the smallest details. The stories behind the furniture pieces are written down and you get a certifate when purchasing. Even the styling of the pictures is spot on and coherent with the brand name. All shots ooze outworldlyness and have a slightly spooky touch. The creative couple uses as much eco-friendly materials as possible. This Ivy chair was covered in Ivy when they found it in the barn of an old farmhouse. They restored it with ornaments.

A tree of life

copyright©Johnny Hubbocks
How amazing is this picture and the sculpture of the unborn baby in the tree? I thought it was an appropriate one for Christmas, regardless of your believes. It's taken in the Finnish forest by the English Johnny Hubbocks living in Helsinki. He's a sign writer who paints his signs by hand and has an extra interest in the arts and an eye and love for photography. To contact him send an e-mail to johnnyhubb@yahoo.co.uk

And dreams of sheep...

I'm a great fan of day dreaming and laying in the grass staring at the clouds come by while the different shapes are working on your imagination. With this gorgeous cloud chair designed by Lisa Widen the sky is the limit and now you can even 'float' on one yourself. The chair is completely adjustable for comfort. For sale at Design House Stockholm.
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Make-up for animal lovers

Not only the drawings on this make-up palette of Urban decay are adorable. The best news is that none of the shades were tested on animals and no animal ingredients were used creating the make-up set. So it's also perfect for vegans. Inside you'll find six different shades of eye shadow and an eye pencil.

Shadow forest

Today it's the shortest day of the year and according to tradition one should light a candle to help the sun return to the earth. And why not use this lovely oil lamp from designer Adam Frank? He is all about playing with shadows and his tiny oil lights will bring the forest into your home. Speaking off romantic winter nights... This might just be what you need. To order, click here.

Ode to the trees

One of my all time favorite art works are these book sculptures made by Australian artist Kylie Stillman. I especially like the underlying thoughts she has about it. Paper is made out of trees and by using old books and sculpting images of trees and birds into it the artist completes the cycle of nature. The memories of the forest remain by putting them back into the book pages. It's a true ode to nature.

Owl necklace

If there's no owl in your closet or jewelry box you're missing out 'cause they are the hottest birds in town. This colourful owl is from the H&M collection and very affordable and great to compliment a simple outfit. To go to the online shop click here.

Twisted twigs

I'm always excited when a brand chooses to re-use materials and convert it into beautiful aesthetic items. French brand Bleu Nature does just that. The design lamp is manufactured from driftwood, blown satin glass and unbleached enameled steel. It is compatible with low-energy light bulbs. And what to think of the fab low tables? There's many more to choose from on their website.

Botanical handprinted wallpaper

Grow house Grow has nine different patterns of wallpapers. Each in three colours. The wallpapers are named after an important figure out of history. The design is inspired by their story. The one above is based on the work of Mary Treat, an American-born naturalist devoted to the understanding of carnivorous plants who made extensive contributions to the botanical world. Four species of plants and animals bear her name. Other wallpaper stories include the works of rather sinister and occult Aleister Crowley and Captain Smith, the captain of the Titanic.

Illuminated animals

The dark winter season is perfect to satisfy my needs for lots of candles in the house. These ceramic beauties are from Anthropologie. The fun aspect is that you can actually stack them on top of each other to create a true animal totem. The wax is scented and not only the front is pretty, but at the back you see the animals tail. There are four different ones; an owl, a bird, a fox or a bunny.

Versace's secret garden

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? I'm sure Gianni Versace would have liked his 'Butterfly Garden' tableware for Rosenthal to be associated with William Shakespeare's Sonnet 18. The collection is exquisite. The plates, cups and saucers show a diversity of blossoms, berries, ladybirds and butterflies in pastels to produce a most enchanting summer garden. And who knows, maybe Shakespeare's words will also apply to the durability of the tableware. "But thy eternal summer shall not fade". To order, click here.

Your dreams on canvas

If there's one thing that fascinates me it's the world of dreams and the symbolism in those nightly adventures. Often I sighed: 'I wish that I could paint or draw, so I could hold on to the amazing images forever.' Well there is someone who does that for you. Dutch artist Karen Opstelten has a dream agency. She makes beautiful paintings about other people's dreams. The results are stunning; owls flying in the attic, a girl playing the piano on top of the city and people in all colours living friendly next to each other. Among other things Karen Opstelten worked on community projects, painting the dreams of people living in the same neighbourhood. If you would like to get in touch with her, click here to go to her website.

Angelic candle

For those who don't own a full Christmas decoration box, but still want to create instant atmosphere these angel wings are just the thing to buy. The concept is simple and effective. Just pin them on a candle and instantly Christmas songs pop into your mind. 'Can you hear the angels sing'? They are sold at Deens. Want more of it? They also have wings to click onto a glass. If that's not getting you a blessed Christmas, then what will?

Adding colour to your life

When I was buying presents this weekend I just couldn't resist this colour pencil box. It's from French brand La Marelle who make sweet, rather surrealistic illustrations. In this case I fell for the combination of a dressed rabbit, a flamenco and a deer with a human head.

Fork light

A scarecrow won't chase these birds away. They just sit tight on top of the fork. Luckily they will not eat the grain of the land or the seeds in your garden. After all it's just another fun design by British designer Nick Fraser and the birds are actually lights. The fork is cleverly used as a stand. Fraser wants to bring a touch of humor into the house with his designs. Well, he's got me smiling.

Lotus incense burner

A nice smell can easily shift your mood and to start of the day well, I usually burn some incense. Most of the holders aren't that pretty though. So these ceramic ones from Lotus Oosterse artikelen is on my wish list. Extra nice to know; the lotus flower has an extra meaning. In Buddhism it symbolizes rebirth, purification and enlightment. The burners come in green, pink or yellow.

Don't step on the hare...

Or actually do and wipe your feet while you are at it. After all that's what a doormat is for. This one is so pretty I think it's better to keep it indoors or it might soon disappear. Then again, that's just a 'living in the city' point of view. I'm sure it won't happen up in the country. The design is by Ed Annink for Dutch brand Droog Design.

The keys to succes

Aren't they brilliant? These Victorian inspired ceramic spoons by Imm Living, a Toronto based company that works with young designers? The key-spoon will sure bring a little bit of magic to your kitchen and wow your guests at dinner. Succes assured.

A phone case for every season

Struck by winter time blues? Just put the 'summery' I-phone case from Squirrel Design on your I-phone and you'll instantly feel better. Or if you'd like your I-phone to change along with the seasons, pick the illustration of the snowy forest. I think mine will be 'summer' all the time. To order I-phone cases click here. Or visit the website of Squirrel Designs to see more beautiful illustration work.