Ikea Inspiration: A Scandinavian Abode - Modern, Colorful, Simple

I'm telling you, the Scandinavians really have the right idea

when it comes to affordable design whether it be furnishings
or fashion (hello Ikea and H&M.) Their just in time model of
manufacturing is second to none in the world. Can you believe
that H&M can take a design from paper to the actual stores
in less than a month? Anyways, Trudi of The Deco Detective
has really got me hooked on some of these Scandinavian homes
and publications.

I totally Adore the home and space above. Anyone could so
design a home like the above with just Ikea and some creative
ideas. The space above is a bit odd but the open plan really
makes up for it.

I love the way the Scandinavians juxtapose modern touches
with wood and organic elements like the pickled floor.

A nice little space for a coat room.

Notice the rustic beams at the top of the vaulted ceiling.

The glas sliding doors really brighten
up the kitchen and dining space.

Pops of color in all the right places can really
make a difference.

Isn't the back splash design fun?

What a fun pattern for a sofa.

A Japanese tea set with different colored tea.

And at the end of a long day, what could be
better than a bath?

I hope this home has given you more inspiration
that it's totally possible to have a chic place to live
solely with furniture from Ikea and thrift shops.

All photos by Per-Magnus Persson from Bolig Magasinet

A Gorgeous French Bed and Breakfast (B&B)

This French B&B called Le33 is unique in more than one way.
Situated about 1 hour from Paris, the B&B is in the beautiful
countryside in a gorgeous building that's been renovated.

This is the back of the house.

The lovely entrance.

An entrance to one of the rooms.

The dining room and kitchen is what I consider
to be the most beautiful room in the home.

This B&B is super reasonable in its rates. 70 Euros for 1 person
and 80 Euroes for 2 people - and it includes breakfast! That's
approximately $95 and $108 respectively. I doubt you can easily
find rates like that in the states - especially with rooms like these!
The rooms are clean with understated elegance.

What I think is also so unique about their decor is that it
is so homey and comfortable. I just can't believe what the
rates are for these beautifully appointed rooms. Someone
definitely has an eye for design.

I've seen my share of ugly, outdated and over the top
hotel rooms. Sometimes when I see a room in a decent
hotel that has really ugly fabrics, I just wonder who they
commissioned to design their rooms. The room above
absolutely shows that when done right, even the simplest of
rooms can be very welcoming and aesthetically pleasing.


I've been a big fan of gray lately.

This looks like an image from a movie.
Beautiful but mysterious with the mist.

Beautiful even in the winter with bare trees.

Ok here's the clincher - can you believe
this entire B&B was outfitted with Ikea
furnishings and hardware? Don't think
that Ikea is only for mod designs, this
French couple certainly made it work
for their B&B with a very French flair.

Their B&B was actually published in one of the
Ikea magazines.

The sitting area, storage, furniture, kitchen, rooms
and etc have mostly Ikea pieces. They mixed it
beautifully with a few key French pieces.

Here are the personal spaces for the couple who
run the B&B. If you're in the area, you should
definitely stay in this B&B. Super reasonable rates,
clean, better looking than most inns I've seen and
it includes breakfast!

le 33

Philippe et Florence MICHON

33 rue de Gournay60390

AUTEUILtel. 33.(0)3.44.81.94.90

mobile 33.(0)6.86.38.89.72

e.mail : resa@letrentetrois.fr

website : http://letrentetrois.free.fr/

All photos from Le33 with inspiration from Bemz.