Finnish Artist's Home

The first time Finland crossed my mind was when I watched this funny ad on TV here in NZ, ages ago. The accent make me chuckle every time.
The second time that Finland crossed my mind was when I was studying in Sweden a few years ago, and one of the new exchange students was a Finnish girl. (I was stoked to hear hints of "Otto Otto I find Feenesh Sorce!"- like in the ad - in her accent.)


And then, not long ago, I found one of my new favourite blogs - and the artistic home of the Finnish illustrator Jutta Rikola.

Here's the thing: I am not normally into bunnies, or gumboots. But I AM into this picture. So she must be good. The wallpaper is awesome.



 I enjoy seeing the ways she has thought outside the box. The kitchen cupboards are very daring, but also easy to change.

She decorates with painted branches and paper cranes.

And the fairy lights make me happy.

There is nothing pompous or "posh designer" about this home - it's beautiful, simple, personalised and artistic and that makes it truly chic.

Next time I am in Europe a trip to Finland is definitely in order! I'm curious now about the "other side" of Scandinavia. Can't wait to experience their style.

All images from her Flickr photostream if you want to take a peek.

Yay for Finland,


           - Amyshka

Brave and bright - wall decor

When I first saw this fizzingly bright and bold entrance, it was a welcome cocktail to my eyes.

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Fizzzz.
You can't say it's not refreshing!

Living in New Zealand I love to be inspired by people around the world breaking rules [read: no plain beige walls] and doing it in ways that turn out a-m-a-z-i-n-g.

It reminds me of another of my brave-wall loves:

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Rainforest-green with lush purple and yellow highlights, yum! Bonus points for the wild zebra rug. Having a mural across your dining room wall is not a look that many people would dare (or even think up), but it works, and you find yourself thinking "Whoever lives here must be so confident with their amazing sense of style", rather than thinking it is tacky.

Another example of slightly-more-toned-down (but still bold) wall art - this time in a kid's room, which seems somehow less risky as you can experiment and just have fun.

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 The New Zealand family who owned the house above were very daring and artistic with their "alternative" style, also described as "twisted". Using a scene from "Where the Wild Things Are" fits perfectly with the rest of their quirky home. I like it!


If you like the idea of something bold and unconventional on your wall, but aren't ready for the commitment of full-scale mural work, how about a smaller section like the lion below made of vintage wallpaper.

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This paper used by Lauren Liess on the lion above is fun without being too 'play-school'. Nice.

Anyone can change their walls up, with just a little creativity and some old wallpaper.

So there you have it... a little eye candy to brighten up your (potentially beige?) day.
Be brave!

           Amyshka