A peek inside my home – make-over phase 1

When I bought my apartment 13 years ago, I knew exactly how I wanted to decorate it. Back then, colonial home decor was trendy, and since I have a lot of travel inspired objects and memorabilia from my many trips, I chose to go with the trend. I styled my home with dark teak wooden furniture and an off-white couch, curtains and chairs, animal print accessories and classic elegance. Through the years I edited my decor with different pillows and small accessories, and threw in some colour. The colonial look evolved towards a colonial-beach interior. And since I don’t pay that much value to my interior and rather spend money on travelling and experiences, I came to the point that my interior became officially dated. I couldn’t postpone a make-over any longer. So for the last few months I’ve been gradually replacing things, and improving things. I’m doing it one step at a time. [continue reading after jump]

My vision is a lighter space with a 50s/60s retro elegance but with modern furniture. I’m inspired by Jonathan Adler and the Hollywood Regency style. I’m still looking for a nice reading chair in ice-blue and a glass coffee table preferably with brass details. Let me know if you see one that is budget-friendly.

I painted one wall Morning Snow white (Flexa), and the accent wall has a dramatic geometric patterned wallpaper from Graham & Brown. The cabinet is from wehkamp and although it’s modern, it has that retro Danish mid century style. Next to it you see my Safavieh white ceramic garden stool which I can pull when I have people over either as a stool or an extra table.The real eye catcher and popular among all my friends and family is of course my Safavieh sunburst mirror. Another focal point is the marble side table from Safavieh. I fell in love with it instantly because of the circular design. To add warmth to this little reading nook I bought an ikat silk pillow from Mariska Meijers. I know Mariska personally, and she is such an inspiring lady. Her flagship store is located in Amsterdam. Read and see more of her designs in my blog post about her. The three bulbs you see hanging there are design sockets by the Danish brand E-form and diamond shaped bulbs from designer Eric Therner. (via Flinders.nl)I love to create vignettes and play around with accessories. To add glam to my space I opted for gold accents like the Tom Dixon scent diffuser, and chevron candle from H&M Home. I have so many coffee table books that I have piles of them everywhere, also on my cabinet. I’m also a fervent candle collecter. My most loved one is by Fornasetti and sits next to one mid century trend accessory that is totally hot right now: a decorative pineapple (Zara Home).I also like to entertain, so I created a little bar station for whenever I have guests over. Here I display my vintage decanters, cute bottles and fierce animal print glasses.

My latest addition is a Beni Ouarain rug from rozenkelim.nl. The fluffy sheep woolen rug is a traditional Moroccan rug from a Berber tribe. It’s authentic and handmade. I’m keeping the dark teak wooden table, but I would like to have new chairs, preferably transparent ghost chairs. I also need to paint the wall. Like I said, step by step… Above the table are design Koziol lamps I found on marktplaats. I’m pretty happy so far and I’m looking forward to phase 2 which is:

• a new reading chair
• 4 new dining chairs
• a new coffee table
• painting the wall

Please let me know if you know any good chairs or a coffee table that fits into my style and colour scheme. (white, black, ice-blue/vintage blue)