Am I the only one who feels like making lists of everything this time of year? It must be the approaching fall. I think I will leave my vacation week at the cottage with a notepad full of tasks, goals and ideas. Make-a-list notepad by ohsogood is the perfect item for us list makers.
design
August 25, 2009
August 09, 2009
{ iittala birds }
I haven't shared a Finnish design find with you in a while. Iittala birds are a decoration piece that get noticed. I love their new pastel shades.
I'm blogging at kind of half speed for a little while now. I'm in a fortunate situation of having too much work - I have a tight schedule of food photo shoots going on. I'm enjoying it but in the same time, I can't find as much time to blog as I would like to. So, don't wonder where I disapeared. I'll be back full speed again soon. I was also invited to be a guest blogger in one of my favorite blogs. I'll let you know where and when you can catch my guest post.
August 03, 2009
{ eva juliet prints }
August 02, 2009
{ vivo lunch boxes }
Vivo boxes promise to turn your everyday lunch into a private picnic. Delicious pastel colors and stackable boxes - what a great alternative to one time use lunch bags and boxes! I can definitely see a box like this in the fridge at my work place.
July 28, 2009
{ new print }
Today, I got a new print in the mail that I have wanted for a long time. The color is seafoam - it's so pretty!
July 22, 2009
{ kolo - flowers & things }
Kolo offers style details chosen with great taste. Mari, a stylist and a visualist, has created a precious little place selling 'flowers and things' as the simple slogan says.
The store has a service window in the front but you can also step inside to the world of color splashes on black background. I was totally smitten with this place and the owner of it. Mari's way of seeing life is inspiring, just like Kolo, her test run style project.
Mari was wonderful and took the time to answer my questions about her store and creative views about style and life.
1. How did Kolo begin? What is the idea behind the store?
I had seen the space empty for a long time in downtown Helsinki. Last fall when I was in Paris, I had a feeling that I needed to do something slower paced and peaceful in contrast to the fast moving job of a stylist. I remembered the space and called to Helsinki to make an offer. The space is in a theater building, so their only condition for me to rent the place, was that the store would sell flowers prior to the shows. I had no plan of exactly what I wanted to sell in the store - it was more like a visual atmosphere that I had envisioned. I'm not a commercial person, so for me it is enough that the store pays for itself.
2. What is your background?
I'm a stylist. I do interiors, surfaces, exhibition spaces and photo shoots.
3. What kind of future plans do you have for the store?
I have only a year contract for the space, and the theater will be closing for construction soon as well. So in a way, the kiosk is a test run to see how the networking produces results. I do have the fall selection planned out: wool, hats, scarves, some organic products and just things! My motive for having this store is to feel good and get happiness from this project even with "+ - 0" profit.
4. What do you love about running Kolo?
I'm a very social kind of person, and I love working with the customers. I'm so happy when someone leaves carrying a flower bouquet wrapped in black silk paper with a smile, and says that they will come again!
5. How do you let people know you exist? What kind of feedback have you received?
I believe in the word of mouth, and that the news travels around. Little by little there are more people who know about the store. It's actually pretty interesting how the word spreads. I have got such positive feedback.
6. Who are your customers?
People who are interested in trends and style but also ones who just happen to walk by. There are also surprisingly many men customers. People stop by spontaneously, and ask what kind of store this is. They buy flowers or soap for home and say 'What a nice store!'
7. What are the most popular items?
Flowers, herb cans and Finnish soaps. Cloves are my favorite - I want to make them a trend flower in Finland!
8. Tell about a memorable moment in the store.
A lady asked if she could come inside. - There is a window but it is also a real store, so you can come inside too, I said. She was so amazed and impressed with the store that she asked for a job. - I speak many languages, am really good in customer service and would love a work place like this. Here's my phone number, the lady said and left waving happily goodbye.
9. What is your advice to people who want to make their home pretty, and feel like home?
A home has to always be a home for yourself. It is good to find some kind of harmony with things and colors. You shouldn't buy things just because they are nice in the store, but rather think about if it can be nice in the surrounding you have created in your home. There are so many beautiful things in the world but just like with everything, life situations and living, decisions have to be made. Don't follow trend but choose things that feel homelike, warm or cold, whatever you prefer.
10. What are the principles of your own style?
Clear lines and therefore long lasting choices. I have not bought especially anything new for my home in years. Nothing is irritating, and I don't get tired of anything. I do change the colors of the textiles occasionally.
11. What is the basic idea, the core of Scandinavian style in your opinion?
I think it really is the simplicity and being ascetic in a good way. To be this, the home doesn't need to be empty. I would rather call it calm.
In addition to the kiosk, Mari has other interesting projects going on as well; Maja is a guest house decorated with Finnish design, not to forget about Mari's charming gallery called what else but Kolo. Thank you so much Mari for sharing your thoughts with us.
{ images }
by tiina
July 08, 2009
{ blogs and coffee }
A good cup of coffee and fuss free time to blog is one of my favorite moments of the day. The lovely designer and blogger behind Made by Girl, Jennifer Ramos concentrates the idea on paper and makes me really want this print!
June 30, 2009
{ beehive spoons }
A charming part of the kitchen, and most of all, made to last. Beehive is continuing the tradition of skilled metalsmiths making spoons and other kitchen tools with an atmosphere. A set of spoons is a lovely gift idea for a wedding, house warming or graduation . I can see these spoons getting passed down from generation to generation.
June 17, 2009
{ fresh produce }
Cute letterpress cards packed like fruits. Give with a basket of organic fruits and berries to surprise your cottage weekend hosts.
June 09, 2009
{ sliced bread notebook }
A set of 12 little numbered notebooks in a delicious form of bread. A slice per month to keep you organized. Stylishly clever.
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