Category Archives: Trends
Step Inside A Tiny Scandinavian-Inspired Hideaway in the Wilderness
You’d be forgiven for thinking this tiny cabin is an attefallshus tucked away in the garden of a Swedish summer cottage. But in fact, this charming red-and-white retreat is located on the other side of the world, in Tasmania (yes, I know—I’m obsessed with Tassie, even though I’ve never actually been!).
Owners Maša and Michael, the duo behind Heartful Table—a blog dedicated to plant-based recipes—are passionate about tiny homes and the magic of Scandinavian living. Embracing the simplicity and cosiness of both, they built this wilderness escape near Little Blue Lake and aptly named it Little Falu.
The name is a nod to Falu red (Falu rödfärg), the traditional deep red paint used on wooden cottages and farmhouses across Sweden. Originally derived from the Falun copper mine in Dalarna, the pigment not only gives that signature rustic look but also helps preserve the timber.
Though compact, every detail of Little Falu has been thoughtfully considered and designed for comfort and practicality. The kitchen is fully kitted out, inviting guests to settle in, enjoy the surrounding wilderness, light a fire, and maybe even indulge in a bath or two.
Small space living at its finest—let’s take a peek inside!
The stairs have been designed around the cabinets in order to maximise the full use of the space.
A kitchen with modern amenities is especially important to Maša who is passionate about plant-based cooking.
When space is of a premium, every inch counts. Everything in the cabin has been built bespoke to fit the space. Notice how a small gap between the sofa and door has been used for extra storage!
Note the ‘Dalarna häst’ (or Dala horse) – a traditional, hand-carved and painted wooden horse from the Dalarna region of Sweden. Originally made as children’s toys, these cheerful figures have become a beloved symbol of Swedish folk art and heritage. Have you seen one of these before?
While the cabin may be small, the owners have made sure to make room for comforts such as a soothing bath!
Wow, this cabin is so incredibly well designed—it’s like a TARDIS!
Garçonnière apartment approaches bachelor pads "from a gay perspective"
Italian architect Giuseppe Porcelli sought to bend gender norms when transforming this Milanese apartment into an “intimate homoerotic” backdrop for his inaugural furniture collection.
Porcelli’s interior scheme was influenced by the history of garçonnières or bachelor pads – traditionally masculine apartments inhabited by single heterosexual men.
As part of Milan design week, the architect temporarily redecorated the Città Studi apartment housing his office to reimagine this gender-normative concept and share his own take on the stereotype.
“The garçonnière is one of those words that’s still used to refer to a studio apartment,” explained Porcelli.
“I found it interesting that a word to define that space refers to a hideaway where men used to have their secret love affairs with women,” he told Dezeen.
“This concept tickled my brain somehow, but I wanted to make it more personal and approach it from a gay perspective. So not only design a place for private, intimate meetings but also decorate it in a personal way, reflecting taste as well as status.”
Porcelli’s apartment formed a backdrop for his debut capsule furniture collection, designed to loosen the rigidity between typically masculine and feminine tropes.
Concealed behind heavy Venetian drapery, the pieces included a squat faux tortoiseshell plexiglass lamp crowned by a shaggy silk lampshade.
Glossy lacquered wood was paired with uncoated brushed solid brass to form a low-slung console table, while Porcelli applied a mixture of cotton, bamboo and gold-plated metal to an armchair characterised by a distinctly modernist form.
“Like two sides of the same coin, masculinity and femininity create a balance of unexpected juxtapositions,” said Porcelli. “Solid-looking volumes are flawed with tassels, ruches and bamboo details, redefining boundaries.”
The floor was fitted with an aubergine-hued carpet, serving as a colourful accent to various framed and wall-mounted artworks celebrating the male body.
A petite leopard-print lamp illuminated the wrought iron bed, which was topped with gold-accented cylindrical throw cushions.
Porcelli, who founded his eponymous interior design studio in 2021, debuted the “intimate homoerotic” apartment during last month’s Milan design week before dismantling the project.
“Unfortunately, we had to bring it back to what it was before, as developing interiors requires a proper office with printers, ugly but comfortable chairs, laptops and a lot of samples,” he reflected.
“But we kept a few improvements, like the carpet, the window curtains with the fringes at the bottom and the new colour on the walls at the entrance – a pleasant memory of that exciting week.”
Porcelli’s project was among a line-up of apartments that opened their doors for Milan design week. Elsewhere in the Italian city, local design studio Formafantasma staged an alternative three-act play presenting a critical perspective on modernism and its legacy.
The photography is by Silvia Rivoltella.
Milan design week took place from April 7 to 13. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.
The post Garçonnière apartment approaches bachelor pads “from a gay perspective” appeared first on Dezeen.
Original Floors and Exposed Brick in a Beautifully Renovated Stockholm Apartment
Thank you for being so patient (and supportive!) during my long run of Scandinavian summer cottages and getaways lately. Guess what? I actually have a city apartment to share with you today—and it’s fresh, warm, contemporary, and lovely all around. It even has a cosy window nook perfect for enjoying a coffee while watching the world go by!
Look around and you’ll discover a home that feels quietly curated – full of warmth, texture and soul. Light filters across original plank floors, worn smooth with time, while thoughtful updates blend seamlessly with early 20th-century charm.
Located in Södermalm – Stockholm’s boho neighbourhood – the apartment is a peaceful hideaway with a lovely personal touch. I particularly love the dining area and also the bedroom, which glows in a soft antique yellow by Jotun. In fact, every detail – from the linseed-painted green doors to the cosy window nook – feels practical and full of feeling. Välkommen in!
Beautiful. I could totally see myself walking through the doors to the quiet, cosy feel of this apartment every evening – how about you?
Was it the colours, the details, or something else that caught your eye? There’s plenty to discover if you take a closer look at each image.
You can see more pictures (including the bathroom!) over at Historiska Hem right now.
Would you like to see a few more city apartments today? How about:
Brigette’s poetic home in Brooklyn
A cosy apartment in Malmö where old meets new
The fascinating home of a Swedish artist
Have a wonderful start to the week friends!
Photography: @jockeono, Styling: @clindholm_design for Historiska Hem.
FILED UNDER:
swedish apartment
Openhouse launches issue 23 at Cadogan gallery | Milan Design week 2025
Milan Design week is over and what’s left are thousands of photos taken at the different exhibitions. I visited around 60 locations, with some exhibitions having more than 50 designers at that one place. My head and heart are filled with gratitude for being able to travel to Milan once again and soaking up all the inspiration. The city, talking Italian all day long, the food, my collaboration with Nardi meeting like minded people, hanging out with friends and my small group of close friends I traveled with once more, it was all worth it!
After walking a good 16K steps everyday most of the evenings we just enjoyed having a meal together nearby our apartment for the week. A few parties we never skip though, the beautiful Henry Timy and the launch of Openhouse magazine are always on our list. And beside the small drinks all over the city, I also really wanted to make time for my ‘blogpartner’ J.Adams & Co and their Fourfold exhibition. Today I am kicking of my Milan 2025 reports with an impression of the Openhouse issue #23 launch event and the work of the different designers at the Cadogan Gallery.
The Secret in Their Eyes
Openhouse invited us to the magazine launch of issue Nr23 with the beautiful title ‘The Secret in Their Eyes’ at Cadogan Gallery in Milan. An amazing gallery that I will certainly visit again when in Milan. The installation lead us through the gallery with a selection of objects by Mango Home, main partner of the evening, alongside the featured designers within the current exhibition of Cadogan by Sam Lock.
I totally fell in love with the table by Cédric Etienne. I really have a thing with cork, maybe because it feels really familiar as the artisans in ‘our Sardinian village’ work a lot with cork. It is such an amazing material and Cedric really uses so many new ways of using this sustainable product.
Designers at the gallery: Jorge Suárez-Kilzi, Tom Fereday, Edoardo Avelino, Obstacles, Astep, Apohli, Cédric Etienne, Kawabi, Jorg Koziol, Stoff Nagel, Linie Design and Kristhel Jimenez.
Images ©vosgesparis
Find all articles of Milan Design week 2025 under fairs
Kallisto’s Stairway to Sustainable Success
Kallisto discuss sustainability challenges within the industry and how they are committed to hitting their net zero targets.
With the UK committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, architects and interior designers face increasing pressure to integrate sustainability into their projects. From material selection to energy-efficient construction methods, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility has never been more critical.
Navigating Sustainability in Design and Construction
Sustainable building design requires a shift towards modern construction techniques, circular economy principles, and energy-efficient solutions. The challenge lies in reducing embodied carbon while ensuring durability and design flexibility. Traditional materials, such as high-carbon cement, pose significant environmental challenges, necessitating innovative alternatives that support lower emissions without compromising quality.
For those designing luxury properties, sustainability is becoming just as important as aesthetic appeal. High-end developments must now incorporate eco-conscious choices without sacrificing the grandeur and bespoke quality that define luxury interiors. This means carefully selecting materials that offer both elegance and a reduced carbon footprint.
This is where a luxury precast concrete staircase from Kallisto could tick all the boxes.
Kallisto’s Commitment to Sustainable Innovation
At Kallisto, we recognise the responsibility of the industry to reduce its environmental impact, whilst also providing high quality, functional and aesthetically pleasing products which have the wow-factor.
As part of Milbank Concrete Products, we are committed to achieving net zero for our scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030—20 years ahead of the UK government’s target. We are also working actively to reduce our scope 3 emissions, further supporting sustainable construction efforts.
Our approach includes:
- Cement Reduction Technology: By integrating advanced cement replacement techniques, we have reduced the cement content in our precast concrete by up to 21%, maintaining durability while significantly cutting carbon emissions.
- Renewable Energy-Powered Manufacturing: Our dedicated precast factory operates entirely on solar energy, ensuring a cleaner production process.
- Low-Carbon Curing Processes: Our efficient biomass boiler reduces CO₂ emissions from the curing stage, minimising energy-intensive practices.
- Eco-Friendly Transport Solutions: All yard vehicles and machinery at our facility run on HVO biofuel, cutting emissions by 90%, while our delivery fleet exclusively uses 100% HVO, achieving a 98% reduction in CO₂ emissions per mile.
Transparency and Carbon Accountability in Design Choices
With increasing regulatory and client demands for carbon reporting, designers and architects require clear data on the environmental impact of materials. To support this, Kallisto provides a carbon reduction calculator as part of our commitment to transparency. This tool, included in all customer quotations, allows professionals to assess CO₂ savings and make informed decisions from the outset of a project.
By offering clear carbon data, we help architects and interior designers align their work with sustainability goals, meet new reporting requirements, and future-proof their designs against evolving environmental legislation.
Designing for a Sustainable Future
Sustainability is now a central concern in architectural and interior design, influencing every stage of a project. By prioritising low-carbon materials and responsible manufacturing practices, designers can actively contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the built environment.
At Kallisto, we believe in setting a benchmark for greener developments. Whether creating statement staircases for luxury homes or integrating sustainable elements into large-scale projects, our precast concrete staircase solutions align with both design excellence and environmental responsibility.
www.kallistostairs.co.uk | IG: @kallistostairs
See Inside A Dreamy Falsterbo Beach Villa
Tjena friends! Do you have a go-to nature spot near your home that you love to visit? In the summertime, Per and I often like to head down to Falsterbo on the southern Swedish coast. It’s this magical little spit of land where the sea meets sandy beaches, wild dunes, and bird-filled wetlands. The area’s known for its amazing wildlife – especially during the autumn bird migration – and there’s even a seal colony that likes to sunbathe near the tip.
The village itself is full of sweet little shops and cafés too. We usually take the scenic route and admire the villas (you know me!) – a mix of cosy year-round homes and dreamy beach houses. And today, I’m so excited to share a peek inside one of them.
This villa is a true original—built in 1901 for a Stockholm bank director who came here every summer with his family and staff when sea bathing became all the rage. With its grey-painted façade, small-paned windows, and detailed carpentry, it’s full of turn-of-the-century charm. Inside, the original light wood floors, beadboard walls, and vibrant wallpaper bring that nostalgic summer vibe to life.
The house has eight rooms over two floors, including a veranda, a big kitchen and four upstairs bedrooms. One still has its original sink – and I love that. I’d save myself so much queueing in the mornings! The master bedroom has a balcony with views through the park down to the beach – so peaceful! And the garden is just as dreamy, with roses, century-old trees and a greenhouse made for long fika moments. No wonder this gem’s been featured in over 30 interior mags. Ready to take a look around?
This villa really is a dream – the history, the style, the architectural details, the mature garden, the greenhouse (imagine sitting in there with friends under the glow of oil lamps? So cosy!) – it has everything I could possibly need and more. Sadly, it’s a little out of our budget… but that doesn’t stop me dreaming!
Could you imagine living in a Swedish beach villa like this, too? Is there anything in particular that caught your eye?
One thing that stood out to me is the use of textiles with a floral or botanical theme – seen in the kitchen and on cushions. What a difference this makes to the overall space – and it’s such a quick update too.
See more pictures and find out more about the property here.
Shall we take a nosey around a few more villas today?
How about summer in this Swedish pool villa?
This architect’s villa in Österlen is on Airbnb
A Swedish photographer’s magnificent pool villa
Lovely!
Wishing you all a very happy ‘Lillördag’ (little Saturday).
Photography courtesy of Bjurfors, with thanks.
Moscapartners variations at Palazzo Litta | Milan design week 2025
MoscaPartners exhibitions at Palazzo Litta, Palazzo Litta, one of Milan’s most iconic historical buildings, have become a yearly destination. The palace is really impressive, yet familiar. Different large installation at the entrance’s and inside are the first you see. And inside I thought the massive installation by LCD textile that dominated the large Sala degli Specchi (the mirror room) was just impressive. I found a nice variation of exhibitors and snapped a few images of things that caught my eye.
Byoung Soo Cho’s Soo Cho
At the entrance the installation: Nobody Owns the Land: Earth, Forest, Mahk! Byoung Soo Cho’s installation explores the bond between man and earth through three elements.
Earth is a suspended platform of red earth contrasting with the sky over Milan, inviting sensory meditation, when we arrived a few girls were dancing together on the sand. Forest winds between the columns with abstract paintings made by mixing earth and ink, composing a single visual continuity, like a forest.
Mahk, the Korean approach to imperfection, emerges in Mahksabal ceramics, made with spontaneous gestures that accept natural imperfections. The material becomes an expression of Korean culture, enhancing the harmony between nature and man. Crafted by Byoung Soo Cho and Shin Chang Hee, Bae Joo Hyun, Ko Somi. /explanatory text via Moscapartners/
Golden Light Cage by LCD Textile Edition
A luminous cage made of recycled materials and semi-precious metal wires surrounds the majestic chandelier in the Sala degli Specchi of Palazzo Litta. The installation creates a unique optical atmosphere in which light reflections on the metal and on the floor mirror blur the floor and ceiling. Covered in enamelled copper threads with a memory of form, the installation interacts with the visitor, testifying to the fragility of our time through its ephemeral presence. /explanatory text via Moscapartners/
Tactile Baltics
Tactile Baltics showcases contemporary Baltic design, celebrating innovation, craft heritage, and storytelling from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Visitors will explore furniture, lighting, textiles, and collectible design by 21 designers, all embracing sustainability and material experimentation. The exhibition highlights the tactile nature of design, where craftsmanship meets modern technology. /explanatory text via Moscapartners/
Pictured above and below: Ceramics collection Sweet Water by @boterra.studio which evokes the depths of a lake, where sunlight illuminates ancient stones.
AXIOMs—sculptural vessels inspired by altars and standing stones by @heiter_x . Designed to hold plants, objects, or offerings, they shape the atmosphere of a space. Heiter x is an artist–designer exploring the interconnectedness of food, people, and the environment. Specialising in sustainable design, she creates sculptural forms and immersive experiences that reveal the vitality of materials and their unseen energies.
Inspired by ASMR’s calming qualities, the ASMR-inspired design collection by @_eeter translates sensory experiences into functional designs, drawing from biomorphic growth in nature and the body.
Beautiful floors everywhere
Honoka with Aqua Clara
Aqua Clara, a leading Japanese water company, handles production and delivery while promoting bottle recycling.
HONOKA, a design lab focused on materials, technology, and culture; winner of the SaloneSatellite Award 2023 (1st Prize).
This partnership pioneers innovation by rethinking familiar materials, setting a precedent for sustainable design./explanatory text via Moscapartners/
DeltaLight
DeltaLight’s installation, inspired by Charlotte Posenenske’s modular sculptures, reimagines building elements as dynamic, geometric forms that engage with space. Metallic ducts form an architectural grid, exploring the interplay of light, form, and structure. Its modular, reproducible design invites interaction and creates an evolving atmosphere. /explanatory text via Moscapartners/
Find a full report on the exhibition at Moscapartners
Find all my articles of Milan Design week 2025 under fairs
Images vosgesparis
Multicoloured furniture by We+ shows "expressive potential" of microalgae pigments
Japanese design studio We+ has developed a collection of furniture clad in colourful tiles made by combining powdered microalgae with natural resin.
The SO-Colored project focuses on microalgae as a sustainable source of vivid natural pigments ranging from reds, yellows and blues, to the many green hues most commonly associated with algae.
We+ founders Toshiya Hayashi and Hokuto Ando collaborated with Algal Bio to explore potential uses for these pigments, derived from microalgae that are grown in the research company’s factories.
Microalgae are single-celled photosynthetic organisms that help to generate oxygen and support biodiversity. Typically found in water, they are rich in nutrients and can produce compounds with diverse uses.
“While micro-algae have been extensively researched for their applications in food and biofuel, their colour properties remain largely unexplored,” We+ said.
“Through SO-Colored, we investigate the expressive potential and practical applications of microalgae-derived colours, introducing a new perspective on future design and material innovation.”
For an exhibition presented at Galleria Rubin during Milan design week, the studio turned these pigments into ultra-glossy tiles and used them to clad stools, chairs, shelves and a bench, alongside a series of more sculptural works.
The different colours used by We+ in this project are determined by the species of algae and the growth conditions they are exposed to in the laboratory.
This algae was then turned into powdered pigments and mixed naturally derived resins to produce a kind of glaze that was poured onto a timber backing to create the rectangular tiles.
The SO-Colored project is typical of Hayashi and Ando’s experimental, research-based design approach, which aims to demonstrate a coexistence with the natural and social context in which they work.
Previous projects by We+ include a portable table lamp made using debris from construction sites, and a bronze chair with pockmarked surfaces made by adding balls of resin to a wax casting.
The photography is courtesy of We+ and Takumi Ota Photography.
Milan design week took place from April 7 to 13. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.
The post Multicoloured furniture by We+ shows “expressive potential” of microalgae pigments appeared first on Dezeen.
A Calm Oasis in the City
Poetic. Some homes feel like romantic words on a page, a living sonnet. It’s hard to explain exactly why—perhaps it’s the gentle touch of a hand or an eye for detail that wouldn’t be out of place in a still-life painting. Often earthy in tone and filled with beloved, time-worn pieces gathered over the years, these homes speak softly. They are full of contrast, rich textures, small imperfections, and a certain softness—all of which come together to give the space its poetic soul.
Brigette Muller’s home in Brooklyn, New York, is one of these rare places. She has approached her little 1928 apartment with quiet tenderness, layering it slowly with meaningful objects, abundant greenery, tactile fabrics, and sheer curtains that let the day’s light gently spill through the windows.
Despite the background hum of beeping horns, passersby, and the general bustle of the city (as a girl from London, I’ve always found that kind of noise oddly comforting!), there’s a cool calmness to her space. It’s a serene oasis nestled in the heart of the city.
Ready to feel inspired?
Beautiful!
The built-in seating with olive green cushions tucked into the corner of the kitchen, the oil paintings, the whitewashed wood floors, the linen sofa, and the cosy bed nook—complete with curtains to draw for privacy—this is just my kind of style!
Did you enjoy this tour of Brigette’s home too?
You can learn more about Brigette and her creative world here, and explore more charming corners of her home on her Instagram feed: @hummusbirrd. Brigette also rents out her apartment for film and photography shoots—more details on that here.
Was there anything that stood out to you about her lovely space?
Here are a few other homes I see as having that same poetic soul, perfect to enjoy this weekend:
My friend Ida’s poetic 19th century home in southern sweden
A dreamy little cottage by the sea
Nina’s earthy home in Edinburgh
Today, Per and I are off to a city just outside Stockholm to cheer on Alice and her team at a Team Gymnastics competition—so exciting! On the way, we’re making a little detour to one of my favourite garden centres, where I’ve booked a one-hour garden consultation for our summer cottage.
I usually love doing all the home-related planning myself, but this garden has been a bit of a mystery to me! Probably because I’ve never really tackled an outdoor space before. So, I’m hoping to come away with a solid plan from someone who knows what they’re doing—then I can get stuck into some Easter gardening with a bit more confidence (and hopefully fewer “why on earth is this plant looking so sad?” moments).
Do you have any fun plans for your weekend? Are you a fellow garden lover? I’d love to hear any tips you might have for getting started!
Wishing you a wonderful, relaxing couple of days ahead!
x
Photography courtesy of Brigette Muller, shared with kind permission.
Ranieri – Under the Volcano & more at former SNIA factory | Milan Design week 2025
Previously I showed the 4 sites of this year’s Alcova locations in Varedo and discovering the two new sites certainly did not disappointed me, with the former SNIA factory as my absolute favourite new location of the two. HAve a look here about the story behind the locations: Alcova introduces two new sites for their 2025 edition at Varedo
Are you ready to see the images I made! I might write some more background articles about the designers that I thought were new and inspiring and split Alcova up in a few articles as I have to many pictures I want to show you which I hop you will enjoy! First stop the SNIA factory, abandoned for over 20 years and overgrown with ivy and softened by moss, the site reveals an interplay of industrial decay and nature’s quiet reclamation.
Under the Volcano
As soon as entering the building The striking installation by Ranieri caught my attention ‘Under the Volcano’, set in the raw, industrial space with huge windows and bold lines, the installation explores the primal energy of the volcano through sound, stone, and architecture. It’s a powerful and sensory experience where design, technology, and art beautifully come together.
At the centre of the space are sculptural lava blocks by artist Quayola, shaped by a robotic arm following digital erosion patterns. It feels like nature and tech merged into something totally new. And the result feels both ancient and futuristic. The deep soundscape by musician Rodrigo D’Erasmo surrounds you like a slow-moving force, while architectural towers, covered in lava stone tiles, rise into the space—designed by Francesco Meda and David Lopez Quincoces, they play with light and texture in a very poetic way.
For Ranieri, the volcano is more than a theme, it’s a metaphor for creativity and change. Something rough and imperfect turned into something beautiful. It’s not just a material story, but also one of vision and experimentation and a reminder of how design can express emotion, movement, and time, all through natural stone.
About Raniere
Renowned for its excellence in the craftsmanship of volcanic stone, Ranieri elevates lava to its highest expressions in art, architecture, and interior design. Located at the foot of Mount Vesuvius and led by Giovanni Ranieri, the company explores the essence of lava with an innovative aesthetic, rediscovering the untapped potential of its unique organic composition. With centuries of expertise, Ranieri passes down a deeply rooted tradition that has been integral to the Neapolitan territory for generations. Striking a perfect balance between artisanal craftsmanship and industrial production, Ranieri’s collections range from interior and exterior cladding to furniture. Designed in collaboration with luxury brands, they reflect a profound respect for the raw material and a constant pursuit to enhance its unmistakable uniqueness // txt Ranieri
Habitare fair & Materials
Ever since being invited by Habitare to their yearly fair in Helsinki back in 2016 I stayed in touch with them, meeting them at several occasions and also at Alcova the last few years where their exhibition curated by NEMO Architects and Päivi Helander features 13 Finnish companies and designers: Arktis Furniture |Fiberwood | Durat | Hiil | KOIVUI |
KOTA company | Metsä Fibre | Mölinä | Pihlgren ja Ritola | Suomen Käsityön Ystävät |VM Carpet | Ville Auvinen and Aino Michelsen | Fanni Laukkanen | Roosa Ryhänen
See through’s everywhere
Summer colours, can’t remember the name and lost the Alcova map, so if you know let me know 😉
Images ©vosgesparis
Find all articles of Milan Design week 2025 under fairs