Pick of the Pads: Northern Exposure

Pick of the Pads is back with this stunning, light-filled home.

It’s featured in the October 2015 edition of Elle Decoration.

The apartment belongs to Swedish fashion photographer, Maria Wretblad and her film photographer husband, Aril – the Northern Exposure title is a reference to its Stockholm location.

We love the pared back simplicity.

Subtle, layered shades of white, black, grey and dusty pale pastels provide the backdrop.

Carefully selected classic design pieces are dotted throughout the apartment – some beautiful seating and lighting, in particular.

Wood, textiles and lots of books provide warmth and homeliness; plants, seed-heads and feathers draw nature in.

It’s got a lot of impact but, at the same time, is calm and well-balanced – classic Scandi cool!

Pick of the Pads: Simply Beautiful

We’ve turned to the February 2014 edition of Elle Decoration for this month’s Pick of the Pads.

This wonderful loft apartment is situated in the Norwegian city of Stavanger and is the home of Mariken Steen and her partner Stian Einar Forgaard.

Mariken is an illustrator & Stian a film director, so as they put it, “are exposed to a lot of visual stimulation” in their work lives. Their home is a retreat from this – calmness, simplicity & functionality are the words that spring to mind.

The interior is essential for their mental well being – an uncluttered house for an uncluttered mind, in effect.

The apartment is decorated quite sparsely, but certainly doesn’t lack interest. In fact, the simplicity makes it easier for your eyes to rest on certain views or pieces. A great deal of thought & sourcing has gone into it.

There’s a wonderful mix of vintage, recycled & contemporary pieces – a palette of greys, creams & browns runs throughout.

The space is full of natural light & materials, much of it provided by the structure of the building which the owners stripped right back during their renovations. Rooms are softened by textiles & candlelight.

Interiors perfection – Simply Beautiful – we love it!

Pick of the Pads: Beetham Tower

Welcome to our new blog series entitled ‘Pick of the Pads‘ where we’ll feature homes that attract us, captivate us, bewitch us… sweep us off our feet!

This apartment in Manchester’s Beetham Tower does all of that in spades!

It’s a huge space, the penthouse duplex, taking up the whole of the 47th & 48th floors of the building. It’s the home of Ian Simpson, Beetham Tower’s architect.

As you’d expect from one of this country’s best architects, the apartment is absolutely stunning. There are scores of floor to ceiling windows allowing sunlight to stream through into double height rooms. And being so high up the views stretch right across to the Pennines!

It even boasts an indoor swimming pool, terrace and olive grove – the trees had to be installed before the roof went on!

And of course it’s furnished with beautiful mid century modern furniture, artworks and decorative objects.

For the full tour and more photos check out the September issue of Elle Decoration.

Update (3 April 2016): Here’s a new interview with the architect, Ian Simpson, in his penthouse apartment.

H is for Home Harbinger

Tag: Elle Decoration Magazine

Pick of the Pads: Northern Exposure

Pick of the Pads: Simply Beautiful

Pick of the Pads: Beetham Tower