Trip to Copenhagen and Høst

I’m just back from a little trip to Copenhagen where Rafa-kids furniture were presented at CIFFkids fair on the Fabelab stand. Any excuse is good to visit this beautiful city. It was such a fresh and cold weather and I managed to look around the center and step by some stores and coffee bars. One of my ‘must see’ visits this time was famous Høst Restaurant designed by Norm Architects. 

It is already 4 years old, and won many international design awards…but well, I wanted to see it myself. What I like the most is the combination of the imperfect materials like recycled wood, aged concrete, steel, next to some warm wool of the blankets, greenery and delicate modern light. The old wooden ceiling and the not perfect walls, give such a relaxed and cosy atmosphere. The neighbourhood is also nice with a big park, food markets and plenty of space to breath. Probably even more beautiful during warm days, when you can sit outside. I will be back! 

Photos from Norm Architects website / Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

Out and About

Remember my first post about Friday’s ‘Out and About’ ? Each Friday we would like to go and discover some new places and recharge our batteries and get inspired. Today I would like to show you our last outing.  We went to Amsterdam, to see the fourth edition of pop up event called : The Loft. This event is created by interior design agency, with passion for design in the field of furniture, arts, accessories and curiosa. Everything in the space is curated with an eye for the smallest details. 

Directly from a busy street in the heart of Amsterdam we climbed the 3floor of the building to Enter The Loft. I wasn’t sure where to look! From the beautiful windows with views I could stare for hours - big garden behind the Amsterdam’s canal houses and on the other  site historical brickwork of Bijnekorf , the most prestigious warehouse of the city….then there was the loft. It belongs to  ‘Miss Bare’ as each pop up interior is dedicated to  an imaginary person. This time it was a divorced women, her kids lived already independent ( this we had chance to know during our visit). We really like the serene atmosphere and reach textures of all the minimalistic objects. My favourite was the contras between the dark, sleek kitchen with marble top, put next to the ‘imperfect’ and relax table set with chairs. The pictures above the kitchen made it very monumental, but the rustic and romantic table - softened the whole.  Living in one open floor plan with kids is not an option I think, but maybe one day we could move in such a relaxed and free space. I really would not mind. 

Pictures for the post from The-loft-pop-up and Rafa-kids. 

Rafa-kids at Dutch Design Week at Crioll

Do you have already plans for the up-coming weekend ? 

What about visiting Eindhoven DDW, 

which become a heart of modern Dutch design from 22 till 30th of October?  

Rafa-kids is presented at the Crioll Designshop. We are so glad to see this lovely set with R toddler bed and L shelf created especially for the event. Cute and sophisticated at the same time. Our furniture is with a great company of our favourite Danish brands : like FermLiving, LuckyBoySunday or Muuto.  As you know I’m not a big fun of pink , but this is just such a playful and modern, toddler’s corner. Thank you Crioll Designshop! You did such a wonderful work. If you are interested in any more of their products, there is a special - 10% OFF on all orders during Dutch Design Week at Crioll. 

Should we say more? 

Dutch Design Week at Crioll Designshop 

from 22 - 30th October

where ?

Bergstraat 43

5611JC Eindhoven

" Eindhoven is the design capital of the world this week,

 presenting the work and ideas of more than 2500 designers."

Dream house and WOTH

My followers probably remember, that my family is looking for a new place. Our dream was to adopt an old school in Rotterdam and I talked about this here. Unfortunately we were not the lucky ones to get this place but we still keep looking. 

A while ago we had chance to see a very special place in The Hague during Festivaldesignkwartier. I’m still not over this house and could move in there straight away. WOTH – Wonderful Things – creative studio of the former head of Eigen Huis & Interieur and More Than Classic magazines, Mary Hessing. She lives there together with Toon Lauwen and their tree daughters. It is difficult to believe that this enormous space is hidden in the heart of the city.  But it really is! This place was created in a former milk factory and the transformation is absolutely stunning. Of course the house was ‘decorated’ for the design event and became a gallery for few days, but using such a beautiful space on a daily basis is just a dream to me…..

 There is a NEW Design magazine created by Mary Hessing, 

soon to be lunched. You can support the concept and get the first edition here! 

Out and About

Weekend! Last week we decided that our Friday’s are going to be “ Out and About ” . Each Friday we will go and discover some new places and recharge our  batteries and get inspired. Do you like the idea ?  Today I would like to show you our first outing.  We went to The Hague, since there is a 3 day event called “ Festival Design Kwartier” 27-29 May. Tomorrow you still have chance to see it if you are around. Open doors to designer’s studios, houses , galleries and shops all filled with design. 

On our ‘must see’ list was Tas-ka store. Unique design concept store hosting also products for MINI - people. 

Tas-ka is run by Jantien Baas and Hester Worst.  In the store you will find, their own design prints all over the place. From designed and manufactured in The Netherlands textiles, their bedding, bags, cushions, tea towers. Their print comes on lamps and plenty of beautiful paper goods too. Jantien and Hester also carry a well curated collection of goods from other brands. Exclusively for “ Festival Design Kwartier” we could see this cute mustard yellow exposition wall with accessories for little ones. There is also a bookstore !  As you could see the store has a minimal look with a graphic touch. Atmosphere is built with care for every little element and product. Well done, Tas-ka! 

pictures> Rafa-kids

Holiday villa in Portugal

How nice is to come across some original beds , while you are looking for accommodation for your holiday home! I didn’t expected that.  This year we are considering to visit Portugal and that’s how I found, this absolutely beautiful in its simplicity villa at airbnb. Since we have children, we never go to hotels any more, but always looking for a unique, regional accommodation , which gives us a chance to discover the spirit of the place. This Portuguese villa is very close to perfect example what I’m looking for. Unfortunately already booked for this summer…but coming back to the beds. Don’t you like them ? They robust, but at the same time stylish look is just so special. I think, they are probably made by owners, or maybe that’s a tradition Portuguese beds? Can you see the bunk bed with the rope to climb on ? Well, this is such a perfect match with all the atmosphere and spirit of the place for perfect holiday home.