Pillow Covers

We just bought a patio storage bench, but still need new cushions. I might do them myself based on the design I made with the computer. The patterns (apart from the flowers) are taken from the book 'The Magic Chalk' by Zinken Hopp.

Product Packaging

Nowadays, innovative package designers are coming up with ideas that are beyond even the wildest imagination. There are fruit juice packages that imitate the look and feel of the fruit they contain and milk containers featuring the letters of the product's name in 3D.
However, I somehow still prefer packages with a heavy dose of old-world charm. Here are some of my favorite solutions:



1. drinking chocolate from Sarotti
2. safety matches from Thore Gustavsson
3. pancake syrup from De Zeeuwsche Boerin
4. gingerbread spice mixture from Staesz
5. condensed milk from Bärenmarke
6. confectionery from Teekanne
7. soap from Penaten
8. camembert from Rotkäppchen
9. butter from Gut von Holstein

Fashion by Deerberg

At the first blush, I've thought that Deerberg is just another producer of Trachtenmode (traditional Austrian/Bavarian fashion). Well, it is not quite so. It is certainly true that their fashion line is somewhat inspired by the Landhausmode (country style), but they add a quirky twist to it, so their clothing items are fabulously fun and cozy to wear. In addition to their own creations, they also carry shoes and home accessories from a diverse range of labels; as a matter of fact, Deerberg sells a whole lifestyle inspired by color and a love of the countryside/outdoors. Their store in Velgen is also decked out in a typical German country style. In terms of philosophy and approach, Deerberg is sort of the German equivalent of Joules UK. As a major plus, they are committed to working sustainably and most of their garments are organic and ethically produced.

Boden's Fine Line

There are so many signs indicating that the summer is at an end. One of them is that the autumn Boden catalogue (employing a dainty combination of drawings and photos) has arrived. It is as amazing as ever. While I admit that the brand seems to have a bit of a "Yummy-Mummy-meets-Stepford-Wives" vibe, I do not share the revulsion of those being offended by Boden's alleged middle-class smugness and Sloaney superiority. I really love their signature, bright colors and bold patterns and the fact that their clothing items stand the test of time and refuse to follow the ephemeral trends dictated on catwalks, then ripped off and mass-produced by fast-fashion retail giants. Those with a positive outlook on life and an appreciation for simple pleasures will like Boden's happy, peppy style. As with anything, less is more though, so do not attempt to wear it from head to toe.

Gudrun Sjödén

Gudrun Sjödén is a Swedish designer and besides the Scandinavian region, she also has concept stores in four German cities. Although I have ordered our bed cover, pillow cases and curtain from her online webshop, I could not wait to personally visit her Hamburg store. I am absolutely fascinated by her work that heavily relies on natural - and in many cases organic - materials and bold, colorful, ethnic inspired patterns. Her home range is so much easier to pull off though than the clothing items that are often not fitted enough or would make a peculiar office wear. Nonetheless, most of her creations are like a fresh breeze in the mass of homogenous, run-of-the-mill high-street looks sported by most women.