October 1, 2009

Design Around the World

Here in the US, we love our Elle Decors and House Beautifuls, but also pine after those hard to get our hands on glossies overseas, like French Elle Decoration and Australian Vogue Living. But at $90 a subscription, mostly we stick to what we've got. Lucky for us, a little global inspiration is only a click away! (Ok, so I can't understand a word of the texts, but isn't it the images that really do the talking anyway?)

For fresh, contemporary spaces, I turn to the stylish Spanish site, Nuevo Estilo. The aesthetic is usually colorful and cheery, but always always inspiring!

The painting here is what caught my eye. Surrounded by happy tulips and a sunny sectional, is it really crying those big metal tears?
In a country drenched with sun, an outside space like this is definitely in order! I'll take the Louis Vuitton bags too, please!

Just a country away, we find Maire Claire Maison - a true gem of inspiration! Of course, we wouldn't expect any less from the French!
Unique and exotic spaces reign supreme here. Intense interiors transport you to lands far away, like Thailand and Morocco - perhaps a nod to the countries colonial past?

Of course, you'll find no shortage of Mediterranean simplicity here either! Soft linens, terra cotta floors, and old structures make you feel right at home in France.

Then there is the ever so popular, Skona Hem from Sweden! And yes, Scandinavian interiors are still white and fabulous...

...but don't be fooled, they can do dark and dramatic with the best of them!

Rich, saturated hues are starting to make their way onto the Scandinavian scene! Either way, I'll take it!

A Few Lovely Links:

*more French Elle Decoration lust here and here
*travel the world of design with a 'foreign correspondent' here
*last day to enter the giveaway! winner will be announced tomorrow!

17 comments:

Mango Gal said...

These spaces are so inspiring! I love your blog!

Fee - Makeup Savvy said...

I love looking at the styles of different countries for inspiration and Scandinavian interiors have to be at the top of my list.
They do light and white the best.
Just like in these wonderful photos.

Inspiring post I must say.

Fee x

TERI REES WANG said...

You really do know how to speak my aesthetic language.
Visual communication is key.

This laundry list of images will feed my inspiration for days.

Chic Coles said...

I buy them anyway even when I do not understand a word . That first image is to die for . what colors.

Mise said...

Thanks for these great links! Marie Claire Maison is my current addiction: I miss breakfast for it, but I see from this array that I'll have reason to miss lunch too.

plaisirs simples said...

marie claire maison is AMAZING. i could sit for hours on the site...truly inspiring

Unknown said...

Oh, my goodness. I've only just now discovered Plush Palate's new header {it's brilliant!}

I'm desperate for theThe Well Dressed Home giveaway to be announced! Such a cool interview you gave. Well done, little lady.

Cheers.

M said...

I love that blue room in Marie Claire Maison! Whenever I flip through a French magazine, I end up wanting to move there so badly... everything they do is ultra stylish. :)

Arianna Belle said...

Great inspiration!
I see you've changed your header -Looks great!!!

Maryam in Marrakesh said...

I have long loved that blue room with the heads. So incredible & bold. Makes me wish I hadn't painted all my rooms white!

Linda [Forever Champagne] said...

Well done, Crystal. I love how you add such entertaining and interesting editorial content to the images you post.

A Perfect Peach said...

Love me some Skona Hem! Can't wait to check out the Spanish site!

the NEO-traditionalist said...

Oh I feel like I just traveled around the world! Gorgeous interiors in beautiful cities. Wish I could subscribe to all the foreign mags, until then, I have you!
XX Kate

Blair Friedeman said...

Oh these are definitely some of my favorites! Although I am currently OBSESSED with nuevo estilo. And sadly even though I took five years of french--marie claire maison still makes my head spin to try and read! xx

Julie at Belle Vivir said...

I love nuevo estilo magazine, always full of so many fresh and subtle interiors.

Sarah Klassen said...

These are beautiful! There is something to learn from each space and each approach. Such inspiration for decor -- It's unique that they have used small pedestal tables to host those bold yellow vases -- at a quick glance, I though they were dress forms! (image 03) Also, lovely mirror...okay, well, the entire room of image 04. Also, the dining room with the Panton chairs, is so lovely -- the touch of gold seems to add warmth and depth in such a subtle way...

My eye zoomed in on the LV luggage, too! *wink

Apt. #34 said...

totally agree. And I buy a $10 UK Elle too often then I'd like to admit!

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