Travel blog post: colours of Cyprus

I have just come back from Cyprus and had a great time. I wanted to share a few interesting photos of things that caught my eye while walking around in various places, especially of the rich colours and patterns on buildings and in textiles. Cyprus has a rich history of different cultures all putting their stamp on the island, and of course at present it is still divided in a Greek and a Turkish part. The Greek side is more modern and developed with many large hotels and plenty of activity along the many beaches, while the Turkish side is quieter with less of that going on and more strips of beach all to yourself, though there are lots of villas being built for foreigners wanting their own place in the sun. At times it can be hard to look through all the ugly building developments, noisy bars as well as rubbish left on beaches, which unfortunately you see, but if you venture away from the beaten track you'll soon come across the real beauty and authenticity that Cyprus has to offer - both in the South and the North. A great island all around.

Beautiful colours in this carpet in  the Halan Sultan Tekke mosque, Larnaca, South Cyprus

Some true vintage furniture in Bellapais, Kyrenia, North Cyprus

Glorious bougainvillea growing in an old plastic barrel, Kyrenia, North Cyprus

Various street scenes in Nicosia

fantastic handmade lace in Lefkara, South Cyprus

Rich colours, blue paint and red geranium in Lefkara, South Cyprus

Lace shop in Lefkara, South Cyprus

Striking blue wall at the local museum of Lefkara, South Cyprus

Sunlight and shadows on a beautiful yellow door in Bellapais, North Cyprus

Great selection of carpets in the Halan Sultna Tekke mosque in Larnaca, South Cyprus

Blue, blue blue....in Lefkara, South Cyprus

Bright yellow flower and blue furniture on the beach in Larnaca

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What inspired me this week: grey basics, ethnic textiles and graphic patterns

Great collection of artwork above a wonderful grey wool sofa http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416040438341/

 

 

Love the pops of fuchsia pink and mustard against the black and white. Great textures too in the chunky rug and wool cushions http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416040438328/

Another example of bold graphic patterns and pop of bright colours against a grey basic background. http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416040428909/

Oh my...that tiled wall...loving the pattern! Would look great a smaller feature wall in a bathroom or kitchen too. http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416040428904/

Nice timeless design sofa in grey, good combo with the graphic patterns and mustard yellow accessories http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416040385013/

Another beautifully styled living room with the grey sofa and black and white graphic pattern accessories, including the iconic Marimekko bowl. Can't beat a bit of Scandinavian design! http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416040357100/

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Scandi patchwork cushion collection by Nina's Apartment, vintage furniture and Interior design, Aberdeenshire

I love Scandinavian fabrics. The simplicity of the geometrical patterns and the strong colours have been used for decades but are still so timeless and work well in most interiors - contemporary or traditional. Marimekko is an obvious name in the 'Scandi' fabric design world, but I have recently discovered Lotta Jansdotter, who makes the most stunning prints and whose fabrics I have incorporated in many of my cushions. One day I might try and design my own Scandi-style fabrics, but for now I source beautiful material already available.

Here are some cushions I have made recently using various Scandinavian fabrics.

(PS: If you like this style, I do take commissions and can make a set for your own home, based on the colour scheme of your interior. Just contact me for a free consultation!)

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This week's inspiration: comfy sofas, lush beds and wall displays

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416039140935/

I don't know about you, but I have started to get the woolly socks and winter blankets out of the cupboard. We had a great warm and sunny few days up here in Aberdeenshire last weekend, but I think that really was the last bit of summer. Flipflops can be put away (as if we ever wear them here in Scotland! ;-), winter boots can come out.

On Pinterest I have been pinning some nice photos of colourful interiors lately and since we'll be spending more time indoors now summer is over, I am sharing some ideas on how to bring warmth and happiness in your home with colourful lounges and bedrooms and great wall displays. I hope you like them.

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416038835886/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416039127189/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416039127187/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416039116621/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416039140937/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416039127183/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416039140936/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416038784839/

http://pinterest.com/pin/255086766363515988/

http://pinterest.com/pin/173036810653362833/

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Back to winter woollies...vintage crochet blankets love.

So we are having some freakish weather up here in Scotland. Barbecues and sun hats one day, 10cm of snow the next. What's going on?! Anyway, nothing we can do about it but go with the flow (or snow for that matter). I had to get an extra blanket out the cupboard the past few days to keep warm and got the idea to actually go and stock up on beautiful hand crocheted 'granny' blankets for my etsy shop too.
Really beautiful ones (in up to date rather colours than seventies ones) are hard to come by though. Maybe I should find a local granny to make me some. Or learn to crochet myself...!

Here are some nice blankets I sold recently and one that I have just added to my shop.

 

This blanket is currently available in my Etsy shop

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Valentines Day...how about adding some red to your life?

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037518052/

I'm not big on Valentines Day myself, but I do love a bit of red! I have gathered some inspirational images of interiors with red furniture, red artwork, red fridges, red walls, red doors and red anything else.

Hope you like it. Spread the LOVE.

http://pinterest.com/pin/68719846607/

http://pinterest.com/pin/20266267042644029/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037848142/

http://img4.coastalliving.com/i/2009/06/redwhiteblue-9-l.jpg

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037848140/

http://spookyhome.tumblr.com/post/4108147260

http://designismine.blogspot.com/2010/05/interior-inspiration-random-rooms.html

http://www.etsy.com/listing/88092887/patchwork-cushion-cover-red-apples-and

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037848153/

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Grey boring? How about sophisticated - and a great backdrop for colour?

http://pinterest.com/pin/379977431/

A lot of people choose natural colours like beiges or browns when opting for a 'neutral' and safe colour scheme for their homes. Grey is often seen as too cold or depressing and not on every person's radar when standing in the paint pot alley of the DIY store.

I've collected some examples today of rooms where grey actually looks rather sophisticated and stylish, when used in combination with the right colour accents and accessories. Much better than beige (or worse even, magnolia...)! And hey, you can start off simple - try one bit of wall for starters. Perhaps around the fire place or in the hallway to make a mirror, painting or piece of furniture stand out.








Grey teams very well with yellow, teal and mustard. Imagine if these splashes of colour weren't added to the decor pictured below... They really lift the room. Loving those knitted floor cushions.

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037586270/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037591235/

Grey is also excellent with more 'girly' colours like red and pink - if yellow is not your cup of tea. That grey becomes the perfect background for your favourite pink accessories - just add cushions, throws, curtains or just a bouquet of roses to the room.

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037591534/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037593603/

Loving this chesterfield sofa... http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037591995/

http://pinterest.com/pin/301590063/

And if you really can't detach yourself from your beiges and browns, why not combine grey with a bit of 'neutral' after all - and add accessories in natural materials like wood, wicker and jute? Add some natural wooden furniture, pieces of driftwood as accessories and of course don't forget that lovely natural wooden floor as a basis.

Oh my - now THAT looks like a cosy seat! http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037593612/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037574949/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037584118/

http://pinterest.com/pin/259027416037593594/

http://pinterest.com/pin/381739864/

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