TABLE THINGS

Hello, Santa. One or two of these, perhaps?

Plates and saucers by vtwonen via serviesshop.com

Rolling pins, measuring spoons, and serving bowl by Anthropologie via anthropologie.eu

Teapot, spoon, plate, and cup by Marimekko via marimekko.com

GEOMETRY AT WORK: MISTER ZIMI

Mister Zimi is a Bali-based label founded in 2007. I love that the brand combines modern Australian design with beautiful Balinese influences but in this collection, it’s the pineapple motif that had me at hello. So yes, you can say that it’s a “pineapple crush”.

ZARA HOME LOOKBOOK SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

I know what you’re thinking: This doesn’t look like a typical Zara Home lookbook. But hey, I like it! It feels modern and vibrant, and the classic hues and patterns would be great additions to any white space. The best thing about this collection is that, while the clean, neutral look would appeal to women, it exudes a masculine feel as well. I bet Zara Home made a lot of guys happy this month.

MARIMEKKO FASHION S/S 2013

Because every week should start with good vibes, I’m sharing with you these fun photos from Finnish brand Marimekko . According to its creative director, Marimekko’s designs showcase a whole range of emotions – joy, relaxed, energetic, even silent and brooding – that are combined in interesting, surprising ways. In short, the goal is to integrate contradictory feelings in each concept. Mission accomplished, designers. I look at these pictures, and I feel calm and bubbly at the same time. How is that possible? Only the Marimekko squad knows.

THE COLORS AND SHAPES OF AGATHA RUIZ DE LA PRADA

Welcome to the world of Spanish brand Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, where “boring” surely doesn’t exist. While I wouldn’t go as far as wearing the sunglasses and shoes below, I have a thing about its home collection. The attractive, unusual designs have loads of character. Especially the bathroom furnishings – I’m smitten with them!

PRINT POWER: OILILY WOMEN’S WEAR SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION 2013

We’ve now entered the month of June, which means that the summer sale season is just around the corner (!!). In the Netherlands, one of the places I frequent during the sales is the department store Vroom & Dreesmann or simply V&D. I’m a huge fan of the Dutch brand Oilily – what with its beautiful prints – and if I’m lucky, I can find an Oilily bag at V&D for half of the original price. (Schiphol Airport is also a great place to score Oilily products for less.) Here is Oilily’s latest campaign called World of Wonders. I just can’t say no to prints!

OILILY’S WORLD OF WONDERS: KIDS SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION 2013

Oilily started as a children’s clothing line in 1963. With its unexpected color combinations and striking prints, the brand instantly gained fans from kids and parents alike so much so that a women’s collection and tableware line had to be introduced later on. Any chance that you’re keeping an age-reversing device in your basement? My five-year-old self would like to borrow it so that she can dress up like the little girls in the photos. Don’t worry, I’ll pay for shipping and I’ll handle it with care. I’ll even throw in a pack of chorizo when I send it back.

PATTERN PLAY: PRINTS AS HOME ACCENTS

Here’s my favorite tongue twister: Please pick pretty patterns and printed pastels for perfect accents that make your home a proper place for rest and a pleasant place for play. (That wasn’t so hard, was it?)