It's a cover-up

Less is more. Or is it?

Some live by the rules while others feel they are only there to be broken. Anneloes van Gaalen’s new(ish) book, Never Use White Type on a Black Background and 50 Other Ridiculous Design Rules takes an analytical yet humorous look the merit of 51 established design rules. (The jacket sets the stage introducing ambivalence with a title that is far from short and catchy, and graphics that cannot claim to emulate your one chance to make a good impression, but somehow still works...)

It is odd to think that an industry spawned on the back of creativity would even entertain edict but everyone needs a framework and you need to know the rules if you are going to break them (rule 51!). Whether you follow guidelines to the letter or prefer to turn them on their face, there is something to be taken from this book.

As Miyoko of Dwell pointedly writes Regardless of whether you agree with the modernist motto of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe ("Less is more") or the counterpoints presented by Robert Venturi ("Less is a bore") and Frank Lloyd Wright ("Less is only more when more is no good"), "less is more" still stands strong as an accepted design rule.

More interesting than didactic, each rule in this book provides an image that either negates or supports it, along with a short history of its origins and the design world's thoughts on them.

From the popular "Form Follows Function”, “Keep it Simple”, “Dress Your Age", "When in doubt, leave it out" to the overused "... is the new black", Rule 47 stood firmly out as our fave: "If your images does not work, put a dog in it." The phrase is based on a comment once made by iconic American illustrator Norman Rockwell: "If a picture wasn't going very well, I'd put a puppy in it."

Design-It-Yourself: rugs

Abstract Forest by Rug Designer

Whether its pattern is bold and graphic or subtly sophisticated, a surefire way to make a style statement in a room is with a striking rug. If you’re searching for the perfect rug, but can’t find your dream design, don’t despair. There’s a whole host of companies who will help you create a carpet to your exact specifications for less than you might expect. 

Photos c/o Bughetti

Many of these websites, including the ones pictured above and below, allow you to choose from their existing range, or make alterations to these collections through color palette changes. A couple of sites however are dedicated entirely to producing bespoke rugs on a variety of patterned designs.

Photos c/o Bughetti

These interactive websites allow you to test drive many details and if you have a really specific idea in mind, you can even send in a fabric sample or a sketch to create something utterly unique. At Rug Designer, for example, they made this rug based on a swatch of fabric (below)!

I even came across one that had the option of changing the type of background flooring to reflect your own in order to provide you with a true idea of the end result. Très cool! Here's one (below) I put together on Rug Couture. Not bad for five minutes' work.

Most of the suppliers provide hand made rugs from quality raw materials, such as 100% soft touch wool, often with free delivery and within a reasonable turnaround time (considering your product is made-to-order).  Prices start around £79 for the first square meter and less for each square meter thereafter. If you have a completely unique design in mind though, you'll need to get a quote from the manufacturer.

Moodboards con't - my attempt

My most recent Top Tips post about the usefulness of moodboards was a call to action for me. I put together this moodboard for the said H&M Jimmy Choo competition. I chose some shots from the H&M website, some from their Facebook page and some were random words or imaged that helped underline the overall mood I was after. What do you think?

Top tips: Moodboards - do we need them?

Moodboard c/o most inspired

I say 'Yes!' I love the way moodboards enable you to visually illustrate the look and feel you're after without having to come up with all the appropriate adjectives. It's hard to be establish that your interpretation of 'classic' or 'bohemian' or 'shaker' is the same as another's and this is one way to ensure you are on the same page (punny!).

Moodboard c/o most inspired

All kinds of designers from graphic to web to interior designers start their projects with a moodboard. Why is that? Because using this visual tool clearly lays out the direction of style being pursued and these professionals need to be sure they are delivering what the client is after or run the risk of losing precious time and money.

Moodboard c/o stuff and nonsense

OK, but do you need a moodboard, even when you are not enlisting the help of a pro? I still say 'Yes!', even more so, in fact. A moodboard is exactly what will help you stay on track when picking out colors, fabrics, accessories so that the end result in front of you reflects the image you had in your mind, whether it's updating your living room or introducing a nursery to our home.

Moodboard c/o webdesigner depot

So how do you make a moodboard? It's easy: collect examples that show what you are after. These can include everything from textures, colors and any general attributes, including emotional ones, of the project you're undertaking. There are no limits here! It can include cuttings from magazines, photographs, fabric samples, a favorite quote, words, anything that helps form your vision. I've included pieces of jewelry and even the odd leaf and stone. Collate your treasure trove onto a board and voila! Moodboard complete.

Moodboard c/o mydeco

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and in this case it's definitely the truth.

Now onto the project itself...

Moodboard c/o mydeco

PS If you are looking for the chance to try moodboarding out, Swedish clothing giant H&M are having a competition in conjunction with the launch of their Jimmy Choo collection (yes, Jimmy Choo!) Put your moodboard together and you'll be a shoe-in! ;)

Do CEOs tweet?

I know there are some famous people out there who use Twitter to keep in touch (Stephen Fry, Ashton Kutcher), but do CEOs use it? This one does! On Tuesday, Lesley gave a talk about twittering and the use of Social Media at The Really Realtime Conference put together by Disruptive Media. As one would expect from a bunch of social media savvy people squeezed into a room for a day, the action was available almost simultaneously online: tweets, blogs, Flickr photostreams, videos, you name it. 

A warm mention goes to Jon Buscall whose praise of Lesley's talk left us all beaming like proud parents witnessing their first born's first steps. Also, Christopher at bjornalberts.com put together a nice summary (in Swedish though) of top tips for small businesses thinking about including social media in their marketing portfolio.

If you are ready to dip your toe into the social media sea, join us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Photo c/o paulamarttila

Thanks for the shout out!

Photo c/o M2JL with Tullsta chair with Bemz cover in Marimekko Unikko- Red 

We've recently been getting some great coverage from some fab blogs. Thanks to M2JL, A Chair in a Room, Rented Spaces, Swedish Våning & Villa, Inspirera Mera and Villa Varm, and Norwegian Fjellrosa & Livet Under Stjernene.

Left: Residence from Sweden; right: Your Home UK

On the newsstand you will have found some of our models gracing the pages of some fave mags. Swedish Residence put together this great orange ensemble with a Klippan dressed in Gotland Stripe- Mandarin Orange by Bemz which, combined with the wood, really warms up the otherwise white room. Meanwhile, the UK's Your Home opted for a greener look with an Ektorp armchair in Marimekko Kirsikka- Turquoise by Bemz.

Have you got a point?

Poäng is Swedish for point but at Ikea is it also for a bent birch framed armchair. Well - good news for those of you who do have a "point": Bemz has added them to the list of models for which we manufacture covers. 

Also, new to our list of products are covers for the Nils chair and stool, the Strömstad corner sofa and, just in time to put your feet up, the Falsterbo footstool. 

If none of these were the ones you've been holding out for, why not drop us a line and let us know what you'd like to see included in our next product launch.

Design-It-Yourself: trainers

Granted, football trainers (or soccer shoes, depending on where you are!) aren't the first thing to come to mind when talking about designing your own interior but why not try your hand at it? For the experience, if nothing else. That, and the fact that Umbro are having a competition! If your design is picked one of three professional players will wear it at a game. That kinda helps hike the interest-factor up a notch or two, methinks.

So which do you think Michael Owen would most likely fancy? Will he be on-trend with HoundsTooth or will he go for a more playful look with vibrant and colorful Daiquiri/Teal Blue? Maybe he's more of a traditional man, opting for the New Baroque look. What do you think? Do you have a better option?

Top tips: High impact changes on a budget

With the economy as it is, many of us are choosing to make renovations and changes rather than selling up and moving. This doesn't have to mean standing still on the decorating front though. If you are looking to inject some new life into your home but, like the rest of us, are working with a tight budget, you may find this article in Living etc a real help.

The one thing that most often stops me from throwing myself into renos is the potential cost. This article shows how high impact changes, ranging from putting in a skylight to upgrading a shower to reinstating a fireplace, can be made for under a thousand quid!

Although these examples are quoted in pounds, I'm sure you'll find similar pricing where you are. No need for number 8 though, when you've got Bemz...

Even if you don't have any planned renos on your wishlist right now, read the article for inspiration or, even if for nothing else, the beautiful pictures.

Photo credit: all Livingetc

How to save this Christmas

Lights at Ikea

Christmas already?? Are you joking?? I know, I know - I was thinking the same thing as I started spotting more and more shop shelves stocking cards and decorations. If you're anything like me, it's the last thing you want to think about. We haven't even hit Halloween yet. But still...

50% off sales at M&S

If you are serious about making some big savings this Christmas you need to stop just thinking about it and actually start acting on it. There are some great sales on: post "back-to-school" sales and autumn collection sales, this-weekend-only sales. This is a great time to start picking up gifts for those lucky ones on your Christmas gift list.

By buying now, not only will you benefit from the sales but you will also alleviate the financial burden of the whole event by spreading it out over several months rather than a few short weeks (or even days for those real procrastinators!).

Plus, when the 25th rolls around, both you and your bank manager are going to be happy you were so clever!

Ektorp 2-seater in Crimson Red, 10% off right now at Bemz

P.S. If you're planning making changes to your home to fit a Christmas theme, now is the time to start thinking about your Christmas covers. They need to be ordered by the beginning of November if you hope to have them by the beginning of December. And you'll want to leave time for ordering swatches to make sure it's just the right shade of red, or grey, or black, or...

Credit: Four Christmas tree photos c/o John Lewis