It's a cover-up

One room - three looks, thanks to new Karlstad slipcovers

Want to give your room a lift without the headache of full-on renos or cracking open a can of paint? New slipcovers for your Ikea furniture can transform your living room in no time. Our in-house designer and stylist, Katarina Wiklund put together three different spring looks for one room using a Karlstad 3 seater sofa and small armchair.

Have a good look at these rooms - they look very different yet none of the accessories around the room nor the layout have been changed. The only adjustments are new sofa and chair slipcovers, and different cushion covers. I think you'll agree that it's pretty impressive to see what a difference such a simple change can make! 

First up - white with dash of light grey. Classic.
Sofa cover in Absolute White and armchair cover in Gotland Stripe Silver Grey. The cushion covers are in Candy Pink and Absolute White.

Second is the much sought after understated elegance of dark blues paired with shades of grey.
Sofa in Tégner Melange Ink Blue, Tégner Melange Zinc Grey for the armchair, with Tégner Melange Zinc Grey and Tégner Melange Sage Brown cushion covers.

Third and finally a sophisticated mix of bohemian and vintage styles.
Bubble Brown sofa cover with a Fuchsia Tégner Melange armchair cover, paired with cushion covers in Bamboo Green, New Baroque - Chocolate Brown, Vanilla Yellow in linen, Lavender in linen and Burnt Orange Tégner Melange.

Post Christmas Ektorp

Last week, our customer profile featured Anna of Sweden and her two beautifully recovered Sand Beige Ektorp sofas. Anna sent in those original photos pre-Christmas thus the festive slant to her decor. Anna recently updated us on our Facebook page of her post-Christmas look.

Chez Anna, Christmastime

Chez Anna, post Christmas

I wanted to share this as it is a wonderful example of how a change of accessories, like cushions, candles and plants, can change the whole feel of the room. Anna swapped out the red cushions and accents, the evergreen plants and candles for dusty pinks and soft whites, fresh cuts flowers and leafy greens giving the room a light and soft feel that is at once inviting and brings spring to mind. 

Thank you Anna for sharing your beautiful home with us. Again! 

You can see more of Anna on her Swedish blog, Lantligt på Svanängen. And if you have a Bemz cover, don't just sit there! Share it. Send a photo in of your home to me at blog[at]bemz.com or upload it directly onto our Facebook page.

The Beautiful Business Award: And the winner is...

Everyone at Bemz is still on a high from last night's excitement. The winner of the Beautiful Business Award 2012, Businesswoman of the Year, was announced. Here are some photos from the event.

We were, of course, all extremely pleased when we found out that our CEO, Lesley Pennington, was nominated as one of 10 finalists, and have been waiting with bated breath for the winner to be announced.

Presentation on Lesley 

About the contest:
"The Beautiful Business Award 2012 is a Swedish-based competition that aims at bringing women entrepreneurs to the forefront as role models. ... The Beautiful Business Award focuses on innovation, sustainability and growth ambitions; on astute business that inspires others. It's beautiful to be a role model."

The finalists

Other nominees included such amazing entrepreneurial minds as Emy Blixt, the woman behind fabulous shoes Swedish Hasbeens (if you don't know them, then definitely check them out!) and foodie Renée Voltaire. Naturally, Lesley was honoured to have been competing in the same class as these women whom have also inspired her on her own journey as an entrepreneur.

Please join everyone at Bemz in congratulating Emy Blixt, who took the title home. Congratulations Emy! 

Lesley, a very satisfied finalist 

The annual Beautiful Business Award is arranged by Swedish Price Waterhouse Cooper, the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, and Swedish business network Driftig.nu.

World Design Capital of 2012: Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki has been officially designated the honour of World Design Capital for 2012 and we are thrilled. This Finnish capital has long been a mecca for design aficionados, but it's wonderful to see it finally get the credit it deserves!

Light show on Helsinki Cathedral

Back in the 90s, a group of über creatives were drawn to the rough charm and low rents of the west of downtown Helsinki so decided to set up shop and call it their own... The Design District of Helsinki was born.

Minna Parikka in her shop in the Design District in Helsinki

In the heart of the Design District, where cutting edge boutiques and studios abound, you can often find the creative minds behind the wares on hand, ready to provide personalised advice. One example is designer Minna Parikka and her extravagant shoes (pictured above) which are popular with the likes of Lady Gaga and Dita von Teese.

This is not to say that Finnish designers are contemporary new kids on the block. Au contraire! Much of this Nordic country's design success is rooted in a very well established portfolio, one that has held its ground for decades.

The timeless Aalto vase

Not so long ago, I posted about Finnish fave Alvar Aalto and a book about his architectural achievements which show no signs of diminishing in popularity. But like so many of his prolific counterparts, he is equally famous for his vase, pictured above.

Kartio glassware collection by Kaj Franck and the Ball Chair by Eero Aarnio

Other Finnish favourites include Kaj Franck and his seminal glassware (left), Eero Aarnio and his coveted Ball Chair (right) and so many other classics to be found under the famous Iittala and Artek design houses. 

Klippan sofa in Unikko Red by Marimekko from the Bemz Designer Collection

Of course, our favourite would have to be Finnish cult brand Marimekko. Global recognition was cemented back at the start of the 60s for this textile giant, when Jackie Kennedy wore a Marimekko shift dress on the cover of Life magazine. They've never looked back. 

What is the secret of these Finnish masters' success? Three words: beautiful, functional and timeless. Who's your favourite Finnish designer?

Ektorps recovered in time for Christmas

Facebook follower Anna of Sweden uploaded this beautiful photo of her living room where two Ektorp sofas in Sand Beige hold centre stage.

I shared this photo with all our followers and it was very popular so I wanted to get it up here on It's a Cover Up before the Christmas decor felt altogether out of place. I love the Scandinavian Country feel of Anna's home - a reworking of traditional style with a beautiful rustic charm. The splashes of red give the cosy vintage look a Christmas feel. Well done Anna.

Get more ideas and inspiration from Anna by visiting her blog, Lantligt på Svanängen. 

If you have a Bemz cover, why not inspire us by sending us a photo of your home? You can upload it directly onto our Facebook page or send it to me at blog[at]bemz.com.

Trend alert: What's hot for 2012

What January would be complete without the requisite what's hot list? Here's ours for 2012. We see this year in interiors celebrating your personality. This is of course not entirely new but perhaps taking it up a notch: attention to details, unique pieces, pleasant, comfortable interiors.

Get those paintbrushes out! Strong, bold colours are back. We've already seen this with Pantone's Colour of the Year Tangerine Tango, but it's also apparent with the use of more and more what I like to call confident colours. Those bright, vibrant, determined colours that say 'I like this colour and I'm not afraid to use it.' Bam!

Not too shabby: that rustic, worn and romantic shabby chic style remains hot but is being paired with industrial to give the look a bit of an edge. Looks like we are launching our Loose Fit Urban covers just in time!

Handmade and bespoke furnishings are still in high demand. It is after all these items that make one's home so very personal. 

Wallpaper is still holding it's ground - perhaps due to the great versatility of style and designs available to us. From retro, to glamorous to trompe d'oeuil and everything in between, you are sure to find the right paper to finish the look you want in your home.

Exotic eastern influences are spicing up interiors around the globe. Choose from Moroccan style patterns, or an Asian accessory to turn your home a little more bohemian.

Life in high definition, like über real art is making head ways, like the oil painting above. It's hard to believe it's a painting and not a photo. And that's the point...

You could of course kill two birds with one stone by combining this trend with the wallpaper trend.

Plants are hot, as accessories as well as decor-wise. If you're not much of a green thumb then stick with tropical plants that are used to harsher conditions!

Oversized lighting is one to watch this year. No need to break the bank to achieve this - even our blue and yellow Swedish friend has some nice options.

Sculpted mirrors: with personalisation being so popular, we look to have any and every piece somewhat unique, which is why these sculpted mirrors are so big now. They can be used interchangeably with art.

I love the fact that glass is a popular trend for 2012. They bounce the light around the room, add air and a feeling of space. Plus, today there are so many wonderful glass accessories to choose from, in a plethora of shapes, sizes and colours that it can be easily introduced into any interior. Look for lamp bases, vases and decorations. 

Cover yourself! Window dressings, like wallpaper, once felt like a thing of the past but it is back in a big way. Anything from curtains to simple blinds will tick the box.

Credit: For source of photos hold mouse over image

Trend alert: Trompe d'oeuil wallpaper

There is a whole range of wallpapers available today that can really define a room, add character or even make it seem more than it is. Wish you had a library? Love the idea of wood paneling or shutter? Trompe d'oeuil wallpapers may be just the solution. Here are some of my favourites.

 

If wallpaper seems like too much try a panel, like these ones below.

Like what you see (sorry, I couldn't help it!). Rockett St George has a great selection.

Photos s/o Rockett St George

Stunning monochromatic living for Tullsta and Ektorp

Marjorie of France has a beautiful home. It monochromatic influences are modern and sophisticated and repeated throughout the open plan space.

Why does this room work so well? There are three basic reasons: By mixing textures such a fabric sofa and chair covers, leather kitchen stools and wooden dining chairs, Marjorie adds depth and character; by including metal and glass accents such as the stunning floor lamp, the visible glasses and glass shelving, Marjorie adds light and energy; and finally, the introduction of soft accessories like plants, crockery and a tablecloth rounds the whole look off making it welcoming and lived in. It's a room full of character.

Marjorie chose covers in Graphite Grey from Bemz for her Ektorp sofa and Tullsta chairs, a colour that fits perfectly in with the monochromatic style with a softer more rounded edge. Here's what Marjorie wrote (translated): We hope that our style inspires your future customers.

I'm positive it will! Bravo Marjorie! Vous avez une tres belle maison! 

If like Marjorie, you have a Bemz cover and are pretty pleased with the end result then why not show off a little bit? Send me a photo to blog[at]bemz.com or upload a photo directly to our Facebook page.

Books to Inspire: Design*Sponge at Home

This book comes straight from the creator of fave blog Design*Sponge, Grace Bonney. With a foreword by design genius Jonathan Adler and the main focus on DIY:ing, what's not to love?

Design*Sponge at Home gets to the heart of what we at Bemz, love most: how to transform something everyday into something personal and unique. Grace features 50 DIY projects, 50 before-and-afters and over 65 home tours. What I really like about it, being full of ideas but not so gifted in the creativity department, is that there is some serious hand holding in this book. Grace walks you through the projects and provides some of the really basic skills needed for getting stuck in on the DIY journey. It's a veritable bible of personalisation.

All that, and beautiful photos to boot. What's not to love?

Two years in the making, Design*Sponge at Home was released in September and was followed up by a book tour. But why take my word for it? Check out the book trailer below!

You can also read an interview with Grace and see more beautiful photos chez Inhabitat. Design*Sponge at Home is available to buy here.

Photos c/o Inhabitat and Amazon

Design Spotlight: Royal Copenhagen

Design Spotlight is a new series I am starting this year in the hopes that it becomes a regular. The aim is to look at all those classic, iconic as well as up-and-coming pieces, we covet. I want to uncover how they influenced design today as well as the designers behind them. Plus, it's always nice to have something pretty to look at!

To start us off I thought I would first turn to the Bemz team and ask what design items sit on their wish list. And who better to start off with than our very own design expert Lisbeth!

Lisbeth picked Blue Fluted Mega Dinnerware from design icon Royal Copenhagen. This is a modern take on a classic Danish design from a 1775 dinnerware service and was lovingly achieved by artist Karen Kjældgaard-Larsen, at the ripe old age of 26.

These hand painted gems incorporate a selection of fragments from the original Blue Fluted decoration which were then enlarged to highlight the stylised chrysanthemum and its beautiful sweeping lines. They are stunning, timeless and classic. The blue and white are so very Scandinavian as well. Nice choice Lisbeth.

Did you know Royal Copenhagen offer a 24-month breakage guarantee where they will replace broken items?