It's a cover-up

Vanvik and Stockholm 1.5 enter the fold

Loose Fit Urban cover for Karlstad 3-seat sofa in Cobalt - Brera Fino. Loose Fit Country cushion cover in Cobalt - Brera Quadretto. Designers Guild collection for the Bemz Designer Collection.

With all the excitement around the launch of the latest addition to the Designers Guild at Bemz collection, we forgot to tell you about our latest family members.

Vanvik bedframe in Sand Beige Raffia

New to the Bemz bedroom series are covers for the Vanvik bedframe from Ikea. The Vanvik bedframe cover is available in two sizes, 160 cm and 180 cm and with or without a bedskirt. Sweet dreams!

The Stockholm family welcomes covers for the 1.5-seater armchair into the fold, completing the look for all those who already have the Stockholm sofa.

Karlanda sofa with long skirt in Gotland Stripe Silver Grey/Absolute White

And finally, all those unsightly pins can be tucked away under some beautiful fabric for all you Karlanda owners, as we now offer a long-skirt cover for the Karlanda corner sofa and Karlanda sofa bed, joining the two and three seater Karlanda sofas. The Karlanda is a range available in short and long skirt as well as Loose Fit Urban and Basiq. 

Is there a product or style you're holding out for? Tell us! Drop us a line at customerservice[at]bemz.com. We keep a tally of all requests and any products the majority ask for gets launched faster.

Top 10 at Bemz - discontinued and discounted

At Bemz, we offer covers for over 20 models of Ikea sofas and within each of those models there are any number of styles: two seat sofas, three seat sofas, corner sofas, modular sofas, chaise longues and sofa beds. And that's just the sofas! We also sell covers for over 15 models of Ikea armchairs, a dozen or so models of footstools, dining-room chairs, day bed covers, cushion covers, bed skirts, bed frames... Phew! 

But this is not about an exhaustive list of what we sell. This is about what you, the great majority of our customers buy. What are the top 10 products sold, by model, at Bemz? To stay true to a top 10 list, we will countdown from number ten:

(drumroll please)

Number 10: The Ektorp armchair

Even though you can still get covers for this comfy number at the giant furniture retailer, it comes in as the tenth favourite product for Bemz customers. The Ektorp armchair is available in made-to-measure and shabby chic inspired Loose Fit Country styles.

Join the Prime Minister of Great Britain and get in at number 10 with your Ektorp cover.

Number 9: The Nikkala three seater sofa

The Nikkala is a discontinued model from Ikea. At Bemz, covers are available as regular, made-to-measure fit, in our exclusive Loose Fit Country style and as low cost Basiq fabric for our number nine spot, the Nikkala. Nikkala is also a town situated in Norrbotten, the most northerly region of Sweden.

Nine means long-lasting and harmonious. Perfect! One Number nine Nikkala cover, please.

Number 8: The Ektorp two seater sofa

The two seat Ektorp sofa, available from Bemz in made-to-measure and Loose Fit Country styles, ranks eighth on our top 10 list. Ektorp is a commuter town located outside Sweden's capital city, Stockholm, also home to Bemz. Yay!

Good fortune and prosperity go hand-in-hand with number eight. Better order your Ektorp two seater cover today.

Number 7: The Tomelilla three seater sofa

The Tomelilla is also a discontinued model from Ikea but its namesake is situated at the very south of Sweden in the Skåne region. Covers for the Tomelilla three seater are also available as regular, made-to-measure fit, in our exclusive Loose Fit Country style and as low cost alternative Basiq.

Seven is a lucky number for relationships - better get your lucky Tomelilla cover.

Number 6: The Klippan two seater sofa

 

This is one of the most iconic and longest standing sofas Ikea has ever offered. It was launched back in 1979 and is still going strong. For some, that's reason enough to get a unique and personalised cover, in made-to-measure or Loose Fit Urban style, from Bemz. Did you know that Klippan means cliff in Swedish?

Six is happiness! And good for business. If only you could order those as easily as your Klippan cover.

Number 5: Ekeskog three seater sofa

The Ekeskog is another discontinued line from Ikea with covers available as made-to-measure, Loose Fit Country style and in Basiq from Bemz. The town of Ekeskog is located between Sweden's two largest lakes: Lake Vänern and Lake Vättern.

Five is for the five elements. Oddly fabric is not one of them so complete the circle with an Ekeskog cover!

Number 4: The Ektorp three seater sofa

This is still a popular sofa at Ikea - one of many you can buy without any slipcover and save yourself a few clams to be put toward your stunning individual cover from Bemz, whether made-to-measure or Loose Fit Country style.

The number four represents solidity, calmness, and home, much like the Ektorp three seater sofa.

Number 3: Goteborg three seater sofa

Goteborg is Swedish for Gothenburg, the second largest city and home to Volvo. It is also a discontinued sofa model at Ikea with covers available in made-to-measure and Basiq.

Coincidentally, number three is associated with birth and your Goteborg will be a brand new baby with its new cover.

Number 2: Karlanda three seater sofa

The Karlanda is discontinued at Ikea but that doesn't mean you have to get rid of it. And many of you don't! This second most popular model's covers come in made-to-measure, the new Loose Fit Urban style and in Basiq. 

Lucky number two can be yours - get your Karlanda cover.

(one more time...drumroll please)

Number 1: The Ektorp two seat sofa bed

This item from the Ektorp collection, now discontinued at Ikea, is the most popular item among Bemz customers. With over 180 fabrics to choose from, you can rest assured that your much loved Ektorp sofa bed need not be kicked to the curb and better yet, look like no other Ektorp sofa bed in the world.

Are you number one? Yay! Get your Ektorp cover - and join our other number ones.

As a special celebration of spring and the renewal it brings, we are going to knock 10% off* your favourite model from our Top 10 list so you can make a renewal of your own. These discounts will be for one day only though. To take advantage of this promotion, all you need to do is 'like' our Facebook page so that you can stay tuned for the daily updates. The offers are going to crop up like spring flowers!

*promotion will run from April 18 through to April 28, 2012. Each promotion will be valid for one day only. Each of the top 10 products listed above will be discounted individually. To participate, 'like' our Facebook page, stay tuned and get ready to order your favourite from our top 10!

Spring is in the air with Designers Guild - Brera

As I write this, the snow is falling in big wet clumps. This, after a week of spring fever? It seems cruel. At least it did, until I opened my folder containing the latest addition to the Designers Guild collection at Bemz. Seven sophisticated, delectably luxurious linen fabrics in summer cool and exquisitely timeless checks and stripes from the extremely popular Brera range at Designers Guild.

Loose Fit Country bed skirt in Cobalt - Brera Quadretto, Designers Guild by Bemz

Karlanda sofa in Cloud - Brera Fino & cushion cover in Cloud - Brera Quadretto; Henriksdal chair in Cobalt - Brera Rigato and Noir - Brera Fino

The colours are perfect for spring 2012 with shades of blue and grey combined with crisp white, sooty black and natural linen. The updated stripe and check designs are right on trend and exude Scandinavian simplicity.

Klippan sofa in Lapis - Brera Largo, cushion covers in Cobalt - Brera Quadretto, Noir - Brera Fino, Cloud - Brera Quadretto, & Cobalt - Brera Rigato. Cobalt - Brera Fino on floor.

Henriksdal chairs in Cobalt - Brera Rigato, Noir - Brera Fino & Cloud - Brera Fino; cushion cover in Cobalt - Brera Quadretto, Cobalt - Brera Fino & Noir - Brera Fino

Made from 100% yarn-dyed linen, these fabrics are the ideal addition to the exclusive Bemz Loose Fit collections and will only be available in either Country or Urban styles, both unique to Bemz. The fine, pre-washed linen combined with the design of the special Loose Fit covers results in a sophisticated and dapper look with a less formal feel.

Loose Fit Urban cover for Karlstad sofa in Cobalt - Brera Fino. Loose Fit Country cushion cover in Cobalt - Brera Quadretto

Karlanda sofa in Cloud - Brera Fino & Karlstad armchair in Cloud - Brera Quadretto; cushion covers in Cloud - Brera Quadretto & Noir - Brera Fino

Despite its exclusive finish, these soft linen fabrics are durable and machine-washable at 40ºC.

I don't want to take Mother Nature head-on, I have too much respect for her! But there's no denying spring and summer with these fabrics. Indoors anyway... If you're longing for a bit of of seaside chic, read more about this collection.

You may also be interested in our Top Tips on how to introduce very on-trend blue into your home. 

Top tips: How to decorate your bedroom

Bedrooms offer up rest for not just our bodies but for our minds and souls too. Check out our bedroom special full of lovely photos put together by the amazing Bemz design team for tips and inspiration before tackling your own room. But first, here's a synopsis, based on five styles. Which one is yours?

Florö bed frame from Ikea in Moss Green Belgian Linen from Bemz. Ikea Karlstad footstools in Bubbel Brown by designer Bantie at Bemz

Bohemian Chic: The relaxed, yet sophisticated Bohemian Chic Lifestyle is characterized by a hand picked mix of modern iconic designs and antique classics. The bedroom is a peaceful refuge from the day’s stresses. Although a variety of solid-coloured, patterned and embroidered cushions are used, there is no feeling of clutter.

Bed skirt with frills in Rosendal Pure Washed Linen Lavender from Bemz

A sense of personal luxury is created with a subtly wrinkled linen bed skirt. Don’t be afraid to mix colours and textures, these are exciting clashes that will enhance that bohemian look! Read more about Bohemian Chic.

Straight Bed Skirt in Soft White Belgian Linen Blend from Bemz

Simple Life: This is a style that sits as one with nature, taking root in rugged coastal scenery. The typical Simple Life bedroom is discriminating and uncomplicated with a focus on function. A washed linen bed skirt brings a balance of elegance and natural simplicity.

Bed skirt with frills in Rosendal Pure Washed Medium Grey

Various light coloured textiles reinforce the fresh and simple look of this nature-inspired decor. Consider mixing natural textiles with different textures, like linen and cotton, to add character and depth. Read more about Simple Life.

Bemz Bed skirt with frills in Rosendal Pure Washed Soft White

Scandinavian Country: This an interpretation of a romantic past. Create a cosy, romantic, vintage-inspired bedroom using whites and light pastels, ideally in crisp linens. A pleated bed skirt or upholstered headboard paired with cushions and throws underline the tranquil and harmonious vibe. A simple chandelier accentuates the contrasting mix of elegance and rustic warmth.

Florö bed frame cover in Soft White Belgian Linen Blend

Character and cosiness are added through quintessential florals, informal stripes and checks, emphasising the rural expression. Read more about Scandinavian Country.

Florö bed frame cover in Tégner Mélange Ink Blue. Cushion covers in Silver Grey and Tégner Mélange Ink Blue

Urban Living: This evokes a self-confident attitude and a singular character with a chic and functional feel. The Urban Living styled bedroom takes inspiration from hotel rooms. Its function as the perfect retreat from the daily stresses of city living is fulfilled via a coherent colour scheme. Carefully selected designer cushions are lined up while a stylish throw sits at the foot of the bed. An upholstered headboard and a straight bed skirt with box pleats contribute to the sense of serene luxury.

Grimen bed frame cover in Frescati Plaid Grey

The colour scheme is monochromatic, based on either a dark industrial–chic style palette or a lighter modern and elegant palette. Read more about Urban Living.

Florö bed frame cover in Stockholm Stripe Jet Black

Playground: As the name suggests, Playground is all about playfulness. Happy colours and daring patterns mix with Scandinavian design classics and modern favourites. A graphic black and white upholstered bed frame adorned with large patterned cushions in lime, grass green and yellow are lively against white walls.

Fuchsia daybed with scatter cushions in orange, pink and lime from Bemz

The guest room’s fuchsia daybed pops when scattered with pattern-rich cushions in orange, pink and lime. Combine sturdy Panama Cotton from Bemz with Designers Guild and Marimekko to strike the right balance. Read more about Playground.

Sweet dreams!

House tour: Bemz founder, Lesley's home

As you can imagine, we at Bemz often need to 'borrow' people's homes to do our photoshoots and it'll come to you as no surprise that a few Bemzies' places have been used. The most recent photoshoot and the house tour featured here, is Bemz founder and CEO, Lesley's house. You'll also find it in French Journal des Femmes, where an in-depth interview along with a competition are featured. One lucky winner* (*residents of France only!) will win a new cover, from Bemz bien sur, as well as a personal consultation from an interior decorator. If you live in France, enter to win today!

Enjoy the tour... You may notice a few few Bemz products along the way.

The living room is an eclectic collection of colours, patterns and textures mixed and matched as covers, cushions and throws - true Bohemian Chic.

The open plan space has clearly defined areas thanks to the positioning of the furniture. The dining room mixes iconic designer chairs with a traditional Scandinavian side table and utilitarian dining table - perfect for family dinners, entertaining and doing homework.

The kitchen, which sits just off the dining area, echos the wood seen in the rest of the room and is kept simple. Splashes of colour and personal detailing give it character.

Would you like to see more? The bedrooms are tranquil havens of calm without sacrificing on personality, while the office is practical and personal. And what design aficionado's home would be complete without an über iconic piece sitting pretty there like a piece of art framed by the window? If you want to see these last photos and the rest of the tour, visit Journal des Femmes.

If you enjoyed Lesley's house tour, then why not take a tour of our product and production manager, Lisbeth's home.

Månstad is here!

The wait is over. You can now get slipcovers for the popular Månstad sofa from Bemz.

After hundreds of email requests from our loyal and patient customer, and countless hours at the drawing board, Bemz is thrilled to finally be able to give you removable covers for the Månstad sofa from IKEA!

These new covers are easy to put on and remove (see below) and completely machine washable. 

As you can see, the seat, back cushions and frame each have their own separate covers, which are to be placed over the existing sofa covers, as the original covers on the Månstad are not removable. Thanks to a lot of ingenuity and some handy velcro in all the right places, both the bed function and storage space continue to be accessible. 

First choose whether you want a left or right-sided cover for your sofa. Then the fun bit: finding your personal favourite among more than 180 different designer fabrics, and test driving it on the sofa from the comfort of your home! Happy shopping.

Lesley Pennington: How I became The Secret Millionaire

Last fall I received a phone call with a very interesting proposition. Would I like to participate in a television program called "The Secret Millionaire"? I had never seen the program but I had heard of the format. A "millionaire" goes undercover for a week and meets people that have had difficult lives, as well as those that have dedicated their lives to helping the less fortunate. At the end of the week, the "millionaire" donates some money to the person(s) they feel need, or deserve it, the most.

I was very unsure about participating - mostly because the thought of being on television in front of several hundred thousand people made me feel like throwing up. But, the idea behind the program intrigued me so I decided to meet with the producers. I felt the program's concept was very much in line with some of my values, and some of the core values at Bemz. We talk a lot about giving back, helping each other, and "caring" as core values, while examining ways of working more ethically and with greater social conscience. On a personal level, I have also been making some life decisions about how I can support social causes in two areas that are really important to me: women and children in distress.

It felt like an opportunity to take a personal journey to understand what these values meant to me, while hopefully making a difference to someone who genuinely needed it.

Although I approached the process from a very rational perspective (even if my motivation was emotional) something inside me changed during that week. I really believe that my week filming The Secret Millionaire has altered me in a very tangible way.

Throughout the course of the week of filming I met some amazing, brave, fearless, wonderful people. I ended up receiving so much more from them than what I was able to give. I met women who had abandoned their lives, lost everything: their friends, family, jobs and moved to uncertainty and an isolation in a new country, whether by choice or not; women who despite it all, remained so positive and would do whatever it took to carve a place for themselves in this new society. Their determination and optimism inspired and awed me. I met teenagers who had found the inner strength and courage to resist peer pressure, to stand up for each other and to be proud of their accomplishments giving them self-esteem and self-confidence. Their talent, dedication and enthusiasm humbled me.

I met a young woman who was thrown in jail, tortured psychologically and physically, without any regard for her basic human rights. In a world where we talk about fulfillment, achievement, and ambitions, it is impossible to understand not to mention imagine. But for so many people around the world a lack of basic human rights is very real. I have been extremely fortunate to never have had to question my rights as a woman, or as a person.

I was affected most of all that week by two entrepreneurs - Sohelia Fors and Calle Björklund - who had come from incredibly difficult life situations themselves. They moved me profoundly because they had managed to find the strength and the courage to turn their devastating personal experiences into a life force which they channeled into helping other people. It was through love and determination and the experiences in their own lives that they were able to connect with others, and motivate them to move forward and find their own inner strength. They gave everything for their causes, and the people around them.

Thank you, Sohelia Fors and Calle Björklund. Thank you for sharing your lives, your passion, and your generosity with me. I have learnt more from you than you will ever imagine, and you have changed me more than you will ever imagine. You are the true entrepreneurs. The world is a better place because of you.

And to all of the wonderful, inspirational people that I met during that very intensive week - you have taken me on the most important journey of my business life.

And, especially to you, Negar- don't give up. You are incredibly brave and strong. You have made a choice to live, and to find a place where you will have your basic human rights respected. Now, you can begin to choose.

And for me - now is the next stage of my journey. I have many plans, many ideas which are moving into fulfillment. We, at Bemz, will continue to work with you, our customers to deliver great products and design while we move forward in our quest to refine what social consciousness means to us.

On a personal level, I have already taken the next step in my journey. I'll keep you updated.

Love to all, lesley

Pop into our Urban Inspiration Store

With the launch of our new Loose Fit - Urban collection, the Inspiration Store has been given a facelift. We realise that most of you won't be able to make it in person into our store so we thought we'd share some photos here: 

Loose Fit - Urban covers in Rosendal Pure Washed Linen on Henriksdal chairs

Loose Fit - Urban cover in Rosendal Pure Washed Linen Medium Grey on a Karlstad sofa

Loose Fit - Urban cover in Rosendal Pure Washed Linen Absolute White on a Karlanda

Loose Fit - Urban covers in Rosendal Pure Washed Linen Medium Grey on a Kivik sofa and Klappsta chair. Karlstad footstool in Absolute White.

But if you are in Stockholm, then please pop in!

Thanks for the shout out all you design savvy bloggers!

We have been getting great headlines in and around the cybersphere, for which we are so very appreciative! 

Thanks for Leslie of Live Love Leslie for giving her Bemz shopping experience top marks, the result of which is pictured above. This blogpost was the Bemzie January highlight for 2012!

Oh Canada! We are thankful to you too: online papers, The Province and the National Post both gave Bemz the thumbs up. French Canadian blog Déconome was thrilled about finding Bemz and a little sad that she didn't have any Ikea furniture... She also posted on her Facebook page. Merci Déconome!

Dankeschön to Germany where we are getting big love right now! Lovely blogger, Nadine of herz-allerliebst, shares her ideas and sources of inspiration - in German and English - as well as her home where a Mysinge sofa with and Ink Blue Tégner Melange cover from Bemz sits centre stage (pictured above). I see Nadine shares my love of butterflies... 

Another lovely German blogger, Miris Jahrbuch, proudly showed off her new covers from Bemz, pictured above. What a fantastic room - loving the crocheted poof!

And Melanie of German Meine grüne Wiese, also displayed her Ektorp with its new Bemz cover, pictured above. I love the oversized black and white photo - I wonder if it's of her?

We were lucky enough to have blogger, Betti Bee visit our Inspiration Store in Stockholm where she wrote up a raving review on German Mony Bloggt.

And still in Germany (I said we were getting big love from Germany!) - women's magazine Schöner Wohnen likes out new Dark Denim Blue Piper Twill fabric while Womens Health lists Bemz as one of their nine tips for beautifying the home. Yay!

Interior magazine and blog from Down Under, Adore Home were tickled pink by our great Designer Collection. Thanks for that!

This one came out before Christmas but I missed it. Förlåt! Not too late for a thank you I hope, to Swedish magazine Hem & Hyra for including Bemz in their top ten vibrant sofa colours. Tack så mycket!

And finally, ahead of the impending launch, French magazines Marie Claire Maison and Le Journal de la Maison gave us a wonderful shout out for our new Loose Fit - Urban collection, available from February 13, 2012. Merci beaucoup!

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.