It's a cover-up

Trend Alert: Stockholm White + 10% off solid whites

Stockholmers use a lot of white in their homes and not without good reason. During the long, dark winters, it is the white walls, whitewashed floorboards and white-on-white accents paired with large windows that brighten up even the smallest of spaces. Yes, white is forever on-trend in Sweden’s capital, a city in love with light.

Bemz cover for Tylösand sofa with one armrest and Bemz daybed cover both in Absolute White Panama Cotton

The style is clean and simple, with sofas and armchairs in form fitting white cotton covers, or relaxed, loose fit, pure linen covers. Layering fabrics and texture is the key to this understated but oh-so chic look, where natural material takes centre stage. White walls and light coloured floors make borders disappear, creating a fresh, luminous interior, while white cushions in a mix of fabrics add comfort and interest.

Bemz Multi Fit sofa cover and Bemz cover for Klappsta armchair both in Absolute White Panama Cotton

Bemz Loose Fit Urban cover for Klippan sofa in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

White wood keeps dining room furniture simple, breathing a casual elegance with chairs in stark white cotton covers.

Bemz covers for Henriksdal chairs, long skirt model in Absolute White Panama Cotton

Bemz covers for Henriksdal chair, long skirt in Absolute White Panama Cotton

In the bedroom, nothing says crisp and clean like pure, fresh linen, where an all-white scheme creates an airy, restful setting.

Bemz bedspread in Loose fit style, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard and Bemz Loose fit Urban bed skirt, all in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen from Bemz

Surprisingly warm, liveable and child friendly, the secret to the Stockholm White look lies in machine washable sofa covers, armchair covers, headboard covers and more, as well as easy-to-wipe lacquered white surfaces.

Bemz cover for Skruvsta chair and Pällbo footstool both in Absolute White Panama Cotton

Bemz daybed cover and Henriksdal chair, long skirt in both in Absolute White Panama Cotton

Explore our extensive palette of white fabrics on the Bemz website and make a statement with the Stockholm White look. Plus get 10% off your favourite solid whites from tomorrow, Thursday, March 21 until Thursday, March 28, 2013. That’s right: 10% off solid white Bemz sofa covers, chair covers, armchair covers and cushion covers, and of course our brand new bedspreads! Plus fabric by the metre and more.

All good things come in threes: 3-pack cushion covers

Cushions are versatile décor accessories that make your space look stylish and chic. And changing your cushion covers now and then is a quick way to freshen up any room and make an instant, impactful design tweak, while being light on your budget. So you'll be pleased to hear that Bemz is now offering 3-pack cushion cover combinations specially hand picked by the Bemz design team to coordinate and complement your sofa or chair cover.

And the best thing is that you save when buying the 3-pack versus the three covers individually. All cushion covers are 50cm x 50cm. What's not to love?

If you're looking for a playful preppy look then you'll just love the following combinations:

 

Playground no. 1 This playful and peppy trio of orange, fuchsia and lime green will make your sofa pop. Fabrics: Fuchsia Panama Cotton, Daiquiri Green Stockholm Stripe, Mandarin Orange Gotland Stripe.

Playground no. 2 Graphic and expressive, this threesome will sit beautifully on a bold coloured sofa, in red, yellow, green or even orange. Includes Coconut Grove by Designers Guild from the Bemz Designer Collection. Fabrics: Jet Black Stockholm Stripe, Black Classic Ruta, Black&White Coconut Grove.

Looking for a more romantic look?  Then check out the following options:

Scandinavian Country no. 1 Romantic and rustic pastels as well as white will welcome these alluring stripes and muted solid. Fabrics: Vanilla Yellow Belgian Linen Blend, Silver Grey Gotland Stripe and Candy Pink Stockholm Stripe.

Bohemian Chic no. 1 Red is an easy match for almost any sofa so always a great choice. This is the perfect trio for a warm injection of colour. Fabrics: Crimson Red Raffia, Real Red Tegnér Melange, Real Red Urban Tapestry.

If you're after natural elegance with a coastal feel then dive into:

 

Simple Life no. 1 Give your furniture a splash of seaside chic with this modern interpretation of the classic blue and beige combination. Particularly suited to unbleached, white or blue linens. Fabrics: Unbleached Belgian Linen, Deep Navy Blue/Sand Beige Stockholm Stripe, Dark Denim Blue Piper Twill.

Or if urban industrial is more your thing then check out: 

Urban Living no. 1 Whether working with white, beige or brown, this trio will add natural beauty to your decor. Includes Barcelona Ecru by Designers Guild. Fabrics: Sand Beige Tegnér Melange, Sand Beige Stockholm Stripe, Ecru Barcelona.

Urban Living no. 2 Black, the ideal partner to grey or a stunning contrast for white. Includes Josephine by Göta Trädgårdh. Fabrics: Jet Black Raffia, Graphite Grey Josephine, Graphite Grey Woven Whimsy.

Urban Living no. 3 This classic and sophisticated trilogy of hot-on-trend greys are an easy update for your grey or white sofa. Fabrics: Zinc Grey Tegnér Melange, Silver Grey Tegnér Melange, Grey Frescati Plaid.

Read more about our 3-pack cushion cover offer and find inspiration on how to change your interior décor with sofa covers, armchair covers, bedroom products and more on our site.

Design-it-yourself: Budget beautiful bedrooms

Decorating your bedroom with treasures that you find, make or design can be both fun and satisfying. Here are some creative DIY projects that will bring a chic designer look to your bedroom without the designer price tag.

Bemz cover for Florö bed frame cover in Soft White Belgian Linen Blend

Headboards can make a big statement piece in your bedroom, but they usually set you back a small fortune.

So, don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to headboards: Old doors, windows and other unexpected items can all make fantastic backdrops for your bed.

Another thrifty and effective design tweak is to upcycle a less expensive bed frame or headboard with a new slipcover, for example the Vanvik bed frame or the Albevär and Bådalen headboards from Ikea, creating a designer piece without breaking your budget.

The Vanvik bed frame cover from Bemz is available in three sizes, 140 cm, 160 cm and 180 cm and with or without a bed skirt


Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard in Blue & White Kokeshi topped off with a selection of Bemz Artist Series cushion covers

Bemz cover for Florö bed frame in Dusty Rose Hounds Tooth

Yet, another absolutely key aspect of a bedroom is lighting. Creating different moods in the space makes for a calming and relaxing atmosphere.

There's no denying our love for string lights. They radiate warmth and sparkle day or night, adding a romantic touch. Use them above the bed, decorate the ceiling and mirrors.

Still on lighting, you can create some budget friendly pendants from stuff you just have laying around your home: terracotta pots, cardboard, wire baskets, hanging planters, pretty paper.

This clever DIY idea by Robin Horton of Urban gardens brings the outside in to your bedroom

Follow the tutorial for this fabulous egg carton light pendant at Addicted to Decorating

Get the low down on how to make this exquisite piece at 3R's blog, Reduce, Reuse, Redecorate


Bemz cover for Grimen bed frame in Grey Frescati Plaid

Rugs are always a welcome accent in any bedroom, adding softness, warmth and texture. In fact, nothing cosies up a room like a rug. Don't want to fork out for a new one? Then make your own.

This unique DIY rug from Free People will add colour and comfort to any home and making it is relatively straightforward. Just follow the artist's tutorial

Typography authority Jessica Hische played around with this digital doodle and then applied the image to some FLOR tiles with a utility knife. And hey, presto a unique rug for your bedroom

This recycled sweater rug from Home Workshop is pure genius

Bemz Artist Series cushion covers in Brown Kvarter, Silver Grey Vallsta, Orange Fiskis, Pink Fiskis, Orange Kvarter

Another way to give an instant lift to any bedroom is to add a pile of decorative pillows, a bed skirt or curl up into new bedding.

Bemz Bed skirt with frills in Rosendal Pure Washed Soft White, cushions in Pale Turquoise New Baroque and Gustavian Flowers by Katarina Wiklund from the Bemz Designer Collection

Bemz daybed cover in Soft White, with Bemz cushion covers in Deep Navy Blue Stockholm Stripe, Dark Denim Blue Piper Twill, Soft White Panama Cotton and more

Nothing says crisp and clean like fresh new bedding and sheets. Check out Bemz's new bedroom range as well as bed skirts in new heights and lengths for those extra long beds.

Bemz bedspread. Loose Fit, in Medium Grey Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Bemz bedspread, Regular fit, in Unbleached Belgian Linen Blend

If you would like to see more ideas along this vein, visit Apartment Therapy.

Credit: Apartment Therapy.
All non-Bemz photos via Apartment Therapy and Design Kastle

Trend Alert: Denim

We’ve written about this trend before. And we’re bound to do it again – because denim never seems to go out of style. From handbags to home decor, from shirts to sofa covers, this durable textile remains a hot trend in our wardrobe and our homes.

The cool, laid-back appeal of denim is the perfect match to the utilitarian simplicity and unexpected beauty of the Industrial Vintage look that we like so much.

Bemz covers for Karlanda sofa in Dark Denim Blue Piper Twill and cushion in Cloud Grey Woven Whimsy

Bemz cover for Kivik sofa in Loose fit Urban style

Take inspiration from boyfriend jeans with slouchy masculine seating. Structured pieces act like seams to bring the room together.

Bemz cover for Karlanda sofa in Dark Denim Blue Piper Twill

Bemz cover for Karlanda sofa in Dark Denim Blue Piper Twill and cushion cover in Sand Beige Panama Cotton

For a softer rustic style, look to dip-dyed denims, using black details and inky fabrics to emphasise depth.

Layer smart, tailored and geometric textiles upon a distressed denim style background for rough-and-ready urban style.

Add denim textile details for a fun, tactile finish. Time worn wooden furniture is the ideal partner.

Bemz cushion covers in Soft White Panama Cotton, Dark Denim Blue Piper Twill, Deep Navy Blue Stockholm Stripe


Bemz cover for Nikkala sofa in Deep Navy Blue & Sand Beige Stockholm Stripe, with cushion covers in True Blue Panama Cotton, Unbleached Belgian Linen Blend, Dark Denim Blue Piper Twill

Use neutral architectural accents in the same way as a classic white tee - to break up multiple blue hues.

Bemz bed skirt in Loose Fit Urban Style

Give a contemporary twist to timeless elements.

Bemz cover for Klappsta armchair in Dark Denim Blue Piper Twill

If the cosmopolitan-inspired Urban Living design is more your thing, combine denim with different shades of black, dark brown, charcoal and granite. Then break it up with accents of subtle pattern, like classic check.

Credit: Living Etc. November 2012
Photos: Bemz, Ralph Lauren Home,  Design Indoor and Sogos

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Top Tips: snug sleeping spaces + 10% off bedroom faves

We all love waking up after a good night’s sleep feeling refreshed and ready to greet a new day. And a comfortable bedroom is a key factor in getting the best sleep possible.

Here are some great ideas that can help you design your way to sleeping more soundly.

Made-to-order bedspread in White and Grey Japan from Bemz by Katarina Wiklund for the Bemz Designer Collection

Create mood with colour and pattern: A comfy mattress and soft pillow may help the sheep send you off to sleep, but beautiful bedding that invites you to snuggle up is just as effective.

Bemz bed skirt with box pleats and Bemz cover for Bådalen headboard, both in Bayshore Magenta, design by Designers Guild

Select cool or neutral hues to create a room that exudes serenity and calm.


Bemz bedspread. Loose Fit, in Medium Grey Rosendal Pure Washed Linen


Bemz bedspread, Regular fit, in Unbleached Belgian Linen Blend

Look to bright and warm tones to foster a sense of good cheer, energy, and cosiness. Bold patterned and colourful beds and bed linens will get you dreaming of exotic destinations. Florals bring a bed into bloom, adding a touch of romance to your boudoir.

Bemz Florö bed frame cover Sir Harald - Multi

Bemz bedspread in Real Red, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard in Multi Comedin Går, design Stellan Mörner by Bemz and Bemz bed skirt, straight, in Black/White Stockholm Stripe

Bemz cover for Florö bed frame in Moss Green Belgian Linen Blend and Bemz cover for Karlstad footstool in Brown Bubbel, design Bantie

Bemz bedskirt, Loose Fit Country style in Cobalt Brera Quadretto, design Designers Guild

Cosy up with a headboard: Adding extra blankets is one way to stay warm at night but for ultimate comfort choose an upholstered headboard. Soft and cushy with no hard edges, an upholstered headboard is the perfect choice when supreme snugness tops the boudoir wish list.

Bemz bedspread in Loose fit style, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard and Bemz Loose fit Urban bed skirt, all in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen from Bemz


Bemz bedspread in Grey Frescati Plaid, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard and Bemz bed skirt with box pleats both in Zinc Grey raffia textured cotton

Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard in Blue & White Kokeshi topped off with a selection of Bemz Artist Series cushion covers

Furnish for comfort, ambiance and function: When you make your bedroom space about more than just sleeping, you’ll find it beckons to you to linger longer in the morning and retire earlier at night.

Bemz bed skirt with frills, Loose Fit Country style, in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Cushions in Eggshell Blue and Black Gustavian Flowers by Katarina Wiklund from the Bemz Designer Collection, Dusty Rose, New Baroque Chocolate Brown, and Tea Green in Belgian Linen Blend and Lavender Belgian Linen Blend

Pair a rocking chair with a side table to create a cozy reading spot, where you can take some time to unwind before hitting the hay.

Bemz cover for Lillberg armchair in Graphite Grey Belgian Linen and Bemz cover for Karlanda bench

Create a relaxed, romantic feel by layering quilts and cushions and a decorative patchwork rug. Instead of a nightstand, stack books with tonal spines informally by the bedside. Or make a statement with a pile of decorative cushions.

Make a statement with Bemz Artist Series cushion covers

Add candles, they create a warm, inviting and sensual ambiance to your boudoir.

And a set of stylish storage boxes works well in all bedrooms - use them to keep your belts, scarves and jewelry in order.

And finally, don't forget your windows and floors: up the cosy-factor with stylish full-length curtains and add an extra layer of comfort with a soft rug.

Bemz cover for Florö bed frame cover in Soft White Belgian Linen Blend

Bemz cover for Grimen bed frame in Grey Frescati Plaid

See more of the Bemz range of bedroom products including the newly added bedspreads, additional cushion cover sizes, and the new Abelvär headboard cover on the Bemz website - plus get 10% off all Bemz bedroom faves until Sunday, February 17, 2013.

Credit: Elle Decoration Nov. 2012
All photos from Bemz

Trend Alert: Digital Prints

Digital prints are not only making major headlines on the catwalk these days, they are also turning up everywhere in interior design from curtains, sofas, cushions and carpets to entire walls.

Bemz Artist Series cushions in Chocolate Brown/Bamboo Green New Baroque and Rose Dellen

Wallpaper from Orla Kiely

And this spring it's all about mixing it up with an array of colours, patterns and stripes, with retro prints from the 20th Century bang-on trend.

Bemz cover for Karlanda sofa in Trianglar by Viola Gråsten from the Bemz Designer Collection

Bemz Artist Series cushion covers in Orange Fiskis, Pink Fiskis, Orange Kvarter

Bemz Artist Series cushion covers in Brown Kvarter, Beige/Orange Stockholm Stripe, Silver Grey Vallsta, Rose Dellen, Jet Black/Pink Stockholm Stripe, Orange Fiskis, Pink Fiskis, Orange Kvarter, and Yellow Fiskis

Digital prints make a strong and original statement, a focal point for a room.

Digital print carpet from EgeCarpets. Photo via Tréndir.

Bemz cover for Karlanda sofa in Hästkastanj by Viola Gråsten

It is the latest advances in digital printing technique that makes it an exciting new foray for textile designers. Todays new techniques offer photorealistic image quality and vibrant colours, meeting today’s tastes for zingy, image-led interiors.

Retro digital print wallpaper. Photo via Emerald Interior Design.

Bemz cover for Klippan sofa in Real Red Kavalkad by Strömma

Landscape visuals, big florals, geometric and visual plays, plant life studies – anything is possible with digital print.

Garden Beech digital print wallpaper from House Couturier, image via House & Home

Bemz cover for Stockholm sofa (older model) in Folklore by Göta Trägårdh

From cool blue, grey and black tones to fabulous, frivolous patterns in any number of colours, 2013 is already looking brighter.

Birds fabric design by Strömma, from the Bemz designer collection

Bemz cover for Klippan sofa in Blue Birds by Strömma, from the Bemz Designer Collection

Credits: FESPA Federation of European Screen Printing Associations 
See individual photo captions under each image for source

Rock your IKEA sofa this spring in revived retro

Exciting news! At Bemz we're celebrating the lead up to spring by reintroducing select 20th Century Swedish design. Yes, we're expanding our range of fabrics with a host of long-forgotten treasures from the Swedish design archives – carefully picked out by the Bemz design team.

Viola Gråsten’s popular Kaleido, first launched at Bemz in 2008, is joined by two more stunningly unique designs: the organic Hästkastanj, and the geometric Trianglar pictured above

The designers include two established favourites from the Bemz Designer Collection, Viola Gråsten and Göta Trägårdh, who are joined by Annika Malmström and Stellan Mörner. Also making their debut with Bemz is the design house Strömma. All were seminal in influencing Swedish 20th century design.

Göta Trägårdh’s Josephine, part of the current Bemz collection, is joined by the equally impressive blooms depicted in her vibrant Folklore and the timeless Japan pictured above.

We actually leaked news about this relaunch back in November. Now these iconic fabrics are up and available to order on bemz.com – for the full range of Bemz products, including sofa covers, chair covers, cushion covers, fabric by metre and more.

Strömma is synonymous with Swedish textile history. Bemz is reintroducing their flowing Birds and the vibrant Kavalkad designs, pictured above and created by Inga Lill Andersson.

Needless to say, we're thrilled to be able to re-introduce these designers to be rediscovered by a whole new generation!

Stellan Mörner’s Comedin Går is constructed from eleven different colours of angular prisms that intersect and interlock in one strikingly abstract dream.

These vintage fabrics are perfect for those looking for something fresh and unique this spring, with the hot trends in fashion and design being all about mixing it up with geometric patterns, stripes and bold blooms.

Annika Malmström’s Harlequin is a never-before produced design made up of pen strokes that fuse and connect to form a spectacular geometric pattern.

Once again, Bemz has created the opportunity for easy and inspired home updates by transforming Ikea furniture around the world into something truly unique and individual. With these eight new patterns, we now offer a total of over 180 fabulous fabrics available via bemz.com. Enjoy!

Photo credits: All photos from Bemz. Hover over each photo for information about the products.

Prêt-à-porter: Home updates for the savvy fashionista

Just like fashion, home décor trends are constantly evolving. And just like your wardrobe, your home may need an occasional update to keep it looking fresh and inviting. Spring 2013 is no exception.

So, listen up all you savvy fashionistas out there – you’ll be happy to hear that it doesn't take an entire room makeover to brighten up your place. In fact, bringing the catwalk into your home is as easy as going from flats to heels. The most cost effective way of staying on-trend – without sacrificing your wardrobe budget – is by varying the textiles in your home.

Which of the following hot trends for 2013 gets you going?

1) Bright accents: Love super bright accessories in bold orange or canary yellow such as a cheeky yellow clutch by Kate Spade from her Spring 2013 collection? Then pack a punch with a dash of Sun Yellow or Mandarin Orange with a cover from Bemz on a daybed or cushion.

Daybed in Black&White Coconut Grove by Designers Guild from the Bemz Designer Collection.
Cushions in Sun Yellow and Soft White also from Bemz.

2) Neon: Do you light up at the thought of Kurt Geiger’s neon Starheel and the Supers collection? Then make your home glow with a Fiskis cushion in neon orange, pink or yellow from the Bemz Artist Series cushion series.

Bemz Artist Series cushion covers in Orange Fiskis, Pink Fiskis, and Orange Kvarter. 

Bemz Artist Series cushion covers in Pink Fiskis, Orange Kvarter and Brown Kvarter

3) Floral prints: Want to flaunt floral with Charlotte Ronson's Floral Print dress? Then your home will bloom with a sofa or armchair cover in floral prints by Lisa Bengtsson for the Bemz Designer collection. Or how about big & bright blooms by Designers Guild from Bemz?

Bemz cover for Barkaby armchair in Green Baronessa by Lisa Bengtsson.

Klippan sofa in Fuchsia Flamingo Park by Designers Guild from the Bemz Designer Collection

4) Landscapes: Digital prints of flora and fauna are turning heads this season and similar photo fracture prints were spotted at Fashion Week Spring Summer 2013. Cultivate your wild side with Rose Dellen or Silver Grey Vallsta digitally printed cushions from Bemz.

Bemz Artist Series Cushion covers - Rose Dellenand Silver Grey Valsta

5) Black & white geometric and optical plays: are making statements on everything from rags to bags. Express this on a chair or bed with a cover from Bemz.

Klappsta armchair in a Dusty Rose Houndstooth cover from Bemz

6) Simply chic:If you love a sleek fitted jacquard suit from Burburry Prorsum. Then cover a chair or footstool in Viola Gråsten’s Kaleido print from Bemz.

Nils Chair cover from Bemz in Viola Gråsten Kaleido BrownPlum

For more information on how you can bring the hottest fashion trends into your home, visit www.bemz.com.

Photo credits: All photos featuring sofa and slipcovers from Bemz. Other photo credits in order of appearance: Vogue, Swide, Wardrobe Trends Fashion, Vintage Traffic, Red Carpet Fashion Awards,Vogue UK, The Fuji Files, WSGN, Louis Vuitton, Harper's Bazaar Australia.

Books to inspire: The Natural Home

Love understated elegance and a casual lived-in feeling to your home - one filled vintage finds, old juxtaposed with new and nature as a decorative element? Then The Natural Home by art director and stylist Hans Blomquist is the perfect book for you. With sublime photography by Debi Treloar, this book is an ideal rainy day read, an invitation to sit down and unwind. Truly captivating.

Blomquist starts off by exploring the essence of his evocative, painterly and quirky yet comfortable style.

In Texture, he revels in the textures and patinas of natural materials. Still Life reveals his passion for creating displays that showcase treasured pieces, while Plants and Flowers celebrates the beauty of nature and the cycles of the natural world. Colour presents his favourite earthy, natural colour palette, which provides the perfect backdrop for hits of brighter natural hues.

In the second part of the book, Blomquist brings us into real homes that showcase the natural look—including a converted button factory!

As Blomquist himself puts it: "The book celebrates a home where style, through furniture and materials used, is very natural, celebrating vintage objects with patina that aged with time and use [...] The homes shown are furnished in a very spontaneous way... unplanned or un-staged, where the style and setting have evolved with time, where furniture and objects found their place, almost by accident. [...]"

The Natural Home is the perfect read to curl up with a pot of tea. Look forward to an afternoon of dreaming!

Photo and text credits: French by Design, Amazon, Ryland, Peters & Small and Decor8

Trend alert: Beetles, bees and other beauties & beasts

These days trendy homes are buzzing with bugs and creepy-crawlies. Hopefully not scurrying, live insects, but art and furnishings adorned with butterflies, bees, beetles and other multi-legged friends.

Photo c/o A Merry Mishap

Photo c/o The Daily Mail

Interiors with a botanical twist are here to stay and the entomological take is an extension of this. Add to that animal heads and horns. It's all about bringing the outside in - a look that works well with the Industrial Vintage style that we love so much.

Bemz cover for Kivik in Charcoal Grey Sybary, Light Grey Sybary, Zinc Grey Tegner Melange

Bemz bed skirt, Loose Fit Urban style in Sage Brown Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Butterflies, bees, beetles and other - cute rather than creepy - crawlies add colour, dimension and interest to any wall.

Photo of artwork by Christopher Marley c/o The Walk Up

Wall of artwork by Christopher Marley c/o The Walk Up

If you trawl your local antique or thrift stores you’re sure to find lovely vintage prints and wall mounts that will do the trick.

Photo c/o Urban Comfort

Photo c/o Imagine This

The beautiful Papilio Paris gedeensis Butterfly Prints below from Rockett St. George are perfect for nature-lovers.

And when it comes to enjoying animal head art – no animals need to be harmed. From paper maché, to plastic, cardboard and felt, there are a lot of unique and innovative wall mounts out there that won’t offend your vegan friends.

Patchwork Tweed roe deer head from Rockett St. George

Rhinoceros head from Rockett St. George

Dog head hooks from Graham and Green

Antelope head from Graham and Green