Skargard - Discovered at Formex

At Stockholm's Formex show in late August there was much talk about Meraki, the new toiletries line by Danish interior brand House Doctor. And yes, it looked good and will most certainly appeal to those who already have a penchant for brands like L:a Bruket and Aesop. But to be honest, it felt too samey for me. I don't quite understand the need to create a new product line that is so similar to existing offerings in the market...

Photo: Meraki

instead, my heart leapt at the sight of a small range of soaps by a tiny Swedish brand called Skargard*. I love the simple white packaging with blue print (not 'faux apothecary' as seems to be the trend), the lovely clean scent of the Havtorn soap in particular - and last but not least the 'soap on a rope' detail which reminds me of fancy soaps bought for parents at Christmas when I was little. It's all natural and it works equally well in seawater, hence the cork floater on the rope. Love it.

 

Photo: Pinterest

 

Photo: Ink361

 

The range includes bars of soap, liquid soap, dishwashing liquid etc.

 

*Skargard referring to the 'skärgård' or archipelago of islands and skerries along the coast of Bohuslän on the west coast of Sweden, where the brand originates from.

 

Fifty Shades of Grey - IKEA style

No, I will not be going to the cinema to see Fifty Shades Of Grey. I would rather drool over IKEA's inspirational blog Livet Hemma*

ARÖD lamp, MÄSTERBY step stool

BORRBY lantern, ALVINE/GÄSPA/GURLI/SMÅNATE bedlinen

MÄSTERBY step stool, DINERA coffee cup & saucer

 

STOCKHOLM candlesticks, HASSELNÖT plant pot, RIBBA picture frames

- still life by Frida Ramstedt

 

IKEA PS pedestal

 

LIATORP glass-fronted armoire/cabinet re-styled by Pella Hedeby

 

FABIAN shelves

MALM chest of drawers

STOCKSUND ottoman/footstool

 

HURDAL sliding doors & MULIG clothes rail

HEMNES wash-stand, EKNE wall mirror, FRÄCK shaving mirror

STOCKSUND sofa

KOLJA wall mirrors, MALM mirrored chest of drawers, IKEA PS 2012 chair, PORTIS coat stand

SIGURD bench, VANADIN pendant lamps

SKOVEL wall clock, HEDERLIG champagne glasses

UDDEN trolley table, RÅDIG espresso maker

 

NORNÄS bench

 

STOCKHOLM wing-back armchair

* Livet Hemma (= Life at Home) is only available on IKEA's Swedish web page, but nothing should stop you from checking it out for inspiration. Famous Nordic stylists and bloggers contribute to this inspirational blog so it's a great place to pick up style tips. You can do so much more with IKEA's stuff than what they show us at Neasden and Croydon..