Beautiful Kitchens from Sweden

<div align="center"><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466689870810941218" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S92VeUbphyI/AAAAAAAAE20/qlhwkR31lJU/s400/large_Sundby_rokgra_2-1.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" /> I have the featured the beautiful Swedish kitchen design firm, <a href="http://willowdecor.blogspot.com/2008/04/swedish-kitchens-from-kvnum-kok.html">Kvänum Kok </a>in the past. They are a high end kitchen cabinet and design firm that is very well respected all over Scandinavia. They have some new designs, which are so beautiful, that I wanted to give you another peek. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466689874439407474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S92Veh8vh3I/AAAAAAAAE28/49Msjkq2lrY/s400/large_Sundby_rokgra_2-3.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" /> Take a look at this first gorgeous kitchen, with my favorite, white cabinetry. Though I think white cabinetry is the ultimate classic, some may say it is getting boring, as it seems to be featured more and more. This kitchen, though is anything but boring! Several elements take it from ordinary to extraordinary. First, lets look at the cabinets themselves. I have long favored the X cross upper cabinets, and actually used Kvänum Kok as my inspiration for my own kitchen. Read about <a href="http://willowdecor.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-kitchen-unveiled.html">my kitchen here</a>.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S92VdxBmW4I/AAAAAAAAE2s/L4cvO_K5Z6U/s1600/large_Sundby_rokgra_2-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466689861306440578" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S92VdxBmW4I/AAAAAAAAE2s/L4cvO_K5Z6U/s400/large_Sundby_rokgra_2-2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Second, I was actually stopped in my tracks by the beautiful backsplash tile. It reminds me of Delft antique tiles. On a wall that has no windows or interesting architectural features, it is amazing how tiles and cabinets can transform a boring, blank wall into the most gorgeous focal point.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466676442982732946" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S92JQt37VJI/AAAAAAAAE2c/65LIkhuDd8E/s400/large_Sundby_rokgra_2-1.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" /></div><div align="center">Another key to this beautiful space is the wonderful light from the spectacular arched doors. Not all of us are able to incorporate such a stunning feature in our designs, but it is always important to note, how much beauty natural light can bring to a space. Finally the stove is striking. I am in love with stoves that also are works of art and this one is lovely.</div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S92JQ9E7adI/AAAAAAAAE2k/zQamemriZsk/s1600/medium_Broby_dimgra_2-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466676447063796178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S92JQ9E7adI/AAAAAAAAE2k/zQamemriZsk/s400/medium_Broby_dimgra_2-2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 326px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Moving on to another kitchen, the one above is part of their newest line. Notice the upper cabinets have been replaced by open shelving. No upper cabinets seem to be a trend worldwide. To read more about this <a href="http://willowdecor.blogspot.com/2010/02/kitchen-trend-no-upper-cabinets.html">trend click here</a>.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466676429080731682" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S92JP6FboCI/AAAAAAAAE2M/hD3EQTg_0XU/s400/large_Broby_dimgra_2-1.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" /></div><div align="center">Though the kitchen is not huge by American standards, it is thoughtfully designed, including a freestanding butler's pantry, for extra dishes and glassware. Again light plays an important role with sun streaming in from two sides.</div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S92JQOHLPwI/AAAAAAAAE2U/JHaOCCEZv0w/s1600/large_Broby_dimgra_2-3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466676434456755970" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S92JQOHLPwI/AAAAAAAAE2U/JHaOCCEZv0w/s400/large_Broby_dimgra_2-3.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 273px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Here is the family room adjacent to the kitchen. Though not part of the kitchen space, I wanted to include it because it is such a pretty room. I love the beamed ceiling and horizontal beadboard walls. Notice the high shelf which acts a bookcase. Also the bleached wood floors which are distinctly Swedish. For more inspiration, read my previous posts on <a href="http://willowdecor.blogspot.com/2008/04/swedish-kitchens-from-kvnum-kok.html">Kvänum Kok here </a>or visit their website <a href="http://www.kvanum.com/">here</a>. </div><div align="left">.</div><div align="center">Finally congratulations Victoria at VictoriaArt -please email your mailing address so I can send you off the copy of <a href="http://willowdecor.blogspot.com/2010/04/exclusive-interview-with-dominique.html">Slow Love by Dominique Browning</a>. Special thanks to Dominique for both the book and the wonderful interview which you can <a href="http://willowdecor.blogspot.com/2010/04/exclusive-interview-with-dominique.html">read here</a>. </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;">.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(all photos property of Kvänum Kok )</span></div>

Beautiful Kitchens from Sweden

I have the featured the beautiful Swedish kitchen design firm, Kvänum Kok in the past. They are a high end kitchen cabinet and design firm ...

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A Home for the Vellum Book & New Giveaway!

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464633049584569234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S9ZGzkRZC5I/AAAAAAAAE0k/BXRaMsvjw_c/s400/Donna.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 345px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div align="center">What a wonderful surprise to hear from Donna of <a href="http://thedecoratedhouse.blogspot.com/2010/04/gift-of-antique-vellum-book-3-fine.html">The Decorated House </a>house today. Donna was the winner of the Vellum Book so generously donated by Kym Fraser of <a href="http://3finegrains.com/">3 Fine Grains</a>.</div><div align="center">It has found a lovely home among Donna's other antique books and I think it looks stunning!! You can read all about the book's new home <a href="http://thedecoratedhouse.blogspot.com/2010/04/gift-of-antique-vellum-book-3-fine.html">here</a>. Congratulations again, Donna!</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S9ZG0F3AH0I/AAAAAAAAE0s/lNCIWS7qbmc/s1600/donna2"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464633058600689474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S9ZG0F3AH0I/AAAAAAAAE0s/lNCIWS7qbmc/s400/donna2" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 336px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <div align="center">And, don't forget enter to win Dominique Browning's new book <a href="http://www.slowlovelife.com/">Slow Love</a>. Head over to her blog,<a href="http://www.slowlovelife.com/"> slow love life</a>, and come back to WD and leave a comment! We will announce a winner on Sunday!! Read more about Dominique's exclusive interview with WD <a href="http://willowdecor.blogspot.com/2010/04/exclusive-interview-with-dominique.html">here!</a></div>

A Home for the Vellum Book & New Giveaway!

What a wonderful surprise to hear from Donna of The Decorated House house today. Donna was the winner of the Vellum Book so generously dona...

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Exclusive Interview with Dominique Browning & Giveaway!

<div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463817847001949490" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S9NhYh_9pTI/AAAAAAAAE0c/ZsZBGOVd5DU/s400/DOminique+NYTIMES.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div align="center">We are so fortunate to be able to speak to Dominique Browning, former editor of House & Garden Magazine!<br /></div><div align="left">.</div><div align="center">Since House & Garden, Dominique has been very busy writing books and recently joined the world of blogging. Her new book, <span style="color:#663366;"><strong>Slow Love - how I lost my job, put on my pajamas and found happiness</strong></span>, is a wonderful touching memoir of her journey after leaving House & Garden and her steps toward self discovery. With thoughtful, honest insights she shares her struggle toward self awareness and peace. You celebrate her small triumphs, and share her fears as she moves forward into new, uncharted territory. Traveling along with her you are able to also slow down and rediscover the wonder and beauty of the world around us. Her words resonated so strongly with me that I just couldn't put the book down. I loved it! </div><div align="center">'</div><div align="center">So imagine how thrilled I was when Dominique was able to share with us a few more of her thoughts and insights on design and enjoying the process.</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463788839417855138" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S9NHAEU-vKI/AAAAAAAAEzc/0RYIDENNPyg/s400/Dominque2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <em>WD: You have been watching home design trends for many years. What do you consider timeless and classic? </em><br /><br /><div align="center">DB: I've decided it doesn't have to do with style or period--things Baroque and things ultra modern can be classic. It has to do with integrity: things well made, and designs to themselves, fully exploring and expressing what they are. So, an elegant modern sofa by Billy Baldwin looks great now, and did fifty years ago. And works in a contemporary room, or in a room full of Fine French Furniture. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463810371835900866" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S9Nala1fs8I/AAAAAAAAE0E/h3-RozlgnXY/s400/paltrow_7.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 330px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 394px; CURSOR: hand" /><em>WD: What is the most favorite room in your home -what details make it so special to you?</em></div><br /><div align="center">DB: Any room that has books in it, and a comfortable place to read. The details I crave: a table near a chair for that cup of tea or glass of wine. A soft, thick throw for my knees, or around my shoulders. A jewel of a pillow to brighten the air, and fabric that is not scratchy or irritating. And, finally, what I call an intimate landscape nearby--some small configuration of vase, sculpture, stone or bird's nest--anything, found or precious or both, that your eye can rest on, and your imagination can wander over. </div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463788832184698066" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S9NG_pYdhNI/AAAAAAAAEzU/asnndegOW0s/s400/Dominque+03_19_09_Funky_Fireplace,_Silver_Tea_PotsSIters+Iwoa+Garden.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 389px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div align="center"><em>WD: What are your favorite places to find inspiration for both your home and garden?</em></div><br /><div align="center">DB: I LOVE consignment shops, and have found treasures galore in what people are casting off, particularly if they happen to be in wealthier neighborhoods!<br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463788226247082034" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S9NGcYFrQDI/AAAAAAAAEzM/t_LmyQmSmks/s400/Dominiquw+Cosatal+living+nbeach-rocks-in-glass-jars.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div align="center"><em>WD: With the struggling economy and many home owners having to stay longer in their homes than they may have wanted; what advice would you give to them regarding refreshing their spaces? </em></div><div align="center"><em></em><br /> </div><div align="center">DB: Staying longer in a home would never be my problem! The longer you are home, the better your house becomes. Keep adding things you love, and they don't have to be purchased. They can be found objects, from walks in the woods or on the beach. Of course, an ever-changing pile of photography books goes a long way. And so does simply reupholstering ONE armchair. Or, getting a new set of towels in a vibrant color that you never would have used before. Amazing how small things make a big difference.<br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463810381023261346" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S9Nal9D7sqI/AAAAAAAAE0U/epdW_Kp7d2o/s400/House+and+garden.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" /> <p align="center"><em>WD: How have you made the transition from critiquing rooms to really enjoying them?</em></p><p align="center">DB: I have always enjoyed my rooms, and I'm still critiquing rooms! Just silently, muttering under my breath! <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463787660519100978" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S9NF7clnUjI/AAAAAAAAEyc/cxT7e6Xj9ZI/s400/Dominique+Gwyneth_Paltrow%27s_dining_room_internet_image.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /><em>WD: So often I hear from friends and clients "I just want to get this room done!" What tips can you share to help us enjoy the process as well as the outcome? </em></p><div align="center">DB: First, start ripping pages out of magazines, pages with ideas that catch your eye. Don't edit yourself ahead of time. If your pulse quickens, rip. Then look at what you've got, find shared themes, and head in that direction. NEVER keep working with someone who makes you feel insecure, dumb, frightened or confused. FIRE AWAY! Don't wait for a crisis. This is when breaking up is easy to do. And enjoy it at your own pace--some people need to work slowly, one piece at a time. Others want that "magic wand" feeling--everything done at once. Stay true to yourself. And do not let yourself get talked into living with something you don't like. You wouldn't do that with a partner, would you? So why would an armchair be any easier? <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463788199059638418" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S9NGayzryJI/AAAAAAAAEys/WmJU1lnkSxg/s400/dOMINIQUE+holdenby_house_gardens_and_falconry_centre_671_jpg_600x.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></div><div align="center"><em>WD: One of the many themes in your new book is your fear of change and the unknown. What words of advice do you have for others who share those fears, and how can they make fear become a positive catalyst?</em> </div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center">DB: Don't run from fear--that's what I learned hardest. Stay with it, examine it, look deep into that dark heart. And start learning and changing. I have some bad habits (like always beating up on myself, internally--that horrid little voice that says nothing is good enough) and those habits kept me in a semi-fearful state. So I have had to literally talk myself through them, and train myself to change my ways of thinking.<br /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463788214812261250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S9NGbtfZu4I/AAAAAAAAEzE/uMOOTmnBW_Y/s400/dominique_browning_blog.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 108px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div align="center"><em>WD: What are the most important things you have learned about yourself while writing your new book and blog?</em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">DB: I LOVE blogging! I resisted it for years and years, back in HG days! I guess I just wasn't ready for it. So I learned something very important, both in my new online writing and in writing the book. Don't hold back. Life is short. Make the most of whatever gives you pleasure.<br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464638374599983954" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S9ZLphgAA1I/AAAAAAAAE00/O44JAS1Y1BA/s400/donna2" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 336px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/S9NF6dfkh4I/AAAAAAAAEyE/NFrRrweVswU/s1600/DOminique+Book+eb_188_display.jpg"></a>One of things I have missed the most from House & Garden is Dominique's Editorial Letters. I am so thrilled that her new blog, <a href="http://www.slowlovelife.com/"><span style="color:#993399;"><strong>slow love life</strong></span> </a>brings her conversations and touching insights back to us again.<br /><div align="left">'<br /></div>As I mentioned, <strong><em><a href="http://www.slowlovelife.com/"><span style="color:#993399;">Slow Love</span></a></em></strong>, is a wonderful book! We are so fortunate that Dominique has given Willow Decor a copy for one of our readers. (or you can purchase it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Slow-Love-Pajamas-Found-Happiness/dp/1934633313"><strong><span style="color:#663366;">here</span></strong></a>) Just visit her new blog, <span style="color:#cc33cc;"><strong><a href="http://www.slowlovelife.com/">slow love life</a></strong></span>, and come back here and leave a comment. Next Sunday I will choose a random comment and send off the book. I know you will enjoy both her blog and her book as much as I have.<br /><div align="left">'<br /></div>Finally a very special thank you to Dominique Browning for sharing her time and thoughts with us! So thrilled she part of the blog family!!<br />.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo credit: NY Times, House & Garden,Coastal Living, Iowa Garden, House & Garden AU)</span> </div></div>

Exclusive Interview with Dominique Browning & Giveaway!

We are so fortunate to be able to speak to Dominique Browning, former editor of House & Garden Magazine! . Since House & Garden, Do...

Read more »