A Dreamy Artist's Loft

<div align="center">I take a painting class every Friday. I love to paint seascapes. The teacher puts on some wonderfully <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">soft</span> music and brews us Cinnamon Tea. I sit on my stool and try to imagine the real sea. While I paint my mind wanders and I dream of where I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">would</span> paint if I was "real" artist. Here is a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">picture</span> of an artist's loft in NYC. It comes pretty close to my dream.<span style="font-size:78%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307123375807984802" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Saawl4o09KI/AAAAAAAABf8/A5ybzLjkU5A/s400/Ochs+Design+loft.jpg2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">All photos <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ochs</span> Design</span></div><div align="center">The 2700 sq ft abandoned warehouse space was converted and renovated into an artist's loft by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ochs</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Design</span>. The painting studio retains the original industrial asphalt floor. The light is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">incredible</span>!</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307123378383442690" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SaawmCO3UwI/AAAAAAAABgM/jOv0nhkhNnE/s400/Ochs+Design+loft.jpg3.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div align="center">The studio work table was fabricated from stone and wood left behind by former commercial occupants decades earlier. Only the steel frame is new. I love the wonderful mix of textures every <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">where</span> you look.</div><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307123376730027074" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Saawl8EqNEI/AAAAAAAABf0/TFNKgnDkHaY/s400/Ochs+Design+loft.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <p align="center">Platforms replace walls to define the living space. To the right is the painting <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">studio</span> to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">the</span> left the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">living</span> area. Raw industrial surfaces provide the backdrop for art and sculpture. A large skylight lets in daylight to paint by.<br /></p><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307123375633561730" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Saawl3_PeII/AAAAAAAABgE/StC6Mqc6SLc/s400/Ochs+Design+loft.jpg4.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div align="center">The client's desire to leave the space as open as possible led to this luminous fabric sleeping enclosure. Isn't this so romantic?<br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SaawmBHhi1I/AAAAAAAABgU/JkWOyas_zHI/s1600-h/Ochs+Design+loft.jpg5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307123378084219730" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SaawmBHhi1I/AAAAAAAABgU/JkWOyas_zHI/s400/Ochs+Design+loft.jpg5.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I love the spare furnishings - what a wonderfully <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">unique</span> side <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">table</span>.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307123511934704626" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/Saawtzv92_I/AAAAAAAABgc/s7Kh4eli4OY/s400/Ochs+Design+loft.jpg6.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div><div><div>The client likes to cook and entertain. The spacious open kitchen features a 1925 bistro table that seats 16 people. I could have some great parties here!</div><div></div><div>Just wanted to give you a peek of where I dream about painting when I finally get discovered!</div></div></div><br /></div>

A Dreamy Artist's Loft

I take a painting class every Friday. I love to paint seascapes. The teacher puts on some wonderfully soft music and brews us Cinnamon Tea....

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Ski Chalet in Chamonix

<div align="center">Off for a weekend of skiing in New Hampshire, but I leave you with a few photos of a wonderful ski chalet near Chamonix, France. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304917211788133730" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZ7aGPN8xWI/AAAAAAAABb4/ce6uFhAxnIo/s400/chaelt5.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 360px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZ7aa91WghI/AAAAAAAABcQ/uGht5PN-Dew/s1600-h/ski1.jpg"></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304918341228739698" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZ7bH-tkvHI/AAAAAAAABcY/OUz94X-xN7g/s400/ski123.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZ7Z6FFntdI/AAAAAAAABbw/_PfFgGv0euA/s1600-h/chaelt4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304917002910414290" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZ7Z6FFntdI/AAAAAAAABbw/_PfFgGv0euA/s400/chaelt4.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 360px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304917002292129234" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZ7Z6CyNbdI/AAAAAAAABbg/TcAQl3TvHNk/s400/chaelt2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZ7Z50ftitI/AAAAAAAABbY/7KkHToiWCxI/s1600-h/chaelt1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304916998456445650" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZ7Z50ftitI/AAAAAAAABbY/7KkHToiWCxI/s400/chaelt1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 303px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 360px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304917215735156082" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZ7aGd6_jXI/AAAAAAAABcI/Iiq1DkE9iHA/s400/ski.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 360px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div></div><br /><br /></div><p align="center">Have a lovely weekend!</p>

Ski Chalet in Chamonix

Off for a weekend of skiing in New Hampshire, but I leave you with a few photos of a wonderful ski chalet near Chamonix, France. Have a lo...

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Beautiful Norwegian Design - Helene Forbes Hennie meets Slettvoll

<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZwQ9USLa2I/AAAAAAAABag/pojINQr5XIo/s1600-h/slettvoll0809_s9.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304133106738621282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZwQ9USLa2I/AAAAAAAABag/pojINQr5XIo/s400/slettvoll0809_s9.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">all photos from Slettvoll website</span></div><div align="center">I spend time each week reading the Scandinavian blogs and watching new design trends . Two names keep coming up consistently: Slettvoll and Helene Forbes Hennie. Slettvoll, a case goods and upholstery company that has several locations in Norway and has recently opened 3 new stores in Sweden. They have over 23 locations and been in business since 1951. Its sort of Norway's' equivalent to Design with In Reach. Lets have a look!<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304106778843377954" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv5A1OzcSI/AAAAAAAABaA/_i5SQ64B6Co/s400/slettvoll0809_s11.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304106784725350658" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv5BLJLOQI/AAAAAAAABaI/2nHd0PbiJEY/s400/slettvoll0809_s10.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304106786146685762" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv5BQcDE0I/AAAAAAAABaY/om15izsiqXk/s400/slettvoll0809_s7.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />They offer wonderful lines of furniture in several styles for classic, beach and modern interiors.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304181739388549682" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZw9MHBeOjI/AAAAAAAABa4/KBKBdkwjBVQ/s400/slettvoll_s14.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv4cdbXTGI/AAAAAAAABZw/Qn8XCNnmC2o/s1600-h/slettvoll0809_s13.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304106153978317922" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv4cdbXTGI/AAAAAAAABZw/Qn8XCNnmC2o/s400/slettvoll0809_s13.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304105648017615122" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv3_Ak7qRI/AAAAAAAABZI/vrZoVAK77Dc/s400/slettvoll_s13.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The above photos represent more of their classic line. I really love the fitted slipcovers and textured, linen fabrics. The mix of chairs and the bench around the trestle cross dining table is an all time favorite.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv4b9URS7I/AAAAAAAABZo/K2fdXhGNZfY/s1600-h/slettvoll_s5.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304106145358629810" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv4b9URS7I/AAAAAAAABZo/K2fdXhGNZfY/s400/slettvoll_s5.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304106143155042818" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv4b1G5OgI/AAAAAAAABZg/zwU8-HYvduo/s400/slettvoll_s6.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> The above photos show a more beachy feeling. They also carry an outdoor furniture line.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv4b2OSSMI/AAAAAAAABZY/KX_B7boHrao/s1600-h/slettvoll_s8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304106143454480578" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv4b2OSSMI/AAAAAAAABZY/KX_B7boHrao/s400/slettvoll_s8.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv4blMMMVI/AAAAAAAABZQ/SULcO0NgBf0/s1600-h/slettvoll_s11.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304106138882290002" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv4blMMMVI/AAAAAAAABZQ/SULcO0NgBf0/s400/slettvoll_s11.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304105646906542178" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv3-8cCCGI/AAAAAAAABY4/oaRTWH5nDY0/s400/slettvoll_s18.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> Above is the more modern side of Slettvoll. Notice the diffrent mix of textures in the room above. </div><br />Now Slettvoll is a savvy company. In their own Norwegian backyard they have famous designer, Helene Forbes Hennie. Hennie is Norway's premier interior designer a recent recipient of the Andrew Martin International Designer of the Year Award. Winning that award is similar to winning the Academy Awards for interior designers. Together they have teamed up and launched a wonderful line of furniture.<br /><br />Here is the most popular Hennie photo for Slettvoll, perhaps you recognize it. It has appeared in several blogs over the past few months.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304104900544964738" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv3TgBkKII/AAAAAAAABYA/JU9iGjdciU4/s400/sletvollhelene_hennie_s10.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> Wonderful! I just love this dining room. I adore the slip-covered chairs -the lines are slimmer with a modern feeling. Brooke Gianetti at Velvet and Linen has designed furniture with a similar feel and offers it for sale in her store, Gianetti Home. (<a href="http://www.giannettiarchitects.com/Giannetti/Giannetti_Furniture.html">http://www.giannettiarchitects.com/Giannetti/Giannetti_Furniture.html</a>).<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv3-rpm-8I/AAAAAAAABYo/FDv_MR_OnmY/s1600-h/sletvollhelene_hennie_s8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304105642400086978" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv3-rpm-8I/AAAAAAAABYo/FDv_MR_OnmY/s400/sletvollhelene_hennie_s8.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv3T_Sm6HI/AAAAAAAABYQ/VcWw8Vk9FPU/s1600-h/slettvollhelene_hennie_s9.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304104908937947250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv3T_Sm6HI/AAAAAAAABYQ/VcWw8Vk9FPU/s400/slettvollhelene_hennie_s9.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Classic Hennie designs<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv3TvwH-NI/AAAAAAAABYI/HxmpAFHnpaQ/s1600-h/slettvollhelene_hennie_s2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304104904766781650" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv3TvwH-NI/AAAAAAAABYI/HxmpAFHnpaQ/s400/slettvollhelene_hennie_s2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304104912997306018" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SZv3UOabzqI/AAAAAAAABYY/1DvM762co7k/s400/slettvollhelene_hennie_s4.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Modern Hennie designs<br /><br />Sadly Sletvoll has not expanded to the United States. We will just have to hope we see more of Helene Hennie and Slettvoll in Scandinavia. </div></div></div></div>

Beautiful Norwegian Design - Helene Forbes Hennie meets Slettvoll

all photos from Slettvoll website I spend time each week reading the Scandinavian blogs and watching new design trends . Two names keep comi...

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