New Name - Changes Are Coming!

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Sears Tower sky deck Photo by Charlie Engman

 I'm stepping on out there 

photo by Hetero Topia

and taking the plunge 

Hi everyone... We have a name change... Welcome Home - a guide to modern living has been transformed to SnOOp.  

I have been holding the name and concept of SnOOp close to my heart for sometime. I originally wanted SnOOp to be a free print shelter magazine but as time has passed (two-years) I realised SnOOp belongs online with you. 

Welcome Home - a guide to modern living has always been such a mouthful and was always planned to be a temporary [working title] so I hope you love the new name as much as I do. 

The logo was designed by super talented London design agency Accept & Proceed

We will be moving home within the next couple of months but I wanted you to get use to our new name first.

Have a great weekend 

Amanda xxx 

Atelier Abigal Ahern's New Light Collection

I'm in LOVE with  Abigail Ahern’s  latest lighting collection. I really, really want the birds 

Furoshiki by Lucinda Newton-Dunn & Hennie Hayworth

Photos by Deborah Jaffe Found via Oh Joy

I'm famously guilty in forgetting to take a recyclable bag with me when I go grocery shopping. However all has changed now that I have been introduced to Furoshiki {a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth} by Lucinda Newton-Dunnan & Hennie Hayworth. This amazingly versatile piece of printed cotton textile can be used to wrap and carry almost anything from books and clothes to lunch boxes and watermelons! 

Modern Handmade Dinnerware Trends For Contemporary Table Settings

 My big thing is looking at how we as consumers want value but not at the cost of everything being the same.  I'm in love with everything that feels like it has been made by hand and a has a strong sense of provenance like this Rural outfit by Imke Klee and Looks like paper porcelain plates by Annett Janowiak 

Flick'r star Sayaka Minemura found this dinnerware set at Matsumoto Craft Fair in Japan. I adore the idea of using a familiar, disposable object such as the paper plate and transforming it into a cherished ceramic dinner plate. The uneven edge of the plate adds character and a feeling of one-of-a-kind to what is considered a mass produced product. The humble Wooden fork and spoon is by Ryuji Mitani

Beautiful, natural and informal linens like Lauren Kovin's textiles I believe make a dining table warm and inviting. Great food alone isn't enough. Serving dishes and dinner sets that feel like they're handmade is reminiscent of the love, time, care and skill you have put into making a meal. I'm currently in love with  Pure Deigns sandstone and porcelain collection.

 

Accessories your table with products that include natural materials like the Balloon & Seasoning Shaker by Masayuki Kurokawa available from K-Shop. Boiled eggs photo by Charlie Engman

Imperfect is the new perfect. Wonky and not ironed is OK. Metropolis bowls by De Intuïtiefabriek. Natural linen trousers available from Etsy shop Blood Orange Thing's.

I am always looking for simplicity, function and beautifully made objects. Homogenous mass market product is a thing of the past. I guess this post is a small stone against the flood of mass manufacturing increasingly dominating design. Photo of linen trousers by Joe Bonomo. Dinner setting photo by Sayaka Minemura

Watch Movie For Extra Inspiration

Rediscovering: The Traditional Use With Leather In The Home

Boiled leather cups by Simon Hasan

Boiled leather bowls by Simon Hasan

Boiled leather stool by Tortie Hoare

Boiled leather vases by Simon Hasan; Boiled leather chair by Tortie Hoare

Floor Lamp by David Ericsson; Stools by Willem Derrider; Pompom pouf by Lisa Hilland Design

Creating lasting memories for your child

New York loft designed by Resolution: 4 Architecture Photos by Martyn Thompson

 

Never under estimate the role your home plays on your children.  Our deepest memories come from the place we grew up. As children, we developed step by small step, and risks were taken because retreat to a safe place was possible. 

"Life begins well. It begins enclosed, protected, all warm in the bosom of the house". 

                                                                                                                             - Gatson Bachelard

The first view from a bedroom window, textures from a small vignette, patterns from a well used sofa or rug and cooking smells from the kitchen stay with us forever. The biggest tip I can give you is to make sure when you are decorating that you allow your ideas to be flexible. Let your home grow-up with your family. 

Four key tips to help create lasting memories for a child's lifetime:

Start introducing ideas for the home to ensure stimulating and relaxed environment for the whole family

Live  make the most of your shared spaces, fun places for everyday life, lounging and learning

Share celebrate your time together in the kitchen, around the table, and with family and friends

Nest bathing and sleeping, appreciate the daily rituals for a calm household environment 

Wrapped Up In Grey Fabric

 Press Play

This is my first video EVER guys. So let me know what you think.... I hope you like. Press the button on the right hand corner to see it full size (although a little blurry when large).

The fashion is by amazingly talented Lauren Kovin
Photos by Jessie McGowan

Music 'Something That's Real' by Quantic Soul Orchrestra