Best of CMID - Scandinavian Style

Apartments in a former Chocolate Factory (2015)

There’s a good reason why the CMID blog has been dormant of late.  We have been busy focusing our efforts on developing a newly crafted blog, with a re-launch planned for the end of February.

Remaining true to your essential style while constantly keeping your work fresh are key elements that work in tandem to deliver effective and successful interior design.  The new CMID blog aims to reflect this thinking.

In the interim, and to possibly to keep your whistle whet, here's a retrospective of the CMID blog’s most popular postings.  If you are a regular reader, it might not escape your attention that Charlotte admires Scandinavian style and this is reflected in the popularity of related posts.  She is drawn to its modernity, natural functionality, and often-unobstructed simplicity of interiors and exteriors. 

Click the link provided below the images to see more of each posting.  And, look out for the CMID blog version 2.0 in February. 

Isolated Cabin in Norway (2014)

Stunning Modern Apartments in Stockholm (2015)

Stylish Swedish Apartment 2012

Ett Hem Stockholm  (2012) and More of Ett Hem Stockholm (2013)

Design Museum Denmark (2011)

Modern and Traditional Swedish Summer House (2013)

Republic of Fritz Hansen Showroom in Milan (2013)

Scandinavian Inspired Home in Melbourne (2014)

Scandi Styling in the Hamptons (2012)

Michel, Helsinki (2015)

Words by Craig Greaves. 

Michel, Helsinki

Here is a restaurant that I have been inspired by recently - it is called Michel and located in Helsinki, Finland.
Designed by the clever Joanna Laajisto, a Finnish interior architect and designer who trained and made her career in Los Angeles designing large scale commercial projects before returning to her native country. Laajisto was inspired by 1940's kiosks that were built in the Finnish capital for Michel. I love the use of white tiles, pistachio green painted panelling, marble lined walls, natural timbers and cognac leathers. The interiors are light, modern and fresh (as well as stunning and timeless), which works beautifully alongside Michel's uncomplicated, fresh and approachable menu. Lovely.

Photographs via Joanna Laajisto

Loretta, Wellington

Congratulations to Wellington eatery, Loretta for being named Urbis Best Restaurant Interior 2014. Since Loretta opened in May last year, I have eaten there often and enjoy the space very much - I think it's something to do with all the lovely pale timber! It was also selected last year by Vogue as a place to visit in the capital city - what a couple of great recognitions!
The interior, like its food, is clean  and honest as well as relaxed and casual. The client, the successful team behind Floriditas, worked with Parsonson Architects (who conveniently have an office above the eatery) and were inspired by California's mid century architecture, specifically Schaffer House by John Lautner which appeared in the 2009 movie, A Single Man. They were also keen to focus on the natural and earthy pottery by Paul Melser, which is on display along the northern wall as well as the crockery the diners eat from. Read more about Loretta and the successful design process here.

Photographs by Jeff Brass.

Odette's Eatery, Auckland

Spotted this morning on Home NZ is this chic new restaurant called Odette's Eatery, located at the popular CityWorks Depot, a creative hospitality hub in Auckland.
A design collaboration between the seasoned restaurant owners and the team from Cheshire Architects, the result is a warm, beautiful and easy going interior. Read the interview with Clare van Den Berg here to find out how these stunning spaces came about.

Photographs via Home New Zealand.

Polperro Winery by Hecker Guthrie

Spotted on Yellowtrace (a great and up to date online design publication) is this lovely project, the Polperro Winery, which was designed by the much admired Melbourne firm, Hecker Guthrie. Located in Red Hill, Victoria, the interiors were inspired by artist Rebekah Stuart and her paintings, which can be seen throughout the spaces. Read here for more insights about the stylish project.

Photographs by Shannon McGrath via Yellowtrace.

Bills Hawaii

I've yet to visit the original Bills restaurant in Sydney, however I can say I have enjoyed food by Bill Granger through his recipe books and it is delicious.
Check out his latest new restaurant, Bills Hawaii in Waikiki - it carries on the same qualities that all of Bill Granger's restaurant have - sunny, easy going and generous. With the beach bar on the lower level and the dining upstairs, these interiors reflect the relaxed island vibe of Honolulu so well.

Photographs by Mikkel Vang.