WEEK FOUR

The first month of this year is unusually warm in Oslo, but with the characteristic gray skies and icy gravel strewn streets of most Nordic urban winter days. I linger in the midwinter darkness, the cozy feel of wool blankets and resist the urge to welcome spring too soon. In a week or so I will begin to introduce white and green in the home again, to welcome the light. But not quite yet.

In the desperate attempt to declutter prior to a move six years ago I threw away the old maps I'd been saving to have framed.  I'd torn out the original print from a book in an even earlier attempt to declutter. This was one of those maps, printed in 1909, and I miss it terribly. Perhaps it is time to admit to myself that I never grew up. I am one still of those who adore the treasures others call clutter.

IMAGES FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: BLOMSTERFRAMJANDET, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, USED WITH PERMISSION. MAP OF STOCKHOLM FROM THE INTERNET BOOK ARCHIVE 

IT'S A CATCH

January, a.k.a. the bleak month post Christmas, is said to be the poorest month of the year for most Scandinavians. So here's a budget friendly tip: the coat hangers in iron that we bought for our hallway are a steal at JULA.
IMAGE: PRODUCT IMAGE JULA WEBSHOP

GOOD NIGHT MOON

Much like the Chinese I name each year after an animal. Well,sort of, I name it after a room...or a project area.

2017 is the year of the bedroom. This is the year we'll establish better bedtime routines, ban late night netsurfing, upgrade bed linen and bedding, get cozy sleep wear and in short: sleep well every night and wake up rested and bright every morning.

One can at least dream, no?

Above, muted tones and timeless design from Åhlens, which I am considering for the children's room. But it might be the 2013 fall catalogue from Mille Notti that will be my style guide on the journey towards a bedroom where good sleep abides.
IMAGES: PRODUCT IMAGE ÅHLENS; (ABISKO)

JANUARY

IMAGE BY CARL LARSSON VIA FLICKR, CREATIVE COMMONS