My Swedish Love: Josef Frank
It all started innocently enough with these window shades. Since then, I’ve fallen madly in love with Josef Frank.
I think his patterns are just magical.
And look how well one piece can work in a white space.
And hey, would you look at that, a black and white striped rug like mine:
(I think the owner of this house and I would get on famously.)
And as if I didn’t already have enough reasons to go to Sweden, there’s currently an exhibit dedicated to Josef Frank presented jointly with Ilse Crawford:
Josef Frank and my design idol in one place? It’s too much design goodness I tell you. So it’s just as well I can’t go because I don’t think I could handle it.
Those red books by the way, are one of my favorite design books, Home is Where the Heart Is by Ilse Crawford. If you’re not familiar with it, you have to check it out – even if just for the soft, silky cover!
This week has been tough – I think we broke every record on the books for high temperatures. AC’s aren’t common in Seattle (because it’s not supposed to get this hot!) so everyone is really suffering. I haven’t stepped foot in my studio (where my computer is) for more than a few minutes here and there because it’s the hottest part of the house. Â I’m really feeling out of sorts because that’s where I do everything, including blogging. I owe you all a ton of comments! Hopefully, we’ll all get a break from all this crazy weather soon. (Hello to all the New Yorkers under water!)Â Fingers crossed for the weekend. See you all on Monday!
(Photos: 1.ArchiExpo 2-5.Skona Hem 6&7.Designboom)
A Josef Frank AND Ilse Crawford exhibition! Now wouldn't that be heaven.
.-= Lee´s last post ..Down to the wire =-.
Just yesterday I found Josef Frank, and I fell in love of his wallpapers! So cute.
.-= Frida´s last post ..Tonfisk-design =-.
If you do visit Sweden, do stop by Norway as well! I can safely promise it won't be very hot… Hope you'll get through the weekend!
I do like these large prints ( although I was there first time round !! ) but I know that I would get tired of them pretty quickly… Still, it's a good excuse to decorate again, isn't it ?
.-= Jacqueline´s last post ..AL FRESCO DINING………. =-.
Wow, I love those chairs. I think I'd feel quite happy hanging about in such a special piece.
.-= Courtney´s last post ..Minty-Fresh Greens and Whites =-.
Love those pieces! I have heard how hot it is where you are. Hang in there!
.-= Jesse´s last post ..Home Sweet Home… =-.
Beautiful pics! I can't believe it's so hot there, when that weather should be up here in Ontario! It's so rainy here! Weird… lol. Maybe we switched?
.-= Daniella´s last post ..why don't you… =-.
must.have.red.desk. a.s.a.p.
.-= Christy Grubbs´s last post ..Must Have: JR Watkins =-.
Beautiful! Great minds thinks alike..aka b/w striped rug
I feel your pain about the heat, thank the LORD we have mega AC down here in Houston, but I can't get to my office for other reasons..it's so messy, boxes etc. I am tackling it today! Phew. Love these photos!
.-= Meg´s last post ..Work Outfit =-.
I utterly love that sofa in the top photo, but I'm already worried about what to wear to sit on it…
.-= Mise @ Pretty Far West´s last post ..it's getting better =-.
New Yorker (typing as water closes over her head) wants the crisp, bright Josef Frank covered chair and a bright red rug, but most of all wants rain to stop as much as you want cooler weather. Sigh.
.-= moderenemama´s last post ..Clothkits =-.
Seriously, no A.C.? No joke, I pray at the shrine of Mr. Air Conditioning. I have nooooo tolerance for the sweltering summer heat and humidity we experience here. I literally hide out indoors as much as possible, all summer long. Which is no easy feat considering I have three boys itching to get outside. All that is to say, "bless your heart!" I feel your pain, girl. I hope the weather cooperates real soon!
As for Jo, yeah, I heart him too. I just love the upholstered pieces from Anthropologie. The textiles are just genius!
.-= nkp´s last post ..Mad for Mads =-.
This makes my soul hurt. It's just too good.
.-= karly / design crisis´s last post ..Rainbow Brite =-.
Hilarious! I have the wallpaper from image no. 3 in our bedroom!! It's a lovely wall and we've deliberately not hung any pictures to give it all it's glory on it's own!
.-= Caroline´s last post ..back to urban life =-.
that sofa is amazing! I love him too. Have a lovely weekend.
.-= paula´s last post ..Outfit to Room… Emerson Made =-.
These are lovely and work so well as added punch to a white space!! And How did you read my mind? I've been DYING to go to Sweden lately! I think I would be in design HEAVEN!
Have a great weekend, hope it finally cools down!
xoxo Crystal
.-= Crystal @ PlushPalate´s last post ..Ryan Kobran + Edon Manor =-.
Beautiful spaces and a wonderful post! I like so many of the details — I've fallen for the modern kitchen, with the sleek cabinetry and wallpaper, that seems to add just the right softness…
I can totally sympathize about the heat! I'm up in Vancouver, B.C, and we've been suffering from this unexpected heat wave, also. I have been staying in the basement of our home for 90% of the time, hoping to stay somewhat cool. But lack of AC and the ability to buy more fans is almost too much!
Hope it cools, even just a bit, so we can have a more restful weekend*
Lovely blog – found it via Pretty Far West.
Gorgeous photos and I am so envious of your heat over there – we are having winter for our August bank holiday weekend!!
.-= Lorna´s last post .. =-.
Alek!!!
You have made my day!!! That's too funny, you have that same photo, although it doesn't surprise me completely with all the places you have gone!! Love the above printed sofas and that stripey black and white rug! have a great weekend!
.-= Maria´s last post ..San Francisco Part Deux =-.
I want that couch- its so great!
so refreshing… love your blog… and i still want you to visit!!!
have a lovely weekend… are you enjoying the heat??? ugh…
x pam
Hey Alek! I did just change the comment message. I had to because I had a mean person leaving nasty comments about how they hated my stuff. Can you believe how mean people can be?
.-= Christy Grubbs´s last post ..Must Have: JR Watkins =-.
Välkommen till Stockholm, indeed! If you step inside Svensk Tenn store, you will droll to death with theri simple, vintage design. It's heaven in there. Just bring you thick wallet, if you're planning to buy something.
I will be your guide in Stockholm. I live just 20 mins to Strandvägen where the exhibit is held. I was there last Thursday but forgot my darn cam and my mobilecam isn't working as it is.
Have a happy w/end.
xoxo
.-= Chie´s last post ..MY BDAY ON SHADOW SHOT SAT/SUN #33 =-.
This makes me want to add a little more pattern to my decor. Love that chair!
Hi Alek!
Just caught yr comment of July 14 regarding an earlier post of mine about the World's Top Ten Restaurants! Apologies for delayed blog maintenance!!
So interested to read your thoughts about Mugaritz & Arzak! But do keep persevering with El Bulli – the wait's well worth it!
Having an Awards ceremony over at my place with cuisine personally prepared by Wolfgang Puck. (Used to eat at Spago's when I lived in LA – very good then.)
Hope you're having a wonderful weekend,
xxxNora & Lola:)
btw Love Josef Frank's designs – so stylish, unique!
.-= nora johnson´s last post ..AND THE WINNER OF THE FIRST-EVER LOLA AWARDS IS … !! =-.
I love your blog. It's delicate, different and wonderful. Regards from Brasil!
I am MAD for Josef Frank! I have two pillows from his fabric on my living room sofa and I'd LOVE to have more. Great post!
.-= Alissa´s last post ..Year One! and Adirondacks too =-.
really alek, I thought *I* was your Swedish love?!
just kidding 
love your josef frank post, great selection of photos!
.-= Kristina´s last post ..ladybugs everywhere =-.
Love Josef Frank. That black and white sofa is to die for…
.-= lucy@fourwallsandaroof´s last post ..White and silver =-.
Hi. My favourite Josef Frank item is his Chinese lamp. Google it. It is wonderful!
bonjour à tous – voir un article sur Josef Frank dans mon blog (adresse ci-dessus) = le 15 juillet 2010 Google l’a honoré (il est né un 15 juillet) en faisant un doodle à partir de ses dessins = en ouvrant Google le 15 juillet, plus d’un milliard d’internautes ont vu ce dessin de Josef Frank