Half Year Notes

It’s hard to believe we’re halfway through 2021 already. How did the first six months work out for you? Before the pandemic, being halfway through the year would usually be a good time to evaluate on your New Years’s resolutions. Then kindly forgiving yourself that many of them didn’t actually live through to the end of February. However, I believe many of us stepped into 2021 without any particular decisions, but with only shy optimism about the future. We are all trying to hold on to pieces of normality and hoping the uncertainty will end soon. Have you received your covid vaccine?

Australia has marked this week in lockdown. Many new cases have emerged and we were facing outbreaks in almost all the states. Even Canberra has introduced wearing masks, making it the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. The timing is terrible, because it is the first week of our school winter holidays. All travel plans have changed and most diplomatic events have been canceled. For me, it is actually not that bad after all,  I have a bit more time for my interior school work, and to add some more posts for you guys to read. 

1. When you think of Scandinavian design, it is all about light and airy spaces with simple lines, minimalistic but functional furniture without sacrificing beauty. If you are a Scandinavian design lover then you probably already know Kristina Dam‘s work. I’ve recently discovered her collections of furniture and fell in love with sculptural and timeless pieces. Defined as sculptural minimalism this is in every way pure nordic design style, honouring durable materials, soft colours and understated elegance. I particularly like the Modernist Collection, but enjoy exploring all furniture and decoration collections here.  

2. A couple of years ago, me and my husband spent our wedding anniversary in Jordan. It was one of those trips when everything goes just as planned, with a bit of magic dust on top of it. Jordan is spectacular. We visited the ancient city of Petra and spent a fairytale night in the Wadi Rum desert in a futuristic beduin hotel. We finished our trip on the coast of the Dead Sea. What we experienced isn’t even close to all of the wonders Jordan has to offer. I will put together a travelogue from my memories for everyone asking me where to start exploring this beautiful country. To tickle your travel bug even more, check out the Memories Aicha Luxury Camp hotel, nested in the heart of the Wadi Rum desert. I can’t wait to visit, this time with the kids, because it’s an experience of a lifetime.

3. SALE Alert !! July is the month of sales. If you are in search for a furniture piece, home decoration or to refresh your tableware collection, now is the time to check out Amara, a Finnish design store, Bo Concept or Kartell. As I said many times before, never compromise with quality, or buying copycats. These will never stand the test of time.

4. Every now and then you can find a cosmetic brand visually different to any other. It is so beautiful, you just want to have it on your vanity table. Or making it a quite elegant and unique gift. Highly decorative and desirable soaps, scented oils, candles, toothpastes, perfumes and grooming accessories in the mode of a nineteenth-century apothecary from Paris. L’Officine Universelle Buly 1803 is a heritage brand repackaged for the 21st century. The man behind this French apothecary beauty label is Ramdane Touhami, well known for rebranding Cire Trudon. About L’Officine he said “We’re the opposite of cool, we don’t want to be cool. We’re classic.” 

5. This is not your ordinary travel book. Assouline’s Travel by Design, beside providing essential travel tips, is visually so irresistible that it instantly triggers dreams of escape. From exotic destinations, cityscapes, ancient civilisations, luxurious resorts, to stunning natural wonders, all seen through the discerning and artistic eyes of today’s leading creative talents. Moreover, this is not just another inspirational travel guide but the book you’d love to have on your coffee table, for an everyday daydream.

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4 Comments

  1. Joanie Conley
    July 4, 2021 / 9:26 pm

    I really enjoyed reading this! Being an avid traveler as well as having a love for decorating and design you’ve absolutely piqued my interest! I lived in Scandinavia for a few years and the lovely homes there are as you stated of minimalistic style but simultaneously absolutely beautiful and unique. Thanks for the extra tips about Jordon so when my travel bug can be reactivated I will surely take some of your suggestions with me. Israel and Jordon will hopefully be accessible soon! Love your site!

    • Laura Ferko
      July 21, 2021 / 10:27 pm

      Thanks Joanie, it means a lot and I’m glad you find it helpful! I’m preparing a post dedicated to our trip to Jordan as a collection of memories, with some stunning photos too. Stay tuned !! xx, Laura

  2. Aleksandra
    July 7, 2021 / 11:14 pm

    Once upon a time… the author of this blog took me to a fairy tale place, Hotel Amade Chateau, in Slovakia. Besides everything that we had an opportunity to enjoy there, for the first time I had a chance to try a new cosmetic brand, L’occitane. And it was a at first opening. I’m still buying everything that smell like L’occitane verbena! So, as a “give me more and more great cosmetic brands” person , I can’t wait to try these new tips, with very similar name, that you recommended here . And I’m sure it’s great, I can smell it !!! And a travel book! I still don’t have it?!? Thank you for letting me know about these great things ! Thank you for letting me know you ❤️

    • Laura Ferko
      July 21, 2021 / 10:35 pm

      My dear friend, I miss you !! Thank you for having time to read and even more to bring out the memory of the fantastic birthday party you all organised for me!!
      Verbena by L’occitane is one of my favourites too and to honour our love to good and beautiful things, more brands and tips are coming your way. Love u !!

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