Can't get you outta my head....

Think back, think waaaaaaay back to when I posted about how I'm a bit of a magazine junkie and love finding different decorating and design magazines from around the world. Can't remember that far back? That's okay...I can't remember what I had for breakfast this morning. 

Anyways, in that post I professed my love for Hus & Hem a Swedish design magazine that so far, I've only been able to view online. Apparently no stylish ex-Swedes live in Winnipeg...

http://www.forhemmet.se

Though sad that I can't actually leaf through a copy of Hus & Hem (there's just something about actually flipping through a magazine that can't be replicated online), I'm more than happy with the international titles that I have been able to get my paws on - including my absolute favourite which just so happens to hale from Australia.

When I say "Australia" what's the first thing that pops into your head?

Kylie Minogue?

Vegemite?

The Sydney Opera House?

What about great interior design?

http://homes.ninemsn.com.au

Yah....I'm guessing that interior design wasn't your first pick - but seriously, Australia as far away as it is (from Winnipeg that is...), is a treasure trove of amazing design. I love the way that Aussies decorate their homes - there's a certain sense of formality, but loads of playful elements.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com

Figuratively speaking, Australians are more laidback, they know how to relax, how to have fun, how to enterain - and the homes that I've viewed online and within my go-to Australian mag - Australian House & Garden are reflective of these characteristics.

http://ww1.prweb.com

I stumbled across this gem of a magazine while wandering around Chapters a few years ago and have been buying it sporadically since. At $14.95 CDN per issue it's not the cheapest read out there, but it's so worth it. After flipping through an issue I find myself dreaming of packing up everything and moving to Sydney. If I were to pick my favourite issues to buy they'd definitely include the 'top 50 rooms' issue, the 'annual kitchen & bath' issue and my absolute fave - the 'renovation' issue.

Regardless of how few or how many copies one chooses to pickup, they're keepers. The pictures are beautiful, the shopping pages are fun (even if I can't actually buy anything shown....possibly a good thing) and the recipes are awesome! I strongly suggest, rather I command you to wander down to your nearest magazine stand or bookstore to see if you can hunt down a copy - you'll thank me!

I leave you with some more of my favourite shots from Australian House & Garden - be inspired!

D-

All lower images - House & Garden

How Swede it is.

I'm a decorating magazine junkie. I can't wait for the beginning of each month when my latest issues of Canadian House & Home and Style at Home and a slew of American decorating magazines arrive. And while these publications almost always provide me with endless ideas and inspiration, sometimes I find it fun to shake it up a bit with something a bit different. Say something with a bit more of an international feel. What am I rambling about you ask?

I've come across a number of great Australian, British and Spanish design magazines while venturing out and about. Hell, I wandered into Walmart in Puerto Vallarta this past March specifically to buy design magazines (and perhaps to see how cheap their Pacifico beer was...but that's another story). And while there are a number of great publications that I look forward to telling you about, I feel the need to share my latest discovery with you right away!



http://www.husohem.se

Okay, tell me that the above cover isn't just a bit inspiring. I stumbled across Sweden's very own Hus & Hem magazine yesterday and in the time since then have tried to figure out where a guy living in the middle of Canada, where the Swedish population is nil to none could pickup an actual copy to paw through.

I've loved the Scandinavian approach to decorating since receiving my first Ikea catalogue when I was a kid. The Swedes know how to do it right. They don't over think design - it's casual and clean, light and airy yet personal and cozy. Void of the stuffiness that you sometimes see in over-the-top North American decorating.

Alas, I've yet to hunt down a copy. I've called a couple of bookstores that I know that have international choices and so far no cigar. I'm going to do some digging to see if I can buy a subscription online, but until then I'll satisfy myself with the many, many pictures that I've fallen in love with.

 

Here's just a small sampling of my faves -

All images, http://www.husohem.se

D-