I’m quite taken with this space from Swedish mag Hus & Hem. Insofar as I can tell (you know, not being able to read Swedish), it’s the Stockholm apartment of Jonas, a photographer, and Cattis, a stylist. But I don’t need to read Swedish to understand that this couple and their home has style in spades; the kitchen alone is worthy of of a magazine feature.

Though a bit more utilitarian and spare than I normally gravitate to, this kitchen is fab in all kinds of ways. I love how the metal shelving serves as a freestanding wall of sorts, separating the kitchen from the dining space. That unit, and the one over the sink, turn ordinary bottles, plates and glasses into a display feature, yet the space doesn’t appear busy. Instead, it’s unified by a simple colour scheme of black, white, grey, metal and wood.

That simplicity hides some seriously luxe finishes, too. Those aren’t just marble countertops, but marble backsplashes. The lighting and well-considered seating (both at the bar and the dining table) both speak of elegance, as well. Sigh- it seems like the Swedes just do everything well, don’t you think?

It’s not hard to see why. Originally started as a graphic design company, Ferm Living creates bedding, wallpaper and a wide range of accessories in gorgeous colours and prints.

Clockwise from top left: Porcelain Chemistry Flasks; Tree Bomb Mug; Tower of Napkin Rings; Mushroom Soup Tea Towel; Stem Bowls; Candleholder; Glass Lab Bottles; Knitted Basket.

Check out Ferm’s blog for more imagery and news, too.

Do you know rice, the Danish homewares brand? I stumbled across it yesterday in a local boutique, and was instantly smitten with its products and message. The company motto, “people care – we care” speaks of their business practices; products are designed and developed in Denmark, but produced in developing nations under fair conditions. Involved with several charities and initiatives aimed at eliminating poverty, the company even finances a school in Burma! Of course, the products are great too, so without further ado, check out some of my favourites:

From top: Vegetable-printed Aprons; Ceramic Dipping Bowls; Set of 4 Cake Tins; Washing-up Brushes; Set of 3 Scourers; Plastic Cooler Tanks, Silicone Pastry Brush.

Matt and Blair’s Fresh Retro Kitchen caught my eye when it was posted back in April. The colour scheme of red, aqua, black and white is pure retro, but looks fresh to the modern eye. The other details have the same classic-but-current vibe; the white goods, gorgeous original sink, and cheerful patterned curtains. The fact that this space is flooded with light is the icing on the cake.

For more photos, Matt and Blair blogged the complete renovation of their house at Tulane Rehab.

Obviously, I’m loving the colour scheme here. White, soft green, natural wood and carrera marble make for a soothing and sophisticated combination. My current favourite detail, the tiled wall, looks great here in a subway tile with variation and depth. Some considered lighting, modern chairs and a few green accessories complete the look.

1. Lotus Ware Bowl; 2. 4 Finnish Linen Placemats; 3. Catherine Holm Dutch Oven; 4. Rorstrand Sweden Tea Cup; 5. Dru Holland Cast Iron Frying Pan; 6. Copco Enameled Saute Pan.

1.  Pepper Mill Tea Towel; 2. Bed But Hot Water Bottle; 3. Iron Tea Towel; 4. Grasshopper Tea Towel; 5. Key Tea Towel; 6. Beetle Napkins.

The kitchen is a slightly different space, though. Oh, it’s still elegant and quirky, but here is where the industrial warehouse aesthetic really shines. I love the (original!) metal door leading into the room, not to mention the vintage rolling ladder along the (cookbook?) wall. I also like the trio of retro pendant lights over the island, which together with some well-placed cast iron cookware, add colour to the room.

Overall, this is a room I’d love to cook in. It just seems so clean, bright, and user-friendly; exactly what a kitchen should be. Be sure to check out the rest of the home, too.