German Impressions IX

Enfin, photos from my trip to Berlin, one of the most the dynamic capitals in Europe!

Above and the next two photos are from Rosenstrasse, the site of a major resistance of ordinary citizens against the jailing of their (Jewish) relatives in 1943. Afterwards, you see photos of Clärchens Ballhaus a eating and dancing venue which is over 100 years old and was a major hangout of German bohemians and artists such as Otto Dix and Alfred Döblin. The design hasn't changed at all and has a morbid charm. The last few photos are from Kreuzberg, a cool neighbourhood formerly located next to the wall.

All photos: European Chic

Grand european bedrooms

Photos: Pinterest

I am dreaming about sleeping in such a grand European bedroom and listen to jazz, or maybe classical music (from hidden speakers as not to disturb the decor). The first bedroom from Portugal is more cosy and perfect for winter whereas the second bedroom is airy and best for summer.

Funny coincidence that the beds in these photos are 'unmade' since I've mentioned it in a post that I've noticed European beds are messy.

Industrial style bookshelf

Photo: jarederickson.com

A bookshelf made out of plumbing! Genius! Great way to fit your big coffee table books in a corner space, too. Design ideas like this one make my heart sing (and my legs moving at high speed towards the hardware store).

This is the 350th post on european chic, by the way!

Refined palette

Analog Girl, a european chic reader from Portugal requested that I feature more of Portugal. Am always glad to get feedback. I browsed my favourite travel sites (very hard task, I know) and found a luxury spa in a former palace on the Algarve in Southern Portugal. The vibrant colours struck a chord with me. Each room is differently decorated and I like how the old palace and the new buildings come together.

You can find the address of Bela Vista Hotel and Spa at the end of the post.

I am also delighted to report that my I was picked for a a Versatile Blogger Award from lovely fellow Italian/Spanish blogger Fancy Windows. She writes about european chic:
              Minimal and eclectic as she describes her cute blog.
Many, many thanks, Eva! It made my day! (I would also personally thank her if I had her email address)

Photos: Escapio

Bela Vista Hotel and Spa

Av. Tomas Cabreira Praia da Rocha

8500-802 Portimão

Portugal

Splendid Spanish home

We'll start the weekend in Rioja, Spain, touring a laid-back home. I like the original features of this home such as the tiles and the window shutters. Oh, and the frequent use of mirrors is so pretty and inspiring me to start collecting differently shaped mirrors to brighten the flat.

                                                                                           Photos: HouseToHome



Happy birthday, european chic!

Time flies when you are having fun and today european chic turn two years. A toddler, not a baby anymore. I wished I could invite you all to a big birthday bash in my flat!

Tell me what you want to see on this blog, dear reader! Which (european) countries should I feature more? 

Photos: Pinterest

Beyond Beautiful

42 squaremeters of bliss! Looks airy and charming, especially the kitchen. I also like the open bath tub - not always practical in a small space - but really cool and romantic. The beams are very Parisian.

Only two days to go until the blogs 2nd birthday. Start thinking what you want to see more off next year.

Photos: Marie Claire Maison

Typical Swedish tile oven

Photo: Livet Hemma

There is nothing more awesome then living in a nordic country and having a tile oven in your house in my humble opinion. Just add a sleeping cat and hot chocolate and you are pretty much in heaven.

Check out also this oven!

British Impressions IV

It has been a long time that I have posted photos from the UK - not because I do not visit reguarly, it is close by after all, but because London especially is such a busy city that I forget to take photos when I go.

The last few photos are from St. Albans, an ancient Roman city north of London, on a busy market day. I bet market day 500 or even 1000 years ago was not much different than today; people being busy shopping, bargaining, talking to friends and neighbours, eating and drinking.

 The hotel lobby

All photos: European Chic



Simple & Chic

This 1930s residence in Sweden is after my heart's desire. A simple yet chic home with a view over the harbour. Did you notice the painted floorboards and good it looks? I also like the built-in larder in the kitchen and the small walk-in closet in the bedroom. Walk-in closets are unfortunately pretty rare in most parts of Europe.

All photos: Alvhem Maekleri