Kids space at vtwdbeurs 2016

Last Friday we went to look for inspiration at the biggest Design and Interior Fair in The Netherlands called - VT wonen&design Beurs taking place in Amsterdam. We were so exited to discover, that the Dutch magazine vtwonen created space for kids in their pavilion. It was not just one little room…it was large and impressive open space.  The main element was a built platform where child can sleep and play and on the other side there was a separate area for working. My favourite element was definitely the built platform with the drawers underneath for all the toys and also a large wardrobe. Open shelves gave chance to expose all little treasures. Just perfect. I really liked the colours combo kept in this era. Grey was contrasted and refreshed with orange, which gave cosy and warm feeling. The working area was dark and calm, with a galaxy theme. Kids’ house was filled with plenty of vintage finds, industrial furniture like chairs or shelves, which made this space look so personal. Such a wonderful atmosphere….

and we spotted Rafa-kids XO game and X stool in black in there!  

Unfortunately on the entire fair it was not much more inspiration for children except this pavilion….I will show you more from the fair shortly. 

Happy weekend my dear readers. 

Out and About

Weekend! Last week we decided that our Friday’s are going to be “ Out and About ” . Each Friday we will go and discover some new places and recharge our  batteries and get inspired. Do you like the idea ?  Today I would like to show you our first outing.  We went to The Hague, since there is a 3 day event called “ Festival Design Kwartier” 27-29 May. Tomorrow you still have chance to see it if you are around. Open doors to designer’s studios, houses , galleries and shops all filled with design. 

On our ‘must see’ list was Tas-ka store. Unique design concept store hosting also products for MINI - people. 

Tas-ka is run by Jantien Baas and Hester Worst.  In the store you will find, their own design prints all over the place. From designed and manufactured in The Netherlands textiles, their bedding, bags, cushions, tea towers. Their print comes on lamps and plenty of beautiful paper goods too. Jantien and Hester also carry a well curated collection of goods from other brands. Exclusively for “ Festival Design Kwartier” we could see this cute mustard yellow exposition wall with accessories for little ones. There is also a bookstore !  As you could see the store has a minimal look with a graphic touch. Atmosphere is built with care for every little element and product. Well done, Tas-ka! 

pictures> Rafa-kids

Kyoto magic

It’s already Friday and it's time to relax….

our kids have 2 weeks off from school so it will be even slower time for us in the coming days.

I thought I will show you few pictures from our visit in Kyoto. It was a short trip to this magic place and we feel we didn’t have enough of it. We biked through the city and it’s small streets. Stopping by some small studios producing ceramics, brushes or traditional indigo dying. Often we entered these small houses not knowing what to expect, and we loved that so much! We visited few temples, but they were so packed with people that we escaped from there very fast and took our own path…

Have a wonderful weekend. 

our Tokyo - first days in Shinjuku

We are back! It was a long break on the blog but I hope you are still here with us.

 I’m trying to catch up with work, so please be patient with me. I have so much to tell you! 

Today a taste of Shinjuku in Tokyo. If you can imagine that Tokyo is the world’s most populous metropolitan area with upwards of 37.8 million people and the world’s largest urban agglomeration … well, don’t be scared, it is very easy to navigate around. Wonderful subway system will take you anywhere in few minutes! Tokyo is one of the safest cities on earth with the most kind and helpful people I had ever chance to meet. 

We were so lucky with the cherry blossom. If you ever plan to go there in around this time of the year I would highly recommend to take your lunch to a park and sit together with locals. Enjoy this amazing moment in the hart of the crazy busy city. You will just relax, watch the beautiful nature and festive vibe around you. Such a wonderful experience.  We got our lunch ( Bento box) at the beautiful store ISETAN. The food department in the basement is an absolute heaven to walk around. 

We decided to focus on 3 districts in Tokyo which we wanted to get to know more. First days we stayed for business at Shinjuku, close to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It is an office district with a lot of people waking in black suits but there are plenty of local restaurants and bars. At night you can just walk around the little streets and absolutely get lost in the mood, food and atmosphere…..

......to be continued

please wait here

Ugo Rondinone Vocabulary of Solitude

We are so lucky. This amazing 45 clown sculptures came to Rotterdam, long way from Ugo Rondinone’s studio in NY! The other day I took my younger son Robert and we went to the museum of modern art Boijmans to see them up close . 

My son, wasn’t really sure how to behave….he was a bit scared but he was very intrigued…

” mom, are they real ? mom, are they dead ? can I touch them ? can I sit next to him ? “ 

I didn’t even want to say anything. I whispered, not knowing why. Their closed eyes asked for sort of magic silence. I love their amazing colourful costumes with glitter and contrasting socks , like they would like to get all our attention, even though I could feel their loneliness…

 If you plan to visit Rotterdam, the exhibition is open till 29 May. I highly recommend it.