It is the first day of December, November went quicker than I expected, it tends to be a very dark month back in Norway and not much is happening. Luckily, since I moved to London, I’ve not found November too difficult… the problem is only that I’m on my way back to Norway in a month. Back to Oslo. Yes, it is only a month left in my flat in London – and it is strange that I will be leaving the city soon. For me, London has always been about the buildings, houses and their interior design. You can find everything in London (at least a lot more than in Norway). Since it is my last month living in London and England, is this also my last opportunity to really review some interior favorites that you can find in this city. Since I’m lucky enough to have a British parter, I will probably be back again soon – but perhaps not have the same time to go looking for last minute interior to bring back with me. I only have 4 suitcases (20kg) that will be checked in on my trip back to Norway. So my wish list has some restrictions, it will need to fit in a checked in suitcase and not weight a ton. So this wish list can probably also work for a person that is just in town for a visit and does not have an English country estate (yet).
1. Brass Frames from West Elm. Many years ago, I came across brass frames from West Elm on Pinterest and fell completely in love with them. I have for a long time been looking for frames that are modern and classic, but also of very high quality that have the potential to sit for many years on the wall. The brass frames from West Elm are the first frames that were able to qualify to these requirements. They come in different shapes and sizes, and can also be found in silver and rose gold – but for me the gold brass frames work the best on the wall because it gives warmth to the room.
2. Hanging Tealight Holder from Neptune. December is one of the darkest months in England – but especially in Norway. Some parts of Norway don’t see the light at all. Luckily, I am from the south of Norway and the difference in winter light between my hometown and London is just 30-60 min less a day in the winter.
In the darkest months, light is always important and effective to play with to create a warm home. These hanging tea light holders from Neptune, I find so lovely. They can be hanged from basically anywhere and look like rain drops. Perhaps you can find a branch from the forest to hang them from? Or over the table or hanging from the top of a window?
3. Hand painted Mandarin Lidded Jar from Oka. Ok – this one you will perhaps have a bit of an issue of bringing with you in your suitcase. But hey, with the right airline they may allow you to bring it with you in with your cabin luggage? Ok, you should take it in the cabin luggage, because this one is not cheap (but will last a century).
I’ve always been into oriental jars, they give a room extra depth and a feeling of history and pattern. I have fallen completely in love with this one from Oka. They are normally placed in a living room, for example on a coffee table – In many cases they are also brilliant to use like a vase.
4. Winter Botanical Candle from White Company. I received this candle as a gift from my partners family last Christmas and I completely fell in love with the scent. It reminds me of Winter, Fire and Christmas. The candle lasts forever. At the bottom, the candle has dried fruit and berries that fits well with the season. The colors and shapes come to life as the wick is progressively burned and you need nothing more than a white tray under the candle to complete the look. A little piece of December in a candle.
5. Wooden Tray from IKEA Home. I’m always interested in investing in pieces that will last a lifetime, therefore I normally stay away for trendy interior stores with low prices, as often they don’t last. Sometimes HM Home can be identified in this bracket, but at HM Home, there also exist some gems of high quality. This especially goes for their wooden collection.
I love this wooden tray and it’s shape. I really like the idea of serving snacks and cookies in the tray (very Scandinavian). But also adding it to a coffee table could be a nice touch. Lastly, a big plus, it’s only £3.99.
I hope I’m at least able to buy one of the items before I leave London. What’s on your interior wishlist for December? I would love to know!
