A little while ago I presented the first room of the original House of Anais - the master bedroom which currently serves more or less as the twins bedroom and combined play area. And now our introduction continues: today it's all about the dining room and living room. They are separate rooms, but as the shelves are open and there is no door, the rooms sort of blend into one, which also makes the house appear larger and airier. 

The style of the house is not that strictly defined - there are elements of country style with oak coloured furniture and floral patterns, yet at the same time there is a lot of modern mixed into it: especially with the lighting and those cream leather sofas. This house certainly has been done with the less-is-more-philosophy, which means that it's extremely easy to keep clean and in good order (I didn't need to do any cleaning for the pictures other than move my laptop and coffee mug from the dining table - aka my home office).

On the other hand the reason why there is so little stuff in common areas (kids rooms are filled to the hilt with toys and could be cleaned with a nice donation spree to the thrift shop, at least that's what I think) is because there isn't that much space and I simply haven't opened most of the boxes yet!

The living room is definitely the best room of the house. The shape of the room isn't perfect for it's rather narrow, but this room is all about natural lights and the views! That green, lush countryside all around: looking at it is the most calming thing I can think of (besides the sea of course). That is the everyday luxury country living gives you, and rain or shine it's still amazing.

And the garden gives you so much -more  just look at the lovely bunch of flowers that our kids picked from the garden, their flower for the mom from their heart. Aww is all I can say!

{You might have also noticed that there is no TV in the house: England now has digital TV system and one needs special equipment for that and our receiver was in some box behind 200 other boxes. But TV has also been removed because our son tested their new rounders bat (sort of English version of baseball for girls, as buys play cricket) and he broke the screen. I am happy to report that no-one has been asking for a new TV as there is so much to do outside until dinner-time every day!}

Simple yet effective is how I would describe this design. No gimmicks here - it's all about colour in five, not fifty, gradually changing shades of pink. I love they way these closet doors just lighten up the room and take it to another level from plain white and modern decor and add lots of warmth to the room. As I often say: little things make a big difference!

Of course the doors are not the only thing I like about this room: I have always fancied the round Saarinen Tulip table and the Ant chairs - and white airy spaces in general. This rooms just puts it all so well together that I'd give it two thumbs up. 

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Wow, is what I said when I saw this house. All rooms full of vibrant colours, quirky details and styles mixed up. There is modern, retro, romantic chandeliers, kitschy lights and knick-knacks of all sorts. It seems that the common factor is shades of pink - mostly bold ones too. 

I love the idea of the house, but in the long run this would be way too full of stuff to suit my style - but I certainly find little inspirations from every room!

What a fabulous living room with high ceilings, ornate coving and a large bay window. The mix is eclectic and interesting with reclaimed wood floor and modern accessories blended in with more traditional ones. A different yet fun style statement!

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This Cornish house is just adorable with its rustic and very white interiors and dashes of pale colours, distressed wood furniture and accessories with patina.

Add there some exposed beams in the ceilings, whitewashed floor boards and a wood-burning fire and the end result is just oozing with charm. Isn't this the perfect rustic holiday cottage? 

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It's raining, it's pouring - and I am dreaming of sitting in front of a fire, with a warm seat, throw and a mug of warm tea. A miserable day is a good one to day dream and look for inspirations like this living room with pink accents in curtains and those velvety large floor cushions. 

There are softer shades of pink on the wallpaper, the throw, rug - and even on the fireplace. This room feels feminine, but the pink is not overwhelming, but a fresh and well integrated with the overall decor of the room. This is a pink love day!

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Think of country style and you probably think of shabby chic or rustic on rather recent builds. Then there is the real thing: truly old and rustic houses which has been renovated; but in the spirit of keeping the old authentic and rustic style. This home falls on the latter category with the old beams, stone oven, stair railings, slanted ceilings, you name it.

The decor is light and airy which helps to open up the space, and the combination of whites and creams against natural wood is just so fresh and comfortable. An adorable hideaway!

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Greetings from UK - it is great to be back here and surrounded by nature and old houses: beams, stone and pretty little details. Rustic and country-style homes - a bit like this lovely old stone-walled house.

Today it's all about natural stone walls, weathered wood doors and all cute seaside-inspired blue and white fabrics. A cute summer home by the sea...I'll just keep on dreaming!

This home is definitely Scandinavian chic, but a bit different from the typical white on white and rustic take on interior. Here the key concept includes contrasting colours, splashes of bright accents and fun upcycled ideas such as the bases of the sofa and the coffee table made out of wood pallets. The end results is effortless, but certainly not cold - not boring!

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This living room looks so mid-century - and British. It mixes colours and patterns: yellows, blues, pale wood and different prints using iconic pieces in the decor. I love this take on the wallpaper as it feels like a more contemporary version of the traditional floral patterns.  

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Now this is ski-chalet love! Rustic wood, soft lighting, exposed beams and soft white textures. It feels so romantic and cozy, just what the mind and body needs after a day of skiing on the slopes - a place to relax in the evening.

This house says that it's time to embrace winter, have fun and enjoying the fresh air, mountains and nature around us. Oh, when I do get to visit and stay in a house like this... 

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I adore the details of this penthouse in Moscow. The apartment itself has great views and some lovely vaulted and very rustic ceilings. But the rustic accessories are what makes this place memorable - those cute carousel-like horses, an old sleigh, ethnic flower-themed wall art. A very Slavic flair, and that just is so delectable! 

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Like they sing in that old song: funky, funky... and this room really is. A bit shabby with industrial vibe, lots of 50s retro and salvaged glamour of old signs. Expect the unexpected here.
 
This room is screaming hip and single, not so much of kids and countryside, but it certainly is my inspiration today. Might need to dig out of the naphthalene my old stripy Burberry pants and Naf Naf tops from the time when they still were pretty unusually cool and feel the funky spirit here at home... 

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What a cool open-plan living room this is. It is rustic, yet feels also modern. it is casual and fun and so full of light and life. I love the warm tones of the beams and the many shades of the floor boards. This is a very different and breathtaking living room!

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I clearly have a thing going on with fabulous Swedish houses - must be because a friend living there keeps posting amazing photos she takes all the time: and they all look like a winter wonderland to me, a dream not coming true at the moment here despite the super-cold weather!

So here's a bit more modern, amazing Scandinavian home with great sea views. It's all about glass, open space and that blue, blue sky. How I thee adore... 

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Yet another oh-so-fabulous and very white Swedish home. Open space for the main living area as well as the kitchen and dining, fun lit display solutions, wood floors and no clutter.

Everything's so so lovely, and I just completely adore this home. It looks modern, fashionable and cozy - a place where a famiyl lives rather than jsut a showpiece for an article...This home will definitely go to my favourite folder!

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Dramatic is a word I would certainly link to this living room. The black and silver accent wall is fabulous, and the black continues in the chandelier and the curtains. Gold is also shimmering inthe mirror and the blind, and works well in this instance without making the room look too bling.

And then come the vibrant colours - lush fuchsia on the rug, accessories and even on the flowers. Note also the addition of the upcoming "in" colour - a deep violet. When one adds a Union Jack-themed cushion I am all sold for the room. So vibrant and full of life.

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Colours and accessories make the room, but can you go over the top with them also - like with cushions on this sofa. The question is whether these cushions make the sofa inviting, or make it look more like one of those little interior store where there is too much on display - so little gems are buried under all the stuff...

Otherwise the room is pretty cozy and interesting with black and white contrasts, splashes of colour in the rug, the vases -  and pretty much everywhere except the sofa. 

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Pretty simple, streamlined, modern and contrasting - that is today's inspiration. This Nordic living room is modern but warm, uncluttered yet cozy. The warm colour of the wood parquet adds natural feel to the room, as does the textured graphite grey wallpaper.

And I absolutely adore the hanging lamp in the corner, as well as the panel curtains and the cute little cube planters. A lovely room with fun little details! 

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This is wallpaper love. Fun, fresh and modern! Mr Perswall just has one the most amazing contemporary wallpaper collection - like this one with hidden city names. Their selection is huge, and if you are still now happy you can just create your own custom prints there. I like that idea also!

This is sort of a surprise, but our house has gotten a new piece and it is far away from the normal minimalist and modern pieces I so yearn. I would say this is the complete opposite: rustic, quirky - and very detailed, should I add. I am not sure what happened, but this old wheel of a wooden cart turned into glass coffee table somehow was calling my name - and half an hour later it was already at home. 

The table has three main parts - the round glass top, the wooden wheel part and a heavy metal frame. It also has lights inside the natural weave fabric, which makes it look like some kind of alien ship in the pictures when lit in the dark....Very cool and interesting indeed (and heavy). Now I wonder what the husband is going to think about the table - and what do you think it?

And since the living room is still empty the next question would be what kind of seating to fit with this table? Oh, so many questions!

I got some doubts when the table got home, but I still think it's going to look fab once there is something else in the room to besides the rugs and the temporary bean bags... 

Spot the difference - daytime and lights are on

Sturdy iron frame of the table

Romantic feel..?

A room so deliciously colourful and happy, stripes in shades of pinks and purples - this is a casual and cozy, and oh so fun living room! The room is actually a white canvas of clean walls and floors, and a little bit furniture too.

The accessories - juicy chair covers, curtains and pillows can be easily changed, which if course would affect the mood of the room - such a clever design concept! This room just screams cute  to me and would definitely get the seal of approval from all the little ladies in the house...

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There are rooms accented with a pop of colour, and then there are just plain colourful rooms. But here's a room that is very colourful to start with, yet it still manages to bring in that seriously red pop of colour in the form of an exotic piece of furniture.

I am not really surprised to hear that this room belongs to an artist either for it is quite different and has a lot of character. It is also very eclectic and I would guess a strong statement of the personality of the owner - not to forget the fun factor!

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Different, eclectic and fun - a break from the usual life. This living room of a weekend retreat certainly is all that and more. A funky fireplace with seating like little colourful buttons around it, a collection of chairs with lamb wool throws and funky pillows. This place certainly calls for one to relax, have fun and enjoy life!

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it's back to coastal theme time - definitely one of my favourite styles. A fresh white canvas with airy pastels in accessories and fabrics, playful patterns and natural elements of wood and bamboo.

This is a rustic look, bur certainly not on the shabby chic side - maybe a bit more of a functional and bare with a Scandinavian flair rather than New England. The end result is balanced, comfy and very inviting - a perfect little summer hideaway style!

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