How Wunderleyful!

“Part of the pleasure of travel is finding unique things that reflect the beauty of another culture,” say the guys at Wonderley and I couldn’t agree more.

inlaid chest, $9975

I came across Wunderley’s website whilst searching for something entirely different; isn’t that always the way?!  The US-based company began trading in the early 90’s and specialise in Moroccan and middle eastern furniture and accessories.

cushion cover, $62

The furniture is really exquisite; it’s amazing to think how much detail goes into each piece, not to mention time spent, using old-fashioned manufacturing techniques.

It’s worth it though isn’t it… no offense to big corporate companies but I’d much prefer something special and meaningful.  Although at these prices I think I may be shopping at Ikea for just a little longer!!

Brass and glass wall sconce, $110

octagonal shell inlay accent table, $1235

beaded brass lamp, $285

posted by Emily

The delights of Marrakech- Le Palais Rhoul

We love the Moroccan look here a Coco Målé.  It is such a strong style, full of inspirational ideas- a theme which is very much on trend.  Le Palais Rhoul is a luxury 5 star hotel in Marrakech which oozes quality and adds that special touch with its use of unique shapes and decor.

The well- travelled look

I was quite inspired by the Gotthenburg apartment mentioned in our last post, so thought I would research the subject “small open plan apartments” and found this little treasure in the heart of Manhattan (although you wouldn’t think so…) Owned by artist Anne Becker and decorated with the help of interior designer Gregory Bissonnette, this place is the definition of a well- travelled home, with a wealth of carefully- selected and mostly mismatched objects and home accessories from around the world…

The flat actually looks much bigger than it really is, thanks to some great planning and clever finishing touches. Nothing in the apartment is actually closed off. Instead the rooms are separated by shutters, folding screens and curtain partitions, making the space and light just flow through…  The furnishings are also mostly really low, giving the area an oriental, zen like feeling on the one hand, but also contributing to making  the ceilings look higher and the space larger.

The living area is a mismatch of furniture in different styles, from different continents and even different eras (see disco ball to the left of the window!). I love the tiny hints of colour and although there are many colours at work here – I can see red, yellow, purple, beige, brown, blue, to name a few - it all works as they are muted, soft tones rather than bright shades. Note: The sofa looks scarily similar to our very own Tribeca corner sofa and the mini black tea set sitting on the Moroccan style table looks exactly like our bestselling Chinese tea set!

This is Anne’s office space apparently, doesn’t it look cosy? I would love to work in an office like this, although I can’t imagine I would get a lot of work done! Our office feels quite boring now in comparison to this – we have the dog part covered, but that’s about it really!

Not quite sure what this room is, maybe the yoga- practising/ meditating area? It does seem to be an extension of the living area, but I can’t imagine it is used a dining room? The pouffes are far too low and there’s no dining table for a start…

With the large hanging lantern, carved white painted shutters and colourful linen, this bedroom screams Morocco and it’s such a pity they haven’t gone for a chunky, gold headboard or something – it would have literally taken the bedroom up a notch – the bed just looks empty and “poor” now…

Ahaa, so this must be the dining room! It’s a great room, so calm and exotic. I absolutely love the rustic low- level table (don’t think you can find that type of furniture anymore, have to get it custom-made these days) and the curtain separators remind me of those flowing curtains that you can see hanging from pergolas in beach houses in LA.

At first glance, the kitchen seems quite boring in comparison to the rest of the flat, but actually it has some genius finishing touches, like the chunky wooden beams on the ceiling, the mismatched bar stools and the carved out area on the kitchen bar, which Anne has used to display large stones she’s brought back from her travels!

The master bathroom is a tribute to concrete, a little too rough – looking for my taste, but impressive nevertheless.

As great as open-plan living is,  it’s not usually a good idea to extend this to the bathroom… In this case though it works – the view out to the living room  makes the bathroom feel much larger, and with the help of a roller blind, you can decide whether you want to bathe while watching TV (on your living room flat screen TV and not on some tiny bathroom TV hidden in a hole that costs the earth) or if you prefer to take your shower in privacy.

All-in-all, this is a great little find and shows how much one can do with a small space… Well done Anne and thanks to Elle Decor for these fab photos. Now that Domino is gone, we’ll be using you more and more for inspiration!

The first (small!) signs of Spring

Okay, so it may not be hot enough to fry an egg on your car bonnet just yet but what a lovely week of sun we are having here!  Finally, after what feels like months of dreary weather teamed with the gloomy plight of the recession, a little bit of happiness is peering through those dark clouds.  It’s amazing how a bit of sunshine can lift your mood and put a spring in your step.

Call us optimistic but the girls at Coco Målé are already thinking of those yummy summer barbecues, relaxing afternoon tea gatherings and luscious garden parties! Well, there’s no harm in planning!!

Take a look at these images below from Country Living, which offer endless outdoor inspiration!

Note the use of different coloured chairs, which, apart from being fashionable, adds interest to the overall look. Finishing touches such as the cake stand, delicate china tea cups and floral napkins really make a difference. I love the fabulous chandelier, although how it has been suspended like that I have no idea! Very cute.

The image below is very Cath Kidston. The gentle use of pastel colours here is very appealing. Ther overall feel is quite kitsch but not in a sickly, stuffy way!

Layering is a innovative way of creating a whole new look and making the best of what you already have!  Set a base of place mats or charger plates and layer with a combination of different dinner plates, going smaller as the pile goes upwards to catch a glimpse of the plate beneath. Try mixing fabrics, patterns and colours you wouldn’t dream of putting together and see what surprisingly beautiful results you get.  Be daring!  Simple but so effective…

Another simple but effective idea. Cover an empty jar with colourful beaded bracelets and fill with fresh flowers. Beading catches the light and will add a bit of extra sparkle! Take a look at our new Moroccan beaded coasters here at Coco Målé, we love them and are sure you will too!

Not totally convinced with this idea from Pondable, but who am I to argue with Alan Titchmarsh?!  Let’s just hope it isn’t fish for dinner….

Keep drinks chilled for all of your guests in a large beverage cooler like this one from US interior company, Frontgate

As the evening draws to a close, keep the spirit alive with beautiful outdoor lighting. Lanterns and pretty fairy lights add a subtle warm glow, along with the relaxing flicker of a candle. You might want to invest in an outdoor heater too!

Chinese garden lanterns, set of 10 $26.99, Wrapables

above: Blue glass candle lantern, $9.95, Japanese Pagoda garden lantern, 43″, $49.95, Arabian Palace candle lantern, £44.95, all Backyard Fancy