Birthday Cake

This month was my birthday! I turned 24 on the 3d of August! I feel old already. Anyway, this year I thought it would be a good idea to make my own birthday cake, rather than buying a standard one from a pastry shop. I was so jealous seeing all the amazing layered cakes on pinterest. I wanted one for myself. And so I did!

photo © P. Petrozelis

After hours of research on pinterest, the recipe that caught my eye was the Triple Chocolate Ombre Coffee Cake by The Moonblush Baker. I just felt for this cake since the first time I saw it. The result was delicious; perfect for both chocolate and coffee lovers! Read the full recipe at The Moonblush Baker blog. You should try it, too! It's just amazing!

Iconic Cafe by Studio Vural

I love coffee; I can actually call myself a coffeeholic. I also love small beautifully designed coffee shops with character and a story to tell. Remember The Little Mule Cafe + Bike Store I posted last year? Yeap, this small gem in Melbourne is still in my heart. Anyway, today we have a beautiful small espresso bar in Soho, NY, by Studio Vural. Inspired by a picture of Indian gods Krishna and Radha the design team found at the demolition site, the Iconic Cafe is a contemporary reflection of their timeless love story. 'The design is a well calibrated blend of modern geometry, exposed century-old wood joists, wax finished white oak panelling and amazing Mexican tiles, that will take you to a multi-cultural consciousness in your digitized coffee break.', the Studio Vural comments. I found really clever the plan/section/detail perspective drawing that explains much about the main design idea and decoration elements.

If you're also fan of cool coffee bars check my favourite ones in Athens at the Hommie visits: section. Qahwa, Mind the Cup and Tailor Made. Mind the Cup was featured in a BuzzFeed's post as one of the 25 Coffee Shops Around The World You Have To See Before You Die.

//spotted on Archinect // images via Studio Vural

Inspiring Dutch bedroom makeover

Who doesn't love makeovers? Personally, there's something in the 'before+after' projects that really amazes me; the potentials of any space or object and the designer's imagination that's been challenged to transform it. This one is a pretty cool makeover. It's Holly Marder's redesigned bedroom. Holly is an interior stylist, designer and the blogger of Avenue Lifestyle. It's all about the neutral colour palette combined with the fresh, bright and light white's magic touch. I like the idea of an open wardrobe; it feels neat and airy with a sense of a concept-store-environment. The room is completed with thrift-shop findings and vintage furnitures, such as the antique marble topped bedside tables and the little wooden accordion lamp above the bed. Read more about Holly's bedroom makeover and check the 'before' images on her blog post here.

// spotted on my scandinavian home // images via Anevue Lifestyle

Bedroom office

I can't even describe how much I like Riikka's style from Weekdaycarnival. She posted her new working spot in her bedroom and it's so beautiful. Simple and chic; a practical small desk perfect for the limited square meters of a bedroom. Love each and every detail!

// via Weekdaycarnival

First day of Summer

First of June today and I think is the first official/unofficial day of summer! I'm choosing to show you one of the most breathtaking rooftop pools I've ever seen. It elegantly sits on a cavernous house designed by Athens-based studio Kois Associated Architects for the Greek island of Tinos. I just envy the owners of the Mirage house that can enjoy, the house itself and, the beautiful Greek maritime scenery of Tinos island.

Read the full story on dezeen.com

// via Kois Associated Architects // “So in love” watercolor painting by Meg Biram

Kids friendly living

How awesome is having a swing in your living room? That was my instant thought when I first saw the pictures of this cool and absolute-kids-friendly family house in Amsterdam. It's actually for rent through Kid & Coe. I didn't even know this site but minutes after browsing around I realised it's a family vacation rental paradise for modern family travel. As they mention: "we provide a carefully selected list of kid-friendly residences combined with curated insider guides. From child care essentials to coveted neighbourhood locations, we offer everything you need to make a home away from home for the whole family". I spotted a couple of beautiful summer retreats is Greece, too! I might present them to you in the near future! Enjoy!

// spotted on my scandinavian home // via Kid & Coe

La vie en white

White. Light grey hues. Discreet birch-wood details. Unexpected pops of greenery. That's pretty much what's all about this private family house in Delft, the Netherlands. Nu interieur|ontwerp were asked to design and decorate a home as bright as possible and mostly white. The kitchen is just an eye candy! I like the fact that there's no backsplash - even though I don't know if it's practical in everyday life. Interior have some beautiful details that you can get inspired of. Even the stencilled-house number on the outdoor bench is a great idea.

// via Nu interieur|ontwerp

HKliving Summer 2014 catalogue

I'm always happy when I discover new - to me - companies with amazing products. I found out HKliving while browsing Pinterest. Actually, I spotted the first image of this post and I have to admit that I instantly felt for the print - and the rug! HKliving is a Dutch company founded in 2009. I had a look at the company's catalogue for Summer 2014 and I present you some of their inspiring photographs. Main focus this year was tuning the collection in trendy colours and giving it a more contemporary twist.

// via HKliving

GIVEAWAY WINNER

The Hommie 1k facebook-page-likes giveaway is officially over. Thank you all for your entries and comments.

We have a winner!