Hi all,
I hope you’re feeling the same — energized by this sunny weather and so grateful that the dark, cold season is over. It’s the time to spend way more moments outside again, but sometimes, you also feel like freshening up your home with a few changes, especially after being indoors so much during winter.
Since the recent reader survey showed that you’d love to get more advice on color and interior, this edition will do just that. If you have small rooms and feel lost when it comes to wall colors, you can read an article from AD magazine featuring an interview with me here. Today, I’ll also share some of my latest favorites — some of them discovered during Milan Design Week.

In this edition, I’ll share:

• the current obsession and latest rise of modern flower shapes and patterns

• inspiration on how to add cool tiles to your home

• ideas on including ceilings in your home’s color concepts

1) FLOWER POWER

Flowery or romantic details were quite a theme during Milan Design Week — adding a touch of romanticism but in a cool, modern way, often paired with rough contrasts, like in the exhibition Romantic Brutalism from the Visteria Foundation. Yes, flowers have never fully vanished from patterns or summer themes, but especially in lamps, furniture, and decorative details, there’s definitely a new rise.

When I thought about the floral things I liked most, one stayed clearly on top of my mind: the sofa called Me-Time from Moroso — LOVED it! The fabric, the colors, the pattern. But also the thought behind it. According to the brand, it“offers a gentle reminder of the value of simply “being”—of taking a pause that is not only physical, but also mental and emotional. It invites us to inhabit the present more consciously, transforming the home into an intimate sanctuary where we can reconnect with ourselves and rediscover the rhythm of our breath.” This is an approach that needs to be considered more and more when designing products for the home — creating spaces where people can switch off and truly relax, putting mental and emotional well-being first. Just looking good won’t be enough in the future.

But aside from the sofa, there are also other adorable objects. For example, the armchair (11), presented at Alcova in Milan by Softwitness, is modular and can be extended — so you can actually have two armchairs that combine into one daybed.

And then I came across the sculptural flower works from Fanny Schultz — from vases to tiles and mirrors. I especially love the subtle, almost poetic flower shapes she weaves into her pieces. They feel decorative yet modern, adding a soft organic touch without being overly sweet. Perfect if you want to bring in floral vibes in a more understated, design-forward way.

2) Obsessed with tiles

Leading over from flower tiles to more universal ones: lately, I’ve become even more obsessed with tiles. Somehow, I pay more attention to them now, and I also feel like more and more modern versions are popping up. The most common place we know tiles from is, of course, the bathroom — and these two are beautiful examples (I’m in love with the subtle color grading):

But there are so many incredible ways to use tiles beyond just bathrooms. I love this kitchen, where the tiles cover the entire wall instead of stopping halfway — it makes the space feel bolder and more cohesive. Plus, the mix of warm wood tones and cool steel creates such a beautiful contrast.

And then there are the tiles from Palet Company, bringing in an artistic touch. They somehow remind me a bit of tie dyeing pattern, but in a positive way :) I think the picture below shows perfectly how it makes this kitchen way more interesting instead of having uni colored tiles or a wall color in between the counter and the cabinets.

If I had a huge kitchen with a kitchen counter - this is definitely something I’d consider.

But now, leaving the kitchen behind and moving to some more unexpected ways to use tiles — like creating wall accents instead of just painting the wall in the bedroom. Compared to paint, it adds more texture and a subtle shine. Here, it also frames the bed perfectly.

Or why not go all in with tiles? Here, the surrounding interior and the choice of tiles really make the difference in keeping the look fresh and modern. What I especially like is the built-in shelf.

I also discovered Ranieri Lavastone during Alcova in Milan and was impressed by their glazed lavastone objects and tiles. All handmade, the variety of shapes and colors - hard to choose from.

There are also quite a few furniture pieces covered with tiles that I find really adorable. A few years ago, it was all about white and colorful, playful tiles — but now, it feels like we’re seeing a new wave of more grown-up versions that are even more timeless and suitable for the long run. They still bring that special twist, but in a way that feels more refined and easier to integrate into different interiors.

If I had endless budget, this is how I’d build a living room with the table from Emmanuel Boos. This sofas looks so fluffy and this hugging shape - amazing. Excuse me for the rather bad picture of the stool. It’s covered in leather and has so many details, I couldn’t catch a better picture in Milan.

3) Painted ceilings

Often underrated or considered as “our ceilings stay white, of course”, I thought it makes sense to highlight the great atmospheres you can create when you don’t ignore them. One of my recent color consulting clients was bold enough to paint the ceilings of two rooms next to each other, with a diagonal division — one triangle in light blue, the other in burgundy. But let’s start with less bold versions:

Color drenching

Painting the ceiling the same color as the walls is a harmonious and cohesive choice. You can even consider including the heater, window frames, and floor strips in the same color for a truly integrated look. A bright white ceiling, in comparison to strong wall colors, can create a harsh contrast that directs the eyes upward, often feeling out of place.

White walls - colored ceiling

If there’s a lot happening in the room in terms of furniture and art (or if it’s a kids’ room with lots of colorful toys), it can be a great choice to keep the walls neutral or white and focus the color on the ceiling. This adds an unexpected pop of color without overwhelming the space.

Colored walls - colored ceiling

If you feel like you need more color, painting the ceiling a different color than the walls is definitely an option. The key here is to make sure the two colors complement each other — whether you go for a strong contrast, like light blue and yellow, or opt for shades within the same color family but in different tones (lighter or darker).

If you still want to keep the ceiling light and fresh, go for a toned-down white or neutral that complements the wall color. Bright white tends to be too harsh and can create a stark contrast with the surrounding colors, which might not always be the effect you're after.

That’s it from me — enjoy the sunshine, and check your inbox in two weeks again! :)