About Me

Mijn foto
Welcome! Thank you for visiting my weblog. I am Irene, Elisabeth Pouw, a Dutch blogger. As blogger I am connecting my readers with beauty, style, quality and craftsmanship in various subjects like interiordesign, architecture, haute couture, photography, art etc. I created this blog to share my passion for decorating as well as the many other things which inspire me. From time to time I am also highlighting certain interior designers, decorators, architects, stylists, photographers etc. I hope you enjoy your visit. Feel free to give a comment on my blogs. I will react back as soon as possible. Best regards, Irene Pouw from Holland.

16 april 2026

Music: Deva Premal, Miten and Manose - "Twameva"

 I am a huge fan of the beautiful music from the singer Deva Premal and her partner Miten. Would like to share with you today her song 'Twameva'. Here she is singing with Manose. Manose plays the flute ...... His skill and mastery of the flute is incredible, as his beautiful voice. A stunning performance of them together that warms the heart and soothes the soul. With gratitude to them ...... ❤️❤️ ❤️


Thank you for reading this blogpost. 
Source: Deva Premal & Miten
Video found on You Tube.

Interesting Lighting Design Zeppelin by Marcel Wanders

Would like to share with you today this interesting lighting design, called "Zeppelin" by Dutch product and interior designer Marcel Wanders. This is a repost of my blog of 24-02-2014. Be Inspired ........
More about the designer:
Quote: "Marcel Wanders graduated cum laude from the School of the Arts Arnhem in 1988. In 1995 he opened his own studio based in Amsterdam. Marcel Wanders is a product and interior designer who drew international recognition for his "Knotted Chair" produced by Droog Design in 1996.

Five years later, in 2011 he co-founded the successful design label Moooi, of which he is the art director. Marcel Wanders is now ubiquitous, designing for global brands and high end furniture companies such as B&B Italia, Cappellini, Puma, Swarovski, Bisazza, Poliform, KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines, Flos, Magis, Google, Target, Baccarat and more recently Christofle and M.A.C. Cosmetics, Additionally, Marcel works on architectural and interior design projects, such as the Meha Grand Hotel in Bonn, the Mondrian South Beach Hotel in Miami, the Villa Moda Flagship store in Bahrain, as well as private residences in Amsterdam, Mallorca and Jakarta.

In 2010 Marcel Wanders and the Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced their collaboration, together with Aedes Real Estate, on a new hotel project, the Andaz Amsterdam Hotel. In 2005 he was named International Designer of the Year by Elle Decoration".


Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Source: 
Marcel Wanders

Tailored & Timeless: Color of the Year 2026 - Universal Khaki - Sherwin-Williams


Sherwin-Williams Universal Khaki living room; Photo courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams’ Trendsight Team has announced the Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year for 2026: Universal Khaki SW 6150, a tailored and timeless neutral with the endless possibility of a fresh canvas. They selected this color for its beautiful balance of livability and longevity.

''Universal Khaki is unmistakably classic and at the same time forward reaching. It represents traditional values reimagined for today’s color space, breathing new life into this staple hue''.

— Maggie O’Hare Global CMF & Trend Manager, Industrial Wood Coatings

From Classic to Contemporary: Khaki trough History
“There’s something enduring about khaki — it bridges the past and the future in a way that feels both familiar and forward-thinking,” says Trendsight Team color strategist and Director of Color Marketing Sue Wadden. “Historically, khaki dates back to the mid-19th century. The name comes from a Persian word meaning ‘dust’ or ‘earth,’ in reference to the color’s nature-based tone.”

Sue points out that utility clothing in an olive, gray or khaki tone has long been a practical choice of uniform colors throughout history and by the early 20th century, khaki found its way into everyday fashion, making it a popular choice in workwear, outdoor clothing and casual wear. It is now widely associated with comfort, craftsmanship and versatility.

In commercial design — such as hotels and restaurants, wellness environments and modern offices — Sue says that Universal Khaki brings a sense of stability, understated sophistication and a dose of warmth, especially in the current landscape of adaptive-reuse buildings. “It’s ideal for wall finishes, flooring and branded elements, especially when paired with matte black or brushed bronze for added depth.” 

“Across Latin America — especially in Brazil — we’re witnessing a shift in what luxury means,” says Patrícia Fecci, Color Marketing Manager of Sherwin-Williams Brazil and member of the Trendsight Team. “It’s no longer about excess. It’s about authenticity, memory and materials with soul. Universal Khaki fits perfectly into this new narrative.”

Core neutrals are fundamental to this design philosophy — timeless shades known for their longevity and reliability. “Understated and hardworking, warmer neutrals like Universal Khaki blend seamlessly with their counterparts and provide a foundation that sets the tone for an entire design,” adds Sue Wadden. This is why contemporary khakis are found in such a wide variety of settings — and why their experts see it as a color worth reaching for and reinventing again and again.

Color of the Year 2026 Sherwin-Williams - Universal Khaki SW 6150

Coordinating Colors with Universal Khaki
Universal Khaki, its beauty lies in its versatility. Sue Wadden says she envisions countless pairings to achieve a wide range of different moods and aesthetics: “For a warm, desert-inspired softness, Universal Khaki paired with Henna Shade is a combination that feels sunbaked and serene. You can achieve a bold, dramatic look by layering it with Dark Auburn or Tarragon, introducing rich, deep tones that add depth and sophistication. If you’re leaning into a neutral maximalist approach, Universal Khaki balances with White Snow and Cream and Sugar — a clean white and a soft creamy tone that together create a subtle interplay of cool and warm.” See the color palette below. Hope this article inspires you ......... You can find additional information in the links below. For my 2nd article about Colors of the Year 2026, see this link HERE

Coordinating Colors with Universal Khaki

Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Sources: Sherwin-WilliamsFashion Trendsetter and BING
Photos: courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

15 april 2026

Furniture Design: Philippe Starck Art Edition by Dutch artist Ton Pret (04)

For long time readers of my blog, you'll know that I love the colorful art & furniture designs from Dutch artist Ton Pret (so happy and cheerful colors & designs). I wrote earlier several blogs about Ton and his work, SEE HERE
Philippe Starck Art Edition by Dutch artist Ton Pret
Today I would like to show you his new work: the hand-painted Philippe Starck art chairs. Ton transformed the model Driade into these colorful art chairs below. The titles of the chairs are: "Beastly" (full with beasts) and "Escape from the city & feel free". What a great art pieces! Would love to have one piece in my garden. :-)
Philippe Starck Art Edition by Dutch artist Ton Pret
Philippe Starck Art Edition by Dutch artist Ton Pret
Philippe Starck Art Edition by Dutch artist Ton Pret
Philippe Starck Art Edition by Dutch artist Ton Pret
More about the artist Ton Pret

Ton Pret is a painter artist with a very personal style, characterized by a very bold use of color, incredibly imaginative figures and an explosion of enthusiasm, spontaneity, passion and positivity. Influential people in the world of art as Erik Hermida and Geert Jan Jansen describe the style of Ton Pret as "exponent of Cobra," "Cobra 60 years later" or "Cobra of the 21st century." Whatever you call it, it is clearly the "Ton Pret Style". The style of Ton Pret is best described as "colorful realism of a different reality, with a strong positive effect". With his work Ton wants to bring out the positive in man, by taking them to another realitywhere positivity is the most important factor.
Dutch Artist Ton Pret. Photo by Fotoflex Nederland.
Although as a child Ton drew a lot, molded and did other forms of creativity. It took many years before he decided to become a painter artist. From one day to another, he knocked over the helm and has followed his heart. He also has no single artistic training, but is a pure autodidact who totally isn’t guided by rules or tendencies, but only follows his spontaneity and inexhaustible fantasy. The paintings of Ton are his transformation into another reality. With his paintings he gives the viewer the opportunity to share this other reality. The viewer is token to another dimension and experience, which gives a certain feeling of  happiness.
In a very short time, Ton became well known in the world of art and his work was also seen in the famous Amsterdam Beurs van Berlage, the Fortezza da Basso in Florence, the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Ascona, The Louvre museum in Paris, Barcelona and the Rotterdam Kunsthal museum. Not only his paintings and sculptures are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, but also his famous art shoes, jeans, jackets, watches, design furniture etc. have become true collector items. For this reason Ton designed special art shoes for Dutch most exclusive shoe brand Greve and also for the catwalk in Paris. Even the Dutch Shoes Museum added some art high heels to their collection and his art edition of the Michael Kors handbag, is added to the collection of the Dutch Museum of Bags & Purses in Amsterdam.
Among his clients are well known collectors and celebrities, who also appreciate his work and even one of them let Ton painted his Ferrari 355 GTS in a real driving artwork. Ton also did some furniture design and some really serious designers are working with him in collaboration. Even the famous Alessandro Mendini is interested in a collaboration. Other very special pieces of art, are a hand-painted design bath tube for a design company and an original Fender Stratocaster in collaboration with the famous French guitaris Jean-Pierre Danel, Brian May (QUEEN) and Steve Lukather (TOTO), Hank Marvin (SHADOWS) and French superstar Jean-Jacques Goldman. Furher on art editions of the famous Philippe Starck chairs, an art edition of an Italian design bike for Duedipicche. And .... recently some very special glasses and sunglasses for American Eyewear Design Alliance, which will go global. And there is a lot more to come.
Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Source: TON PRET
Note: these pictures have been placed with approval of Ton Pret.

12 april 2026

Colourful glass lighting design by Curiousa


Take a look at this beautiful & colourful hand blown glass lighting design 'Dine Light' from the brand 
Curiousa. Isn't it a beauty? I hope you're inspired .......
Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Sources: CURIOUSA and Yatzer

08 april 2026

Art Deco: The Red Lady by Georges Barbier

While surfing on internet this morning I found this beautiful art deco artwork: 'The Red Lady' by Georges Barbier. In love with this painting, so refined and colorful. Be Inspired .......
Thank you for reading this blogpost.

04 april 2026

Carolina Herrera S/S 2026 fashionshow Live at the iconic Plaza Mayor, Madrid


Carolina Herrera unveils the S/S 2026 collection with a runway presentation in the heart of Madrid at the iconic Plaza Mayor — the first main runway collection shown outside of New York and its third runway presentation abroad in the House’s 44 year history. Inspired by a vivid marriage of Madrid’s 17th-century Golden Age and the irreverent spirit of La Movida movement in the 1980’s — the very era of the House’s founding — this collection bridges past and present in a celebration of femininity to the future. Be Inspired ........

“Madrid has always been one of my favorite cities in the world — rich in history, art and culture. It’s home to incredible creatives with a unique approach to beauty and joy,” says Wes Gordon, Carolina Herrera’s Creative Director, “There’s something about this city’s rhythm — its appetite for life — that inspires and energizes me and is deeply aligned with the 
Herrera woman.” 

The color palette of the collection reflects the tension between boldness and romance: from the sun-drenched warmth of saffron yellow to the Herrera red, deep Rioja, electrifying bright pink, violeta lilac, crisp white and graphic black. Color combinations that recall the unexpected juxtaposition of prints and colors from the universe of Pedro Almodóvar’s cinema.

At its heart, the collection blooms with three distinct florals: the Carnation, Madrid’s flower and emblem of beauty, appears in intricate threadwork and jacquard, The Violetta, a nod to 
the city’s beloved candies, is brought to life in ethereal three dimensional embroideries and the Retiro Rose, cultivated in the park’s historic Rosaleda, a symbol of how Madrid transforms its courtly heritage into an open and public space.






Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Sources:Carolina HerreraShow Studio and Kendam
Video and photos: courtesy of Carolina Herrera

02 april 2026

Bedrooms: Timeless Bed Design by Chi Wing Lo for Giorgetti

 While surfing on internet I saw this beautiful and timeless REA bed designed by Hong Kong-born architect Chi Wing Lo for the Italian brand Giorgetti. Could not resist to share this elegant bed design with my readers. Hope it inspires you too ........ This blogpost is a repost of my blog of 29-07-2024.
More about the designer Chi Wing Lo
An architect whose furniture designs have helped to shape the direction of Giorgetti since 1996, Chi Wing Lo was among the Italian Delegates to advance Italian Design in Russia. His aspiration for timelessness has brought his collections to worldwide attention and many of his work continue to be much sought after today.

His architectural and design works have been awarded, exhibited and published internationally. In 2007, he was invited by the Hong Kong Government to contribute a design to commemorate the tenth anniversary of unification with China. The same year, the Radio Television Hong Kong broadcast a documentary of his life and work. Lo was Art Director of Giorgetti S.p.A. from 2004 to 2006, and the chairman of the jury for the St. Petersburg Design Biennale 2009. His Tower-House in Athens was nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Prize in Architecture in 2009.

Raised in Hong Kong, Lo received his Master Degree in Architecture from Harvard University with the best thesis prize in 1988. He had taught at the Syracuse University, NY, and was a member of the Akademie Schloss Solitude in Stuttgart. Served as a visiting critic in different Universities in Greece and abroad, he is an active practitioner, integrating architecture, interior and furniture design for projects in Milan, Athens, Instanbul, Yalta (Crimea), Beirut, Dubai and Beijing.

Since 2010, he has been working on the sculptures he has conceived in drawings from To Kardizu 1992. Exhibitions of these sculptures have been scheduled and planned for the coming years in different parts of the Far East.


Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Source: Giorgetti

01 april 2026

Art: Beautiful artwork 'First Touch', sculpture by Hindi

Would like to share with you today this beautiful artwork named 'First Touch'. It's a sculpture by Hindi. I wrote this blogpost on 13-06-2013 and republished it today. Unfortunately the direct links I placed earlier are not active anymore. Be Inspired .........
Thank you for reading this blogpost.
Sources: 
Key West Gallery + via Facebook/The Beauty of Arts & Antique

30 maart 2026

Beautiful Places Around The World: Florence, Italy (05)

I love travelling and visiting other places / countries, meeting people, making new friends worldwide. Today I would like to highlight the place Florence, Italy. What a beautiful place to be! It's on my bucketlist ........ :-)
For more inspiration see also my PINTEREST 
moodboard Travel & Places Worldwide.
Ph. Filippo Bacci Photography