Dursk has left the blogosphere and can now be found at www.dursk.co.uk. With more contributors, we've also had a bit of a rebrand, hence the '& Co'. Come and visit the new website for the latest in travel, food and the home ....

Spotted at Maison & Objet: Kristina Dam SS 2016

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to attend interiors & lifestyle tradeshow Maison & Objet, on behalf of Trend Bible. With a first look at the latest collections for the home, we attend this show to spot emerging trends and to seek out the best from well established and rising designers. One stand I was keen to visit was that of Copenhagen based designer Kristina Dam, showcasing her newest collection for Spring Summer 2016. I've featured Dam's prints on Dursk once before (see link); her innovative botanical photography is uniquely potrayed, set through a milky translucent lens.

Her latest collection couldn't be more different, but is still equally as unique. With a play on perspective, her architectural style prints are bold and graphic with an illusionistic feel.

Book Club: A January Reading List

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I've been contemplating whether to write the typical 'New Year, New Me' January blog post, with a round up of my resolutions and outlook on the year (yada yada). But then I thought, I may as well cut to the influencing source. We're nearly 10 days into January and I've already gained so much positivity and perspective on the year ahead, how? ... I've devised a fantastic reading list.

I had a conversation the other day about The Amazon Wish List and realised that I've never actually used it. My books go straight in the basket and wait patiently. Sometimes they rack up, sometimes it's an instant purchase, but nevertheless, beautiful books are my weakness. As I'm sure everyone else does but aren't quick to admit - I'll come across my favourites in-store, flicking from the back to the front, then seek out a cheaper deal online, knowing someday I'll checkout.

You may remember me saying at the end of last year that I was itching to share the books that I'd bought as presents for my nearest and dearest. Continuing on from my Stocking Filler Gift Guide, I'm finally leaking the (very well received) reads I gifted for Xmas 2015. You're probably thinking who does a recapped gift guide in January? Why not? Prices are slashed on Amazon, so be selfish and buy what you really wanted for Christmas.

Gift Guide: Top 5 Scandi Stocking Fillers

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Without tooting my own horn, I'd say I'm a pretty good gift giver and this year I've been super organised and my Christmas shopping is complete! Not only have I bought presents for my loved ones, but I've treated myself to the odd early present here and there. I just couldn't resist!

I've pulled together my top five gifts, all with an understated stamp of Scandi charm.

First up, I've featured Berlin based brand, Bonanza Coffee (yes I know not technically Scandi but too good not to feature!). More like a product of design than something to consume, the packaging is spot on. The coffee is said to be pretty spectacular as well and combines old and new techniques to get the absolute best out of the coffee. Referred to as 'Retro Innovation', Bonanza Coffee is continually looking for the best production methods, nurturing the flavour and taking as much care of the coffee as possible.

Trend: Hardware in the Home

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I'm quite surprised, but I've recently adopted a liking for good looking plug sockets. Ranging from the perfectly designed for a minimal luxury interior, to camouflaged marble outlets - these plug sockets have become something of a discreet design feature. And it doesn't stop there. Silky brass and stainless steel offer a great polished finish to other 'hardwares' of the home such as door handles, pegs and light switches (It's all very exciting over here on Dursk).

Perhaps it's the fact that our stationery, our workspaces and just our homes in general are becoming more metallic, more masculine; nevertheless we've gone full circle and this utilitarian style has reached the everyday functioning details of our homes. Those finishing touches that always lie silent and have an everlasting presence. We're more obsessed than ever with items being handcrafted or made to measure, perhaps this is the reason for this sudden influx of metalwork and hardware, which ironically at the end of the day, offers a basic, uniformed style.

Getting Ready for Winter with Magisso

Last weekend my housemate brought the last of Summer indoors, when she spotted some lonely blooms at our local grocery. Quite ironically, as she walked through the door, I was preparing to shoot my 'Intro to Autumn' post. I was trying out the latest smart designs by Finnish brand, Magisso; the chalkboard cooling tumbler and clever tea-cup are my new A/W necessities. Aiding early mornings and dark, cosy evenings, these accessories are ideal for the Summer to Autumn crossover.

Trend: Framed Botanica

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Forget displaying your flowers in a vase. Instead pull apart, press and transform them into a two dimensional wall feature. I've seen this trend emerge this Summer with beautiful wild flowers and botanical leaves being encased within glass clasped frames. Set to flourish into Autumn Winter, this trend will encapsulate Summer as we (I hate to say) enter those colder months. A lamination of arranged petals and leaves - basically your very own 2D bouquet.

I'm so glad this trend is making a comeback. Pressing flowers is a pastime I used to love with my Grandma, and she had such a knack at turning her flowers into a hillside scene or some sort of floral print (so retro). This once upon a time traditional decorative style is now entering the Scandi-thrifter's home and is less 'seventies brown', but rather, 'wild meadow'.