Tag: danish design

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Designers Furniture

Danish design master Kai Kristiansen reprises iconic designs

The work of Kai Kristiansen, a master of the mid-century Danish design movement, has been resurrected in Australia by Great Dane Furniture founder Anton Assaad – the result of a cross-continental collaboration between the pair.

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Entré large six-drawer cabinet in oak, $5500 (oak) $7250 (walnut)

“I am a great admirer of Kai’s work, it’s very math-based and very exact. I really wanted to work with him because he has been such a huge influence on design and he’s a part of Danish history and culture,” says Anton of the Danish designer who was born in Denmark in 1929 before training in cabinetry and pursuing a lifelong career in architecture and design.

The partnership came about after Anton met Kai for a coffee in Copenhagen back in 2012, before they set about sourcing the best manufacturers to reproduce Kai’s iconic #42 chair. “We didn’t stop until we were both happy with the result and our expectation was perfection,” says Kai of the designs that are manufactured by a skilled team of cabinet makers in Denmark.

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Entré medium three-drawer cabinet in walnut, $3950 – we’re loving the gorgeous interior details!

The range, which was first exhibited in Denmark in 1960,  features three cabinets in varying sizes (with plans for more pieces to come) all produced in walnut and oak, with an emphasis on clean, simple lines – the cabinet handles have been created with the human hand in mind but are entirely seamless. “I decided to bring the Entré range back to life with Kai because I have always loved it: the quality and proportions are perfect and I feel that it is very resolved,” says Anton.

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Entré small two-drawer cabinet, $2750 (oak) $2950 (walnut)

“I chose the range for a number of reasons – I love the perfect proportions, sense of balance, considered design and timeless appeal. I feel the designs have a strong harmonious element which greatly reflects the pared back nature of Kai’s Scandinavian design values. The Entré range is beautifully subtle, understated and as charming as Kai himself,” says Anton.

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Kai Kristiansen

To celebrate the launch, the Danish designer made his first trip to Australia this week. “Danish design has great history in the city with the Sydney Opera House, so I am delighted to be here to showcase my Entré collection,” says Kai.

Shop the range online.

 

 

Categories
Furniture

Danish couple feeding Aussies’ love of Scandinavian furniture

After modest beginnings in 2010, with a single container of hand-picked vintage Scandinavian furniture, Melbourne’s Danish Red has grown to become Australia’s largest purveyor of new and mid-century original Danish furniture, stocking brands such as Onecollection (makers of the Finn Juhl collection) and Skovby Furniture to name just a few.

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Finn Juhl designed Poet sofa, 45 chair and Pelican table by Onecollection

Originally from Denmark, owners Jeanette Sorensen (the daughter of a Danish furniture maker) and Ole Sorensen, met in Australia and ran a successful building company together before indulging their passion for Danish design. “I came out to Australia from Denmark as a young girl as my father had a contract to work for Danish DeLuxe Furniture – a company that make Danish designed furniture in Australia,” says Jeanette whose family soon decided to make the move a permanent one. “Ole came as a young man looking for new adventures and had every intention of going back to Denmark until he found me. His background is in building and design.”

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Skovby No. 27 dining table with No. 52 dining chairs, No. 942 sideboard and No. 914 display cabinet

It was on a trip back home to Denmark that the idea for the store arose. “We were in Denmark when we had the exciting idea for a retail store in Melbourne selling mid-century vintage Danish furniture, showcasing pieces by well-known mid-century designers such as Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen and Borge Mogensen,” says Jeanette.

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Finn Juhl designed Baker sofa and cocktail table by Onecollection

A Danish design die-hard, Jeanette can’t find fault in the movement. “What’s not to love about Danish design? Its simplicity, functionality and the beauty of its natural timbers and timeless designs have all stood the test of time,” says Jeanette who goes onto explain a bit about the father of modern Danish design, Kaare Klint. “Kaare realised as early as 1924 that there was an inter-relationship between people and furniture. He noticed that apartments and homes were built smaller and furniture needed to be adapted to the space. Functionality became key, and all forms of ornamentation were eliminated, and so began Danish modern design.”

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Skovby No. 72 extendable dining table with No. 94 dining chairs and No. 732 Modo storage module

Situated on High Street Armadale, the store also stocks several other iconic Danish design brands such as Skipper Furniture, Haslev Furniture and Bernhard Pedersen and Son – Jeanette’s favourite piece at present is the Oda chair by Nanna Ditzel. “It was originally nicknamed the ‘nursing chair’ because it embraces you while nursing a child,” says Jeanette.

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Nanna Ditzel Oda chair

“I love the pure and simplistic design of Hans Wegner’s chairs, the sculptural and organic design of Finn Juhl’s furniture, the affordable and practical designs of Borge Mogensen and, not to forget, the iconic Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen,” adds Ole.

Check out Danish Red online.

Categories
Furniture

Zanui launch exclusive affordable Danish furniture range

Australian online furniture and homewares retailer Zanui has just expanded its bountiful offering to include the fabulous Nordic designs of Danish furniture heavyweight Interstil.

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A Scandinavian furniture group, based in Denmark, Insterstil produce wares that are firmly rooted in Danish industrial design principles. Think solid, practical, minimalist design – beauty in simplicity.

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From dining tables and chairs to sideboards, entertainment units and office furniture, the collection includes over 430 items, many of which are exclusive online to Zanui.

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To celebrate the launch, Zanui has an introductory offer of 10% off, available from February 2 – 29, 2016. Plus, a ‘Spend More, Save More’ promotion with $100 off the full retail price of Zanui’s Interstil line when spending $500+, $200 off when spending $1,000+ and $400 when spending $2,000+.

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Click here for more.

 

Categories
Art Designers Homewares Styling

New Spring/Summer accessories collection from BoConcept

The new Spring Summer 2015/16 accessories collection from BoConcept draws on nature to bring an earthy yet sophisticated feel inside the home. “Nature creates a calm yet strong foundation for this season’s accessory collection which features natural materials such as stone, concrete, terracotta, marble and dark and light timbers,” says Eliza Williams, BoConcept marketing manager.

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While mostly tone on tone, the collection contains flashes of gold and copper to keep things interesting. “Metallics are still hot and bring glamour and sophistication to our homes and they also pair beautifully with contrasting natural textures,” says Eliza. The metallic collection, which includes a chic copper and gold pendant range, draws heavily on Art Deco influences.

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The brand’s new art collection features photographs of the ocean and animals in muted tones while their new living range includes some fab Scandinavian inspired functional accessories – a chic dustpan and brush set and marble and gold clock are both highlights.

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Of particular note is the brass skateboarding bulldog – this playful little number treads a fine kitsch line but is a guaranteed conversation starter.

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See more online.

Categories
Furniture Kids Rooms

Leander’s new range of luxury nursery furniture

When you can call the likes of Nicole Kidman, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Rebecca Judd and Megan Gale as your clientele, you know you’re doing something right! And Leander, the Danish nursery furniture makers, are one such business.

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Their newly expanded range, which includes the Leander Dresser and the new colour scheme of neutral grey, is soon to land in Australian stores and we love it.

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[contextly_sidebar id=”ToQ6ayeCl47w1quPEFUWp7gRtVjdFUpb”]The Leander Dresser features the smooth curved lines that Leander are famous for and is of a generous size, ensuring its longevity through your child’s growth from baby to teenager. With smart felt handles and soft close drawers, you can also add the Matty change mat (also by Leander) and the dresser is converted to a baby change station in an instant. Clever! Available in grey or white it retails for $1099.

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Also of note is the neutral grey colour which has been added to the range and looks fantastic. Not too dark and not too light it will suit any decorating scheme or style. The new grey means Leander now offer a total of four colour choices: white, whitewash, walnut or grey, with the colours available throughout the whole suite of Leander furniture.

For more information.

Categories
Designers Furniture

Living Edge’s curated designer furniture sets for less

For those that have designer tastes but may need a little help putting it all together or just like a good deal, Living Edge’s new Design Collections are the perfect way for you to furnish or complete a specific setting in your home.

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Design Collection 01

Offering a series of curated sets available for purchase at discounted collector’s prices, each Design Collection features complementary products that address a particular need or space in the home.

Launched with Design Collection 01 (Classic) and 02 (Apartment Starter), the first features the quintessential mid-century classic, Herman Miller’s Eames lounge and ottoman, Louis Poulsen’s iconic AJ floor lamp, Ray Eames’ versatile and sculptural walnut stool and the distinctive carved Eames House Bird.

Design Collection 02
Design Collection 02

The second collection includes everything needed to create the ultimate Nordic living room from Danish brand Muuto. The plush comfort of Anderssen & Voll’s Rest sofa is complimented by a set of Around coffee and side tables, the Muuto pull floor lamp and a Muuto restore basket.

The range of collections will be a continually evolving to include offerings for the kitchen, kids, dining and home office, plus sets ideal for first homes or as wedding gifts.

View the current collections at Living Edge.

Categories
Furniture

Royal System: writers desk, library and bookcase in one

Offering one of the world’s first ever examples of suspended cabinetry, the Royal System by legendary Danish designer, Poul Cadovius, has been brought to Australia by Scandinavian luxury expert, Great Dane.

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Designed in 1948, the groundbreaking concept took off immediately and the system became hugely popular in and outside Denmark during the 1950s, 60s and 70s. The design takes up no floor space, meaning the timeless storage system is well suited, particularly, for today’s modern apartment living.

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In addition to its innovative wall-mounting concept, another key design attribute of the Royal System is its modularity. Ideal for the living room, bedroom or home office the system can be mounted in different combinations and layouts to suit individual needs; for example as a modern writers desk, as a library, or as a classic bookcase. It consists of stringers, hangers, shelves and cabinets and is available in oak, walnut and laminate with hangers in brass or stainless steel.

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The Royal System was relaunched in Denmark in 2010 by a small and dedicated Danish furniture company, dk3. Each piece is finished and surface-treated by hand at dk3’s own carpentry shop and is available in Australia through Great Dane’s Melbourne and newly refurbished Sydney showrooms.

Categories
Homewares

Vintage-inspired Scandinavian homewares arrive in Australia

Iconic and timeless, Danish brand Lucie Kaas, known for her reimagining of mid-century Scandinavian designs, is now available in Australia.

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The Scandinavian Homewares Collection draws inspiration from the past, whilst also developing new interpretations of classic designs, with pieces harking back to the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

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Iconic ceramic designer Christian Schollert, was a master of Scandinavian functionalist style in the 1930s. Using sustainable raw materials, the very familiar fluted pottery graced the design scene for decades. This style is seen in the Lucie Kaas collection, through tapered lines, superior quality and a classic aesthetic. Designs are kept elegant, while still reflecting the trends of today.

The first installment of the collection includes vases in two different sizes, a bonbonniere and the classic Schollert candlestick. Each design is represented in classic white and mint green.

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The collection also includes the timeless lotus pattern by Arne Clausen and Gunnar Florning’s wooden animals from the 1960s. The lotus pattern adorns bowls, cups and pitchers in gorgeous colours. The wooden animals include the popular Siamese cats, as well as elephants, sparrows, ducks, rabbits and a range of clowns.

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Complementing these three beautiful ranges are the Danish-designed egg cups, pencil holders and candle holders of Bordfolk. Danish for ‘table people’, they adorned breakfast tables and bedrooms in the 1960s.

With more and more classic designs added each season, these iconic design pieces are available at Urbaani. For more information.

Categories
Furniture

Get the scandi look with these affordable decorative pendants

Having lived in Denmark for the past four months, I’m lucky enough to be in the company of beautiful Scandinavian design on a daily basis. So I can confidently say that the new and affordable Nordic inspired lighting range by Brilliant Lighting is the real deal!

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Bree Leech for Brilliant Lighting. Photography: Mike Baker

Available exclusively through Bunnings Australia, the high quality range features decorative pendants that epitomise the Scandi look through materials such as pale unfinished timber and matt black metal. Using simple, limited palettes in neutral, charcoal, black and white, the lighting retails from the steal of $29.90 to $399.00.

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Bree Leech for Brilliant Lighting. Photography: Mike Baker

The perfect complement for your home, interior designer and trend forecaster Bree Leech says the simple contemporary designs from the range will help bring a little bit of Scandinavia to your household. “The Scandi look is where graphic geometry and clean lines meet organic and relaxed finishes. Modern lighting that combines any of these elements works in the Scandi look. Choose simple large industrial pendants or timber balanced-arm lamp bases with black or white shades. Other options might include single colour or timber finish graphic geometric designs that feature shards, facets, cubes or polygons.”

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Bree Leech for Brilliant Lighting. Photography: Mike Baker

Established more than 25 years 
ago, Brilliant Lighting is committed to innovative design and quality. Acknowledged as an innovator in domestic lighting, it is one of the largest and most respected names in the Australian lighting industry with a range of more than 1500 products. All Brilliant Lighting products come with a 12-month warranty and use the latest LED technology, the most efficient and durable option on the market.

For more information.

Categories
Travel

Olivia tells us about her Copenhagen trip so far

As I write this, I’m sitting in Copenhagen’s cat cafe, with a real life cat on my right and some rather intricate coffee cat art on my left. So it’s safe to say I’m having a good time!

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Having now lived in Copenhagen for three full months (where did the time go?) I’ve well and truly converted to the Danish way of life. Undertaking my final semester of university here, I’ve definitely been busy! There’s been studying (or lack thereof), working for Interiors Addict (how nice is Jen for letting me work from half way across the world?!) and of course, exploring my new hometown (well until December at least). During this time, I’ve learnt a lot, about myself and this beautiful country. So I thought it’d only be fair for me to share a little of that with you!

First, there’s the bike riding, which at rush hour becomes like a formula one race! Stick to the far right or risk being flattened. Bikes are truly the kings of the Copenhagen streets and if you want to get anywhere in a timely, cost-efficient manner, they’re the go-to form of transport.

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Second, there’s the whole brunch thing. Sure we do brunch in Australia, but not to this extent. Think yoghurt, muesli, cold cuts, eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes, cheese, bread and a smoothie all in the one glorious platter! And you’re not even judged for eating this ridiculous amount of food; if anything it’s the norm.

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Third, the untranslatable word: hygge. So this word can’t really be converted to English, but for the Danes it’s everything. In essence it means creating a cosy, warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with the people you love. Cafes can be hygge, friends can be hygge, picnics can be hygge. Drinking mulled wine with blankets and oversized scarves? That can definitely be hygge! Basically, it just explains why the Danes are considered the happiest people in the world!

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Fourth, the most beautiful homewares I ever did see. You can’t comprehend the amount of times I go into homewares stores and curse the fact that I only have one suitcase with me. So many gorgeous things but no way to take them home. Woe is me! My favourite place has to be the premier centre, Illums Bolighus, a must-visit for anyone who loves Danish and Scandinavian design. Selling everything from potato peelers to statement furniture, you’ll want one of every single thing.

My local homewares store
My local homewares store!

Fifth and finally, the fact that Copenhagen’s in Europe. As much as I adore Australia, we are just so far away from everything! Since being in Copenhagen, I’ve been able to travel with such ease, be it a two-hour trip to Edinburgh, a three-hour trip to Reykjavik or this weekend’s one-hour trip to Berlin. Being so close to so many different countries, with so many different cultures and people, has made for some of the most amazing trips. I feel so unbelievably fortunate to be having this experience and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

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Feeding Scottish Highland Cows (hairy coos!) in Scotland
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In front of a geyser in Iceland

Follow Olivia’s journey on Instagram: @oliviashead.

All photography is Olivia’s own (apart from those where she’s in the photo, obviously…).

Categories
Art

Affordable abstract art from Danish artist Nynne Rosenvinge

I love discovering a new artist, and when they’re based in my new home (until December) of Copenhagen, well that’s even more exciting!

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The artist I speak of is Nynne Rosenvinge, who creates very affordable graphic illustrations, paintings, art stickers and notebooks. Featured in galleries, magazines, commercials and the finest design stores in Denmark, Nynne is also stocked in a bunch of Australian stores (see stockists below).

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With a style that is mostly minimalistic and abstract, Nynne uses a mix of handmade and digital techniques to create her artworks. “I make minimalistic paintings, collages and watercolour drawings mostly in greyish and pastel colours,” explains Nynne. “I digitally integrate my artworks into my illustrations, art stickers and notebooks. This mix of handmade and digital graphics gives my products a unique and personal touch.”

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Having always been fascinated by simple graphic shapes, finding their simplicity calming, Nynne’s work is nearly always minimalistic, abstract and non-figurative. Yet this is a style that she has only grown into through time: “My first illustration editions were a bit more figurative, but for some reason, I tend to be more and more abstract in my expression. Now most of my work is minimalistic.”

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While she has been creating illustrations for quite some time, it is her latest venture of art wall stickers, entitled Big Pieces of Art, that she is particularly excited about. “I got the idea not too long ago, when I was rearranging my framed illustrations. I was tired of constantly making holes in my walls in order to display new illustrations, so I created Pieces of Art. They come in various designs and sizes and are easy to apply onto not only walls but also furniture which needs a personal, unique and artistic look.”

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Shop directly through her website (she ships to Australia), or visit one of her Australian stockists: Papercookie, Yellow Front Door, Resident GP, The Minimalist and Hello Polly.

Categories
Homewares

Fashion meets ceramics in the búl x Tania Rolland collaboration

Branching out from the world of fashion for the first time, Virgina Martin of the Australian label búl, has collaborated with ceramicist Tania Rolland to create a range of ceramics. They’re inspired by búl’s Spring Summer 14/15 collection, Denmark.

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A fusion of Tania’s technical knowledge and búl’s aesthetic, the collection’s design simplicity is strongly in line with a Danish influence. Featuring vases, bowls and bottles, each mould has been handcrafted by Tania’s own model and engraved with a drawing inspired by Virginia’s mood board for the fashion collection.

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Ceramics Grey Image

The carefully crafted ceramics are like pieces of art, kept simple in design with hand ‘inked’ lines, a signature of Tania’s work. The colour palette is kept demure with soft blues, stone greys, navy and white hues resulting in a beautiful and delicate collection.

The collaboration is a seamless partnership between two creative minds. The collection will be available in búl stores and online from mid-August.

Categories
Bathrooms Furniture

The world’s first tray-table-stool?

Transforming from a stool to a side table with one simple flip, the Flip Around is a super multifunctional piece of furniture by Copenhagen-based designers NORM Architects, available in Australia.

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As well as changing from sleek stool to side table, the surface portion is also removable to serve as a tray. With the simple yet timeless design, you could place the Flip Around anywhere in the bathroom, as a key-keeping tray in the hallway, a table holding your afternoon coffee or a surprisingly comfortable stool.

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Constructed from high-quality Ash and premium plastic material, the Flip Around is an ingenious mix of modern and classic that can assist you all over the house. Coming in either Light Ash or Dark Ash, it retails for $400 and is available through Candana.

Categories
Homewares

Online shopping fix: Perch and Pantry

Online store Perch and Pantry has a special interest in supporting conscientious global designers.

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As founder Alice Duffield explains: “Our artisans and designers are committed to creating beautiful quality pieces that aren’t mass produced and don’t support unethical production practices.”

Selling high quality but affordable homewares for the kitchen, bathroom and dining (to name a few), Perch and Pantry features classic designs that can fit into many different styles of homes.

Inspired by all things design and architecture, with a certain soft spot for Danish design, the clean crisp lines that the Danes are famous for, are a constant in the Perch and Pantry product line.

Shop Online.

 

Categories
Interiors Addict

Great Dane releases the September Chair in mint

I didn’t realise a chair could look springlike but it can. Just look at this beauty!

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From the design team who brought us the SMED stool, comes another good looking collaboration. Great Dane Furniture and Danish company OX have just released the September Chair. Designed by Dennis Marquart for OX, this modern classic seamlessly combines function and style.

Continue reading “Great Dane releases the September Chair in mint”

Categories
Interiors Addict

Add a touch of Danish to your decor this Autumn

BoConcept has some lovely new accessories in store from next week. What better than cushions and candlesticks to change up your look for the cooler months?

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Unexpected contrasts are achieved by combining traditional patterns and colours in new, non-traditional ways. A check pattern with a floral print, red with animal print, or the surprise of neon yellow in a scale of blue tones. The rule is that there are no rules. Play with shapes, materials and colours.

Continue reading “Add a touch of Danish to your decor this Autumn”

Categories
Interiors Addict

My gift ideas on the Great Dane Furniture blog

Great Dane furniture recently asked me to pick some Christmas gift ideas from their lovely selection.

You can read more here.

Categories
Interiors Addict

BoConcept brings us affordable Danish design with first Australian store

BoConcept is an exciting new furniture and homewares destination for Sydney, with its first Australian store opening in Crows Nest today. I was lucky enough to be shown around this morning and I was really impressed. Already available in 59 countries around the world and having been in New Zealand for a decade, it’s about time, right?

Everything’s been beautifully styled, making it very easy to imagine the pieces in your own home. And it’s no surprise the store is looking so slick, with BoConcept’s finest from the States, Hong Kong and elsewhere having been flown in to share their expertise and get everything just so.

Continue reading “BoConcept brings us affordable Danish design with first Australian store”