Conservator Jamie Spears is doing his job. His daughter Britney Spears was going to get together with a Danish designer named Claus Hjelmbak to create a line of shabby-chic Scandinavian furniture.
According to the NYP Jamie has been working along with Danish entrepreneur Claus Hjelmbak on an endorsement deal for a line of shabby-chic Scandinavian furniture [...]
How about this for advance publicity, Champagne Riot have neither a record nor a gig to their name. In fact if one was to be pernickety you could say that Champagne Riot don’t even have a band together yet, because it remains the work of one man named Casper. Casper flits spirit-like between London and Copenhagen recording 80’s inspired pop numbers in small studios along the way. Some of these recordings are available for download from his myspace page and even a casual listen will confirm the wise choice Shelflife Records have made in agreeing to release his debut EP (later in the summer, it’ll be called ‘Paris & I’). ‘Scandinavian Warfare’ is the pick of a ripe bunch, full of perfectly realised A-ha airs and graces, a proper pop song in other words. The first ever Champagne
Not only is Visby a city on Gotland in Sweden it is also a brand new female fashion boutique in Friedrichshain near Boxi. Their focus is on Scandinavian brands like Modström, Rules by Mary, Nümph, Samsoe + Samsoe, Svensson, Prim I Am and MbyM, but they also feature young designers from Berlin like Lilly Line. [...]
Good Monday to you... if such a thing existed... anyhoo, next on the list of bands is Scars On Broadway, but since they are a System Of A Down side project, and I've already told Serj Tankian to suck it, they can suck it too... and suck it hard. Moving on...TurbonegroWho they are: A bunch of Norwegian self-described deviants.What they sound like: Straight ahead Punk with a sick, twisted, disgusting, homo-erotic sense of humor...Turbonegro - Turbonegro Must Be Destroyed (ysi)What I think: You know, I got zero problem with this. It's simple, it's funny, it makes me wanna punch something in a strangely non-angry yet totally fulfilling way. And that's what Punk Rock is about... well, that and tight pants, but I'm not so much into those... my boys like to breathe! Okay, I've said to mu
Lindsay Lohan reportedly had a “hissy fit” at the Scandinavian Style Mansion in Beverly Hills on Friday night, claims one magazine.
Page Six spoke with the “peeved” venue owner Claus Hjelmbak. And he is NOT happy with LiLo.
“I’m grossly disappointed in Lindsay for not fulfilling her contractual duties,” Claus tells PageSix.
Oh, and if that’s not [...]
Lilo apparently threw a fit when she saw “Paris Hilton Handbags” printed on the red carpet sponsor board. She was also upset that a Liquor sponsor at the event.
When asked about the unfashionable fit, Lohan publicist Leslie Sloane explained that there was a lot more to it.
"We were [...]
I don't know if my Scandinavian heritage is showing through or if it's just a personal choice, but when I choose a cookie or bar I'm more likely to go for 'almond' and 'pastry' than I am for anything chocolate or overly sweet. Even as a child I was drawn more to these types of things. Something that would have been perfect with a cup of coffee... had I been a coffee drinker at 8. (Ha ha ha). You can get 3-4 dozen out of this recipe after they are cut into strips. Scandinavian Almond Bars1 3/4 c flour2 t baking powder1/4 t salt1/2 c butter1 c granulated sugar1 egg1/2 t almond extractMilk1/2 c sliced almonds1 c sifted powdered sugar1/4 t almond extract4 t milkStir together flour, baking powder and salt. In a large mixing bowl beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and the 1/2 tsp
Source: Scand Asia/Gregers Moller
Scandinavian tourists get more for their money in Malaysia than anywhere else in the world. If Denmark is set to index 100, living costs for tourists in Malaysia is only 29.3 percent.
And out of the 10 most cost attractive destinations world wide, four of then are in South East Asia.
The Philippines is [...]
Remember that event last year when Sam Lutfi was photographed with food in his mouth sitting next to Britney Spears who looked amazing?
Well Marc Malkin for E! is reporting that Brit is out, MonroeLo is in for the Stylin’ Mansion party next gala days away.
“I hear Lindsay will likely be replacing Spears as host for [...]
My mother always had a calendar towel, and the yearly towels still bring back such childhood memories. I bet my mom still has the towels from years 1975, 1978 and 1981, years, when me and my sisters were born. The fabric calendars are a dear Scandinavian tradition and this Lotta Jansdotter 2008 Fabric Calendar reminded me of my childhood, and I am adding it to my wish list for the Holidays!Lotta Jansdotter is one of my favorite designers with a very Scandinavian background. She spent her childhood summers in the island called Ahvenanmaa between Sweden and Finland - I spent my childhood summers sailing between Ahvenanmaa and Finland. No wonder Lotta's designs bring back so many memories and feel like home to me. Beautiful, simplistic designs, just like home in Scandinavia. Here are some of my favorites from Lotta Jansdotter, these I found from Design Public. Herringbone Owl, 18$Tyckte Tote, 29$Chick Wool Zipper Bag, 22$Redig Kitchen Towel & Pot Holder Set, 32$Tang Wool Tote, 58$Ps. Enj
...are a great way to get acquainted with Scandinavia. First-time travelers describe cruises in Scandinavia as a wonderful experience, especially during winter when you can experience the Northern Lights. At...
Kent is a well-known rock band through out Scandinavia and probably the most popular in Sweden and yet most of you have never heard of them! We heard a little bit about them in the late '90s and now they have just released their 7th studio album, Tillbaka till samtiden which in English means Back to the Contemporary. They've been together under several different band names including my favorite, Coca-Cola Kids, which sounds to me like a '50s boy band.I'm told that this album has a bit more electro sound in it and it's evident with all the electronic intros. They came over to the U.S. with their English translated songs in the late '90s but pretty much failed to catch the U.S. wave. Maybe it was too early or the sound didn't work out. Oh well, they do got that new album out and we got some tracks for you! You can get the album off of iTunes here.Vy Från Ett LuftslottIngenting
I would like to introduce you to my dear friend Marianne McNamara, the lady behind the camera - Marianne of Scandica. Marianne is a professional photographer and you might have seen her work, if you live in the Chigaco area. She owns Scandica Fine Art Photography. She is the child-photographer for the Baby loves Disco. And she also takes all those pictures you rarely see, but which are always highly appreciated - the nude portraits. Marianne just recently launched her new website Scandica - Fine Art Photography, and before you read on, please visit her site. Marianne is from Finland, actually we used to be almost neighbours, but never knew each others in Finland. Marianne's site is a tribute to our Finnish heritage. I have watched her site intro a hundred times. The first time I couldn't read all the text from my tears. The second time I watched it I was balling because I could read the text. The hundredth time, and I still get goose bumbs. I was lucky to have a virtual cup of coffee
Berkshire Hathaway of Warren Buffett reveals the pile of 10% with Scandinavian BurlingtonBerkshire Hathaway of Warren Buffett revealed a pile larger than of Scandinavian Fe 10% of Burlington Santa (BNI). By three subsidiary companies of insurance (Colombia, national, and marine allowance national of fire) Berkshire advantageously has 39.027.430 shares of Scandinavian ordinary actions of Burlington according to a classification of dryness makes Friday, April 6, 2007.The reported purchase most recent of Berkshire was made Thursday, 5 April, and was composed 1.219.000 bought shares with $81.18 part.At the time presenting the table familiar of the principal investment of Berkshire in its more recent letter at the shareholders, Buffett wrote:"we show below our investments of ordinary actions. With two exceptions, those which had a commercial value of more than $700 million at the end of 2006 are detailed. We do not detail the values concerned, which have a commercial value of $1.9 billion,
OK, I think it's time for another really fabulous Scandinavian kitchen! I haven't put one up for quite some time, I'm very much overdue and wow, do I have a fantastic backlog of kitchens to show you over time, so stay tuned! I can't tell you one single thing about this kitchen, as, sadly, my parents never taught me Danish! But, since pictures are worth 1,000 words, I'm sure you'll come up with some of your own descriptions. Me? I think this kitchen is quite awesome. Love the texture, the rich feeling of the cabinetry color, the sharp, white, accents, and always a favorite to look for, the lighting. Images from Bo Bedre. Maybe it's because I went back to Denmark, I'm not sure, but I'm loving light oak herringbone floors right now. They are everywhere, for ages, in Copenhagen, but I think there is a (small) resurgence in herringbone flooring patterns in the U.S. It's a fresh, attractive, pattern and texture to use in wood flooring. I also love the shelves in this kitchen. Anyon
There was one photograph, similar to what I took below, that made me very quickly email the realtor back to say, "book it!" What is not shown so well is this structure of sorts that has a curved, stone, thick, back to it and the front is seating, like a curved sectional. It is situated in the perfect spot, and definitely a surprise in this room.There is a variety of interesting elements in this room...the brick floors for one. These are real bricks, not veneer! I've never seen this used as flooring in a kitchen, a real kitchen. I'm a barefoot walker around the house, and it did not bother me to walk on this floor. Of course, the plants on the walls and ceiling are crazy! It certainly was THE most interesting breakfast room I've ever had the pleasure to dine in. And, always white, everywhere, as the perfect shade to complement these colors of nature, the brick and the green plants. Simple, not "decorated" per se, just sort of accumulated elements, creating a comfortable space. W
I haven't really shown you any images from my trip to Copenhagen yet! I have so many....over 2,000 to be round about precise (call me obsessive, I'm guilty!) And, let's not forget my 10 (at least) magazines too. Lots of good stuff. Don't get me diamonds, just get me a Scandinavian interior design magazine! (I didn't really say that, right?) Speaking of good stuff, I went a little crazy with taking lots of images of this very soft, romantic, Scandinavian style that everyone loves so much. I found this wonderful style (so much style) in some very special antique stores, Atelier September and Fil de Fer. I have shared these particular images with Desire To Inspire, my good blogging buddies, because they have featured one of the stores before and I thought they would enjoy them, a fresh look from being IN the stores. I think they enjoyed them so much that they are doing a feature today AND featuring more, and different, images tomorrow! What's missing is the kitchen! The apartm
LazyAnimation specialize both in 2d and 3d animation and has recently launched it’s website around March 2007. This is the third business venture Jane Kirk have established and she is more confident than ever.
A Scandinavian outsourcing company, based in Cebu City, Philippines, is willing to play in the competitive arena of animation.
After successfully establishing LazyMask, [...]
Mikko Ilonen won the Scandinavian Masters by two shots Sunday after Martin Kaymer double-bogeyed the final hole.
Ilonen birdied the last hole at the Arlandastad course, closing with a 2-under 68 to finish with a 6-under 274 totals. It was the second European Tour victory for the former British amateur champion. The Finn won his first tournament at the Indonesia Open in February.
Ilonen began the day three shots behind Kaymer and James Kingston of South Africa.
Mikko Ilonen won the Scandinavian Masters by two shots Sunday after Martin Kaymer double-bogeyed the final hole.
Ilonen birdied the last hole at the Arlandastad course, closing with a 2-under 68 to finish with a 6-under 274 totals. It was the second European Tour victory for the former British amateur champion. The Finn won his first tournament at the Indonesia Open in February.
Ilonen began the day three shots behind Kaymer and James Kingston of South Africa.
Something I already knew, which was confirmed at KBIS in May...open shelving is HOT! It adds that warm touch, anyway it's done. Although, there IS an art to the arrangement of objects on open shelving, very much so. I designed my own kitchen (meant to be temporary, and here it is 4 years later) with lots of open shelving of various types to allow me to be surrounded by my collections. FYI, in the first image of my kitchen, the objects (all mine) were artfully arranged by the stylist on site when my kitchen was shot for publication last year, so I can't take credit for that! But, I digress.Let's call today's journal entry, Scandinavian Wednesday, rather than Monday (late again) and take a look at how the Scandinavians "do" open shelving. They're very good at arrangements, the shelves themselves, and creating a look and feel of real warmth. Today we'll look at traditional shelves and arrangements in the kitchen. It's not really difficult to put items on a shelf, but one
I think it's time to trick out the Scandinavian kitchens that we're loving every Monday (ok, it's Tuesday, skipped right over Monday)! As innovative as the Scandinavians are with their design and decor with such a rich history to draw from, that innovation and great design has also historically reached over into housewares in a very big way over many decades. It seems there has always been some item that's been hot, a "must have." Even recently, we've seen a large introduction of Danish crafts in the MoMA store, and others just devoted to Scandinavian housewares. Here are a few bright and fun items that reflect the Scandinavian point of view.First, look at this dish pattern from Scandinavian Details. From the site: Kristina Runske, founder of Scandinavian Details,returns home to Scandinavia several times each year to connect with emerging designers and trends. Her commitment to bring you superior craftsmanship matched with leading-edge technology and environmentally-frie
I'm not kidding about this. It really rocks, trust me. Take a look, and turn up your speakers. A LOT. It doesn't always work for some reason. Refresh your browser if you don't see the video right away. It's short but unlike anything else I've seen!Scandinavian Kitchens That Rock The HouseOr try this link, but try it! (And then report back!)My cousin, Lis, sent me some links for Scandinavian kitchen websites, many of which I already had, but some were new. I had asked her to send me some magazines, and she said links are easier. Nice! I'll be loading up on magazines when I go to Denmark in August. I usually spend at least $100 on magazines, and they add so much weight, but it's worth it (to me!)Here are some thoroughly modern kitchens from the company, Trend. The wood really looks fantastic here, doesn't it? And, as always, try out a few blogs. The first, Modern Country, has text in brown in English. Also check out hvitstil, and last but DEFINITELY not least, Ka
It turns out it's perfectly appropriate, and I even wish I had planned it this way, that I'm two days late for my weekly Monday Scandinavian Kitchens exhibit. Today, being, July 4, Independence Day, is the perfect tie-in to dedicate this post to my parents, who came from Copenhagen to the U.S., at that time, sailing past Lady Liberty, to pursue the American dream. My parents, especially my mother, wanted to assimilate as seamlessly as possible into American life. She quickly found a church to become a member of, got involved in school and PTA activities, made lots of genuinely good friends and was happy to gain citizenship and to feel like an American. My father founded a business, made his fortune, later lost it all, blaming it on unions, also typically American! I lived the American dream growing up, and while assimilation was important to my parents, the wonderful Scandinavian cultural traditions remained intact. Food, the language (between my parents), the fantastic Danish modern
Since my last Scandinavian Kitchens post, summer has arrived! Summer, to me, is one of those extreme experiences in many ways. I wouldn't want it all year, I like it just long enough to really enjoy it fully. I happen to like the summer garden better than my huge spring rose flush with thousands of rose blooms. Likewise, eating any meal of the day al fresco enhances the dining experience and creates summertime memories. As another summer solstice-inspired change, I lightened up the look of the blog a little bit...also more light filled and clean for the summer. I hope you like it. Here are some fresh, summery, Scandinavian kitchens for you to dream on (ok, put wireless in the backyard and then bring your laptop, jump in the hammock, and dream that way!) I'm especially excited this week because just this morning I found and booked an extremely (that word again) charming apartment in Copenhagen for our vacation this summer, for 2 weeks. Made the plane reservations
We visited the Coin Museum, which contains coins and currency notes, old and new, from every country in the world. Next we went to the Armoury Museum, part of the royal palace, which was had an amazing collection of suits of armour, royal costumes and the carriages used by the Royal Family of Sweden.
Next stop was the National Art Museum which houses an impressive collection of Rembrandt, Rubens, Boucher, Renoir, Degas and Gauguin. Trying to act as if we belonged there, we strolled into the opulent lobby of the Grand Hotel, where the Nobel prizewinners are put up every year.
Another highlight was a visit to the Vasa museum. Built in 1628, the Vasa was the biggest wooden warship of its time. Unfortunately, within minutes of being launched by the Swedish monarch, it sank in Stockholm harbour. There it lay for over three hundred years until it was raised from the waters, remarkably intact. It is now housed in an enormous building. Seeing this old world behemoth up close is so ove
So far, in this series on Scandinavian kitchens, I have not showcased many brands of cabinetry, so I'd like to do that today. Let's focus a bit on the cabinetry, surely an integral part of any kitchen, as the kitchen is often (mostly) about storage. Storage that is functional, furniture-like, cool, whatever...as we know, the aesthetics of the cabinetry lead the rest of the kitchen's theme. I think it is safe to say that the vast majority of current Scandinavian kitchens incorporate contemporary themes. This is another reason why it's very helpful to see this regular series, as the vast majority of kitchen design in the U.S. is traditional. Perhaps this series on Scandinavian kitchens will help many consumers become more comfortable with contemporary kitchen design. Since Scandinavian (modern) kitchen cabinetry is seen in rooms (within Scandinavia) with traditional architecture, surrounded by heavily textured materials, or situated among smooth and sleek surfaces, with which one usu
Well, I guess I took an unintended week of vacation from blogging...very busy week last week! But, more about that another time. After all, clients ARE #1! I'm toying around with the idea of going to Denmark on vacation at the end of August. Which got me into the vacation villa, or "summerhus" as it's called, rental mode. A great place to look at REAL Scandinavian kitchens. I found some lovely kitchens that may actually make you want to COOK while on vacation, do you think? In any event, surely, the design, and openness of a kitchen plan is conducive to happy and casual living in a rental. Who wants to be isolated in an entirely separate room if you don't have to be. A perfect reason to search for an open kitchen plan. Please go to nice summer and take a look. Oh...click on "Luxury Cottages." Nice start. I also found this great kitchen at klmdesign.dk.
There are many Scandinavian kitchens which have beamed ceilings. There are many old buildings, both apartments in the city and old farm homes, which have beams used as structural timbers in the home. Of course, as said before, Scandinavians beautifully mix their contemporary design aesthetic with these old beams, and they do it with style and confidence. Thus, a home with truly rustic elements does not have to continue this look of "country", even if the floors are old, the walls are textured stone, as well as the ceiling with ancient beams. Some old structures have low ceilings. In these homes we will see beams too, but they may be closer to the ceiling, more shallow, and perhaps painted a light color, looking into blend in, another great look. Enjoy these images, and please look through the previous images in this category in the sidebar to see other great beamed kitchens. Top image is from Tidens Bolig, second image from Bo Bedre. And, again, here's a great Scandinavian b
After a 2 week absence due to the KBIS show and other things thrown into the mix, it's good to be back with Scandinavian kitchens on Mondays. Here we go! Here are actually two kitchens, but one has a lot of images. I'd like to take a minute to review what makes them Scandinavian in nature and what is also not only cultural, but good design. The first concept is lighting. Scandinavians love interesting lighting, and lots of it. So, the lighting fixtures must be well designed as well as highly functional. Task lighting is huge in Scandinavia. There are little light fixtures anywhere and everywhere. So, take note of the lighting. Second concept is "shapes and forms". This is a more architectural concept, which can be seen, for example, in the mosaic tile wall behind the cooktop and elsewhere. Scandinavians do not fear blank walls, and in fact have used them as part of their design work for a very long time, long before this idea became popular elsewhere. It
Today we have a little bit of a mix to keep things interesting. All modern kitchens. Some, just downright elegant. A few that you cannot see very well, but you sort of get the picture anyway. Isn't that what our homes are, when all is said and done, an overall feeling? What feelings turn you on and off about these images?One thing I have not mentioned as yet is that typically, and I only see this in one image, surprisingly, but typically, the lighting hangs down quite low in Scandinavian homes. I LOVE that look. It creates a real intimacy and softness. In the top image, I'm crazy about the minimalist feel and the plain walls, Also, the artwork. But, I don't believe those plain walls will remain perfect forever. I don't get that. These lower two images are from the same kitchen. I'm responding to the large, plain, windows and the white walls, which I love. It's an overall tailored look, very modern, but tailored. I LOVE the way this
I think it's a very common thing in Scandinavia to show small splashes of color, like, very small. It seems the smaller the color, the bigger the impact (in some cases). My friend, Lone, a Danish girl who lives in New York, showed me an ad (she's a kitchen designer) she was putting in a magazine, and it was a kitchen that was all white with some black and then only half of a red chair was showing, sort of at the way end of the room...of course, an Arne Jacobsen chair. I didn't get it at first, I don't see that a lot, but now, these images brought that concept back to me, and brought it to life. Images from Bolig Liv.So, now we have 3 interesting elements....white (nearly always), a splash of color, and texture (nearly always). Fantastic combination.It's fun, cool, and fresh, don't you think?
I tried to break out of black and white Scandinavian kitchens, but I'll tell you one thing, it's not easy! There is more black than I realized lurking in Scandinavian kitchen designs I am coming across. Black is very interesting in kitchens...sometimes you hardly know it's there. It is a neutral and it makes a statement, but sometimes it comes on like the strong, yet silent type of statement, sort of like Leonardo DiCaprio...don't you just wonder what's going on behind those eyes (and those eyebrows?) I know I do. Moving on...Many of us are familiar with a classic light to medium blue gray color, found more in Swedish kitchens than in Danish kitchens, for example. Why gray? Isn't the air cold enough to be also reminded with a cool color? I wonder about that. Doing some quick research does not reveal answers. I'll need to get on this trail. The light gray kitchen and dining area is from Vakre Hjem & Interior. The white kitchen, from Interior Magasinet, as well as the top
Since last week's black and white Scandinavian kitchens had such interest, I thought I would do it again! You know, I have to admit, something struck me this week that did not strike me last week. Part of the reason, I think, that these kitchens appeal to us is that it is not just the white cabinetry and great accessories and materials, it is that, surprisingly, and very unlike what is done, at least in the U.S., the walls are also white! The decorative/accessory layer also has much white in it as well. That is what is distinctive about these kitchens and their "look". We see the first image a million times, it is a popular look. But, we do not often see it with that type of lighting or with the simplicity of white walls, or, for that matter, the raw look of flooring such as we have here, which I hope you can see.As I have said previously, I really believe the Scandinavians do electic "right", and, added to their own distinctive look, with color and light elements,
I've previously talked before about Scandinavian kitchens being very light in color, and they often are. White seems to be the common theme. When white, neutral woods, and black, come together, it's very exciting. We'll save color for another day, but these kitchens are no less wonderful without punches of color. Look at these beautiful images from Bo Bedre. Notice the floors, aren't they amazing? Do you want some inspiration for white or neutral accessories? Look at this amazing blog on Scandinavian design. And, for more inspiration, another Scandinavian home design blog. I will try to feature Scandinavian design blogs every time I do this series, to add the "real" look. I also hope to receive comments and design advice on Scandinavian kitchens from those who live in them!
I've had a passion, far more than an interest, in Scandinavian kitchen design for many years. It first relates to my strongly held Danish heritage, my parents having left Copenhagen for the U.S., and me, returning often to visit my family in Denmark, since I was a child. There is a history here. My trips continue periodically. I have felt for some time that we, in the U.S., are more than ready to embrace the wonderful Scandinavian kitchen and interior design "look". As we move away from a heavier, traditional, point of view in the kitchen toward lighter, simpler, looks, with cleaner lines, the recent interest in Asian design makes sense, and Scandinavian design (far less "known") makes sense to be noticed as well, for reasons anchored in, well, hundreds and hundreds of years past, bringing relevance in a perfect way, to today. I see several common threads in Scandinavian design, including Scandin
