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Scandinavian Design Icons: CH07 Shell Chair

Sponsored by Carl Hansen & Søn, with thanks

One of the things I appreciate most about good Scandinavian design, is the dedication to making furniture that is both practical and aesthetic. Combine this with high quality natural materials and a timeless appeal and you have a masterpiece on your hands that can be loved for generations to come. 

Danish furniture designer Hans J.Wegner was one of the distinguished designers of all, and helped to put Danish design on the world map. His work is widely recognised for its organic functionality and with items such as the Wishbone chair, CH25 Lounge Chair and Elbow Chair part of his portfolio, it's little wonder he's known as the 'King of Chairs'! 

Today I'd like to pay homage to one of his finest designs: the iconic CH07 Shell Chair

The three-legged chair was designed in 1963, but despite positive reviews for it's avante-garde look and feel, it was only when Carl Hansen & Søn reintroduced the Shell Chair in 1998 that the general public appreciated its distinct expression. Twenty-five years on it's one of the most well-loved, iconic chairs of our time!  

The Shell chair is instantly recognised by it's wing-like seat and curved backrest which is supported by three arched legs. Its testimony to Wegner's mission to ensure a chair should be beautiful from every angle. 


The chair has been around for sixty years, and to celebrate the occasion Carl Hansen & Søn have launched this 60th anniversary edition of the Shell Chair in rosewood and oak (with the option of adding seat cushions) - available until December 31st 2023. A small brass plate with Hans J.Wegner's signature can be seen back making it a true collector's item! 

Imagine having a piece like this in your home? I've certainly loved looking after this masterpiece in our sitting room these past few days (sadly it's only on loan!). 

It looks mighty fine beside some of my favourite smaller items which include a vase by my dear artist friend Jennifer Idrizi in nearby Lund and two darling figurines by local Malmö artist Simon Vendin - the latter of whom keep a good eye on things when we're not home! 


I hope you enjoyed reading about the magnificent CH07 Shell Chair! If you're curious, read more about it over at Carl Hansen & Søn.

I have had the great privilege of capturing quite a few iconic danish design pieces in my home over the past few years - here are some of my favourites: 


Do you have a favourite item of furniture that you dream of owning one day? If so, do tell us more below! 

I hope you have a 'trevlig helg' (lovely weekend)! See you Monday!

Niki

A Scandi Love Affair at our little Cabin: Carl Hansen & Søn Nesting tables

Paid partnership with Carl Hansen & Søn, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love

Hello, how are you this bright and sunny day? 

Do you live in a small space or have small rooms to finish? When you only have 30m2 / 322 ft2 to play with, like we do at the cabin, you're constantly on the lookout for furniture that works well in a compact living area. And these CH004 Nesting Tables designed by none other than Hans J. Wegner - one of the most prolific furniture designers of all time, couldn't be more perfect! 

I've always been a big fan of nesting tables since they are so versatile - and it's incredible to think that this particular set was first launched in 1952! The beauty of good design is that it's timeless, and the lightness, distinctive craftsmanship and classic Scandinavian minimalism of these fine specimens, ensure they work equally well in homes today - and no doubt fifty years from now too.  Which is why Carl Hansen & Søn has recently relaunched them. 

Here's a closer look: 

For a small space, compact and multifunctional furniture is key, and the Nesting Tables come in a set of three different sizes which nestle together to create one smaller unit, or they can also be pulled out for a larger surface area. 

Sidenote: The little ceramic plate is by Sara Bergman, who's home I featured here. Sara is currently exhibiting at Norrviken - a beautiful garden down the road and I couldn't resist picking this up in the museum shop! The knotted candle is by Swedish ceramicist Emmeli Hultqvist


You can also choose to divide up the tables and use them as a side table and coffee table. 

In the background you can catch a glimpse of the FK10 Plico Chair which is also from Carl Hansen & Søn - sadly I rarely get to sit there as it is highly coveted by the entire family - and I'm never quick enough! 

The craftsmanship that has gone into the tables is incredible. Look closely and you'll see the subtle rounded corners which means there'll be no sharp in-take of breath should you bump into them (easily done in a compact space!), and the joinery and oak finish is so ultra smooth (this kind of thing warms my design heart!). 


If you love these Danish beauties as much as I do, you can find out more about the CH004 Nesting Tables here - and check out the other finishes, which include oak, soap, oak / walnut, oil and an incredible, dark walnut, oil. 

Could you imagine having these nesting tables in your home? 

We are so looking forward to heading up to the cabin tomorrow for the night. It's forecasted to be 22 degrees Celsius / 71 degrees Fahrenheit - an absolute corker considering the winter we have just had, and we need to make the most of it before it drops by 10 degrees nest week - baaaah! Barbecue at the ready! 

Speaking of our little cabin, we were so happy to see it featured in the summer edition of Simply Scandi magazine in the UK this month. I wrote a guide to dreamy Scandinavian summer destinations in the same issue if you're looking for inspiration! I believe there's a digital version available here

The next step is to work on the garden. The neighbours put up a chicken wire fence and every time I see it, I weep a little inside! I'm thinking a hydrangea hedge will do the trick, but maybe you have other suggestions? I'm all ears!

I hope you have a fabulous weekend. See you Monday! 

Niki

A big thank you to Helen Sturesson for helping me to capture these nesting tables, it was such a fun day! 

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A Visit From Two Grand Old Danes At Our Little Cabin


This post is kindly sponsored by Carl Hansen & Søn, all words and photos are my own

While we're at the cabin, friends and family often stop by. But it's not every day we get the pleasure of a visit from two grand old Danes (not to be confused with Great Danes - which would have been fun if not a little chaotic in such a small space!). I'm talking about the furniture variety. Last week I had the honour of capturing the iconic FH38 Windsor Chair around our cabin table. Designed by Frits Henningsen in 1938, this fine specimen has recently been reissued by Carl Hansen & Søn - and it's just as delightful and beautifully crafted today as it was back in the thirties. Read on to see more pics and find out more! 


The designer
Often, when it comes to understanding the history of these fine iconic design pieces, the designer is a good place to start. Frits Henningsen had a passion for high quality craftsmanship, and unlike most cabinetmakers at that time, always designed his own furniture. He had a vibrant personality and liked to give new expressions to traditional designs, taking his inspiration from the French Empire, Rococo and British 17th century furniture. 

Nostalgia
The moment I took these fine high-backed chairs out of the box and examined their solid wooden saddle-shaped seats and spindles, familiarity washed over me and I was immediately transported to my childhood in England. Variations of the Windsor chair are said to have been in British homes from as early as the 17th century. Even so, I'm not sure I remember them being quite as elegant as this! 


The details
Frits' take on the Windsor chair is really special. Made from solid FSC certified oak using multiple carpentry techniques, it's a perfect example of traditional craftsmanship fine-tined over centuries. I particularly love that it's still sanded by hand today. 

The design is somewhere between a dining chair and a lounge chair, so theoretically, you could use it in the kitchen or sitting room (a leather seat cushion is available for extra comfort, although the gentle curves do mean it's surprisingly comfortable as it is). 


What a great visit, and an honour to shoot such an iconic chair. Who knows, maybe I'll invest in my own FH38 Windsor Chair one day (they come in the choice of three different types of oak - oil, smoked oil, and soap oil, this is the oil version, in case you're also curious). 

Very tempting, I must say! 

Oh, and in case you're wondering what's in the bowl on the side: 

Our neighbours have an incredible plum tree. Every morning they leave a basket of the most sweet and juicy plums by the fence for us. My mother-in-law made a great batch of plum chutney with them last week so we'll be enjoying them well into the autumn now! 

Right (slaps thighs English style), time for the weekend! I hope you've got some relaxing plans ahead? We'll be spending some days up here, most likely reading in the Plico chair, while eking out the last few days of summer - I spy a 13 C / 55 F on the forecast next week - worrying indeed!

Vi ses på Måndag, vänner!

Niki

At Home With The Beautiful OW58 T-Chair From Carl Hansen & Søn

MSH partnership, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. 

Trust the Danes to design a chair that's practical, comfortable, unique and above all else beautiful! This fine OW58 T-Chair was originally designed by highly esteemed Ole Wanscher in 1958 and Carl Hansen & Søn has recently relaunched it, while maintaining a deep respect for materials, craftsmanship and function. Last week I received a pair to test out in oiled oak and upholstered in Balboa by Sahco for Kvadrat and I have to say, it's even more exquisite in real life! Read on to take a closer look. 


So, who was Ole Wanscher? Having studied under Kaare Klint, Wanscher was integral to the aesthetic and functionality of modern Danish design. In 1958 the Danish newspaper Politiken wrote:

"Owning a Wanscher chair is an adventure every day, and will be so even several hundred years from now, for this is how long it lasts". 

Wanscher had a passion for sleek, refined shapes and the sculptured T-Chair is instantly recognisable by it's T-Shaped backrest and exquisite carpentry. 



A loyal tribute to the original design, Carl Hansen & Søn have maintained the distinctive expression and beautiful craftsmanship while adjusting the height to provide optimum ergonomics for today's world (we're a lot taller today than we were in the 1950s!). 

One of the distinct features of the chair is the T-shaped backrest which smoothly merges with the back legs, giving it a cool three-legged appearance. 

Over the past week, I've discovered the chair works equally well as an individual piece as it does an entire set, hence why I hogged one all to myself and placed it by my side of the bed! 


Incidentally, if you're incredibly eagle-eyed, you might recognise the spotted top - I wore it the day I visited the CEO and Founder of Carl Hansen & Søn, Knud Erik Hansen at his home: Hellerup Manor in Denmark! Knud Erik made me feel instantly at home and I was always ready with a fascinating and at times humorous story from his extensive experience in the design world. We filmed this tour of Hellerup Manor during my stay.  

Anyway I digress! One of the things I love most about the T-Chair is how it embodies both classic and modern lines. Take a closer look (under my spotty top!!) and you'll notice the smooth joints - the result of careful processing and many, many carpentry hours. 


Isn't it fantastic? I can totally see how this chair could live on for hundreds of years - both in terms of quality and its timeless design. 

The OW58 T-Chair is available in oak or walnut with leather or fabric upholstery. 

Could you imagine having a set of these in your home?  

I'm already dreading the day they're being collected. Maybe I should invest in my own set! 

Right folks, that's it from me this week. I'm all wrapped up in knits at my desk today while the snow falls silently outside. It's pretty - but cold here in Sweden! BRRRR!

Stay warm and have a fabulous, festive weekend! 

Niki

A big thank you to Helen Sturesson for working with me remotely on this shoot. 

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6 Ways To Create A Timeless Home - Scandinavian Style!

You're likely to have seen this apartment before. I first featured Karen Maj Kornum's home back in 2015, and then again in 2017 and even included it in my book The Scandinavian Home (I'll never forget the day I spent there!!). The fact is, I could probably feature this home in ten year's time, and it would still feel relevant. So, what makes Karen's living space stand the test of time, while others feel distinctly out of date after a few years? I've compiled a list of 6 'timeless' lessons to learn from her stunning Frederiksberg home! 




1. The neutral backdrop: Colours and wallpaper patterns come and go (think Laura Ashley in the 80's!), but white and off-white shades will never go out of style and serve as a perfect blank canvas with which to layer the home. 

2. The statement piece:  Look closely at the back wall and you'll see that it's a picture (or 'wallscape') rather than extra room (Karen picked it up at Bless in Berlin and feels sad that if she ever moves she won't be able to take it with her). Whether in the form of a one-off work of art, unique textiles or a piece of unusual furniture, adding something eye-catching like this will give your home its own distinct character while still maintaining its timeless vibe. 

3. Make it personal: I love the idea that a home is never 'finished'. It might seem obvious, but it's so important to remember to take your time to layer a home over the years with pieces you've collected on your travels, things your children (or ancestors) have made, photographs and favourite books. Sure, you might like to add the odd on-trend accessory, but the bulk of the look should be truly unique and personal to you. 

4. Mix it up: When I interviewed Karen about her home for my book, she said that she loves to blend styles and furniture from different eras. Look closely and you'll spot an entire blend of antiques, vintage finds and contemporary pieces - all of which help to give the interior longevity - and ensure your space doesn't lend itself to one particular era that could quickly become out of date. 

5. Invest in timeless, iconic design pieces: Furniture that has been made by a reputable designer / craftsperson and made from good, solid natural materials can be maintained over time. If you opt for pieces with a simpler design, they'll blend into any room, while still adding a magical iconic touch. 


6. Follow your heart: Sometimes this is easier said than done (trust me, I often feel blinded by trends, especially when I work in the industry!). The thing is, trends are designed to come and go - where as your natural sense of style will likely stay quite consistent over time (give or take - I mean, I wouldn't have a poster of Morten Harket (of A-Ha fame) on my wall these days - yep, clearly always been drawn to those Scandinavian men!)! 

I have to add, I love trends and I notice some wonderful on-trend pieces in Karen's home too (like the Berber rugs) but if you truly want to create an easy-to-maintain timeless home - it's important to decorate the bulk of your home with pieces that you love simply because they hit a chord. 


What do you think? Do you have any other suggestions about what makes a home timeless? If so, please do share in the comment section below! 

If you love Karen's style as much as I do,  check out her online shop (for the most beautiful rugs!) and see more of her interior styling work at Another Ballroom.

In other news, I'm excited to take you on an armchair journey to Norway tomorrow - and have some exciting news which will allow you to bring a little piece of Norway home. Intrigued? Stop by to find out! 

Kram! 

Niki

Photography: Home / styling: Karen Maj Kornum. Photography: Jonas Lundberg

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The Inspiring Norwegian Home of a Danish Design Hunter!

Goooood morning! If you love discovering new instagram feeds as much as I do, here's a great one for you: @mr_aardal! Thomas Aardal has recently sold this beautiful early 20th century house in Sandnes, just south of Stavanger, Norway. I couldn't resist sharing a few snaps before he turns the key. The good news is, he's taking all his iconic Danish design furniture with him and I can't wait to see what he does next! Enjoy the tour! 







I love how there's a Danish treasure around every corner - Klint, Wenger, Jacobsen - this place reads like a who's who of Danish design! Mesmerising! 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

If you'd like to see what Thomas Ardaal does next, follow along on instagram here: @mr_ardaal

There's a load more fabulous danish homes to discover in this archive today (hey, it's Monday, you've got to ease your way into the week in a nice way!). 

I've just arrived in Cologne, Germany for IMM Cologne - one of my favourite fairs! I'm going to do my best to check out all the latest trends and product news and report back. Follow along on instagram stories if you're curious! 

Have a great start to the week guys! 

Niki

PS There's absolutely no way I'd be able to have an open wardrobe like Thomas's. I wish I was as neat as this, but I've resigned myself to the fact that I never will be (sorry Kondo!). 

Photography courtesy of Thomas Aardal shared with kind permission. 

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