Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

An hour north of Oslo, located on a majestic hillside facing the Norwegian woods and Mjøsa lake, lies the Gjøvik house; a modern and minimal cluster house created by Norm Architects.

The house is built from 6 cubes, overlapping each other in plan and section. The Gjøvik House shows exactly what Norm Architects’ foundation of elegance and minimalism is about—bringing in a sense of minimalism and warmness at the same time by connecting every room seamlessly and allowing each room privacy and character.
























This carefully-planned project resulted in the stunning modern communion of man and nature.

Most pieces in this home are built-in / custom made. That, combined with their choice of concrete, texture and materials, creates a feel of calmness and belonging throughout the space. Not to mention the lake-fronting facade blends in with the interiors, making this one more masterpiece in the pocket of lead architect, Linda Korndal.

Smålands Skinnmanufaktur is a furniture and home accessories design studio that’s based in Sweden. Their style is characteristically Scandinavian. Minimal and environmentally-friendly products have put them on the first page of many blogs lately and they clearly deserve that spot.























Emily Laye

Every product from Smålands Skinnmanufaktur is made by hand with leather from the only environmentally certified tanner, Tärnsjö Garveri–in natural gray and chromium-free. They are lasting and classic, a true statement for everyone's home.

Erik Lefvander

If you are a Scandinavian style enthusiast, you have probably already heard of Swedish Interior Design pioneer, Louise Liljencrantz. With a good eye for elegance and style, Louise is able to combine the subdued essence of minimalism with rich materials, full colors and character-filled objects.

So, it’s to no one’s surprise that her private home would be aesthetically pleasing–bordering a piece of art. Remaining true to her style, Louise managed to create a statement with her classic-meets-modern approach: Light grey walls, high ceilings, moldings, beautiful timber floors and an impressive collection of artwork, ranging from paintings to statement pieces of furniture.

Each element in this home seems to play a key role in the play with light and the effortless representation of true decadence and elegance.

I’m particularly in love with her stunning dining room.

Below are some images of Louise’s work... because I simply needed to share.

What do you think of her project?

I don’t know about you... but I’ve been having the hardest time getting into the Holiday mood this time 'round. You can probably tell by the following tweet:

Random lady: "Ah! it smells like Christmas". . . Me: Smiles while thinking, "Really? 'Cause to me it smells a lot like hot, dirty sewage water." #notinthemood

Don’t judge me, it’s stifling down here in my neck of the woods.

The good part is the the internet provides us with an abundance of daily inspiratio –so instead of wallowing in my weather issues or my drops of sweat, I’ve decided to give the spirit a chance and try all (or at least one) of the following things, so me and my little one can move towards some sort of Christmas enjoyment.

If you, like me, are in need of a little... try these:



Maiju Saw

1. No tree, no problem
Instead of racing out the door to get a Christmas tree just so you can get some excitement, try new and more creative avenues. Scavenge some nice branches and make your own tree.





Elisabeth Heier

2. Christmas gifts wrapping theme
Wrapping presents is usually on our list of obligations and there’s very little enjoyment drawn from a chore. Can we agree on that? I personally always pick a theme for my present-wrapping. The fun in this is that there are no rules and you can go the extra mile by personalizing everyone’s present–from wrapping to gift.





Kim Grimshaw & Aimee Twigger

3. Shake things up in the kitchen department
If you’re a regular here, you might have heard about the disaster that I managed to concoct last Christmas while trying to be an overachiever. Clearly, I wasn’t about to repeat my luck this year... so instead, I’ve planned on doing 2-3 things well. By that I mean if I’m going to embark on making, say, Christmas cookies and side dishes, they better knock everyone’s socks off.

Pictured above: Caramelized Shallots with A Chestnut Crumb and Mushroom Shaped Ginger Cookies that will make part of my repertoire. Wild, I know.




4. Make a one-of-a-kind wreath
This is something I have never tried - but earlier this year I got a brass ring and some materials to make my own… and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a simple and inexpensive project you can do at home with a ring and some eucalyptus?





Maiju Saw

5. The smell of Christmas in garland shape
A lot of my childhood memories are triggered by smell. Orange and cinnamon are right up there along with pine and mint for my Christmas memories – so yes, it only makes sense to make a garland out of them and hang it right above my bed. I won’t have any excuse to wake up Grinch-ey anymore, will I?

The best part about these projects are not that they will keep you busy or that they will bring you some “holiday feelings”... but that we can do them with our little ones. Extra family time is the goal, because in the end that’s what the Holidays are about.

Do you and your family have any recurrent DIYs for this season? Do share.

Vipp

Vipp is better known for their range of home accessories and minimalist kitchen cabinetry but now they are also a reference in the world of comfort and accommodations. Vipp has been developing a collection of meticulously designed spaces through Denmark, where fans and clients of the brand can experience their products and have a unique experience.

The Vipp Loft is the newest one of all. The apartment was designed by Copenhagen-based architecture firm Studio David Thulstrup, perched at the top of an only printing factory from 1910. The 2-bedroom, 4,000 sf space showcases beautiful exposed beams, natural wood floors–and it’s accented by wonderful pieces of art: Vipp’s products, Tired Man sheepskin armchairs by Flemming Lasson and several pieces by Poul Kjaerholm.












vipp

The place is divided into a mezzanine and a downstairs lounge area. The upstairs is a study and library with a sky bridge that connects to a second secluded bedroom at the peak of the loft space. The space is decorated with Vipp’s first lighting fixtures and furniture, dating back to the 80’s.

Downstairs, we find the living and dining areas, embellished by the kitchen of everyone’s dreams: A Vipp Kitchen. The steel cabinetry collection is showcased in the Vipp Loft by a long, multifunctional island and open shelving system for displaying the company’s classic housewares.

Needless to say, we are all waiting to see what their third (and soon to open) Northern Copenhagen Hotel will look like.