Global Inspiration: Denmark

Somewhere I read that if you are lucky enough to get an invitation into a Danish home, you will find that it has been most likely designed by a famous interior decorator. And if you visit the home of another Dane, you will find that they also hired the same designer. And if you visit further Danish homes, you will find that there is only one interior decorator working in the whole country.

Well, it might be a bit cruel joke, but it shows that Danish interior design has its distinctive fingerprint and compatriots of H. C. Andersen have good sense for decorating. 

Danish design has gained fame in the 1950s (see my post about Arne Jacobsen, one of the most famous designers in the world), and Scandinavian design, let it be the cheaper or more exclusive part, is a style sought after anywhere in the world. 

I have always thought that a typical Danish interior is more urban, more streamlined and less rustic than a Swedish one. However, many houses have low ceilings, that I find overwhelmingly depressing, especially when they do not get a white coat but show their natural wooden colour. 

The key design elements are:

- white walls to make the interior light and airy

- light oak or even white floor

- some small black accents are welcome

- oak is the most popular type of wood: check out this wonderful coffee table (also comes in side table version) - so typically Nordic

- colourwise black, white and shades of grey are used, sometimes with a pastel accent or a bright colour

- mixing vintage items with modern ones is common (by vintage I also mean an iconic piece from the 1950s)

- there are so many famous Danish designers and brands, an authentic Danish home is not complete without their work

- there has to be at least one chair by Charles Eames. I am sorry, you can not skip this one. 

- designer lamps! Make sure you get one, there are so many to chose from. Most of these lamps have a retro touch, which seems to be a feature of Danish homes.

- remember, less is more. (Mies van der Rohe said this. Maybe he was also Danish by heart.)

Global Inspiration - Great Britain

Subject: The Case of Baker Street 65. 

Dear Miss Holmes,

I have purchased a house on Baker Street and have recently been advised that you might be willing to provide me expert help on its furnishing and decorating. 

The property in question is a nice Victorian terraced house, built in red brick, with fine features, narrow stairs, colourful tiles and window bays. I am afraid it is in desperate need of restoration. As a single woman in my twenties, it is my first home and I want it to be beautiful. My wish is a feminine, cozy, but at the same time modern interior, where I can recharge my batteries after an exhausting day. I am in desperate need of a reading nook, where I can drink my tea and immense myself in a good book. There are no pets to keep me company, but I hope it will change soon. 

I would not have troubled you with my letter if I were not concerned about the outcome of the renovation. I rely heavily on your help to solve this case. 

Your sincerely, 

Troubled Homemaker

Global Inspiration - Malta

I begin another series: mood board inspired by different countries' interiors. Let's see Malta first. 

Well, I don't know about Malta interior design, but I quite admire its architecture. Yes, I know. Other people, like my best friend, travel there for honeymoon, for sand and beach, and yet the only thing that captured me about the island is the architecture.... By the way, have you seen those old photos of Edwardian buildings in Tower Road, Sliema? I am so sorry that many of them were destroyed in favour of modern high-rise apartments.

Yet, this moodboard is for younger generations. Inspired by beach, sand, sea, it is a mixture of old and new, using some funny items as well some rustic ones. 

I can imagine this home for a young girl in her twenties, who has some creative free-lance job, drives a moped and wanders about the streets of Malta a lot. She is outgoing and loves nature just as well she enjoys big parties, yet she lives alone - and does not mind it. She is determined and is not willing to compromise on what matters to her. 

So this was an interior from Malta. Next month I will take you somewhere else.