Katerina, auteur op Minimal Blogs

Pholc Mobil

Advertisement // Sponsored post in collaboration with Pholc.A few weeks ago I introduced you to Pholc ( find the blogpost here ), a relatively new brand in Sweden that has made quite a lot of waves. A favorite design of mine, the Mobil serie…

Bergen’s best Airbnb rental

I will be spending some time in the summer house the next two months, and now that I have gotten the ok to renovate it as I see fit (of course within a budget), I am looking for inspiration as to what style I want it to have. Most certainly I want it t…

Fredericia : Trinidad – An Icon for Living

Advertisement // Sponsored post in collaboration with Fredericia.To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Nanna Ditzel’s iconic Trinidad chair, Fredericia relaunched the iconic chair in a selection of new shades, enhancing the natural beauty of the m…

At Elisabeth Heiers Bathroom

Spending the afternoon at Elisabeth’s house , best place to work, not just because we are friends, but because her apartment is absolutely amazing ;) While washing my hands in the bathroom I couldn’t help but snap a few quick photos, even though I only…

Abate

Amidst the summer days we are having in Oslo, there are some local news that should help take some of the heat off..literally! Abate is relatively a new brand on the scene , but the quality is what for me sets them apart. With a 400 thread count, made …

Scandinavian Scents for this Summer

This beautiful summer that has been bestowed to us is a blessing, all Scandinavians will remember it as the Summer of 2018. But with temperatures this high the need to smell good is bigger that ever and with a huge selection of Scandinavian perfumes to choose from, it feels like match made in heaven. Below I am presenting you some of my favorites, do read on, the choice is yours!

1 :: Byredo was launched in Sweden in 2006 by Ben Gorham at the age of 31 years old, after an inspiring encounter with perfumer Pierre Wulff. The native Swede didn’t have a formal training in the field, but he sought out the services of world renowned perfumers to whom he carefully explained his olfactory desires. Bibliotheque is back in stock and just in time, I had just finished my previous bottle!

2 :: The designer Ann Ringstrand, born in Sweden, has created fashion since early 1990. She teamed up with perfumers in Paris to design her own niche perfume line made in France. The concept developed a fragrance series with ceramic ware for scent diffusing among others that is available now. All 3 perfumes are exquisite, you just have to try them!

3 :: AGONIST is a Swedish Perfume House launched 2008. Today AGONIST is regarded as one of the most sought after and unique brands within the international niche market of perfumes. The unique and dramatic artistic expressions from AGONIST is derived from the beauty of Scandinavian nature and culture. AGONIST is founded by the creative couple Christine and Niclas Lydeen.

Solaris is inspired by the vibrant midnight sun that never sets during summers in the North. Fresh, citrusy and warm, this fragrance is as magical as refreshing.

4 :: Son Venin is a new Norwegian perfume brand with headquarters in Oslo. With a respectful and discreet approach, Son Venin creates experimental, intimate perfumes that fuse a continental feeling with their Scandinavian background. Le Voleur is an elegant and seductive scent, that mingles together the freshness of a white bouquet and modern iris with sensual incense and gaïac wood.

5 :: A native Icelander, Andrea Maack graduated from the Icelandic Art Academy with a degree for Fine Arts. What began as a series of scent-focused exhibitions by Icelandic visual artist Andrea Maack quickly became a line of unisex, appealing perfumes that walk the line between commercial and Avant-garde. Created for an art exhibition, the theme for Smart comes from an empty white gallery space. At first it emits substance and intimacy but as you spend more time and delve deeper the visceral moods unravel, revealing the sensual and the seductive. Smart opens with a luxurious line-up of heady jasmine, luscious vanilla, exotic sandalwood and creamy musk blended carefully with a subtle buckskin leather note that holds the white notes in balance.

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Collage by Katerina Dima

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The post : Sundays Office , appeared first on Only Deco Love

Beautiful Petite Apartment Studio in Gothenburg

I happened to run across a few days ago this amazing petite apartment in Gothenburg while perusing Entrance makleri, for a super small space, it is packing with amazing style. I could not possibly live in here of course, I definitely need a separate be…

Sundays Office

I came back to Oslo yesterday night and today I spend either on the balcony or right here, trying to catch up with everything work related. And as always, being the great blogger that I am, it took me all day to decide if I was even making a blogpost t…

Aesop Westbourne , Notting Hills first store

While yesterday I was writing about my favorite Aesop products, luck had it today I stumbled upon the new Aesop store in London in Westbrourne Grove. London already has several Aesop stores, but this one is quite special. Going back to working with loc…

Aesop Deodorant love

A few weeks ago I received the newsletter about the new Aesop Deodorant, and as all new Aesop things go, I was really curious to try it. The smell is very familiar , most Aesop scents have a relaxed friendliness aura, you know what I mean if you have e…

My favorite brass details

Last few months I think you might have noticed I am loving nickel coated and silver surfaces, but you will also notice that my love for brass is still going strong, even though it is not as pronounced as last year. Key pieces here and there will make a…

My bedroom pendant and a recent living room addition

Advertisement // Sponsored post in collaboration with Pholc.For a while now, one of the most frequent questions I receive is about the beautiful pendant that is hanging above my bed (photo below). I first saw the Mobil 100 pendant by Pholc a few m…

Favorites from Lyngby Porcelain

Advertisement // Sponsored post in collaboration with Lyngby Porcelain.Porcelænsfabrikken Danmark – Lyngby Porcelæn was established in 1936 in Kgs. Lyngby, north of Copenhagen, as a manufacturer of porcelain service sets, vases and other designer …

My apartment in Oslo full tour : Up for sale

Last few days I have been styling and photographing the apartment I am renting, and today that the ad is up ( you can see the ad up on Finn ), I can finally share it as well! I have been very lucky to find this beautiful classic in the middle of Grüner…

Easter with Artilleriet

Unfortunately this year I will not be painting eggs, neither will I be decorating in time for Easter, I am spending some time away from Oslo, which this means that instead I will be sharing anything that catches my eye online and otherwise. One of…

The Greenhouse : New art prints by Silke Bonde

Silke Bonde has just released a new collection of art prints named the “Greenhouse“. The collection consists of six different art prints made to fit next to each other and thereby become one installation, if so someone desires, even though they can stand on their own just as well. The collection is inspired by Silkes greenhouse, a room full of green plants where the summer is extended with 4 more months.

“In my greenhouse I am able to work with my hands, feel the light and see the plants grow. This is something special” says Silke.

This collection shows some new refreshing shapes and sizes in green watercolor nuances. I think they look beautiful together, but also a mix of different sizes ( they also come in mini art prints size ) will fit great in any space. My most favorites are number 4 and number 6 ( as seen individually below), although it is really hard to choose, they are all so delicate and appealing to the eye. Scroll below for all the photos as styled and shot by Avenue Design studio.

// Styled images by Avenue Design studio

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Elin Kickéns beautiful apartment

The duo Sundling-Kickén needs no intriduction I hope at this point, and I am so very happy for it. Two young ladies so talented emerging in the scene, it is something to celebrate! My eye noticed Elin Kickéns home at Residence Magazine and I thoug…

Do you feel pressured to post perfect photos on Instagram?

Do you feel pressured to post perfect photos on Instagram? A matter of coincidence. Yesterday I made an instagram post ( photo below) that was quite unplanned, a shot that usually would end up with the Oslo filter on my insta stories, instead foun…

Stunning Apartment Styling by Sundling & Kickén

The styling duo Sundling & Kickén needs no introduction, and their latest work might be one of my favorites. Styled for a new online store called In My Corner to serve as their online presence, they couldn’t have picked a more beautiful locati…

Four bedroom combinations for Spring

Advertisement // Sponsored post in collaboration with EllosWhen it comes to my bedroom, I love changing things around. When I moved in I loved how white and crisp it was but after a few months I completely renovate it and now I am obsessed with the bei…

Lagom Home

Korean manufacturer Lagom Bath asked Lotta Agaton , Norm architects and Note Design Studio to design one bathroom each for them, and the results are as you can see very beautiful. All the bathrooms were styled by Lotta Agaton and photo…

Things I love to love

Todays post is really on a whim, I was planning to post something completely different but my mood dictated what to do instead. It all started because the sun was casting beautiful rays in the bedroom today (as seen below), and really, this is pro…

Sunday tip : 20% all Day and Night creams on Ellos

Advertisement // Sponsored post in collaboration with Ellos.I follow quite a few beauty bloggers, their tips are great when it comes to some tricks ( mix a little bit of illuminator with your day cream or foundation and the result is a much more lumino…

Dux Spaces by Lotta Agaton

One of the exhibitions I really looked forward to visiting during this years Design Week in Stockholm, was DUX Spaces by Lotta Agaton. Presented at the Museum of Performing arts in a 250 square foot lofty space, the exhibition included many of the clas…

PH House, by Norm Architects

The PH House , the newest Norm Architects project , is a minimalist villa that is found in Copenhagen, Denmark. The villa is said to have been the house of danish design icon Poul Henningsen, but was burned in a devastating fire later on. Norm Architec…

Sundays Tip : The best looking toothpaste

Sunday’s tip : The best looking toothpaste. While in Stockholm me and Elisabeth Heier found a set of whitening premium toothpastes from Swedish brand Selahatin that smell great and come in a beautiful packaging with a great concept. The formula is…

Weekend office : Oslo

After an adventurous night ( flight unexpectedly got cancelled 10 minutes before departure and had to spend the night at the hotel at the airport waiting for a flight 12 hours later ), I am finally back in Oslo in my apartment , ready for a relaxing we…

A quiet Reflection

Yesterday I visited “A quiet Reflection” , the most sought after exhibition in Stockholm during the Stockholm design fair. Located in Östermalm , what used to be the old Mexican Embassy, now privately owned and halfway through renovation, the century o…

Northern Launch

Northern Lighting just announced the launch of Northern, a pioneering new lifestyle brand that takes their Nordic spirit to interiors around the world. Their first collection debuts at the Stockholm Furniture Fair on 6 February 2018, showcasing the bea…

Erik Jørgensen in my living room : The EJ 64

Advertisement // Sponsored post in collaboration with Erik Jørgensen.A few weeks ago ( beginning of December ) , the new Erik Jørgensen EJ 64 arrived at my door, and just in time, I still hadn’t decided on which table to use in front of my sofa. The f…

Oslo Bedroom : Final look

Most of the times when we see a before and after we expect the before to look quite horrible. In this case I think after the redo the bedroom looks so much more beautiful, but it still looked great before, it just needed a little love. Here you can see…

Mondays

I have been under the weather the last few days and with so many things to be finished before Stockholm design week I can feel the pressure of time already. If I haven’t answered your email yet please forgive me, I am trying to prioritize but work…

Sundays Tip : Ellos Vintage

Advertisement // Sponsored post in collaboration with Ellos.Just recently I found out Ellos has a vintage selection( the whole collection can be found at Ellos Vintage ) , all in affordable prices while each one is unique . Design is important, especia…

Honey Love : Todays Tip

Todays tip comes in the form of honey. I think I have mentioned I rent my apartment from Elisabeths sister, but I don’t think I have mentioned her sister and her husband ( Heier and Du Rietz) make one of the most delicious honeys locally in …

Before and After Oslo Bedroom Sneak Peek

A couple of days ago I teased about redoing my bedroom here in Oslo. Above you can see how it looked before, it was all white with beautiful grey floors. I kept the floors as they were, however I painted the walls and the windows and created new a…

Ellos January sales

Advertisement // Sponsored post in collaboration with Ellos.// Collage by Katerina DimaI have been waiting for some good January sales and Ellos did not disappoint. Some of the items I chose today have been on my wishing list for a while now, while I f…

Facelift for a beautiful apartment

I love the details in Måns Zelmerlöws apartment in Stockholm, Hannah Wessman responsible for the renovation which started in the kitchen, but also for the design of some of the furnitures, did an amazing job. It honestly makes me want to take my brush …

New JWDA in Black and Marble for Menu

There are a lot of news coming our way already for the Spring Summer 2018 collections, but a propos my Menu Standard Table lamp getting broken, I thought I would share my ideal replacement, not necessarily the same lamp ( although I loved it) but somet…

Todays office and painting plans

I am finally back at Oslo and I put myself to work immediately. One of the first things to cross from my list for 2018 is to finally paint the apartment, especially since I have had a wine accident spill on the bedroom walls and everywhere it hit …

Simple small bathroom scandinavian inspiration

When it comes to bathrooms one thing is sure , we vastly underestimate how much work goes into them. For example, when thinking of a bedroom, starting from scratch, the flooring will most probably be the same as the rest of house while the walls need o…

5 of my favorite Ceramics

// Collage by Katerina DimaI love stoneware and ceramic tableware, especially when they are handmade. I find that when I have Pho in my handmade ceramic soup bowl it even tastes better, and while probably that is not the case, there is a lot to be said…

The Lost blogger archives : A cosy Finnish blogger Apartment

A couple of days ago I was perusing through my blog feed ( I use Bloglovin and Feedly for reading and keeping up with other blogs), mostly to delete blogs that have been inactive for more than 2 years, in a way to clean up my feed and see if I have spa…

My 2017 : A year of change

On the left : My previous living room | On the right : My Living room in Oslo.It has been a whirlwind of a year, 2017 brought so many changes in my life that it almost feels it was two years packed in one. On of the biggest ones, has be…

Blog Planning for 2018 and Combating Instagram algorithm failure

I posted the photo above on my instagram a couple of weeks ago when I got my new 2018 planner ( I always buy my next years planner around October due to already arranging meetings/travelling/work with clients for the next year ), but I though…

Sundling/Kickén styling for Smålands Skinnmanufaktur

Beautiful styling work by Sundling/Kickén styling for Smålands Skinnmanufaktur. The imagery is stunning as well, and as a photographer myself I find Emily Layes work so inspiring. Swedish vegetable tanned leather from Tärnsjö tannery is used for all th…

Artilleriet-Journal Christmas inspiration

It is Christmas day today and I doubt many will be checking their blog feed, but if you are , I decided to share one of my favorite festive inspirations by Artilleriet. I wouldn’t mind making the cabin look like this for next years Christmas, and come…

Wrapping Tip : Wax Paper

Advertisement // Sponsored post in collaboration with Ellos.I am finally finished wrapping presents for Christmas and although mostly they are wrapped in a beautiful grey paper, I decided I needed a little bit of variation. I have been looking for brow…

My first Wreath : Christmas Edition

I have envied the wreaths I saw over pinterest or on blogs that people have been creating for years, and so I decided today as I was wrapping presents it was about time I tried to make one. I hadn’t planned for this and yet I found myself with all…

Christmas inspiration from Ellos

Advertisement // Sponsored post in collaboration with Ellos.Todays Christmas inspiration comes from Ellos Home , in the form of beautifully styled lifestyle festive photos. Unlike other inspirational shoots, everything you see in the photos is fro…

Small office in the bedroom

Advertisement // Sponsored post in collaboration with Skagerak.Moving in the apartment from a big house, there are always some compromises that have to be made when it comes to space. I ended up clearing up a lot of things ( which I did gladly however)…

Christmas presents wrapping : Sneak Peek

I came back to Oslo on Saturday, and as soon as we parked the car, we left our kitty in the apartment (she was only too happy after 6 hours drive to be able to relax on the couch) with our luggages then quickly took the tram towards Karl Joh…

Artilleriet Favorites

My favorite boutique store in Gothenburg Artilleriet has released a series of beautiful lifestyle photos featuring some of their desings they curate in the store. I could see each and every one in my home if my budget allowed, while the locat…

Winter feel and how to achieve it

Even though it is not even December yet, for the first time in quite a few years I am already done with shopping for Christmas presents. This mostly occurred because I happened to be in Copenhagen and Stockholm last week and the shops I needed whe…

Miss Clara and B&O play

Expenses and hotel accommodation was provided by B&O play.I just came back from my Copenhagen/Stockholm short 3 days trip ( you can read more about the Copenhagen part here and here), if are not following me on Instagram, you missed on some am…

Black Firday at Ellos

Advertisement // Sponsored post in collaboration with Ellos.I woke up super early today to find the best deals for you from Ellos Home for Black Friday! I was very happy to see some of my favorites 50% off, if you have been waiting for a good discount …

Le Labo in Copenhagen

I am already in Stockholm today( do check my instagram stories for my whereabouts, plus the most amazing sunrise this morning e fr) , but I wanted to share some of the photos I took yesterday while out shopping at the new Le Labo perfume boutique, that…

Today’s office from Skt. Petri

As I mentioned on my post Weekend Bliss a couple of days ago, I am spending a few days in Copenhagen then I am off to Stockholm for a dinner hosted by Bang Olufsen. I always love visiting Copenhagen but it is extra nice this time of year due to Christm…

Sunday Findings

I am supposed to pick up colors to paint the living room and the bedroom this week (more photos of my bedroom today you can find here), but I stumbled on this beautiful bedroom at Alvhem, and now I am thinking maybe just a fresh coat of some sort of white is what I really want, and instead have color in the kitchen and living room. A super minimal bedroom works great for a lot of people, however I need mine a little bit more cozy, and of course you can have cozy without having to sacrifice design. The bedroom on Alvhem has more of a country vibe, if I was to replicate it probably I would see something like this in the cabin rather than my Oslo apartment, but there are some beautiful details that I would love to copy today even. Build in shelf? Yes please. Blanket in earthly colors ? Another yes. Old table repurposed as a mini office is also a great idea, while the Danish chair as a sidetable is a nice touch as well. I have ordered the Georg office desk by Skagerak for the bedroom which is also going to look beautiful, but I will also visit finn to see if I can find an old table for the cabin to use in the bedroom loft. I have been very slow in getting the Oslo apartment together, but I want to think that it will happen before December is over, minus many some details. If there is anything I am learning is maybe it doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to feel like home.

// Photos via Alvhem

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The post : Weekend Bliss , appeared first on Only Deco Love

Styling and photography by Katerina Dima unless otherwise stated.

Weekend Bliss

It is finally the weekend, and even though I am freelancing, meaning every day is a working day for me, I can feel the weekend vibe from other people which in turn relaxes me as well. Today I woke up early , worked out, then run some errands and shopping in Oslo center. I have to say, I love that Christmas decorations are already up, lights and festive music, it all creates a happy atmosphere, it feels so great even just walking on the streets with a warm coffee on your hands. On the weekend agenda : relax. I always of course end up working regardless, however next week is going to be very busy ( have I mentioned I am off to Copenhagen again and then to Stockholm?), so this weekend the plan is to slow down, have a lot of tea, make myself comfortable, and only then pick up my mac to work. This way it doesn’t feel as much work , even when it is as tedious as gathering receipts for the accountant or updating lists with emails, phone numbers etc. To help me unwind and relax I treated myself to something that I have wanted for some time now, the room spray Bibliotheque from Byredo and the Wick trimmer you see above, again from Byredo ( tired of having to wash my scissors everytime after cutting wicks, plus I love how the trimmer looks!). If you are a fan of the scent, you will love the room spray, especially if you have missed out on the limited edition Bibliotheque perfume that is not produced anymore. Not pictured above, I also got the Bal D’Afrique body wash while at the store. I know, it seems weird that a new body wash helps in relaxation, however I love the smell, and I am planning on spending some quality time in the shower as well this weekend with hair masks, treating dry skin , face care etc. And really, these things , no matter how small or insignificant may sound, they really helped pick up my mood today and motivate me to dedicate the weekend to self care and relaxation. A little shopping goes a long way, heres to a great relaxing weekend!

// Photography and Styling by Katerina Dima

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The post : Weekend Bliss , appeared first on Only Deco Love

Styling and photography by Katerina Dima unless otherwise stated.

Cecile Mantz for B&O play Cecile Mantz in collaboration with Kvadrat

B&O Play is releasing an all new entry in its multi-room speaker line-up, the BeoPlay M3. Designed by award winning award-winning Cecilie Manz, it is available in either a wool blend fabric (created by Danish textile company Kvadrat) or a pearl-blasted anodised aluminium finish. The bookshelf speaker can hook up over Wi-Fi to a good range of Bang & Olufsen devices, so if you already have a few at home you will be able to create quite the acoustic experience. For me, Bang & Olufsen always delivers not only in sound and design but also in connectivity , I will gladly try other speakers but I almost always return to my all time favorites. The M3 right now comes in Natural and Black, but my sources confirm other seasonal colours are going to be available in the future. I am off to a dinner party with Bang & Olufsen in Stockholm in a couple of days , I suspect we might be able to see the M3 up and close , so keep and eye on my instagram stories for sneak peeks and candid moments!

// Press photos by Beoplay

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The post : Cecile Mantz for B&O play Cecile Mantz in collaboration with Kvadrat , appeared first on Only Deco Love

Styling and photography by Katerina Dima unless otherwise stated.

A tip for you on a snowy day

Ad // Sponsored post in collaboration with Ellos.

Waking up today and seeing the first snow fall out of my window really made me appreciate staying in bed and working from in between my covers. With an amazing view from both the bedroom windows and a hot cup of tea really the only reason I got up was to snap quickly some photos, then tuck myself back in and put my mac on my lap so I could work for the next few hours.

And since I am spending a few precious hours in bed,I have a tip for you today, if you are looking for a conscious choice when it comes to sheets of good quality that are budget friendly. The Juliette Organic Cotton range from Ellos is not only environmentally friendly, but very soft and comfortable as well. The colors vary, mine as seen in the photos is Kittgrå , a beautiful shade between Ecru and gray. Can you blame me for not wanting to get up?

// Photography and Styling by Katerina Dima

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Styling and photography by Katerina Dima unless otherwise stated.

A peek into the Fredericia World

//Trip and expenses were sponsored by Georg Jensen and Fredericia.

A little while ago I and a few other colleagues had the chance to visit the Fredericia showroom in Copenhagen, learn more about the history and designs of Fredericia Furniture but also, enjoy a full day of an amazing tour, part of the Scandi design Tour 2017 organized by Fredericia and Georg Jensen. I have already written about the day we spend at Georg Jensen at my Inside Georg Jensen : The making of the Torun Bangle post, for a full tour you are welcomed to read both!

Starting our tour we left hotel SP34 and walked towards the Fredericia Showroom in a beautiful sunny day in Copenhagen. The new Showroom at the top of the historic former Royal Mail House was renovated and restored to display the entire collection of Fredericia designs, a creative workspace and a gallery with changing exhibitions. We met with Thomas and Rasmus Graversen (2nd and 3nd generation owners of the company) on the first floor of the showroom, where first we were introduced to some iconic classic designs, like the Spanish chair, the Trinidad chair , the 2213 sofa and the Søborg Chair . Fredericia is also proud of collaborations with a carefully chosen circle of international designers, all renown for their exceptional level of design integrity. All with the ambition of creating contemporary design that is always beautifully crafted, relevant and aesthetically intriguing. Already iconic examples include the Swoon chair ( as seen above in the Space Copenhagen offices) and the Spine Collection from Space Copenhagen.

The Hunting Chair, as seen below, designed by Børge Mogensen in 1950, was Mogensen’s first work with exposed wooden framing and saddle leather. The chair in the Fredericia showroom is the very first working prototype, we were lucky that the showroom was exhibitioning such rare iconic furniture. With the Spanish Chair Mogensen expanded upon his work with solid oak and saddle leather. The chair was launched in 1958 as part of an innovative living space exhibition, in which all tables were removed from the floor to create an open living space. Fredericia has its roots in traditional craftsmanship based on a deep understanding of natural materials like vegetable tanned leather and solid wood. Solid pieces of oak from sustainable European forests are refined and processed; creating the elegant frame for the iconic Spanish Chair. Each part of the timber frame for the Spanish Chair is assembled with wooden dowels and bonded together under high pressure to ensure strength and stability for decades to come. It takes a steady hand to colour the leather edges of the Spanish Chair and continuing our tour in the Fredericia showroom we were treated to a craftmanship class by one of the craftsmen from Tränsjo Garveri , who showed us parts of the process.The entire production requires fourteen days of patient craftsmanship and passionate dedication to complete the iconic Spanish Chair. You can see the Spanish chair in the making in a video at Fredericia website here and gain even more insight in the design and the process. Below you can see some photos from the process captured by me, and then the Spanish chair displayed in the beautiful rooftop part of the showroom on the top floor where at the evening we were treated to an exquisite dinner and cocktails.

We were lucky to be able to experience prototypes in our tour, the 2213 sofa as seen above Mogensen designed for his own home in 1962, and it is that very one that is displayed here. With generous proportions, modest aesthetic, a choice of materials and execution second to none, the sofa achieves Mogensen’s ambition to create the ultimate sofa. From the solid hardwood frame construction, to the carefully measured ratio of foam to feather in the cushions, the sofa part of the collection is thoroughly uncompromising. The bull hides used at Fredericia are of the highest calibre, from animals that have been raised under strict ethical guidelines. Every sofa and chair in the collection is 100% hand crafted and upholstered in the Fredericia factory in Denmark.

Even though I visit Copenhagen a lot these days for work, I was still very happy that the team had arranged for us to have lunch at a cafe a short walk by, that serves something all Danish people enjoy for lunch everyday, the unique smørrebrød (literally spread bread, or open faced sandwich). Invariably based on rye bread, smørrebrød can have an almost limitless number of different toppings, from herring, to raw beef, seafood and egg, and it is delicious, you can take my word for it.

After lunch, taking advantage of the beautiful weather we walked towards Space Copenhagen offices, where the talented architects ( and designers) duo Peter Bundgaard Rützou ( above ) and Signe Bindslev Henriksen ( below), talked to us about the design process from concept to prototype to production of few of their iconic designs for Fredericia, the Swoon chair and Spine Collection.

Space Copenhagen originally designed Spine for the interior design for a Michelin starred restaurant in 2011. The Spine series has a solid character where the texture of the wood and upholstery are given solid emphasis. The hand-sewn upholstery for the chair is inspired by techniques that were developed at Fredericia’s workshop for Børge Mogensen’s exclusive 1960’s leather series. Spine is a fusion of the organic, solid, and modern. In designing the series, Space Copenhagen felt their way forward using their intuition, until reaching a balanced design that invites many hours of relaxation. The Swoon was designed to fill the gap between a conventional lounge chair and a typical armchair – for use in lounge areas as well as private homes. The organic, yet structured design holds the seated body and provides an instant feeling of relaxation while offering excellent back support.

After our visit to Space Copenhagen, it was time to return to SP34 for a quick rest, then head back to Fredericia Showroom for a beautiful dinner on the rooftop. I dont have photos from the dinner but, the table was set with Georg Jensen tableware while we seated in an array of all Fredericia chairs, iconic classics and new favorites. At the end of the night we moved outside on the balcony to learn how to make our own cocktails using the new Georg Jensen Sky bar collection. All that with an exquisite view of Copenhagen from above.

I want to thank the Fredericia and Georg Jensen team for organising the Scandi design Tour 2017showing us around Copenhagen. It was a fascinating two days where not only I got to be with fellow colleagues, but all of us got a chance to learn the history and appreciate even more these iconic Danish brands.

I hope everyone enjoyed these series of posts as much as I enjoyed taking photos during the tour!

// Photography by Katerina Dima

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The post : A peek into Fredericia world , appeared first on Only Deco Love

Styling and photography by Katerina Dima unless otherwise stated.

Novembers Favorites : Sustainable life

As I am sitting with my coffee arranging the rest of the month (there are some press events and travelling in November), I realise there are so many things on my to do list, it is impossible to finish everything before New Years. And when did November come anyways? It seems like Christmas last year was only yesterday! I am trying to refrain from already putting on Christmas songs, but it is so hard when I am already shooting Christmas stylings and I am arranging what decorations to put up. Blogging comes with the price of always having to celebrate a little earlier since blogs serve as inspiration (it is mostly where I get inspired as well!), but to be honest I have always loved this time of year, this is one of the things I gladly welcome. Not related to any festivities , I wanted to share some of my favorites this month, maybe you will find ideas for a gift , or early present to yourself? :)

A few weeks ago I discovered Pure Effects , the first in the Nordic market to offer biotechnological garment care and cleaning products for the home. The products are based on an active bacterial culture that cleans deep beneath the surface. Pure Effect’s products are tough on odors, grease and dirt, while kind to people and the planet. Don’t let the small bottles discourage you, they last for months! And they smell heavenly, especially the clothing and shoe mists. And about time there was an environmentally friendly cleaning solution, that smells good, is budget friendly, looks great and takes so little space in your home. I have tried all the products (find the whole range here) and I am not going back.

Another favorite comes in the form of textiles, I attended Aiayu press breakfast yesterday and left with the best impressions and a press gift ( the toiletry bag above which was filled with Aiayu goodies ).

If you don’t already know of Aiayu (which means “soul” in Bolivian where some of their products are made alongside India and Nepal), their philosophy is to re define luxury with an informal approach to elegance. Every single piece in their collection , from clothes to accessories, is made with respect to the environment and is part of a sustainable production. They draw on the expertise of local people, whose artisan skills are passed from generation to generation. The result is beautifully made garments and accessories, that have a history and soul. Even down to my toiletry bag. See all the range here, one of my favorite brands as of late not only for their aesthetic but for their philosophy as well.

Lastly, a few weeks ago I met with the founder of Boynoo, the first and only candle company in Norway to make candles of 100% natural and organic coconut wax. With high quality essential-and fragrance oils that are phthalate- and paraben-free, Boynoo candles are lightly scented, which means that allergy sufferers may also tolerate them. They are hand brewed in their studio in Norway, and every candle is unique, they carefully pour each candle, inspect them, and stamp each labels. Each candle, from wicking to wax melting to pouring and wick-cutting, is created with the utmost care and precision. I go through candles quite quickly during winter, and every time I light my Boynoo candles I feel incredible knowing they are made with so much attention, each one, right here in Oslo.

I hope you found some new favorites today, I feel so close to sustainable design and everything on the list in this post reflects that. I am so happy so many companies today care for the environment and culture and keeping alive what is important.

// Photography and Styling by Katerina Dima

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Styling and photography by Katerina Dima unless otherwise stated.

How to set a minimal autumn table with Pillivuyt

Ad // Sponsored post in collaboration with Pillivuyt.

Fall for me doesn’t only signify the beginning of the cold season but also the start of the wonderful gatherings season, I am always so much looking forward to dinners with friends indoors and plans for fun nights have already begun. One of the most fun part of hosting a dinner is setting up the table and today I would love to share some tips with you on how to style a minimal Autumn table.The elegant Pillivuyt Plissé line fits perfectly with the design I have in mind and in this case I chose to make it the center of the table setting. Read below for tips on how to recreate my Fall Autumn Table setting!

1. Often the most difficult decision when beginning a design plan is choosing the color palette. I almost always end up choosing white when it comes to tableware because they are easy to style and they will match and complement any styling, no matter how traditional, minimal or whimsical.

2. Table runners and linen tablecloths will define the placement of the table, however if you have a beautiful table , there is no reason to hide it under cloths. If anything I find a minimal table setting will look even more beautiful on a wooden surface, plus it is so much easier to handle spills! Place linen white napkins however in between plates to give a warm and inviting feeling.

3. Even a minimal composition has need for rules and structure, adding a big centrepiece will help define the placement of the tableware but be careful that it does not distract from the design plan. I suggest using a big glass vase that not only will make a statement but its transparency will make it light and it will not obstruct the view.

4. Flowers are a favorite of mine, for my minimal design plan I chose a few simple stems in mustard color (so very autumnal) and arranged them in my big vase. If you wish you can also add one stem on every plate for each guest, or add something else that represents fall for you. I filled the top bowls of my table design with chestnuts instead, this way I am bringing a little bit of nature on the table without overwhelming it.

5. Do you have a small table like me? Then do as I did and keep all extra plates that you are going to use or cups or saucers next to the table on a shelf in an open composition. This way the setting feels more intimate and it is easier to change the setting after dinner is finished. I always keep the coffee set close by, Norwegians love having coffee after dinner and it is so much easier to set the new table after eating. Pillivuyt Plissé line is so beautiful , like my table I do not like hiding it!

As a final note, Norwegians drink a lot of coffee, and I am always setting up the table with a full coffee set after dinner. But regardless if you have this tradition, a full set of coffee cups and mugs is always welcomed, whether you are serving coffee after eating, or just enjoying it in a rainy afternoon by the window. You can find more photos (including a full setting for coffee) and a stop movie of how I prepared my table at Pillivuyt today!

// Photography and Styling by Katerina Dima

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Styling and photography by Katerina Dima unless otherwise stated.

La Granja in Ibiza : Sustainable alternative traveling

If you plan on going to Ibiza, I have a tip for you. La Granja is a not just a hotel to stay when in vacations, it is a lifestyle founded on sustainable principles. In a world where travel and hotel stays are surrounded by technology, extravagant comforts and unnecessary distractions, La Granja encourages guests to return to the essentials: modesty, rustic simplicity and the beauty of imperfection. The project attracts guests seeking a unique experience: an opportunity to turn their focus inwards and free themselves from external influences: to find complete relaxation.

Composting, mulching and an environmentally friendly approach to water management ensure the transport of important nutrients to the various garden parcels on the property. Old, terraced terraces have been reborn and are now home to more than 30 fruit and vegetable varieties, as well as various trees, including apple, nectarine, fig, almond and citrus. This is the basis for the restaurant concept “Farm to Plate.”

This crop plays an essential role in La Granja’s nutritional approach, where organic, ethical and regional ingredients always take precedence. The local partner, “Friends of a Farmer,” is involved in various environmental friendships, such as the support of “Metabolic Consulting,” an organization that promotes sustainability in Ibiza. This includes the protection of terrestrial ecosystems, water sources and infrastructure, as well as the optimization of waste management and renewable energy.

La Granja has successfully linked an avant-garde, cultural and sustainable concept with a very beautiful, rural building and land. The unimportant was dispensed, whereby the hotel offers the necessary comfort to the guests. Less is more – as you say. La Granja’s heartfelt desire is to share this unique, fascinating destination with like-minded guests: the real Ibiza, untouched by the mass tourism, the Ibiza by extensive roads, idyllic mountain scenery and with a panoramic view over the sea. The Ibiza of found communities, freethinkers and the power of shared experiences.

// Photos by La Granja and courtesy of Design Hotels

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Styling and photography by Katerina Dima unless otherwise stated.

Inside Georg Jensen : The making of the Torun Bangle

//Trip and expenses were sponsored by Georg Jensen and Fredericia.

Two thousand seventeen, marks the 50th year of the collaboration between Georg Jensen and master Silversmith Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe, and a propos this celebration, a few blogger colleagues and me had the opportunity to be invited to Copenhagen and see first hand the making of the her famous Torun bangle, as well as, an inside exclusive view of the world of Georg Jensen.

With a history that spans more than 100 years, Georg Jensen represents quality craftsmanship and timeless aesthetic design, producing lifestyle products ranging from hollowware to watches, jewellery and home products. The philosophy of Georg Jensen himself was to create democratic designs possessing both functionality and beauty. His artisanal skill and artistic talent combined with his continuous ability to identify and support design talent was the foundation on which he built Georg Jensen in Copenhagen in 1904.

Georg Jensen’s style embraced the Art Nouveau lines of the day but injected them with a distinctive vigour that continues to resonate today. Serene flowing forms are enriched by exquisitely sculpted ornamentation and his stylised bouquets of flowers and lush bunches of grapes reflect his sensual delight in nature.

We were treated to a tour of the Silver Smithy, where we got to see how some of the designs were being realized almost from start to finish in various stages. From mold to form, even prototypes had so much elegance and uniqueness that they could easily be treated as art pieces of great value. I was fascinated not only by the history of the designs, the designers themselves, but also by the silversmiths and their dedication to the craftsmanship. Twenty seven silversmiths currently work at the intimate Georg Jensen smithy, each with a special set of skills. Each item produced here is 100% handmade, formed and expertly hammered into shape. From apprentice to silversmith, one needs 4 years of practice before they are able to work on their own without guidance, but becoming a master is a lifetime work. The pieces themselves take exceptionally long to make, a pitcher can take up to two months, while one of their most famous pieces Hennings Koppel Fish Dish takes more than 6 months of work. Every single piece produced at the smithy is a work of art, from jewelry to cutlery, truly the work of masters.

During our tour we not only got to visit the silver smithy, but we were lucky to be able to get an exclusive look into the archives of Georg Jensen filled with hundreds of original designs some more than 100 years old, as well as the design lab which was filled with sketches and prototypes ( some of which I am not allowed to share with you yet! ). We were also lucky to talk to the designer Aurélien Barbry of the new collection Sky, and discuss about the functionality of his designs as well as the creative process.

The highlight of the tour however for me was getting to know more about the designer Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe, and watch as various expert silversmiths realised in front of our eyes one of her designs, the Torun bangle.

Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe (1927 – 2004) was born in Malmö Sweden. She graduated from the Academy of Industrial Arts in Stockholm in 1945 and in 1956 she settled in Paris where she quickly became known for her jewellery. Torun’s designs have become legendary and are exhibited at several museums worldwide including the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Torun was philosophical about the role of design in our everyday lives:

“A piece of jewellery should be a symbol of love. It should enhance and move with the body so that it blends with you. It must not overwhelm, but enhance you. This is why it must be timeless. It shouldn’t matter if you are 17 or 87 years old.”

Torun was an exceptionally talented artist, her pieces were all formed by bending silver into the forms she imagined using only one piece of metal. The Torun bangle folds around the wrist gracefully and it locks in a way that symbolizes the bond that two people have together, stronger in unison than being apart. Symbolism was very important to Torun and all her pieces have greater meaning. She was so connected with her ideas that she even reinvented them over time, nothing was forgotten and everything was in a constant flux in her creative process.

In the Georg Jensen smithy there is a recreation of Toruns own workshop, borrowing clothes and memorabilia, books and items that she treasured, here time almost stops and one can dive into Toruns world. A fierce feminist Torun was the voice of liberation in all fronts, social , sexual, racial, cultural, she did not conform to the tropes of her time. She began making jewelry as a teenager and she even staged her first exhibition at the age of 21. In 1948 she traveled to Paris and Cannes, where she met painters Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque and Henri Matisse.

Torun’s jewelry was inspired by natural shapes such as flowers, leaves, swirls and the flow of water. It is described as sober, minimalist and simple. Torun has been praised for her ability to shape solid materials into seemingly flexible forms, so that metal flows like water around the wearer’s neck and shoulders.She did not use valuable stones, preferring instead pebbles, granite, rock crystal, moonstone and quartz.

In 1948, saying that she didn’t want to design jewelry for the wives of wealthy men to keep locked up in private, Torun began making what she called “anti-status jewelry” out of twisted silver wire embellished with crystals and stones. In 1959, she designed the Mobius necklace, which included a lead crystal drop to be draped over the shoulder of the wearer. It was described by Barbara Cartlidge, author of the reference book Twentieth Century Jewelry, as a “milestone in the history of modern jewelry.” In 1962, Torun designed a stainless steel bangle-style wristwatch for an exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.It later became the first wristwatch to be produced by the world-renowned Danish silver company Georg Jensen.

The Torun bangle takes an expert silversmith more than 10 hours of work to make. It goes through various stages of process, the strand of silver is cut with a saw to an appropriate size, then filled from all sides, then following the steps of the designer herself, folded manually into its final shape. The process looks simple when you look at it from afar, but we had a chance to be involved into all the steps and I cannot stress this enough, there was nothing easy or simple when your hands are doing the work. It is no wonder takes patience and expertise that can only be gained after years of honing the procedure. The final result , the Torun bangle looks effortless, and it naturally folds over the wrist, just as Vivianna Torun herself intended.

Even though we didnt get to make our own Torun Bangle however ( despite our best efforts ), we were each gifted with one that was custom made for us, down to our carved initials on the inside. I would have treasured this gift regardless for years, but it was extra special for me after learning so much about Torun, getting involved in the whole process and being part of this amazing experience. A big thank you to Georg Jensen and our hosts for organizing one of the most beautiful trip.

// Photography and Styling by Katerina Dima

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Styling and photography by Katerina Dima unless otherwise stated.

Elegantly creepy Halloween table

Ad // Sponsored post in collaboration with Ellos

For this years Halloween table, I wanted something that would feel elegantly creepy, with a few muted color touches. Today I will show you a sample of how I imagined my table to look like, of course you can always add or remove props depending on how full or minimal you want your Halloween table to be. Lets start!

1. A spindly branch ::

Choose a skinny branch with twigs that pop out reminiscing of a strange bonny hand. If there are leaves remove them , and if the branch is not dark enough you can always spray paint it black!

2.

Small multi colored pumpkins :: Here there are many choices, but try to find small pumpkins that their colors are a little faded. You can always spray paint them of course but it is best for this look if they are natural colored. I am not a fan of orange so I chose soft green, yellow and pale blush pink hues.

3. Very drippy black candles :: All you need is a candleholder that will allow the candle to drip on it in a natural way, as if it was standing by a breezy window. I found the perfect black one at Ellos on their Candleholders category.

4. A few dark touches :: Here we can finally add something that a lot of people might be looking for for a Halloween table, I chose to use a dark linen tablecloth and ceramic cutlery against ceramic light plates while for napkins I used an organic cotton for Nuno felt piece that I cut into squares and placed under the cutlery. It gave a light touch while at the same time its light weave resembles a fine spider web, which fits perfectly with the theme! The black ceramic cutlery can be found at Ellos, from the line Mimou Pure, which also has the small black and white small bowls I used as decoration but also as side plates. The tablecloth is from the Ellos Home line and can be found here, color dark grey.

Add some more touches, like wine if you drink or an extra candle or pumpkins on the window, another branch on the floor, and this years Halloween elegantly creepy table is set!

// Photography and Styling by Katerina Dima

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The post : Elegantly creepy Halloween table , appeared first on Only Deco Love

Styling and photography by Katerina Dima unless otherwise stated.

Darker Evenings

Anna Pirkola from Dada A. created a beautiful story in Iceland for Residence magazine together with photographer Katri Kapasen and her assistant Jaana Niittysen and it is out now. In her own words :

“A true autumn feeling for which I have love and hate -relationship. Love for the Darker Evenings and Cozy “hygge” feeling with the candle lights and hate for that same Darker evening and mornings with no light at all and pouring rain.”

I think she captured these feelings perfectly, the light in the photos and the mood illustrate exactly how I feel about living in Scandinavia so well. To wake up when it still dark even at 9 in the morning, the cold days near the stove, the candles on the windows and hot cocoa, wrapped in woolen clothes and socks. Pure bliss.
You can read more at Annas blog here.

//Styling and Concept by Anna Pirkola | Photography by Katri Kapanen

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6 on my Winter Wishlist

// Collage by Katerina Dima

Some winter essentials that are not interior related but I promise I will make a separate wishlist soon enough as well. For today it is all about how to stay comfy during cold nights and some things I have had my eye on for a few weeks now!

:: Comfy Sweaters | There is nothing more comforting during a cold night than a Cashmere sweater, this one from Fillipa K in the most beautiful vanilla color is a must.

:: For the hands | Byredo launched a rinse free hand wash in the Suede line that I need in my life.

:: For my travels | I need a new suitcase and a luggage tag, this Burberry one is just perfect.

:: Stay Cozy | Another favorite from Fillipa K, a chunky hat in a combination of alpaca and wool blend.

:: Wrap around | Combine a chunky hat with a ribbed soft cashmere scarf from COS.

:: For the whole winter | Mohair cardigan sweater from Acne. For inside the house when its a little bit chilly. For when I read on the couch and need something to keep warm but also to cuddle with. For the cold mornings when I let Milo down the back yard. For the movie nights when the cinema is too cold. For the airplane that is always cold. For when I travel from Oslo to Sogndal on the 6 hour drive that takes me through the always snowy mountain pass. This list can go on and on.

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New Kollekted By Premises

One of my favorite concept stores in Oslo Kollekted By, created and run by Italian-born Alessandro D’Orazio and Oslo native Jannicke Kråkvik, famous for their creative studio Kråkvik&D’Orazio, has moved from its previous location and opened its doors at the corner of Toftes and Rathkes Gate in Schous Plass. I stopped by earlier to shoot some photos and congratulate Jannicke and Alessandro for the beautiful new space, which was everything I expected and more!

Jannicke has kindly let me and Elisabeth Heier shoot a few photos as soon as it opened at 11 this morning and I am glad to have finished editing them so early so I can give you a quick sneak peek. I will be going back for more photos when it is a better time for shooting however I think you already get a feeling of the new Kollekted By space. Styled with a combination of warm and cool , yet inviting hues , all their carefully curated selection seem to find its place in each room effortlessly.

The store is divided into fluent spaces whose boundaries mix with each other. You can walk from what feels like an open concept living room to an open concept dining room then through the kitchen to the study. The kitchen is from Frama ( the store is Frama studio as well) here in the store one can find all the selection of Frama, from furnitures to tableware , while the study features Menu Afteroom chairs and books along with many more details from brands Workstead, Eumenes, Futagami, Hampson Woods, Guri Sandvik, Menu, Labt, Restart Milano, Karimoku New Standard, MAK Lab, Karin Carlander, Mae Engelgeer and more. I am not going to talk too much about this today since this is just a sneak peek, but if you are in Oslo feel free to stop by its opening hours to experience it yourself, it is really worth the visit!

// Photography by Katerina Dima

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