ISSUE #4 2012
Nordic
DESIGN INSPIRATION
SCANDINAVIAN SOJOURN
Contents | Regulars
8 Editors Letter
12 Contributors
14 Trend Report
20 Shop Trend
Iceland Video
Choice
Scandi Sensibilities
Functional Form
22 Shop Eds Picks
24 Shop Beauty
26 Shop Fashion
28 Street Style
Simply Scandi
Nordic Beauty
Weekday Wardrobe
Candice Lake
34 Atelier Amy Arbus
40 Real or Replica Get Real!
106 Travel Stockholm Guide
118 Global Creative
120 Profile Add A Room
124 Food Sweet Life
126 Blog Love Simply Scandinavian
128 Subscribe
Malene Birger
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Contents | Features 48 Conveniently Cool ARMADALE, AUSTRALIA A picture perfect house nestled in a relaxed inner city location is every urban homeowners dream, making Michelle and Anthony Iezzi the envy of many.
56 Idyllic Iceland Reykjavík, ICELAND It certainly helps to have a trained eye and a talent for design when you’re house-hunting for your dream home. Rut Karadottir knew she struck gold the first time she set eyes on her home.
70 Light Luxury Brooklyn, United States When lighting designer Michelle James and her film editor husband Tom Scherma found the house, they felt it was just about perfect. When they purchased the house in 2006 Michelle negotiated with the owners to keep the hand-crafted chandeliers.
82 TineK FUNEN, DENMARK The Hamptons became a haven and magnet for artists in the late 1800’s and soon after a favourite holiday destination for well-heeled New Yorkers.
94 Quiet. Calm. AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS Clever design duo Piet and Karin Boon have released the third installment of the Piet Boon Book series showcasing their latest works from around the world.
Editors Letter
What is it about white spaces and weatherworn timber, that has us pining for the simplistic style and understated design that our Nordic cousins are famous for? Stemming from roots based on function over form - where all objects are designed for a use, Scandinavian style is still such a strong influence on how we choose to style our spaces. For this issue we were able to live vicariously the chaos and colour that is the fabulous life of a fashion model turned photographer turned blogger, Candice Lake. We also take a peek through the lens of the original street style photographer, Amy Arbus, who’s monthly street style portraits were the life and breath of New Yorks Village Voice during the 80’s.
VIDEO © INSPIRED BY ICELAND
Already well into the new year are still trying to find a way to simplify our lives, look after our health and find time to soothe the soul. This special Scandi issue of Est takes the best of Scandinavian simplicity and offers you a new ways of trying to incorporate some of its key elements as you see fit. Given our love for a good video to not only get you inspired about a destination or design, but that gets you dancing too check out the “Inspired by Iceland” video and just see if your not compelled to mark this North Atlantic Ocean island on your must see destination list.
Sian MacPherson Editor in Chief
est GLOBAL LIVING WITH AN AUSTRALIAN TWIST
Editor in Chief Sian MacPherson sian@estemag.com
Creative Director Lynda Evans lynda@estemag.com
Editorial AnoukB, Robyn Lea, Christina Redlich, Joanna Swanson, Khaseem Warren PHOTOGRAPHY Jacob Gils, Marjon Hoogervorst, Candice Lake, Richard Powers, Stephan Schnedler-Sørensen, Georgie Skinner, Trine Thorsen STYLING Denis Bjerregaard, Gerður Harðardóttir Words Meghann Augustus, Julie Ralphs, Chauntelle Roelandts, Margot Sharpe CREATIVE Maria Radun.
ON THE COVER STYLING Anouk B | PHOTOGRAPHY Marjon Hoogervorst Photo is under the protection of the General Terms and Conditions of the Fotografen Federatie (Photographers Federation of the Netherlands).
Overdied Vintage Kilim Rug at Loom | Grasshopper Floor Lamp by Greta Grossman for Gubi at Nest | Hay Tray Tables at Sit On Design | Assorted Wool Cushions at Ferm Living | Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hasen at Corporate Culture.
ENQUIRIES Editorial editorial@estemag.com Production production@estemag.com Advertising advertising@estemag.com
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Contributors Choice
Stephan SchnedlerSørensen Photographer What design purchase have you made lately? On the “geeky” side, a “MAKO Bike Tool” from PocketToolX. Otherwise I am really happy about my “Dot Cushions” from the Danish brand HAY. Favourite designer /design influence? I love Scandinavian design. Arne Jacobsen, Wegner, Poul Kjærholm and more. Also the modern design brands like Muuto and HAY. Favourite blog/website? The Fancy they describe themselves as “part store, blog, magazine and wish list”. They also have a really cool iPad/iPhone app. Favourite online shop? Hard one... Based on my latest purchases I would have to say Hay Shop! What do you covet? A Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT Automatic or a similar model.
MARIA RADUN ARTIST/ILLUSTRATOR What design purchase have you made lately? An old vintage round clock I found in an op-shop in Melbourne.
Favourite online shop? Free People have the nicest bohemian style clothing and accessories pieces. What do you covet? A big sun-lit studio close to home with a garden and an exhibition space. Favourite designer / design influence? I love finding new emerging artists and designers as well as discovering new music that inspires me. Favourite blog/website? Notcot a fantastic collection of interesting design & art.
Moroso Spa Cavalicco, Udine/Italy T +39 0432 577111 e-mail: info@moroso.it www.moroso.it
Moroso Available exclusively at hub furniture lighting living Melbourne 63 exhibition St Melbourne T +61 3 9652 1222 Sydney 66–72 Reservoir St Surry Hills T +61 2 9217 0700 www.hubfurniture.com.au
Redondo sofa by Patricia Urquiola
Carpet reloaded for Moroso
Klara armchair by Patricia Urquiola
photo Alessandro Paderni / ad Designwork
Kub table by Nendo
Contributors Choice
DENIS Bjerregaard STYLIST/WINDOW DRESSER
Gerður Harðardóttir Stylist / Journalist
TRINE Thorsen Photographer
What design purchase have you made lately? My latest purchase is actually more a ‘steal’ than a purchase. I finally convinced my mother to part with some original 70ties stemware she and my father bought when they first started their life together. Now that stemware is MINE!!! Smoke coloured glass on a clear stem. Beautiful. What do you covet? More classic white unglazed porcelain figurines to add to my very small collection. Favourite Blog/website? I love Frame Publishers. It’s so all over the place and covers just about anything regarding interiors, architecture, art, commercial spaces and more. Favourite online shop? Areastore They carry great items! GREAT ITEMS! No. 1 design/styling/ photography tip? Have fun, coordinate colours, don’t do themes too literal... and most importantly: keep it simple! That’s more like 4 top tips - but they work!
Favourite blog/website? Concept 2012 by Anoukb Interior, Emmas Designblogg, Lovenordic Design & Vosgesparis. Favourite online shop? Story North, Muji, TineK Home, Kvist-visdal, Bolina, Farmersmarket and 66north for first-quality Icelandic outdoor clothing. Favourite designer /design influence? The Japanese graphic designer Kenya Hara is a genius. His book, ‘Designing Design’ is a fixture on my bedside table. Also the great Scandinavian masters such as Arne Jacobsen and Hans J. Wegner.
What do you covet? My job as photographer and my new passion, designing and making furniture together with my boyfriend. Favourite designer/design influence? Dutch designers. Hard to name one, there are so many great ones. Favourite blog/ website? Pia Jane Bijkerk, What Katie Ate. Lovely and inspiring images (in both), and delicious recipes (What Katie Ate). And of course Gerdur´s “kool and kreativ” :-). Favourite online shop? Look fantastic. Here I buy all my hair and facial products for less than it would cost to buy it in Norway. No. 1 photography tip? Use natural light as long as you are able to and invest in a tripod and a reflector instead of a flash if you need more light. Creating good “natural” light with a flash takes a little practice.
All photos are under the protection of the General Terms and Conditions of the Fotografen Federatie (Photographers Federation of the Netherlands).
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Scandinavian Sensibilities STYLIST & TREND REPORTER Anouk B PHOTOGRAPHY Marjon Hoogervorst
Scandinavian style has been shaping the way in which we decorate our spaces and live in our homes since the mid century. The clean, simple lines and subtle decorative qualities favoured by the Nordic designers continue to satisfy our needs for function and form as our living spaces become tighter and our lives become busier.
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Taking inspiration from the northern climate of white snow filled winters and endlessly long summer days, Scandinavian style references nature to ensure interior spaces connect with the surrounds.
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It’s the use of natural materials in all of their organic forms, the clean simple lines and of course, copious amounts of white that have us wanting more. Scandinavian style it seems, is here to stay.
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You don’t have to forsake style when choosing function over form. Beautiful and useful too is the perfect combination. EDITED BY AnoukB 4
1. Little Geometry Rose Cushion at Deens 2. Hang Lamp White by Normann at Bodie&Fou 3.. Spun Milking S at In a Designer Home 5. Muuto Raw Candelabra by Jens Fager at In a Designer Home 6. Teapot with Wo Light at Safari Living 9. Mega Knit throw at Hay 10. Scholten & Baijings Cotton Tea Towels at Hay 11. Little C
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Stool by Life Space Journey at Workshopped 4. Muuto Adaptable Table in Oak and Steel by TAF Architects ooden Saucer at Hogans Ceramics 7. Muuto Wood Lamp by TAF Architects at Kiitos 8 Muuto E27 Pendant Claus Stools by Søren Ulrik Petersen for Normann Copenhagen at Bodie and Fou.
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NORTH Both light and nature feature prominently in design from both hemispheres. EDITED BY Sian MacPherson
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1. Raft stool by Norm Architects coming soon to Great Dane 2. Airia Desk and Storage by Kiajy for Herma Gallery 4. Lambskin Leather Cushion Bronze at By Nord 5. Hand made chalk board utility vessels. at Canv Times 8. Potential Energy Project, Prototype Lamps at What Is What.
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VIDEO © WHATISWHAT
an Miller at Living Edge 3. ‘Hinterland Holiday’, oil on canvas 2011 by Amanda Penrose Hart at Tim Olsen vas 6. Pia Wallén Large Shopper at Story North 7. Safari Chair by Kare Klint for Rud Rasmussen at Modern
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Malin + Goetz are a NY based duo offering face, body and hair care for the globe trotter who wants to keep things simple.
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A clean slate for the new year extends to your beauty closet. Modern beauty products inspired by the simplicity of Scandinavian design. EDITED BY Christina Redlich
Australia’s stationery queen Kikki K shares her Swedish style with a range of stationery, gorgeous gifts and organisation solutions
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1. Kjaer Weis Eye Shadow Refill at Mecca Cosmetica 2. Kjaer Weis Eye Shadow Compact at Mecca Cosm Renewal CrĂŠme 6. Le labo Santal 33 Perfume 100ml at Mecca Cosmetica 7. Northern Women Book by Phot 8. Ole Henriksen Grease relief face tonic 207ml at Adore Beauty 9. Kikki K A3 storage box 10. Yngaren set
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Ole Henriksen is the Danish ‘facialist to the stars’ and the man behind Princess Mary’s fresh faced glow.
metica 3. Malin + Goetz Shaving Cream 4. Sjal Orbe Eye Contour Créme 5. Sjal Cela Intuitif Light Cellular tographer Peter Farago and Stylist Ingela Klemetz Farago in collaboration with Chanel. Farago Publishing. t of 3 Perfume bottles at Ikea 11. Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation at Adore Beauty.
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weekday WARDROBE Update your working look with New Season must-haves. This season will see you add clashing prints, the statement tee, bold earrings and pink, pink, pink (!)
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1. Dot print cotton sleeveless tee by Marni 2. Chloe, “Paratay” small leather tote in fushia at Harvey Nicho 5. Stella McCartney, twill lemon yellow blazer from Net-A-Porter 6. Balenciaga, print silk trousers at Brown Richard Nicholl, print cami dress at Far Fetch 10. Pierre Hardy, multi colour leather stack-heel sandals at C silk skirt at Browns Fashion 13. Rupert Sanderson “Winona” patent leather pumps at My Theresa.
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PHOTO © Gucci Pre Fall 2012
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ols 3. Marni, acetate rose clip earrings at Net-a-porter 4. Cacharel, lemon yellow, leather belt at Style Bop ns Fashion 7. Gucci Pre Fall 2012 8. Diane Von Furstenberg, pink cropped trousers at Matches Fashion 9. Colette 11. Equipment, “Earl” polka-dot ballet pink silk shirt at Harvey Nichols 12. Phillip Lim, leopard print
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Words Meghann Augustus | Interview Khaseem Warren Photography Candice Lake
Effortlessly good looking, it is no wonder 8 years on from her modeling career Candice Lake is back on the catwalk for Alberta Ferretti. She is stylish enough to feature in American Vogue’s 2011 best-dressed issue, smart enough to get into Law School, and best of all, she is an Aussie. From the outside it would appear Candice Lake has a charmed life. Charmed as it may be, this model turned fashion photographer has worked hard to gain the admiration of many, and snag the crème de la crème of fashion jobs. With the likes of Vogue, UK Glamour, Vogue Australia, Harpers Bazaar & Global Client Relations for Rue du Mail, Paris, all vying for her work, Ms Lake cannot afford to rest on her designer laurels. Street style blogging has fast become a popular reference point for anyone and everyone interested in fashion and whilst the fantasy in magazines is still as relevant as ever, it seems
ABOVE; Candice Lake, Paris Fashion Week September 2011 OPPOSITE: Tanja Gacic, on the steps of the Sydney Opera House 2011.
we are now more interested in how to translate this fantasy into a reality that is our own. The fact that Candice has created her own identity in the field of street wear photography and blogging, amongst the like of Scott and Garance, shows she is much more than just another ‘slashy’. Candice’s work depicts fashion in a more casual light; yet still manages to portray the glamour. You see the candid person separate from the sparkle of the fashion. The exact same way you see Miss Candice Lake herself.
What is a working day like for you? Today I am shooting a story for UK Glamour and tomorrow I am flying to Milan to walk in a show for Alberta Ferretti so no day is ever the same. During the international fashion weeks, a normal day is usually: day starts at 8 am to ensure I arrive at the first show before everyone else to get street style shots of people arriving. I work for at least 4 different magazines over the week, so I have to ensure that I have the right amount of shots that are suitable each day. I also try and pop backstage quickly before the show starts to get some shots of models for my Fashion week diaries that I write for Vogue. There are usually about 12 shows per day and the last show usually finishes at about 8pm, after which I go back to the hotel room to edit images and download/ transcribe the video interviews until 3am. Then I start all over again with less than 4 hours sleep. It’s a lot, so luckily I love it. What do you love about this lifestyle and what do you find challenging about it? The hours associated with my job are really exhausting and there is lots of travel. For instance over the next 2 months I will have been back and forth to Australia 4 times and to NY and Europe at least 7 times, so I have to ensure that I have some downtime at home in London! The upside is life is always exciting and constantly changing. I am truly inspired by what I do which makes it easier. TOP: Poppy Delevingne, London Fashion Week, SS12 BOTTOM: Miroslava Duma, Paris Couture Fall 2011 OPPOSITE: Taylor Tomasi Hill, style and accessories director for US Marie Claire magazine, New York 2011.
Do you see trends evolving over the course of the shows (with show guests)? It is obvious to see trends developing for the season as early on as in New York. By the time we get to Paris, you can tell exactly which pieces you will be seeing on girls all over the world in the next 6 months. You also work for Rue du Mail in Paris. Could you explain your role? For just over 2 years, I have taken care of the Global Client Relations for Parisian fashion house Rue du Mail, designed by Martine Sitbon. The house is incredibly inspiring to work with and it is a great privilege to work so closely with such an incredible talented team. I travel to all the fashion weeks taking meetings with buyers and editors, and thus it is a very symbiotic relationship with my other work. How have photographers/bloggers changed the fashion landscape? Whilst the fantasy of fashion in magazines and fashion shows is still as relevant as ever, more and more people are interested in seeing how to translate this fantasy into reality, and that is where street style comes in as a relevant and inspiring new medium in Fashion. What are your career highlights? In Modelling it was seeing my Ralph Lauren Campaign everywhere, being recently featured in American Vogue’s 2011 best dressed issue, having my work featured in many of the international Vogue publications, shooting my first campaign as a photographer and being asked to walk in Alberta Ferretti’s fashion show, 8 yrs after leaving modelling is definitely amazing. What/who influences you? Charlotte Rampling, Lauren Bacall, Catherine Deneuve are some of my old world influences, I love when women dress as empowered beings. I also am really influenced by the style evolution of a lot of CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Rosamund Pike, Hyde Park London | Christine Centenera, Fashion Editor at Harper’s Bazaar (Australia) | Miroslava duma, Paris | Tank magazine’s executive fashion director, Caroline Issa, Tuileries, Paris.
women I shoot on the street, from fashion editors to young art students, these people are my greatest influence.
How would you describe your style? My style is classic with an eccentric twist. I love classic lines, with a loud pop of colour or big bag/hat. Think Meryl Streep in Out of Africa meets Ralph Lauren with a little Prada and neon thrown in. What advantages has having been in the industry given you over other street style photographers/bloggers? Street Style is like any type of portraiture. If you have a relationship with your sitter you will get a better photo. That being said, sometimes the fact you don’t have a relationship with a new model or girl on the street allows a certain amount of beautiful awkwardness to the image. Are you living your dream? What’s to come? I am definitely living my dream! I have lots of exciting projects happening this year, so stay tuned!
Quick questions... Favourite designers? Rue du Mail, Givenchy, Christopher Kane, Marni, Céline, Alaia & Prada. Favourite restaurants? London: The Wolesley, Sydney: The Boat House in Palm beach for breakfast, New York: Balthazzar for every meal, LA: Gjelina in Venice CA. Paris: Derriere & Café Charlot. Favourite holiday destination? Palm Beach in Australia and The south of France for long lazy days under trees sipping champagne. Favourite film? Cinema Paradiso & The Lives Of Others. Favourite books? Siddhartha - Hermann Hesse, A Visit from the Goon Squad - Jennifer Egan & Sons and Lovers - DH Lawrence. Beauty product you can’t live without? Lucas Paw Paw Ointment & Dr Spillers Blue face cream. What are you listening to? I could listen to Bo Diddley, John Lee Hooker and Bob Dylan all day every day for the rest of my days and be very content. My sister and her boyfriend just gave me a blues/rockabilly mixed CD for Christmas, which has been on repeat.
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Amy Arbus Amy Arbus’ studio apartment is in the heart of Manhattan’s East Village, but for her it is a creative oasis. “I never dreamt I would live in one room for most of my life but I find it very peaceful here”. Photography & Text By Robyn Lea An acclaimed photographer, it is unsurprising that the apartment walls are covered in photographs - framed faces and frozen fragments of personal history lining wooden shelves in the sitting room. The images invite quiet contemplation when you enter Arbus’ home, yet with the enormous windows gazing like unblinking eyes to the Manhattan skyline, there is a tension. It feels both soothing and stimulating, interior-focused and exterior-focused. “I love New York but I do find it overwhelming and anxiety producing, so I
like to get away. But I always love to come home, it is the only place in the world that is truly my own...”. When asked to share some of her favourite things, Arbus chooses photographs. “This is a picture that my Mum took of my second grade class. It was a birthday party. We were all to dress up as ‘grown up ladies’”. Then showing me a selenium print, “My Dad took this picture for me about three years ago. It is of an old broken down swing in his yard in Los Angeles”. Arbus initially resisted a career as a photographer. Perhaps because both parents (Allan and Diane Arbus), had been photographers, it was a path she never considered. “That was their thing”, she explains. She says her friends knew she was a
OPPOSITE PAGE PHOTOS © Amy Arbus. TOP Christine Ebersole as little Eadie Beale with Spot/ Grey Gardens, 2006 | LEFT Ed Harris as Eddie Commissioned by New York Magazine, 2006 | RIGHT Isabel Keating as Judy Garland, 2004.
photographer before she did, “because I spoke of the world in visual terms”. It was only later, after her father’s change of career, and her mother’s death in 1971, that Amy herself choose to follow in their footstep and become a photographer. Since then her career has skyrocketed. She has created four major books, been in over forty exhibitions and been published in magazines such as French and German Vogue. Richard Avedon speaks of her work enthusiastically “Everybody has a life. Everybody has a sensibility. Everybody has yearnings. Everybody has a cause to plead. And everybody has a camera. It takes an intelligence as bold as Amy Arbus to turn these universal commonplaces not just into works of art, but works of insight.”
LEFT PHOTO © Amy Arbus. BOTTOM RIGHT Madonna, St. Mark’s Place, 1983
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get real! PHOTOGRAPHY Stephan Schnedler-Sørensen STYLING Denis Bjerregaard | WORDS Julie Ralphs
Vintage originals are design de rigueur for collectors and consumers alike. But keep your eyes open for copycats and be sure you get the real deal.
Designer furniture has become a mega musthave for connoisseurs of style. With the reemergence of vintage design classics from maestros of modernism, such as Arne Jacobsen famous for his Swan, Egg and Series 7 chairs, some manufacturers are trying to pass off replicas as originals. This is a serious trademark infringement and breach of intellectual property rights. Don’t be tempted by the cheap price, since the quality is likely to be low, as well. Many companies, like Fritz Hansen, are confiscating counterfeits and crushing them - literally - into rubble. And hitting the culprits with lawsuits. Our advice? Always get an original. Look for a “label of origin” to confirm its authenticity. Or go for an old classic re-launched by the original design house. Being inspired by icons is one thing. Being a copycat is quite another. Get real!
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The re-birth of cool Retro revisited is the new name of the game. In which designs echo a Danish Modern look from the 50s, reincarnated into new contemporary classics. Style siblings to co-exist with your vintage pieces from the past. Ora Wall Clock in yellow by Jonas Trampedach and Birgitte Due Madsen for K채hler | Favn Sofa by Jaime Hayon for Fritz Hansen | Dahlia Rug by Claydies for Normann Copenhagen at Northern Icon | Gr채sshoppa Floor Lamp by Greta Grossman for Gubi | Pedrera Coffee Table by Barba Corsini for Gubi | Vintage Ceramic Dish by Inger Waage For Stavangerflint find similar on Ebay | Melange Dot Cushions by Hay | Masculo Armchair by Gamfratesi for Gubi.
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Material Mix Being a design purist is out. Eclectic is in, with the freedom to mix and match old and new. Lacquered vs. polished vs. raw surfaces. Creating a cohesive collage of shapes where lines and curves converge. E27 Light Fixtures by Mattias St책hlbom for Muuto at Safari Living | HE0101 Wicker Stool at House Doctor | RY32 Vintage Desk by Hans J.Wegner at Classic Modern Furniture | Antique Royal Copenhagen Vase find similar at Ebay | J110 Chair in white by Poul M. Volther/Fdb at Hay | Vintage Danish Timber Cabinet find similar at Classic Modern Furniture | Art Work By Sten Drabek at Stilleben | Canada Glassware by Per L체tken for Holmegaard.
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Think pink Designers are playing with a plethora of Pantone colours, adding “now available in pink” to their product portfolio. A colour that signals your style and panache and not your sexual preference. Vintage Cabinet find similar at Classic Modern Furniture | Cobra Table Lamp by Greta Grossman at Gubi | Porcelain Jars by Julie Bonde at Stilleben | Small Burgundy Vase by Christiane Perrochon at Stilleben | Medium Light Pink Vase by Ditte Fischer at Stillebenlarge | Showtime porcelain vase in pink by Jaime Hayon for b.d Barcelona Design at Northern Icon | Large Pink Hoptimisten ‘Bimble’ figure by Ehrenreich Design | Hills Candlestick in pink glass by Jakob Solgren for Kosta Boda.
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conveniently cool A picture perfect house nestled in a relaxed inner city location is every urban homeowners dream, making Michelle and Anthony Iezzi the envy of many. PHOTOGRAPHY Georgie Skinner | WORDS Meghann Augusts The creative couple (Michelle an art director and Anthony a graphic designer) own a glorious Armadale home that once had wallpaper on the ceilings and the bathroom out on the back veranda. Successfully they have managed to transform the house into a space of their very own with the help of Melbourne architect practice Pleysier Perkins.
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“I think it’s really important that when you do renovate a house that you live in the space first, just so you know a bit more about the house and know what you want. We knew we wanted a modern renovation, but we still wanted a sense of the old and new merging,” Michelle says. “We also liked old houses and wanted something with history to it. This house was basically untouched since the 1950’s.” Right from the beginning the couple were committed to playing a part throughout the entire renovation process. The décor of the Iezzi house is beautifully unique. A bright yellow totem pole by Brett Coelho adds a splash of colour. A blurred photo of a Los Angeles overpass shot by Jason Mcquoid gives a modern edge. A touch of Australian history hangs on the wall in a black and white painting titled, Sandhills by Lily Kelly Napangardi. In the corner of the modern renovation at the back of the house, surrounded by floor to ceiling class windows, sits a wingback chair upholstered in potato sacks. Created by friend
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Suzie Stanford, the chair perfectly juxtaposes the new and the old and is consistently a talking point. Long before the house was chosen, Armadale became the place they wanted to live. “We loved the urban feel with the convenience of High street around the corner. We have been lucky to find a home that has given us more space for our two small children with some of Melbourne’s best shopping a few blocks away. Our whole lifestyle is about convenience.” Iezzi is Michelle and Anthony’s advertising and design business, just four doors down from their home. Their children - Enzo, eight and Luca, four - go to school around the corner, and they buy their bread from Melbourne’s infamous Phillippa’s Bakery, two blocks up on High Street. How much more convenience could you want? Just quietly, it’s the fresh daily bread that sold me.
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Idyllic Icelandic Photography Trine Thorsen | Styling & WORDS Gerður Harðardóttir
It certainly helps to have a trained eye and a talent for design when you’re house-hunting for your dream home. Icelandic interior architect Rut Karadottir knew she struck gold the first time she set eyes on her home. OPPOSITE: Rut had the shelves in her home office built from MDF, spray-coated and installed with lights which gives a warm glow to the room when lit. The Egg by Arne Jacobsen is a favorite chair of Hildur, a neighbour´s cat that frequently pops over for a nap on this iconic piece of design history.
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Built in 1968, the house hadn’t been altered from its original state. In need of a major overhaul to fulfil the needs of a young family, Rut set about unleashing the house’s potential to suit her own aesthetic, embracing a mix of materials. After topping her class at the Istituto Europeo di Design in Rome in 1993, Rut spent several years at an Italian architecture studio before returning to Iceland to start her own business. She is now one the country´s most sought after interior architects.
OPPOSITE: Nature is harmonized into the living room through a large window which frames a tree outside. TOP: The house, typical for many houses built in the late sixties in Iceland, has gone through extensive renovations, inside and out. LEFT: The chaise lounge/ day bed by the fireplace in the living room is a favorite corner for Rut and her daughter Brynja. The large Hungarian wood basket on the floor is bought locally but reminds Rut of the gypsies at a market which she used to visit frequently while studying in Rome.
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Characterized by simple and clear forms, Rut’s designs feature a subtle mix of materials such as concrete, timber and linen with clever lighting, which effectively create a modern, yet warm and inviting environment. It is only natural that Rut’s own home reflects this style of design. Situated in Reykjavík, close to a lush valley and popular salmon fishing spot, the house had just one owner prior to Rut and husband Kristinn’s purchase in 2002.
OPPOSITE: The living room upstairs has changed quite a bit since the family moved in. It´s now an open space where new, decorative furniture gives it a warm and welcoming feel. TOP LEFT: Rut´s love of books and things like beautifully shaped stones and pebbles, found in nature, are skillfully arranged with other items throughout the house. TOP RIGHT: The shelves in the home office are lined with favorite things, such as numerous books on architecture, design, art and travel. The green glass vase is from Gustav Lambert. BOTTOM LEFT: Rut´s home office has a fantastic view over a beautiful valley.
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“I was happy to live anywhere in the city, as long as the view was nice and the house was sheltered from the temperamental and harsh weather elements we are accustomed to here in Iceland.” Perched high on the hill, the house fulfils Rut’s desire to live with a view. The garden below is perfect for long summer days taking in scenery and sunshine. Inside, large windows lining the north side of the house face a small valley filled with trees, a favorite recreational OPPOSITE: The kitchen was previously closed off from the living room but has now been opened up to the dining room area. On occasions, Rut adds light bulbs in different colors in the Murano glass chandelier hanging above the dining room table, an effect which can dramatically change the ambiance. TOP RIGHT: This part of the kitchen used to be the laundry. It has been opened up and now houses most of the kitchen appliances, some of which are kept behind neat sliding doors. BOTTOM LEFT: The two wood candle holders were bought in a second-hand store, painted with lime paint by Rut´s friend, Auður Skúla, a decorative painter, producing her own lime paint.
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area. High mountains, across a small fjord, line the horizon beyond the valley. “I absolutely love the view,” says Rut. “I love to watch the changing of the seasons, how the trees blossom with green leaves in the spring and then turn yellow, red and orange during autumn. But my favorite time of year is during the long and bright summer nights”. The home spans three levels and is zoned into different living spaces. The entry foyer is housed on the middle level, along with Kristinn’s home OPPOSITE: Adjoining the sauna in the spa downstairs is the washing room. The doors leading to it are cleverly concealed behind a mirrored door, a part of a wall covered with mirrors. ABOVE: The large, decorative mirror in the bedroom was a gift from a client of Rut´s and originally gilded. Rut had it painted white and has placed it, leaning against the wall, in the main bedroom. Painting one wall dark in the bedroom gives the room a cozy feel and adds beautiful contrast to the white bed linen. BOTTOM LEFT: The antique looking coat hanger is from House Doctor. The gray dress by Icelandic label Andersen & Lauth, is a favorite dress of Rut´s.
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office. The bedrooms, as well as Rut’s enviable walk in closet, bathroom and serene spa area are all located on the bottom floor. The living and dining areas occupy the top floor, combined with the generously sized kitchen where Kristinn, as the gourmet chef of the family, takes charge. Kristinn’s office, located on the top floor, is punctuated by the bright orange ‘Cadifa’ chair from Arper. The colour is not standard in Rut´s repertoire, as can be seen by the colour palette chosen for the rest of the home. “I have to admit that the choice of colour was influenced by the fact that it was purchased OPPOSITE: Brynja´s room is painted in a specially mixed warm pink. The Margret Gudnadottir music box, hanging on the door handle, plays an Icelandic folk song when the string is pulled. TOP LEFT: The Tree coat hanger by British designer Michael Young and Katrin Petursdottir, an Icelandic designer. TOP RIGHT. A walk-in-closet is every woman´s fantasy. The dresser is an antique, the mirror is from House Doctor as is the coat hanger on the wall. LEFT: Rut had the clothes rail designed especially for her walk in closet.
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during the dark and dreary days of the Icelandic winter, when a bit of up-lifting color was welcomed,” says Rut with a smile. With a preference for muted, neutral tones, Rut loves to mix modern design with more classical, often ethnic, finds. “I love ethnic things; things that are a bit naive. And books are a necessity on tables or piled up on the floor. I’m constantly grabbing a book, and leafing through its pages. They give me so much inspiration.”
OPPOSITE: In the foyer, Rut´s passion for mixing ethnic things with the clean lines of modern design is evident. The painting above the console table is by Lisbet Sveinsdottir. TOP LEFT: Kristinn´s home office is located next to the foyer. The Tolomeo lamp from Artemide, an icon of modern Italian design, is a favorite of Rut’s. The table top is a Carrara marble, the legs from Ikea. Lights installed into the thick shelves add a nice ambience to the workspace. TOP RIGHT: A wall in the bedroom hallway on the ground floor is lined with family portraits and pictures which have a special place in the hearts of the family members.
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Light Luxury When lighting designer Michelle James and her film editor husband Tom Scherma found the house, they felt it was just about perfect. Obsession with light is a pre-requisite for Michelle’s profession and when they purchased the house in 2006 she negotiated with the owners to keep the hand-crafted chandeliers. PHOTOGRAPHY & WORDS Robyn Lea
Michelle’s career began as a celebrity fashion stylist and jewelry designer before she switched her focus to lighting and interior styling. Her instincts for form and proportion, honed during her years in fashion, were easily transposed into interior and lighting design. Her signature feature lights are made from repurposed vintage and antique fittings, salvaged crystals, milk and transparent glass globes and reading lamp globes which she then combines with multi-length brass arms to create a new whole. Each lighting fixture takes weeks to complete from sourcing the globes through to the design and finally the soldering and rewiring, which she does with the help of a Manhattan craftsman. Her one off
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creations grace some of the most stylish lobbies and dining rooms in New York, bucking the trend for mass-produced pendants. Several of Michelle’s lights can be found in their four-story, five-bedroom Brooklyn home. Built in the late nineteenth century the home is typical of the brownstone architectural style of that period in Brooklyn. Shipped from quarries in nearby New Jersey or Connecticut, this type of sandstone has a high iron content which creates its rusty red/ brown hue. The brownstone homes around the Carroll Gardens neighbourhood have a dignified uniformity, and with appealing cafes on many corners the area has become a favourite for fashionable young families. The Carroll Gardens area is found in Brooklyn in the far western pocket of Long Island. In 1636 Native American Indians sold the land to Dutch farmers who first developed the area. The nearby Gowanus Creek was later dredged and widened,
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transforming it into a canal and facilitating the construction of the brownstone houses. In 1899 when Michelle and Tom’s home was built, the area was largely populated by Italian immigrants, many from Puglia, who came to work on the waterways. Their cultural influence is still found in cafes and small businesses in the neighbourhood. Michelle’s favourite local restaurant is ‘Frankie’s 457’ which was established in a former (notorious) Italian social club by two local residents of Italian descent. Another favourite is ‘Colonie’ in Atlantic Avenue which serves Italian favourites with a contemporary twist such as Acorn Squash Agnolotti with sage and brown butter and Cotechino with green lentils, rainbow carrots and turnips. After several years living in their new home and armed with a long wish list, Michelle and Tom set to work creating a dream home for their family which includes their seven year old son Gray, Golden Retriever Delilah, three cats Bean, Poquito and Chequita and their fish ‘Secret Agent Swimmy’.
Signor Swimmy presides over the activities of the house from his prime position on the sunny kitchen window ledge and Delilah spends time trying to snuggle up to the cats, who give him the occasional swipe to show him who is in charge. The renovation was an almost total makeover and update, save for the kitchen and precious chandeliers. The bones and room divisions were generally preserved, although the top floor master bedroom was reconfigured to create a light filled room with a gym to one end and the en-suite to the other. During the course of the renovation the builder discovered the entire roof was collapsing and its reconstruction included several skylights to ensure that the light the couple so loved on the
ground floor was replicated all the way to the top floor. Another defining feature of their bedroom is a set of four shelves set into the wall which displays books, travel treasures and family heirlooms. The ensuite is peppered with clusters of glass tonic and hair care bottles left to Tom’s family by his grandfather who was a barber by trade. In the double shower recess natural slate tiles honed to a matt perfection line the floor and ceiling.
Michelle and Tom selected a restricted colour palette and rigorously employed it throughout the house. Save for the occasional pop of raspberry (Michelle’s weakness), the home is styled in hues of chocolate martini, ebony, steel grey, white, and eggshell. They washed the mahogany wood floors with an ebony walnut stain and Benjamin Moore’s ‘Simply White’ paint colour was used in all the rooms. The couple chose furniture and decorative accents with reflective surfaces in glass, crystal, chrome and metal, throwing light around each room in a sparkling dance. Everywhere you look Michelle’s passion for reflective surfaces is evident. On the mantle piece in the sitting room sits a collection of bronze shapes beneath an antique glass dome. On top of the high gloss ebony piano in the parlor sit a cluster of glass oil burners, transparent and delicate. And while clean lines and sharp shadows take centre stage, textured soft furnishings in velvets, mohair, silk and linen add warmth and visual interest. Beautiful pieces of designer furniture and evocative contemporary art works are found throughout the
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home. As you enter the home on the left you find the formal dining area demarcated by a glass topped dining table with six chairs by Andreu World. A sculptural centre piece sits tall and proud on the table, created in 2010 by artist Joan Lurie from porcelain and paper clay. The smooth milk-coloured work consists of twenty-inches of fluid tangles, exploring one of the artists favourite themes - the relationship between ‘the natural and artificial or an organic cellular type of growth and man-made structures’. Tom gave Michelle the sculpture for her 40th birthday, having discovered it at one of Brooklyn’s most interesting galleries the Muriel Guépin Gallery in Bergen Street. At the far end of the parlor another artwork sets the tone, this time by elusive American artist Mitchell Hoffmaster. The work appears like a black and white finger painting done in a ravage of heartbreaking madness - beautiful and evocative in one breath. This piece was sourced along with other favourite
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objet and artworks from another fascinating local store, Eva Gentry on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. Here you find an unexpected mix of hand-crafted or restored treasures including a 1949 Harley Davidson Panhead motorcycle and matching vintage riding goggles and an impressive collection of locally designed artisan jewelry. They also stock clothing by a selection of international designers like Maison Martin Margiela and talented Danish designer Rabens Solaner. On the first floor Gray’s bedroom is dominated by art work of another kind - a massive ten-foot decal of Darth Vadar on a slate coloured wall. Invited to choose the light fixture for his room from his mother’s designs, Gray selected a multipronged light fixture complete with jutting arms to complement the Star Wars feel. A large white central shelf displays Gray’s Lego masterpieces alongside his model airplane collection, and nearby a chair and table setting by local designer April Hannah provides the perfect play space. Hannah’s award winning children’s furniture line is inspired by forms found in nature (note the table stem like tree trunk and branches) and is entirely eco-friendly and non-toxic. It is also sturdy enough to handle the robust treatment of a seven year old and his schoolboy construction projects. Despite their success in the world of film, fashion and design Michelle and Tom are some of the nicest people you will meet. When I arrived for the shoot Michelle had arranged a wonderful breakfast complete with excellent coffee (rare in New York) and warm local bagels with cream cheese and lox. Later, while sitting on the front steps for some pictures their local popularity became apparent as they talked to every passer-by, and knew them all by name. On another occasion the doorbell rang and a baby sitter bundled several children inside asking if they could stay for a while because they had lost their house key. Michelle was quick to the rescue rushing off to prepare drinks and snacks for the chilly children, sharing with them perhaps her greatest talent - hospitality.
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Cosy with a K That’s Tine K. as in Kjeldsen. A Dane whose passion for design led to her own home wares and furnishings company, merging Asian, French and Moroccan influences with her Scandinavian approach to simplicity. The result is a modern eclectic mix echoed in her brand - and beautiful home PHOTOGRAPHY Jacob Gils | WORDS Julie Ralphs
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For some, the concept of cosy finds its expression in homes filled with clutter. For Tine Kjeldsen, cosy starts with a clean space based on a palette of white on white. To which she adds occasional clusters of decorative objects aesthetically assembled together. Like small scenarios. Reflecting a myriad of shapes and surfaces, textures and tones. Objects she has found in her travels to France, Vietnam, Morocco, India and elsewhere. “French accents add a touch of fantasy,” explains Kjeldsen. “Asian style tends to be mysterious and sophisticated. And Moroccan style brings a nice handcrafted look.” Her five-bedroom home on the island of Funen in Denmark was originally built in 1834 as a doctor’s residence. Kjeldsen and her husband Jacob Fossum spent six years doing a radical refurbishment. Leaving most of the old, original details intact, they transformed small rooms into larger ones to create an airy, expansive feeling. With as many as 22 windows allowing for plenty of sunshine, not to mention the four glass doors
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which open out onto the garden. White walls, white ceilings and wood floors painted white set the stage for Kjeldsen to create just the right ambiance. Step into her living room and the first impression is serenity. Like a Scandinavian still life. Look closer, and there’s a light sensation which gives Kjeldsen energy. From a practical perspective, “using white as a base makes it easy to redecorate your style from summer to winter,” says Kjeldsen. “It’s the contrast between light and dark which creates the style and atmosphere. Often, the dark colours come from old objects, furniture and carpets from the East.” They constitute the warm colours which she combines with essentially cold colours, such as blues and greys typical of Nordic style. Some objects have charming imperfections. Others have a story to tell. “I like pieces that have a history, that are handmade and different,”
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smiles Kjeldsen. “Things I can’t usually find in Denmark. I found some old clay jars during one of my many trips to Vietnam. I was told that the Vietnamese used to store food in them. When they were finished with the jars, they would throw them into the Mekong River. Many years under water have given them a fantastic, authentic look. Some still have small mussels inside. We use them in groups of three or more to add a raw element.“ Mixing old and new, refined and rustic, smooth versus tactile surfaces, Kjeldsen decorates with a melange of materials, like wood, bamboo, velvet, silk, linen and leather. They’re part of her Tine K HOME collection of objects, textiles and furniture, featuring ceramics and glassware, cushions, quilts and bedspreads, lamps and lamp shades, Moroccan trays, leather framed mirrors, tables, chairs, sofas and more. Including her new line of clothing.
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A strong advocate of savouring the simple moments of your life, Kjeldsen has a collection called “Remember Yourself”. What does that message trigger in her own mind? “With three children and a busy daily life you sometimes forget how important it is to have that cup of tea with a friend. Or to curl up on the couch with a good book.” She should know, with a staff of 14, agents in over 16 countries and an online shop, private time is precious. Create your concept of cosy from her inspiration gallery and coterie of design objects at www.tinekhome.com And don’t forget to remember yourself.
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Quiet. Calm.
WORDS Margot Sharpe | INTERVIEW Sian MacPherson | PHOTOGRAPHY Richard Powers
Clever design duo Piet and Karin Boon have released the third installment of the Piet Boon Book series showcasing their latest works from around the world. Est looks at three of their collaborative creations a villa in Portugal and a houseboat and an apartment in Amsterdam. The restrained palette of Karen’s monochromatic aesthetic overlays the stylish interiors of all living spaces and coupled with Piet’s architectural design motif - planting his constructions in the natural environment - their work successfully melds into its surrounding terrain. Throughout their work the white, taupe, grey and charcoal colour schemes, ensure the calm sophistication that defines this stylish team.
You are the master of understated luxury and sophistication - how has your heritage shaped your design aesthetic? Perhaps it is a coincidence, but the Zaanstreek, the region where I was born and still live and work, has been known for centuries worldwide for its craftsmen. There were many ships wharfs, even Czar Peter the Great lived here for over a year to learn the tricks of the trade.
I started my career as a master craftsman, which has always been of major influence in my work and also my design aesthetics. It is where my love for the best natural materials as wood and stone stem from, as well as craft based techniques and a liking for signature details.
How would aesthetic?
you
define
your
style
and
Functional, sustainable and comfortable. But I would like to explain these, as so many people for various reasons use them. Functionality has been the core value in my work since I started out, almost thirty years ago. It also guarantees that a design will work, even long after I will be gone. That is why this value has become the core of our design philosophy. Sustainability means for us among many other things that our designs don’t out date. By using the best materials that age gracefully and by creating timeless designs, our designs also
blend naturally with every atmosphere and style. Comfort is another important key value. Comfort is more than the quality of a house or furniture, it is equally the way you experience them. By listening very carefully to our clients, to their wishes and needs and making an assessment of their lifestyle, we personalize every design. That and our attention to detail creates a relaxed sense of luxury, the warm blanket we all crave for when driving home. The 40m2 apartment in Amsterdam is all about what you can’t see. It has all the functionality of a house, even extending to a pantry and guest area. Central to making it all work is the storage space designed, like everything else, with specific purposes in mind. The key idea is finding the balance between functionality and ambiance. The essential equipment required for a comfortable life, is hidden from sight. Piet and Karin’s interiors are for those who continually choose what not to have around them.
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My wife Karin, Creative director and head of Styling, one of our divisions, has been instrumental in defining the Piet Boon style.
The colour grey features prominently in your work - from your homes to the Range Rover designed by you. What is about this hue that inspires your work? Grey is a fascinating colour. It is a softer, subdued version of black and contains many other colours. It has an intriguing quality as its character changes in sunlight or darkness and combines with every other colour.
Where do you seek inspiration (an oft asked question - but readers are fascinated about what makes the designer tick!) Karin and I travel a lot. You can find inspiration wherever you look and we do. I am always intrigued about solutions others have found when we stay in hotels, dine or shop somewhere. But visiting museums and galleries, looking at landscapes, nature, fashion and reading books
are equally inspiring.
What up and coming new talents in design have you recently unearthed? Fleur Goedendorp, De Intuïtiefabriek & Vroonland The wonderful houseboat is similarly designed to blend into its environment - the very flat Dutch landscape on one side and open water on the three remaining sides. The view across the water to the horizon completes the serenity and tranquillity of the house. The design is a box constructed of vertical slats of black painted red cedar. Roomy sleeping quarters and bathrooms are “below decks”, which is partly below the waterline. Everything is stored allowing for clear spaces and room to contemplate and consider. Nothing extraneous is permitted to intrude, completing the feeling of being a part of the coast and seascape. Kitchen and living areas magically expand by way of floor to ceiling walls that open to the outside deck, when the weather invites. At other times, when the weather is not so kind, the shutters come down and the houseboat becomes a cocoon.
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Your career started out in carpentry - what led you to interior design?
of durability. Instead of recycling we start to preserve and repair.
My background as builder has much to do with that. On many occasions I was surprised when I had to execute plans which in my opinion were not functional. It was the very reason why I started out as a designer.
You recently made a TV show based on design - can you describe what good design means to you.
How do you envisage the future of design in The Netherlands? The Dutch are very down to earth. That reflects in what has become known as Dutch Design. I see that in the young and upcoming designers too. But down to earth does not mean boring, It is more towards a love for functionality and good materials with some quirkiness to make it lively. Dutch designers are doing well now, and I expect that to last. In times like this people revert to the comfort of their homes and prefer timeless designs that last long. We also acknowledge the emotional value
Good design means for me: well considered, well made and thought through. That is where terms as personalized and functional play major roles in the equation. The villa built within the grounds of a luxurious golf course in a remote area of Portugal features the traditional building materials of the local area. Stone and timber are predominately used within the very modern Piet Boon design philosophy. The interiors are planned in zones with easy access to dining and living areas. Materials used provide texture and interest, yet the inimitable iconic sense of calm prevails. A swimming pool with its accompanying outside bathroom is, naturally enclosed by stone walls.
Your book covers homes that you have designed from around the globe - on a personal level can you name two of your favourite homes? That is a very difficult question to ask. We are always very pleased when we were able to pleasantly surprise our clients, when we were able to exceed their expectations. Working on a project is an intense process, it becomes part of us, absorbs us. When I have to name two projects I would mention the villa we designed in Korea and the apartments we are now working on at Park Avenue, next to the new Gansevoort Hotel. They are the complete opposites, one being absolutely urban in one of my favourite cities, the other along a golf course in a majestic landscape, almost part of that landscape.
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Est Magazine are giving 5 lucky readers the chance to win 1 of 5 inspiring books, valued at over $150 each, filled with interiors created by Dutch designer PIET BOON. CLICK HERE TO ENTER
PORTRAIT Š Feriet Tunc
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STOCKHOLM
guide
PHOTOGRAPHY & WORDS Joanna Swanson
Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city is spread across 14 islands and is part of a 24,000 island archipelago. Stockholm is surrounded by water, beautiful architecture and superb design.
Plan Ett
Stora Salognen Banquet Hall, Berns Hotel
The Robert Berns Suite, Berns Hotel
WHERE TO STAY BERNS There are quite a few gorgeous hotels in Stockholm but if its the very best you are searching for then you may want to lay your head to rest at Berns. This magnificent hotel is located in the heart of Stockholm in one of the most beautiful historical buildings in the city. Awarded “Swedens Leading Boutique Hotel 2011” by the prestigious World Travel Awards, Berns offers not only a place to sleep, but also one of the best night-clubs in Stockholm for late night fun.
The Robert Clock Suite, Berns Hotel
PHOTOS © Berns
More favorites: Lydmar, Hotel Nobis, Story Hotel, Scandic Grand Central
The Dining Room, Pontus
The Dining Room, Pontus
RESTAURANTS & FOOD STORES Pontus! Eat, drink and be merry at Pontus! After an extensive refurbishment and expansion Pontus! is now even more gorgeous than before. Everywhere you look your design eye will be stimulated with a book shelf wallpaper that you could study for hours, bright green couches and stunning photographs from one of my favorites, Vee Speers. At Pontus you will satisfy both your hunger and your design quota for the day. Have a drink in the bar or why not eat in The Dining Room or at the Seafood Bar, either way the food is melt in your mouth good and the drinks more than just quench your thirst. More favorites: Orangeriet Bar, Riche, Indigo Bar, East, Villa Godthem, Urban Deli
Seafood Bar, Pontus
Hope
Garbo Interiors
SHOPPING Hope ‘Less is more’ accurately describes Swedish fashion. And Swedes know fashion. In early fall the Swedish brand Hope opened the doors to its flagship shop in the center of Stockholm. Here you will find classic pieces that are relaxed, well dressed and a little raw. Hope designs clothes that help you make that effortless transition from work to leisure. Garbo Interiors
Garbo Interiors is a hands down favorite. From furniture to glassware to plush paints and beautiful flowers, at Garbo you will find a mix of new and old, unique and antique. Every piece feels carefully selected and somehow their is a story behind each object. More favorites: Acne, Whyred, House of Dagmar, Hunky Dory, Dusty Deco, Dis Inredning, Plan Ett, NK Inredning
Garbo Interiors
Garbo Interiors
Garbo Interiors
Garbo Interiors
Garbo Interiors
Garbo Interiors
Blue Hamam Spa, Blue Hotel, Elfviksudde
Blue Hamam Spa, Blue Hotel, Elfvi udde
Blue Hamam Spa, Blue Hotel, Elfviksudde
INDULGE Blue HAMAM SPA The moist warm air, gorgeous striped marble imported from Turkey and gold plated faucets and bowls are just some of the details that struck me when I entered Blue Hamam SPA, located just a short cab ride outside of Stockholm, for the first time. This is a spa experience like no other. After being covered in millions of soapy suds, scrubbed down to a new layer of skin, having both hot and cold water poured all over you and your hair washed you feel refreshed, rejuvenated and very, very clean. It is a luxuriant experience that washes away all your worries and stresses... at least for a little while. Other favorites: Grand Hotel Spa, Centrabadet & Yasuragi Hasseludden
Blue Hamam Spa, Blue Hotel, Elfviksudde
For more inspiration visit Joanna Swanson’s blog ‘Simple Blue Print’ and check out the extensive ‘Stockholm City Guide’.
est REGULAR GLOBAL CREATIVE
Malene Birger WORDS Chauntelle Roelandts
IMAGES © Life and Work, Malene Birger’s Life in Pictures, published by teNeues. Photo © Christian Burmester
When Est got the chance to chat with world-renowned designer Malene Birger, we had to find out: how can there be so many cutting edge Danish designers? Is there something in the water? And if so, will they bottle it? Birger conceded that the winning combination is a union between functionality and beauty, a union which has driven the success of her popular fashion label and her latest endeavour in interior design. In her book, ‘Life and Work’, Birger recreates living spaces in her notorious signature style: bold patterns, intricate detail and, as always, a focus on comfort and function. The work resulted in downto-earth dwellings capable of accommodating a chic dinner party as they are a lazy Sunday afternoon tucked up with a good book.
“The best style advice, in my opinion, is that you shouldn’t and don’t have to wear the newest trends to be fashionable or well dressed.” She says the spotlight should be on personal expression; on the wearer, not the piece of clothing
VIDEO © Copenhagen Fashion
With 150 dedicated travel days per year, Birger’s own work ethic is of note. She chooses to journey across the globe in an effort to ensure her designs remain eclectic; inspired by everyday life, life itself, people, conversations and culture. There is an air of independence about her. She wears her own line, inspired by her needs and wants for the season, most of the time; mixing them with vintage pieces she’s picked up long the way. itself. This theory extends all the way to her toes, the domain of another designer. “I have a LOT of shoes… but most are from PRADA, they fit my feet perfectly.” Beauty and functionality: in interior design, in architecture and in fashion.
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Outside the box WORDS Chauntelle Roelandts
Stockholm company Add A Room has been building wooden houses since way back when. Committed to partnering with the most experienced carpenters, they provide the utmost attention to detail with a strong focus on sustainability. They also like Lego. ONE+ is the family-owned crew’s latest concept - a modular mini-house made of the best materials Denmark and Sweden have to offer. Described as “Lego building blocks for adults,” by owner Susanne Aarup, the ONE+ house is based on 15 or 20 square metre rooms that can be locked together to suit your individual needs and design styles. But they’ve also thought beyond the back door. A ONE+ pergola and deck can be attached, along with an outdoor kitchen and shower that extends the living space and blurs the line between in and outdoor living. Aarup calls it “compact, smart living”. The inspiration came from summertime with the family. Although that sounds rosy, it was ‘family time’ challenges, more specifically. In Sweden, it is common for a whole family to inherit one single summer home, a tradition that sees siblings and
PHOTO Š Johan Robach
PHOTO Š Matti Marttinen
PHOTO © Johan Robach
PHOTO © Johan Robach
their children come together to reconnect and share a summer vacation. Every year. “Instead of being this recreational space, it becomes a battlefield,” Aarup says. “ONE+ is a solution to that multi-family problem because different families with different habits can get the best out of each other.” Domestic disputes aside, ONE+ is having a positive impact in greater areas. In a world often criticized for over-consumption Add A Room has created a concept - with the support of famous Danish architect Lars Frank Nielsen that believes in starting basic, living smaller and growing little-by-little. The focus: functionality, sustainability and aesthetics. That’s what gives Add A Room an edge in the modular housing market. In her book Nano Houses: Innovations for Small Dwellings Phyllis Richardson says: “The idea of modular building has been around for years, but the concept of reducing it to its lowest footprint with the highest-quality design is something that the team at Add A Room have brought some muchneeded innovation to.” Now it’s up to home buyers to catch up with the concept. Although Aarup has witnessed an increased awareness of sustainability in recent years, she worries that the general public, and building companies, focus on just one thing: the bottom dollar.
PHOTO © Matti Marttinen
“When they buy, up front price is still the main criteria, even though it might be the most expensive house in the long run. Buying a house is a long-term investment, a good house can last several generations and with much less maintenance.” Next on the cards for Add A Room are fun new add-ons for the ONE+ house such as sun panels and furniture, outdoor plants and canvas’. Like when you were a kid, your imagination is the limit with Aarups, “back to basic house, with a bit of luxury”.
est REGULAR FOOD
Sweet Life If you saw in the new year like the rest of us promising to take better care of your poor, tired, worn out body then do yourself a favour and check out Sarah Wilson’s new e-book “I Quit Sugar”. After making the promise to herself to look after her health by acting consciously about what she puts into and does to her body, Sarah gave up inner Sydney living and headed to the healthier climes of Byron Bay in search of wellness and a healthy life. In her new book “I Quit Sugar” Sarah will have you thinking twice the next time you reach for that quick pick me up when your feeling flat, tired, down or deflated. True, it does help that Sarah is a glowing example of what healthy really looks like and if giving up sugar leads to looking like that - well who wouldn’t want to try kicking the habit? Sarah’s blog helps you through week by week the changes you feel when giving up the sweet stuff. Go on try it - your body will thank you! For more inspiration on eating sugar free check out the Scandi Foodie blog by Maria Laitinen a Finnish prop stylist turned food writer now living in Sydney. Here is Marias muffin recipe inspired by Sarah for you to try.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional) 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional) 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional) 2 large eggs, beaten 3 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons milk/nut milk/coconut milk 200g rhubarb, washed and chopped in 1cm pieces 1. P reheat oven to 170C and prepare a 10-cup muffin tin. 2. C ombine the hazelnut meal, almonds, baking powder and soda, salt and spices in a bowl.
Grain-free, sugar-free breakfast muffins (makes 8-10)
3. W hisk together the eggs, oil and milk and add this to the dry ingredients.
175g hazelnut meal 85g almonds, chopped 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4. Fold through the rhubarb. 5. S poon the mixture into the muffin cups and bake for 20-30 minutes or until the muffins feel firm to touch. Leave to cool on a wire rack before serving. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze.
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Simply Scandinavian We’ve sourced the purest and coolest Scandinavian blogs, posting regular, quality doses of white on white inspiration. EDITED BY Sian MacPherson
Emma's DesignBloGG Based in Stockholm, Emma is a freelance interior stylist, writer and blogger committed to not only Scandinavian style but also in living a more sustainable lifestyle. Stunning imagery where white plays a significant backdrop, the imagery and inspiration form Emma's Design blog never fails to have us wanting for more.
emmas designblogg
PHOTO © Frida Ramstedt
KoolandKreativ The blog of Est contributor and Iceland based Interior stylist, Gerdur Hardardottir, is a beautiful compilation of Scandinavian inspired imagery from around the world. Bookmark this blog to your reading list to get a daily hit of Kreative inspiration. LoveNordic DESIGN BLOG Is a showcase of the stunning work of Scandinavian stylists, photographers and designers. Lovenordic is the go to place for inspiration from our northern cousins. Living in London but pining for her homeland, Samantha takes every opportunity she can to get back to her homeland to source the best in Icelandic design in order to share with her loyal readers.
PHOTO © MIKKEL MORTENSEN
lovenordic design blog
PHOTO © JELTJE FOTOGRAFIE
d-bodhi is more than just a product. It is a philosophy and vision of sustainability, that can give your space soul. reuse. renew. refresh.
658 Church Street Richmond 3121 T. 03 9279 2888 | www.meizai.com.au
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