In some (many) months from now we’ll build a room for Thor in our otherwise open NY style loft – consisting in large part of the elements we’ve collected here. I still love the way big change makes way for redecorating and sourcing new ideas. Maybe this is part of why I’ve moved so many times? No.. a little.. maybe.
Bedding
1. My initial wish was to purchase the Kili bed (a reproduction of the original Lille Per bed but updated slightly to comply with current safety standards). We were gifted a Lille Per bed by Jan’s parents though (a restored 60 year old original) and we love it.
2. Wildlife quilt covers from by nord Copenhagen. Comes in a few variations (incl. the deer version as seen left). I couldn’t resist the oh so Canadian grizzly bear (there’s a definite animal theme taking shape in this space). They only come in junior (and adult) sizes however, so it’ll be a little while yet before we bring this guy into use. In the meantime Thor’s got his moose from Urban Elk in Nørrebro.
Storage
3. Cell shelving from Bolia.dk. We lucked out (in that my to-do list before Thor came was that long and this was one of the few things I didn’t get to) and they ended up going on sale for a handsome 50% off for a handfull of days last month. We just picked them up this week together with a small dresser from the same line. You know what else this means? That’s right, I get to use my heavy-duty power drill to mount them to the wall. Yes!
Art & cuddly things
4. I couldn’t resist these graphic prints from Frankie magazine‘s 2012 calendar (ordered from Australia). Polar bear design by Nancy Mungcal and fox design by Donna Wiloon. There are works by Elisabeth Dunker of Fine Little Day included as well as some other great pieces – so there’s plenty to rotate with.
5. Owl by Franck and Fischer of Denmark. Ok I admit that I probably love this creature more than Thor will, but I am willing to share. They’re available at Louisiana Art Gallery or online.
In the hood. Coveting the city neighbourhood posters from Ork, the Vancouver version especially: Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, Yaletown, Stanley Park – but wait – where’s South Granville? Photo credit Ork Posters
Fresh ideas: A Garden in My Apartment (TED) Check out Britta Riley’s R & D-I-Y project: window farms & open source innovation.
For thought:
“You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” - Zig Ziglar
“You can’t do things that matter if you keep doing things that don’t.” - Courtney Carver
Regrets of the dying: When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Read Bonnie Ware’s article outlining the top 5
The making of Hero: an image composed entirely out of 3.2 million ink dots – Hero on Vimeo (video)
So with around 3 months to go before we get to say hello to this little (+) of ours, we’re starting to think of how we’re going to accommodate the addition of stuff that comes with someone so small – in what is currently a one room loft apartment. We’ll need to combine our 2 office spaces into one for a start – so that we can shift everything forward a notch to create a separate space where there can be peace and quiet for someone who’ll be needing it (the baby, not me… but let me get back to you on that one in six months). There’s no rush to get everything completed in one go, but anyone who knows me just a little bit knows a) of my not so secret love any excuse to re-decorate (note that only 2 of the 6 images above are even baby-related), and b) that my inner organizer couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t have some of it sorted out beforehand.
1. Headboard – Ikea Beistad. We might not get much sleep, but when we do – this is what I want to curl up in.
2. Vugge – 0-6 months. After that we’ll have to upgrade to a proper crib. Do they all have to look like baby-jails? There must be a very good reason for those rails that I’ve yet to understand. Photo credit PureBaby.dk
3. Room divider – 606 Universal shelving system. I love the way furniture that keeps the floor visible lends a room a greater sense of space. I’ve been eyeing this unit for a couple of years – now might be a good time to invest in it. Photo credit: LivingEtc 2008
4. Frames project – this really has nothing to do with the updates we’ll have to make. It’s more a self-reminder to finish the one we’ve got in progress in the living room.
5. Lighting – Some years back, on my first trip to Berlin, I found and (carefully) brought home a lamp similar to this Mooi Random Light. With the updates, we’ll finally have the right space to hang this in. Photo credit/ found at EyeSeePretty blog.
6. Change table Can someone tell me why almost all baby furniture is so ugly? There’s frilly hell or there’s Flintstones chunky. Why? Why? The only remotely tasteful ones I’ve seen are similar to this – which are proper pieces of furniture and not “baby” at all. Photo credit Nostalgi Interiør & Livstil
Oh and yes I know there will be all kinds of extra bits and pieces – but feed my minimalist’s denial a little longer and let me believe (at least for a little while) that this can all be tucked away somehow… Oh god I’m going to have a “can’t control the mess” meltdown at some point aren’t I.
25 Ways to Wear a Scarf: handy little video what with scarf season right around the corner (or if you live in Denmark – where it’s always scarf season)
Note to self: Life is too short to wear pinchy underwear.
Twitter quotes I loved this month:
“Nothing will cure you of excessive consumerism like excessive time in nature.” @guynameddave
“People may forget what we said, but never forget how we made them feel.” @paulocoelho
“Stop now for 1 min. Say a silent prayer of thanks for you life. Pain will pass. Joy will remain.” @paulocoelho
6 New favourites:
1. Blog – The Art of Nonconformity or follow Chris Guillebeau on Twitter @chrisguillebeau
2. Magazine – Whole Living.com
3. Aussie addiction – Frankie Magazine – been hooked since leafing through this little treasure at a super cool cafe/laundromat in Hobart, Tasmania. I subscribe to the digital version but look forward to the day they’ll ship the print version to DK). The writing – sharp, full of humour, vulnerable, edgy – is the deep down inspiring variety.
4. Coveting these gorgeously simple iPhone & Macbook cases from Byrd & Belle – Check out their Etsy Shop
5. And exactly what I don’t need right now (but can’t keep my paws away from) Swiss Miss’ Teux Deux to-do list (browser based) app that now synchs with a new iPhone app.
6. Ooo la la laaaaa… new reason to hop on the iPad bandwagon. Or well… inspiration to just go out and buy some regular old water colour paints. Sensu Brush.
American contemporary/ street artist Shepard Fairey (best known for his Barack Obama “Hope” poster) has been in Copenhagen recently working with the Obey team on 5 new pieces throughout the city. His latest graphic mural happens to be right outside our office at Nygårdsvej – and it was fantastic to follow their progress over the 2 days to the completed piece above.
I love this short film of Daniel and Valeria’s home in Ontario (by Pascal Perich for Etsy) – the way it plays like a series of photographs; every corner of their home so perfectly art directed to convey a sense of serenity – simple, minimal and calm.
Another gorgeous photographic style video – this one by French songstress Daphné – Portrait d’un vertige
On stories: “Some people think we’re made of flesh and blood and bones. Scientists say we’re made of atoms. But I think we are made of stories. When we die, that’s what people remember, the stories of our lives and the stories that we told. ” -Ruth Stotter
On jealousy: “Whenever you’re jealous, you think there’s not enough. Or that you’re not enough. And the only thing that’s not enough is your thinking.” Amen.
Spot on: “You don’t get any points for sticking it out.” – Seth Godin. So speak up or move on.
23 Things list: Time is the only real currency; happiness is contagious; you should ask questions; your day to day energy is directly related to the food you eat and the exercise you do; don’t get caught up in the destination and ignore the journey. 23 Things I’ve Learnt in 23 Years
Did I mention that I’m in love? Well I am. In love with Instagram and the moodiness it adds to regular old low-res iPhone photography. Like I need one more photography app to be addicted to.
It’s pretty tough to do anything but smile as you scroll through Neil Pasricha’s website – “1000 Awesome Things“. I’ve only just come across it now (where have I been??) via ever informative Ted.com, where he gives a sincere talk about why he started the list in the first place, and where it’s taken him (to first place at the Webby Awards and a book contract, among others). Here are some of my favourites:
#329 – Twisting the lid off a jar after nobody else could
#575 – When the guy with the full cart of groceries lets you go ahead because you’re only buying one thing
#581 – Looking at all the hair on the floor after you just got a haircut
#609 – Finding hidden compartments in things you already own
Check out Pasricha’s Ted talk “The Three A’s of Awesome” over at Ted.com, have a read through his website 1000 Awesome Things, or if you’re so inclined: buy The Book of Awesome. Whatever you do, see if you aren’t utterly inspired to start a little list of your own. I know I am:
// Strangers that smile back
// Scoring the end spot in the bicycle stand closest to the door when there are otherwise bikes parked as far as the eye can see (James Bond parking, if you will)
// When the last pair in stock are in your size
// Pealing off wet cycling clothes after spinning class (gross…. but awesome)
// Finding The Cure Disintigration Live Deluxe Addition on iTunes without even meaning to
// Unexpected upgrades (flights, hotel rooms, whatever woohoo!)
// Perfect light and you just happen to have your camera on hand
// Crossing out and checking off the last (ok any) item on the to-do list (I have a sickness for this, I know)
// That very first Champagne Brus (popcicle) of the summer season
In some (many) months from now we’ll build a room for Thor in our otherwise open NY style loft – consisting in large part of the elements we’ve collected here. I still love the way big change makes way for redecorating and sourcing new ideas. Maybe this is part of why I’ve moved so many times? No.. a little.. maybe.
Art & cuddly things
