Delicious Danish Design Duo

Get ready for a Danish Double treat!

I absolutely adore the work of the Danish design duo, Tools, consisting of the perfect double act, Claus Jensen and Henrik Holbæk. It seems that no matter what the pair put theirs hands on, they transform it into a beautiful success. One only has to look to their Eva Solo series for proof of this.

With the launch of their latest design brand, Normade, the two designers are successfully making the most of the Scandinavian design wave that is slowly and steadily spreading across the world at the moment.

According to Claus and Henrik, the philosophy behind Normade was to create designs that are appealing in their own right whilst being functional - but without any unnecessary detail. The objects are made in sizes that allow them to be easily moved around. This way the user always has them where they are needed and they can be used and enjoyed easily. Moreover it is important that the objects are functional. In other words, these guys are yet another example of designers who are managing to design unpretentious affordable designs without compromising on the quality. Love it!

In addition, the two say that it is important to them that every design feature has a purpose. For example, they do not put a handle on a chair primarily because it looks good; rather it is there because it is functional.

This way of creating furniture, is a return to a time when objects were designed to last and with a purpose in mind. Sadly so many functional objects today are designed to only last for a limit period. Thus, the Normade products are not only beautiful but also sustainable designs which do not try to be anything other than what they are. Beautiful functional objects!

Well done, boys! SkandiHus salutes you.

Coffee Lovers Unite

True to my love of the use of natural materials in art and design, I recently fell in love with Kählers new coffee brewer, Barista.

The design is so fresh and Scandinavian. Allegedly it makes unparalleled great tasting coffee as well but as I haven't tasted it yet, I can't vouch for this. I hope it is true though as I can all too easily imagine myself sitting in the morning sunshine drinking great coffee out of something this aesthetically pleasing.

The cups are made of porcelain and you can buy a set of 4 together with a lush natural wooden stand. However, to be honest, I might just buy one cup so that I can selfishly enjoy it on my own. The only problem with that would, of course, be the fact that the Barista comes in three (wonderfully nordic) shades and I am not sure that I'd be able to choose just one...

The designer behind the little coffee beauty is Michael Geertsen who graduated from the Danish Design School in 1993. His inspirational designs and high artistic quality has made his art known throughout the world.

He states that he finds inspiration in the meeting between function and sculpture – and his work draws a clear line back to classic ceramics, but shapes and colours are used in such a way that tries to challenge the observer. I would say that he succeeds in this. Just look at this great red sculpture as an example:

Michael recently exhibited some of his works at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London with his installation: A DIALOGUE WITH HISTORY.

Michael described it as “an explosion of mixed works, which take on some of the highlights of our civilisation”.  He further explained that he took inspiration from Greek vases which is really apt as the Victoria and Albert Museum has one of the largest collections of ceramics in the world. The ceramic collection spans almost the entire development of our civilisation.

Michael Geertsen says that he hopes that when people see his designs they will go: “Wow, I really like the idea behind that – and it is beautiful as well – I must have it”. Well, Michael, you certainly succeeded in making me feel like that. I am pretty sure that I MUST add your lovely little coffee brewer to my growing collection of kitchen ceramics.

Thank you!