10 Interiors + Lifestyle Favorites For January
Happy New Years from me, Allan Torp, to you all. I'm back for 2018 here on decor8 with my once-monthly column highlighting 10 things I love that I hope are interesting to you too. Anyway... Good to be back.
I like NYE for its many great traditions, or at least our Danish traditions. For one, almost everyone meets early to watch the Queen’s live speech on TV at 6pm, one of the most cherished traditions among the Danes. Another one I really enjoy is that we all jump into the new year, meaning we all stand on a chair or the couch at the time of midnight and when the big city clock (broadcasted live on TV) chimes we all jump to land on the floor and then we sing the national song.
New Year also calls for reflections, not only the year that was, but also what we want to get out of 2018. Have you made yours already? I always make sure that I have a few points that I know will come true and also have a few dream scenarios that I would like to see come true, something that with a bit of hard and clever work will come true.
I will leave you with my 10 favorites – jump to no. 5, hit play and then go through the rest of the list as the song plays. It’s so addictive.
Photo styled by Sundling/Kickén and photographed by Emily Laye
1 // Furniture:
Quality handcrafted furniture is going to be even bigger this coming year. We are finally leaving the buy and get rid off era for good – also when it comes to interiors. Surrounding yourself with long-lasting pieces will only make you happier. One of my biggest crushes right now is Swedish furniture and accessories studio Smålands Skinnmanufaktur, who craft pristine, handmade pieces to die for. They manufacture all pieces themselves with materials such as leather from the world's only environmentally-certified tanner, Tärnsjö Garveri, in combination with beautiful lacquered ash. Their trolley (shown above) is one of my favorites. What do you think of it?
2 // Art
I have been enjoying the works of Danish-based BYC Studio for quite a while and I am also lucky enough to have a few of his pieces in my own home. His geometric mid-century masculine vibe really speaks to me and my aesthetics. He recently collaborated with Danish Brdr. Pedersen, whom I also have shown you guys in my November column, which really showcases both brands perfectly.
3 // Decorate:
The spirit that was created by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen during the first twenty-five years of Bang & Olufsen’s life has survived until now. The issue with Bang & Olufsen products are, for most, that they do not come cheap. Their obstinate stance to keep producing super overpriced design products where the technology really didn’t keep up with their competitors, almost meant the death of B&O.
Luckily, they came to their senses and have finally begun to produce Bang & Olufsen products where design and technology are on point – like their BeoSound Wireless Speaker System.
Just released is the limited edition green version (shown above in my home), not environmentally green, but just green as in the color -- a color that really takes the speaker system to new heights, inspired by nature that makes perfect harmony with the décor of 2018.
4 // Sleep:
Just after Christmas I visited friends in London, and had booked a night at the Hoxton Holborn. I have been following their Instagram account for a while and really wanted to experience it myself. The location is perfect, just a 5 minute walk from Covent Garden and on the tube line going directly to Heathrow. The vibe is phenomenal and I am not sure I’ve ever experienced a livelier lobby before. It seems like locals just drop by to hang out, drink coffee and work on their laptops throughout the day, which I really enjoyed. Nothing worse than a generic and dead hotel. My room was not the biggest, but they had really made the most of it and a huge round mirror made it seem bigger. The oldest trick in the décor handbook. Book on your next trip to London.
“‘Float is about feeling responsible for damaging a fragile person. The video is a disorienting but beautiful piece that shows someone left alone in a cold, harsh environment, while I’m kinda dwelling within my conscience. My mind grows increasingly clouded the more i think about her. I think it really captures the distance and confusion of a first heartbreak.’ ”
6 // Groom:
I have been washing my face with Myego’s face wash, ten to seven, for the past month. A product that is all free from bad ingredients and just perfect for the guy who wants well-kept skin without spending a fortune. Extra bonus: it comes in perfect travel size container with smart lock closing, so you don’t end up with a toiletry bag full of face wash and lotion.
I’ve also been enjoying the newest Le Labo eau de parfum, Another 13, which until recently was exclusively sold in Colette, but with them closing their doors for good, is now available worldwide. It’s composed of ambroxan, a synthetic animal musk, making Another 13 an addictive dirty potion blended with twelve other ingredients such as jasmine, moss and ambrette seeds absolute - which gives it spike and shine.
Finally, I am showing you guys the shower essentials at Hoxton hotel in Holborn, London, (photo above) which is nicely illustrated by London-based Toby Triumph – and can currently only be purchased at the reception shop at the hotel.
7 // Read:
Written by the authors of Oak the Nordic Journal, The Red Thread is a compendium of more than 200 objects of Nordic design. Every classic you can think of from Marimekko, Iittala, and Fritz Hansen, and objects such as the blue and white Royal Copenhagen porcelain and the most recognizable pair of scissors, the orange Fiskars, are all born out of the Nordic countries and can be found in this book.
8 // Eat:
I recommend this restaurant solely because I love their name, Elske, which means love in Danish. It is based in Chicago and named one of the best new restaurants opened in the US in 2017, so it must be good right. I certainly would “elske” to jump into the 8-course menu at $85. Anyone want to join me?
9 // Shop:
A favorite among many Scandinavian interior bloggers and stylists, Gothenburg-based shop Artilleriet and their sister shop next door, Artilleriet Kitchen, is full of one-of-a-kind finds and many other great décor products. Holly just went there back in September with the West Sweden tourism board so she'll tell you all about it soon on decor8. Remember to check out their sample sale section online where you can with a bit of luck make some very good bargains.
10 // One last thing:
Pantone announced the color of the year. Ultra Violet. I am not sure what to think, I am pretty sure I won't be filling my home with a violet color palate anytime soon. What do you think? Hmmmmm......
See you next month, everyone! - Allan
(Text: Allan Torp)
[Editor's Note: Le Labo, Myego and Bang & Olufsen are gifted as part of reviewing for this column in partnership between Allan Torp and the brands. This review is provided by Allan Torp for decor8, any collaborations are his own. All words and opinions are his own.]
