Latest news with #Scandi-chic
Business Times
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Business Times
Danish delights
STARTING A NEW LIFE AS a couple invariably means setting up home together. And what better inspiration can you get than from Meik Wiking's My Hygge Home: How to Make Home Your Happy Place? The Danish concept of contentment and well-being is a source of comfort in a world filled with constant stimulation. If you're leaning towards Scandi-chic for your own happy home, get a head start with our curated list of design suggestions. Chant portable lamp Chant portable lamp. PHOTO: SPACE FURNITURE British designer Lee Broom's portable lighting fixture was inspired by architectural glass blocks ubiquitous in many buildings of the Modernist era. Produced in the United Kingdom at Broom's London factory, it is available in both frosted and clear glass; bases come in brushed gold, brushed silver or brushed bronze. The versatile, dimmable lamp can also be used outdoors. Available at Space Furniture. S$565 MK54 bookcase system MK54 bookcase system. PHOTO: DANISH DESIGN CO The sense of beauty from Mogens Koch's MK54 bookcase system stems from its extremely slim profile and intricate dovetail joints. Originally designed for Koch's home in 1928, the simple design is based on a module with six compartments. Fredericia Furniture has re-launched the system, continuing its ethos of celebrating Denmark's best designers of past decades. Available at Danish Design Co. From 1,272 euros (S$1,897) After chair After chair. PHOTO: W ATELIER The language of Fritz Hansen's After chair aligns with the minimal, geometric design language of its designer, London-based Cypriot designer Michael Anastassiades. It is based on the idea of stacking layers and parts, with the curved backrest resting lightly on four slim legs. The essence of the design lies in its joints, which are slightly offset to express each component. Available at W Atelier. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Price upon request Ridge sofa Ridge sofa. PHOTO: MADE & MAKE The Ridge sofa by Copenhagen-based Norm Architects (the architecture and design studio behind projects such as Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park in Tokyo and Audo Copenhagen in Denmark) has a low-slung profile and plush contours. Offering visual and visceral comfort, the sofa produced by Wendelbo rests on a subtle wooden base, and is available as a two or three-seater. Available at Made & Make. S$5,940 Hunting table Hunting table. PHOTO: XTRA Designed by Borge Mogensen, Carl Hansen & Son's Hunting table was first launched at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild furniture exhibition in 1950 and then relaunched in 2018. A larger version was introduced this year for bigger mealtime gatherings. Part of the Huntsman collection inspired by hunting lodges, it features a structure of brass supports and solid wood components. Available at Xtra. S$7,850 Drip sculptures Drip sculptures. PHOTO: ORIGIN MADE Helmed by Singaporean Gabriel Tan, Porto-based design brand Origin Made not only highlights its designers but also each design's makers. For example, the Drip sculptures are designed by Theophile de Bascher and handcrafted by Carlos Barbosa. The trio of maple wood sculptures are enigmatic objects of 'frozen' material, and can also be used as pedestals for fruit, jewellery and other small items. Available at 850 euros Dream View bench Dream View bench. PHOTO: XTRA Lise Vester's Dream View bench for Muuto was conceived as 'an invitation to pause and daydream for a moment', with a skyward-looking posture. The expressive seat's origins started at the seaside, with Vester mapping the natural curve of her own posture in the sand. Made from brushed stainless steel, it comes in two sizes to fit one or two persons side by side. Available at Xtra. Price upon request Ratio collection Ratio collection. PHOTO: FRAMACPH Frama's Ratio collection comprises a low console, a chest of drawers, trolley and side table. Like the name, their structure presents visual clarity and grounded proportions. Each has a 'floating' shelf at the top, giving the pieces a sense of lightness. Made of birch, they are designed by Ana Magalhaes Ilharco and Matilde Cortez de Lobao, who created the designs under the ilo furniture series. Available from From 745 euros Amanta sofa Amanta sofa. PHOTO: GRAFUNKT Illustrious Italian architect and designer Mario Bellini first designed the Amanta modular sofa in 1966 for C&B Italia (now B&B Italia). It blends inviting softness and industrial rationality, with removable cushions on a fibreglass structure. HAY has reissued a more sustainable version: the shell is now made from 99 per cent post-consumer ABS and cushions in 95 per cent bio-balanced foam. Available at Grafunkt. One seater from S$3,050 Cinnamon Gardens lamp Cinnamon Gardens lamp. PHOTO: MAISON AFFLUENCY Design studio Yabu Pushelberg's elegant aesthetic can be found in projects all over the globe, with one of the latest being Raffles Sentosa Singapore. The studio's Cinnamon Gardens floor lamp for Man of Parts recalls the artistic spirit of the 1940s and 1950s, as well as the artistic heritage of the Cinnamon Gardens district in Colombo, Sri Lanka, which inspired the sculptural lamp's name. Available from Maison Affluency. S$8,986
The Herald Scotland
14-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's coolest glamping pods with incredible beach & coastal views
Seapods, Aird Uig, Lewis This pair of clifftop pods – dubbed Air and Breeze – provide a bird's eye view over a dramatic seascape, located above a picture-postcard Hebridean cove where the mighty waves of the Atlantic come crashing in. You don't need to venture too far to enjoy a wildlife-spotting odyssey, with the area home to soaring eagles and playful seals, the latter often seen bobbing around in the bay. Each pod can sleep up to three and comes with a king-size bed, kitchen, en-suite shower room, bedding and towels, WiFi and TV. Tea, coffee and continental breakfast included. The nearby Lewis Longpod has space for up to six people. Dogs are welcome. Onich Hotel Beach Pods, Lochaber Nestled beside a pretty shingle beach on the shores of Loch Linnhe, these luxury pods – part of the Onich Hotel complex – offer spellbinding views of the water and mountains beyond. The wood-lined interiors exude a cosy, Scandi-chic vibe, with an impressive list of amenities that includes a bathroom with walk-in shower and a small kitchen with two-hob cooker, fridge, microwave and utensils. The pods are fully serviced by the hotel staff and come with bedding and fluffy towels. Although self-catering, guests can use the hotel facilities, such as the restaurant and bar. Pets permitted. READ MORE Door To The Shore, Pitullie, Aberdeenshire A pod with a view (Image: Seafront Cottages) As the name suggests, this glamping eco pod occupies a fabulous perch, a mere two metres (six feet) from the sea. Built using larch to resemble an upturned boat, it has underfloor heating, a wet room and kitchenette with microwave, kettle and toaster. Among its plethora of mod-cons are WiFi, a wireless phone charger and a TV. Situated in the fishing hamlet of Pitullie, less than three miles from Fraserburgh, the pod has an outdoor fire pit ideal for toasting marshmallows – or to simply stay toasty – while watching the dancing waves of the Moray Firth, stargazing or hunting the aurora borealis. The Snug at Logie Farm, Fife With a lofty position overlooking the tidal waters of the Tay, The Snug at Logie Farm comprises three uber-luxurious, pod-style abodes. It is a quiet, rural retreat that proffers an idyllic blend of pastoral landscapes and sweeping views towards the coast. The California and Camcase pods each sleep two, with the Selkie able to accommodate up to four people. All have private decking, a hot tub and a fire pit/barbecue. Amenities include WiFi, Bluetooth speakers, wireless charging, mood lighting and a smart TV with Netflix. The large, porthole-style windows frame a scenic vista which, as night falls, showcases the dual magic of the twinkling lights of Dundee across the river and a dusting of constellations in the skies above. West Beach Wagons, Hopeman, Moray The wagons are a stone's throw away from the beach (Image: West Beach) A twist on a traditional-style glamping pod, a trio of former goods wagons – each equipped with an en-suite shower, kitchen, double bed, heating and decking – sit a mere stone's throw from a gorgeous, dune-flanked sandy beach. The history behind them is rather charming. West Beach Caravan Park resides on the site of an erstwhile train station. The wagons were, at one time, used to transport fish out of Hopeman. The owners have named them Flukey, Guntac and Rock Coddie, quirky monikers drawn from local parlance for Moray Firth catch. Speaking of which, there is an excellent on-site eatery, the Bootleggers Bar & Grill, serving delicious cantina-style cuisine, including hearty seafood dishes. Susan Swarbrick is a columnist and freelance writer who loves history and the outdoors. Follow her on X @SusanSwarbrick and Bluesky @
Wales Online
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The hidden Gavin & Stacey room in Ikea Cardiff you've probably walked right past
The hidden Gavin & Stacey room in Ikea Cardiff you've probably walked right past Shoppers at Ikea Cardiff may not realise they're walking past Barry Island royalty Barry Island might be 14 miles away but Ikea Cardiff is hiding a little slice of the seaside among the flat-packs and meatballs – and fans of Gavin & Stacey are going to love it. In a store known for its maze-like layout and endless Scandi-chic showrooms it takes a keen eye to spot the occasional Easter egg hidden in plain sight. But thanks to Welsh TikToker Dheanasaur – who boasts nearly 900,000 followers –fans of the cult comedy have now been let in on a secret. Tucked away in section seven of the display rooms there's a bedroom completely dedicated to Nessa "Shanessa" Jenkins. IKEA Cardiff Introduces Gavin And Stacey-themed Room Leopard print walls? Check. A mirror scribbled with "What's occurin'?'" in red lipstick? Obviously. A black leather vest and knee-high boots hanging proudly like a shrine to Wales' most iconic bouncer? Absolutely. It's the kind of bold and brash setup that screams "Nessa lives here" and according to Dheanasaur, who documented the discovery in a now-viral TikTok, the room is stuffed with subtle (and not-so-subtle) nods to the beloved Barry legend. Article continues below The first clue - a black leather vest, hooked on a leopard print wall (Image: Dheanasaur ) The famous phrase said by the Welsh legend herself (Image: Dheanasaur ) Perched on top of the wardrobe fans will spot two playfully labelled storage boxes: one reading "Neil the baby old photos" and the other, "Smithy's sleepover stuff" – both references to key moments and relationships in the series. There's even a pinned photo of Barry Island – presumably a reminder of where Nessa's heart lies, should she ever get lost in Ikea's unforgiving loop of kitchens and bathrooms. The attention to detail doesn't stop there. Open the drawers and you'll find goalkeeping gloves (cheers Stace), Tic Tacs of every flavour, and Nessa's unmentionables stashed in the second drawer. The wardrobe itself? A masterclass in fierce fashion, from rhinestone-encrusted graphic tees to eclectically-patterned fits. The hilarious homage to the Gavin & Stacey character can be found in Ikea's Welsh store (Image: Dheanasaur ) Even the romantic Nessa gets a nod. A quote from the 2019 Christmas Special – the one where she finally bares her soul to Smithy – is printed on the wall, proving this room isn't just a gimmick but a love letter to the show. A present from Stacey to Nessa was found in the drawers (Image: Dheanasaur ) It's a totally unexpected homage that many shoppers likely walk straight past on their hunt for a Billy bookcase – but now you know there's no excuse. Article continues below
7NEWS
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Crocs latest collab with designer fashion label has taken shoppers by surprise
Just when you thought fashion had run out of surprises, along comes a collaboration that's part Scandi-chic, part unapologetic comfort and entirely covetable. Global footwear icon Crocs and beloved Finnish design house Marimekko have teamed up for the first time ever, and the result is a limited-edition collection that's guaranteed to spark joy (and probably start a few group chat debates). Dropping today, the Marimekko x Crocs collection is a playful, feel-good fusion of function and fashion. And yes, those are floral Crocs you're looking at. If you've ever secretly slipped into your Crocs for the school run or a quick coffee, now's the time to come clean and go full fashion with it. Marimekko's iconic Unikko print, a bold, blooming floral pattern born in the '60s and beloved by design lovers around the world, has been splashed across Crocs' most-loved silhouettes, including the Classic Clog and the ultra-popular Platform Clog. The collection also includes mini-me styles for kids, so you can match your little ones in the most adorable way possible. But the fun doesn't stop at your feet. To complete the look (and let's be honest, your weekend errands outfit), the brands have also dropped matching socks, a printed tote bag, marking Crocs' first ever foray into totes, and a charm pack of Marimekko x Crocs Jibbitz, perfect for customising your clogs with a little extra flair. 'This collaboration celebrates the joy and creativity at the heart of both brands,' says Rebekka Bay, Creative Director at Marimekko. And it shows. The collection feels like a wearable mood boost, combining Crocs' foot-hugging comfort with Marimekko's artistic flair. Crocs' VP of Global Marketing, Matias Infante, puts it best: 'Together, we're championing bold self-expression, comfort, and confidence.' Translation: you're about to see these on every cool girl at the farmers' market. Whether you're a diehard Marimekko collector, a Crocs convert, or just someone who likes their footwear with a side of fun, this is one drop you don't want to sleep on. Limited edition means limited quantities, and with pieces this cheerful and wearable, they're bound to fly off the shelves (and straight onto your feet).
The Guardian
30-03-2025
- The Guardian
Just the ticket: Europe's 10 best train station hotels for a first-class stay
You might think the location is the best thing about this hotel – slap bang next to María Zambrano station – the ideal starting point for a tour of Andalucía's trio of spectacular cities: Seville, Córdoba and Granada. But the roof terrace is an unexpected win, too, with a sleek outdoor pool, alfresco sofas and loungers for a post-sightseeing snooze, and a nice menu of cocktails and light bites. The real gem, though, is the totally unexpected slide that swooshes down from the first to the ground floor, giving the lobby a lovely sense of fun. Breakfasts are also from £144 room-only, The oldest railway hotel in London, the Great Northern, opened its doors in 1854, and was reborn some years ago as part of the Kings Cross redevelopment project. Just a stone's throw from St Pancras, it's perfect for a pre-Eurostar treat, with a range of rooms from compact couchettes in the style of a continental carriage, to airy Victorian-era rooms in gold and muted greens. The GNH Bar & Terrace offers alfresco aperitifs or cocktails in the moodily lit bar, while upstairs Rails offers a tempting menu of classic British dishes. Doubles from £291 room-only, Directly across the road from Madrid's Atocha station – the hub for exploring much of Spain by train – the Only You is a delight of a hotel. The ground floor is an open-plan bar and restaurant, called Trotamundos, with a show kitchen serving up poke bowls and Asian dishes. Rooms are light and airy with a clean, almost Scandi-chic feel, but the real bonus is the roof terrace, where you can take in expansive views across southern Madrid; the perfect spot for early evening cocktails and a plate of croquetas at the buzzy Sép7ima restaurant. Doubles from £187 room-only, Exploring Scotland by train is an adventure and the Grand Central makes an ideal base for a first night, housed in Glasgow's main station. Behind the imposing Victorian frontage, rooms are chic, fun and modern, with pops of colour and crisp, unfussy decor. No journey should begin without a glass of bubbles at Champagne Central, a swishly elegant bar that feels like stepping back into travel's golden age, with a nice line in 'wee' plates (everything from haggis bonbons to corn cakes with beetroot hummus) and sumptuous afternoon teas. Doubles from £144 room-only, Just two minutes from Milano Centrale, this is an ideal overnight stay whether you're on a multi-country itinerary or exploring Italy by rail. The Nyx has shaken up Milan's slightly staid hotel scene with live DJs and retro arcade games in the lobby, street art along the corridors and slick, comfortable bedrooms. The Clash Bar and Restaurant does a good line in cocktails and the 12th-floor roof terrace is a great spot to start the night. Doubles from £146 room-only, Within easy walking distance of Marienplatz, the Oktoberfest and the Isar river, the Aloft is also slap-bang next to Munich's central station, making it an ideal stopover for either a late arrival into the city, or an early start. Rooms are a touch corporate, but the hip, communal areas more than make up for them, with a tree-dotted outdoor terrace, live music events at the WXYZ bar and a 24-hour re:charge gym with cardio machines and free weights. Doubles from £98 room-only, Exploring the Scandi capitals by train – Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo are all linked by rail – is a great multi-city trip, and the Radisson Blu, set right next to Stockholm's central station, is super-convenient after a long day of travel. Head to the 17th-floor cocktail bar, HIGH, for sweeping views of the city, or to the restaurant, Stockholm Fisk, for the best locally caught seafood. Doubles from £124 room-only, The best-connected hotel in the city, Barceló Sants sits directly above the station. There's a fun, futuristic feel to the hotel, rather like staying on the set of a sci-fi movie, with oversized portraits of astronauts in the cavernous lobby, portholes with 'space views' in the neat white bedrooms and Eero Aarnio egg-style chairs dotted around the communal spaces. The two restaurants, Oxygen and Hydrogen, offer buffet dining and high-concept Heston-esque dishes respectively, while the Orbital bar keeps the space theme going. Doubles from £90 room-only, Begin a rail adventure in Portugal and Spain with a stay at this elegant hotel housed inside Santa Apolónia station, on the banks of the River Tagus. Rooms are spare but chic in a palette of muted blues, some with balconies overlooking the water. Dinner at Impulso has a glamorous vibe, with the long bar in the centre designed to feel like a restaurant car, and a menu of all the local produce and ingredients that arrive into Santa Apolónia by train. Doubles from £131 B&B, Situated just across the road from Belgium's hub for both Eurostar and high-speed Thalys trains, the Novotel is also within handy walking distance of all of the main sites in Brussels, including the Grand Place. This isn't a hotel for a romantic break, but the fuss-free rooms guarantee a good night's sleep, there's a pleasant outdoor terrace and the impressive buffet breakfast will set you up for the day, however long your journey. Doubles from £103 room-only,
