Category Archives: Design

The CH24 Wishbone chair production: A Peek Inside the Carl Hansen & Søn Factory

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Last month I traveled to Denmark to visit the Carl Hansen & Søn factory in Gelsted, Denmark. Throughout the years, the brand has had a strong focus on preserving Danish design classics to gather the best, most iconic modern furniture designs under one roof.

What makes their iconic furniture pieces truly unique is the craftsmanship with which they are created. Each piece of furniture requires hours of handcraft before it leaves the factory.

The factory is one of the most modern furniture production facilities in Northern Europe, with a focus on craftsmanship and sustainability. It has 550 employees and the level of skills that go into the production of the furniture pieces is something I was so impressed by.

During my visit, I was able to take a closer look at the production process of the CH24 Wishbone chair, a true Danish Design icon made by Hans J. Wegner in 1950 and still today one of the most recognizable chair designs out there.

The pre-assembled parts of the CH24 Wishbone chair

The Apprentice workshop: forming the Future of Craftsmanship

Since quality craftsmanship is the foundation of Carl Hansen & Søn, training more cabinet makers and craftsmen is of the utmost importance to the brand. With the brand’s apprentice workshop, they can meet growing demands and preserve the craftsmanship in Denmark.

The apprenticeship training takes almost 4 years, combining periods in the apprentice workshop, at technical college, and in production. Their first project is a toolbox for their woodworking tools, which is made with a handsaw and traditional supplies. They learn to make different kinds of joints, such as finger and dovetail joints, sanding methods, cut-outs, weaving, and many more machine and hand skills.

The apprentices also learn how to make fixtures for internal use, and how to restore vintage furniture and create commissioned pieces. The combination of these tasks provides them with a versatile skill set.

The apprentices are trained to work with projects that they have to manage from start to finish. They thereby gain an in-depth understanding of the possibilities and challenges of the cabinetmaking trade.

FSC-certified wood: the most important Source Material

Almost the entire collection of Danish design classics is manufactured in the Gelsted factory, except the outdoor collection, which is produced in the Carl Hansen & Søn factory in Vietnam.

The sawmills that provide the source material for the factory have long-lasting relationships with the brand and some supply the factory with the best quality wood since the 1950s. Only the best quality from the inner parts of the trunks are used and all the wood is FSC-certified.

The brand calculates how much wood will be needed for the next year and sawmills from different locations supply the raw materials. Oak wood is typically sourced within the EU, Beechwood within Denmark, and walnut from the US.

The  responsibly sourced wood from sawmills inside the Carl Hansen & Søn factory in Gelsted, Denmark

The production process of the Wishbone chair

I have talked about the CH24 Wishbone chair designed by Hans J. Wegner and its place inside many modern and classic interiors before and it was such a treat to be able to take a peek behind the scenes and see how they craft their iconic design pieces.

The CH24 wishbone chair has the iconic Y-shaped back and a woven paper cord seat, which has become a famous design icon that has been in continuous production ever since it was brought onto the market in 1950.

The paper cord seat alone takes a skilled craftsman 1 hour to complete and that’s only the last step in the production process to create this truly iconic piece.

The pre-assembled parts of the CH24 Wishbone chair

Production and sanding of the pieces

The iconic form of the chair involves the production of 14 different parts, including a steam-bent top and the paper cord seat. Each of the parts is sanded during the manufacturing process and inspected thoroughly by skilled craftsmen.

We were able to try out sanding the authentic wishbone chair parts and it is so much more difficult than it looks.

Assembly of the Wishbone Chair or Y-chair

After sanding down the pieces, they are assembled the traditional way using only glue and no screws. Some of the chairs from the Carl Hansen & Søn collection take 20 minutes to assemble, and some take 5 hours, depending on the complexity.

The skilled craftsman uses a variety of different tools to assemble the Wishbone chair and at the end, the CH24 chair is placed underneath blue light to check for any glue residue, as this will show as a dark spot after oiling.

Each chair is stamped with an employee number so that on the rare occasion a chair comes back to the factory with a mistake, the same employee can fix the piece and learn from their mistake.

The pre-assembled parts of the CH24 Wishbone chair get assembled by skilled craftsmen

Applying the paper cord seat

The last step of the production of the Wishbone chairs, after oiling or painting, is the weaving of the iconic natural paper cord seat. 150m of paper cord goes into the seat of one chair and it takes about 1 hour to weave the Wishbone chair, while other more complex pieces like the Faaborg Chair might take up to 1,5 days to complete.

To avoid having to pull through 150m of chord every time, each of the paper chord pieces is 7m long and a knot is tied that can be hidden and will never loosen.

Carl Hansen & Søns commitment to sustainability

Apart from sourcing wood from responsibly managed forests and the fact that their iconic pieces are made to last a lifetime, the factory reuses wastewater in the factory and makes sure every bit of wood is reused in some way.

Smaller wood pieces left after manufacturing the furniture pieces are made into an accessory line specially designed for this purpose, but even the smallest wood shavings don’t get discarded.

The brand repurposes the little scrap that remains as fuel in a district heating plant that provides warmth to more than 400 local homes in Gelsted.

The finished CH24 Wishbone chair inside the Carl Hansen & Søn factory in Gelsted, Denmark

Ad – I was invited on a press trip by Carl Hansen & Søn

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CH004 Nesting tables: Hans Wegners’ design for flexible interiors

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Nesting tables are such a versatile element for any interior, as you can easily re-arrange them to your needs. I live in a relatively small city apartment, which makes me on the lookout for the best space-saving storage solutions, or flexible furniture pieces to possibly optimize my interior and make the most out of a small surface.

My living room is quite narrow, which makes it a challenge to fit a large coffee table and I find myself switching around a lounge chair or a pouf depending on whether I have guests over or am getting ready for an evening watching my favorite series.

I recently got to try out the CH004 nesting tables designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1952, which offer a flexible combination of coffee and side tables, which can be used in any interior and I love the way you can combine them together or use them individually depending on your needs.

The CH004 nesting tables in soaped oak designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1952 for Carl Hansen & Søn

CH004 nesting tables produced by Carl Hansen & Søn

The CH004 nesting tables have a recognizable, classic Wegner minimalism ranging from the round, tapered legs, and classic mortise joints to the subtle curves for an organic and timeless appearance. Since the tables are so light and space-optimized, they are perfect for any interior.

The three different-size tables fit into each other smoothly and you can arrange them in many different ways. When I have guests over, I like to use two or three and make a little styling arrangement on them. When I use a pouf when watching TV, however, I like to just have one of them as a small coffee table and use the other two as a side table for a lamp.

Wegner’s Nesting tables have an air of lightness about them that makes it easy to reorganize them and create smaller zones within a room. For someone that likes to style and re-style so often, these are such a great solution.

Designed in 1952, the CH004 nesting tables are still relevant today

With the increased need for flexible interior solutions in the 1950s, nesting tables became popular and were in high demand. Hans J. Wegners’ designs can be recognized for their simplicity and functionality and his design of the nesting tables is no exception. Just like the rest of his design legacy, the nesting tables enhance any room through their harmonious and aesthetic dimensions and materials.

Today, the need for flexible and adaptable furniture solutions is more relevant than ever, making Wegners’ timeless nesting tables a perfect design classic for modern interiors.

Hans Wegner’s design legacy

Hans Wegner, the designer of the iconic Wishbone chair which has been in continuous production ever since it was brought to life in 1950, is considered one the most creative, innovative, and prolific Danish furniture designers. Wegner has created more than 500 chairs over his lifetime for which he earned the name ‘master of the chair’.

The Wehner legacy shows the inner soul of furniture pieces through a simple and functional interior, which is a recognizable element on the beautiful nesting tables as well.

Different material variations of the CH004 nesting tables

I picked out the nesting tables in soaped oak, which have a very light appearance and I love the way they stand out against the warm tones of the herringbone flooring in my apartment. The iconic design is available in natural oak (which Abi featured in her home), walnut, or an oak and walnut mix as well, which makes them truly adaptable to any interior.

*This blog post was written in collaboration with Carl Hansen & Son, however as always, my opinions are my own.

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The Wishbone Chair: 29 inspiring dining rooms with the iconic design chair

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The iconic CH24 Wishbone Chair was designed by Hans Wegner in 1949. It was the first model Wegner designed exclusively for Carl Hansen & Son and it has been in continuous production ever since it was introduced in 1950.

The combination of the back-and armrest into a single piece lends the chair its organic functionalism. To stabilize the steam-bent top and ensure comfortable support, Hans Wegner added the characteristic Y-shaped back, hence its name Wishbone Chair (also referred to as CH24 chair or sometimes y-chair).

Over time, the Wishbone Chair has gained recognition as the ideal chair, capturing the essence of modern Danish design. Its many material variations have found their place in many dining rooms all over the world. I you are thinking about purchasing this timeless classic, I have listed my favorite dining room inspiration with the CH24 chair below.

  • Oak Wishbone Chairs in a beautiful kitchen dining room setting with beige marble details
  • Oak Wishbone Chairs in a beautiful kitchen dining room setting with beige marble details

via Behrer & Partners

The production process

The manufacturing of each Wishbone chair takes more than 100 steps, most of which are constructed by hand. The hand-woven paper cord seat alone takes a skilled craftsman at Carl Hansen & Son about an hour to create, using approximately 120 meters of paper cord.

This process ensures impressive durability, and stability that make the chair both strong and long-lasting. The built quality paired with its timeless design aesthetics and a distinctive, elegant form, more than allow the Wishbone Chair to stand the test of time.

Wishbone chairs in colored or solid wood variations

Wegner’s iconic design comes in various solid wood variations, each accentuating and highlighting the tapered legs and curved back in their own distinct way.

The Wishbone Chair is available in different wood variations ranging from beech, ash, walnut, and oak, to a teak version recently re-released. You can even buy a seat cushion to add on top of the paper cord seat.

Next to the solid wood versions, Carl Hansen & Son releases the Wishbone Chair in a variety of limited edition colorways and a few lacquered staple colors in their collection.

Wegner wishbone chair in oak

Wood Wishbone Chairs are very popular and it’s the material version you see most in the inspiring home tours I feature here on the blog. The oak Wishbone Chair has a natural appearance that looks great in a Scandinavian interior and the oak wood has a very subtle contrast with the paper cord seat.

The Wishbone Chairs in oak combined with the elegant Saarinen Tulip dining table in this elegant shaker kitchen are the finishing touch in this interior to me. I love the way you can observe the Wishbone Chair and its y-back from different angles at all times, because of the way they are arranged. A true tribute to Hans Wegner’s design.

White shaker-style kitchen cabinets, stainless steel stove and hood, upper cabinets, wine cooler, round marble dining table, CH24 wishbone chairs

via Bjurfors

The natural wood tone in these oak Wishbone chairs adds a warm element to this interior style with a desaturated color palette.

  • A white dining room with  Wishbone Chairs around a white dining table
  • A white dining room with  Wishbone Chairs around a white dining table
  • A white dining room with  Wishbone Chairs around a white dining table

via Alexander White

The natural oak tone in the CH24-chairs around this simple white table pairs nicely with the light oak of the herringbone hardwood flooring. The rest of the kitchen design has been decorated in white, black, and grey, making the natural oak wood stand out in a lovely way.

  • white kitchen cabinets, chrome hardware, marble countertops, marble backsplash, white floating shelf, round dining table with wood CH24 wishbone chairs
  • A white kitchen with oak Wishbone Chairs around a small white dining table

via Alvhem

Hans Wegner’s dining chair is one of the few iconic design classics I can imagine in such a majestic turn-of-the-century dining room with curved walls and impressive wainscoting. The Wishbone Chairs enhance the look around this unique marble oval table.

A turn-of-the-century dining room with a marble oval table and Hans Wegners' Wishbone Chair in oak

Styled by  Sundling & Kickén, photography by Kristofer Johnson for InMyCorner

When you have a classic kitchen design that can remain in your home for years, you don’t want to worry about your dining chairs going out of style. The timeless oak of the Wishbone Chairs is a few tints warmer than the white-soaped hardwood flooring, making them stand out in a stunning way.

  • Antique white kitchen cabinets and black granite countertops with Wishbone Chairs around the table
  • A simple white kitchen dining area with Wishbone Chairs in oak
  • A simple white kitchen dining area with Wishbone Chairs in oak

via Alvhem

This impressive dining room with black walls and impressive crown molding on the white ceilings includes a large oiled wood dining table, paired up with three oak Wishbone Chairs on each side of the table.

  • A dining room with black walls and oak Wishbone Chairs around the impressive dining table
  • A dining room with black walls and oak Wishbone Chairs around the impressive dining table
  • A dining room with black walls and oak Wishbone Chairs around the impressive dining table
  • A dining room with black walls and oak Wishbone Chairs around the impressive dining table
  • A dining room with black walls and oak Wishbone Chairs around the impressive dining table

Styled by Gabriella Fabien for Entrance Makleri

The natural oak tones in the CH24 chairs and herringbone flooring balance out the rich color palette in this unique kitchen with pink cabinets.

A pink shaker kitchen combined with dark red details and grey walls and oak Wishbone chairs around the table

via Historiska Hem

The natural oak on the Wishbone Chairs in combination with the dark vintage wood tone on the table and the natural texture of the rug makes for a beautiful variation in the furniture, that adds an interesting texture to the interior.

  • Oak Wishbone chairs combined with a vintage dining table
  • Oak Wishbone chairs combined with a vintage dining table

Photographed by Jonas Berg for Entrance Makleri

The next six examples showcase the powerful minimalism the CH24 chairs in oak can add to a space when combined in a minimal interior setting. Combine the chair with white, grey, or lighter wood tones to make its distinct style and iconic lines stand out in your interior in a minimal, yet powerful way.

Oak Wishbone chairs in a white dining area

via Sjöman Frisk

  • A white dining room with  Wishbone Chairs around a white dining table
  • A white dining room with  Wishbone Chairs around a white dining table
  • A white dining room with  Wishbone Chairs around a white dining table
  • A white dining room with  Wishbone Chairs around a white dining table

via Stadshem

  • Oak Wishbone chairs in a white kitchen dining area
  • Oak Wishbone chairs in a white kitchen dining area
  • Oak Wishbone chairs in a white kitchen dining area

via Fantastic Frank

  • Oak Wishbone chairs in a white kitchen dining area
  • Oak Wishbone chairs in a white kitchen dining area

via Entrance Makleri

Oak Wishbone chairs in a dining room with dark floors and a small black dining table

via Alvhem

A grey dining room with oak Wishbone Chairs and white-soaped hardwood flooring

via Alvhem

Beech wishbone chair

While the contrast between the oak wood wishbone chair and the paper cord seat is stronger, in the beech or ash wood chairs, the color palette is more uniform and subtle.

While an arrangement of Wishbone Chairs can be very impressive around a large dining table, they fit perfectly around a small dining space as well. The beech CH24 chairs are combined with the round dining table and the soft pink tone on the walls.

  • Beech wood Wishbone Chairs in a dining room with pink walls
  • Beech wood Wishbone Chairs in a dining room with pink walls

Styled by Gärde, photographed by Borgelin via Historiska Hem

Six beech wood wishbone chairs around a large dining table in a living kitchen with a green vintage filing cabinet.

Beech wood Wishbone Chairs in a beige kitchen with a green vintge filing cabinet

via Alvhem

A set of 4 beechwood wishbone chairs around a round white dining table in a light beige, greige, and white interior setting.

  • Beech wood Wishbone Chairs in a beige dining room around a round table
  • Beech wood Wishbone Chairs in a beige dining room around a round table

via Alvhem

The beech wood Wishbone Chairs in this beautiful turn-of-the-century dining room setting blend in nicely with the material of the tabletop and the light tone on the herringbone hardwood flooring. The paper cord seat of the chair stands out in a subtle way against the black legs.

  • Beech Wishbone chairs in a minimal dining room setting with white walls
  • Beech Wishbone chairs in a minimal dining room setting with white walls

via Skandia Maklarna

Lacquered black Wishbone Chairs

While the ash, beech, and oak CH24 chair tends to blend into an interior in a subtle way, a black Wishbone Chair really stands out in a light palette interior, and the clean black lines of the Wegner design form an elegant silhouette in the space.

The black Wishbone Chairs with a black woven seat pop out of this stylish dining room interior with beige walls, a light beige area rug, and an ash dining table.

  • All-black Wishbone chairs in a turn-of-the-century dining room with beige walls and bright red accessories
  • All-black Wishbone chairs in a turn-of-the-century dining room with beige walls and bright red accessories
  • All-black Wishbone chairs in a turn-of-the-century dining room with beige walls and bright red accessories

via Alvhem

The black Wishbone chairs in this living kitchen add a lovely element of contrast against the green kitchen cabinets in the space and the durable paper cord seat really stands out against the black frame of the chair.

  • Black Wishbone Chairs with a natural seat in a living kitchen with light greige walls and green kitchen cabinets
  • Black Wishbone Chairs with a natural seat in a living kitchen with light greige walls and green kitchen cabinets
  • Black Wishbone Chairs with a natural seat in a living kitchen with light greige walls and green kitchen cabinets
  • Black Wishbone Chairs with a natural seat in a living kitchen with light greige walls and green kitchen cabinets

Styled by Linnéa H. Manaberi and Emma Fischer, photographed by Fredrik J Karlsson for Alvhem

The antique white oval table in this dining room is enhanced with all-black CH24 chairs with a black seat that take up all the attention against the backdrop of the white walls and the light hardwood floors.

  • Black Wishbone Chairs in a white dining room setting
  • Black Wishbone Chairs in a white dining room setting
  • Black Wishbone Chairs in a white dining room setting

via Alvhem

The combination of the natural seat with the black frame works in a modest, yet contrasting way in this kitchen dining area with exposed brick walls.

  • A kitchen dining area with an exposed brick wall and black Wishbone chairs with a natural chord seat
  • A kitchen dining area with an exposed brick wall and black Wishbone chairs with a natural chord seat

via Alvhem

The beautiful vintage wood table is paired with timeless black Wishbone Chairs, combining modern design, iconic masterpieces from 1950, and a characterful antique piece.

  • Black Wishbone chairs around a vintage dining table
  • Black Wishbone chairs around a vintage dining table
  • Black Wishbone chairs around a vintage dining table

Styled by Linnéa H. Manaberi and Annica Clarmell, photographed by Henrik Linden for Alvhem

Walnut Wishbone Chairs

This gorgeous dining room with an impressive bookcase features walnut Wishbone chairs in combination with many other unique and vintage furniture pieces for a unique and one-of-a-kind interior design.

The impressive standing mirror reflects the space in a majestic way and makes it appear even bigger.

  • A dining room with an impressive book shelf, CH24 wishbone chairs
  • A dining room with an impressive book shelf, CH24 wishbone chairs
  • A dining room with an impressive book shelf, CH24 wishbone chairs

via Sjoman Frisk

The walnut Wishbone Chairs get all the attention in this minimal dining room space with limewash walls and subtle hardwood flooring.

  • Walnut Wishbone chairs in a minimal dining room setting with limewash walls
  • Walnut Wishbone chairs in a minimal dining room setting with limewash walls
  • Walnut Wishbone chairs in a minimal dining room setting with limewash walls

by Ibiza Interiors

With a seat cushion

Carl Hansen & Son also stocks a fabric or leather seat cushion, which can be added on top of the paper cord seat for extra comfort. The walnut Wishbone Chairs in this cozy dining room setting with greige walls are enhanced with a black leather seat cushion to match the black marble and the black pendants in the space.

  • Walnut Wishbone chairs with a black leather seat cushion around a black marble dining table
  • Walnut Wishbone chairs with a black leather seat cushion around a black marble dining table

via Fantastic Frank

Colored Wishbone chairs

Even though Hans Wegner designed the first Wishbone Chair in wood, over time, Carl Hansen & Son released a few color swatches to the collection as well. Some are limited and some are always available.

The white elements present in the window seat of this apartment are carried over to a single white Wishbone chair around the table, paired up with three blue Wishbone Chairs that add a beautiful cool tone against the grey walls.

Styled by Grey Deco, photographed by Anders Bergstedt for Entrance Makleri

Smoked oak Wishbone chairs in a butter yellow shaker kitchen

The beautiful smoked oak countertop on the kitchen island in this gorgeous shaker kitchen comes back in the dining chairs around the vintage round dining table. The lightweight design of the chairs contrasts nicely with the classic appearance of the kitchen design itself. A perfect mixture of styles.

A butter yellow shaker kitchen with smoked oak Wishbone Chairs around a vintage round table

via Devol Kitchens

*This blog post was written in collaboration with Carl Hansen & Son, however as always, my opinions are my own.

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Tried and tested: A review of the Moccamaster KBG Select coffee maker

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After thinking about it for the longest time, I finally took the plunge and decided to invest in the Moccamaster KBG Select coffee maker. Filter coffee has always been my preferred brewing process and I had been making manual drip coffee for years, so I knew I wanted to invest in a drip coffee maker rather than an espresso machine.

For me personally, aesthetics are very important, especially for electronics that you leave out on the counter, so to sum things up, I’m really happy with the Moccamaster coffee maker and would gladly pay a little more to have a machine that makes a great cup of coffee and is a looker at the same time.

Moccamaster KBG Select in matt black

Moccamaster KBG Select in matt black

Manual vs automatic drip coffee makers

The reason I took so long to finally buy the Moccamaster (or any other drip coffee machine for that matter) was because of the countertop space I undoubtedly had to give up in exchange for the ease of having a fresh cup of coffee with the push of a button.

While I had been refining my manual pour-over coffee techniques the best I could and even loved taking time over the weekends to heat the water to the perfect temperature and slowly sprinkle the water over the coffee grounds to achieve the perfect coffee bloom, during weekdays things just have to go quick sometimes and I would dread having to take the time.

While the Moccamaster is still relatively small in size compared to other coffee makers, it does take up considerable space on my countertop, there is no way around it. But it’s counter space I gladly gave up to have freshly brewed coffee in an instant in the morning.

An aesthetically pleasing retro design

One of the reasons the Moccamaster KBG had caught my eye is because of its beautiful retro design, available in a wide range of colors. Being a fan of a rather minimal and toned-down interior I went for the matt black version, which looks both elegant and high-end. Since the plastic components on the coffee maker are always black (also in the color and white versions), I think the black or matt black version has the most elegant and balanced look.

Moccamaster KBG Select in matt black

Built quality of the Moccamaster coffee machines

While the matt black on the base of the drip coffee maker looks super nice and enhances the retro design of the Moccamaster, I was initially a bit disappointed with the many plastic components: the water tank, brew basket, and lids are made of black plastic. It also makes them easy to clean and lightweight though so I’m not currently bothered by it and would buy the product again after knowing this. I also read that the plastics used are food-safe and BPA, BPS, BPF, and phthalate-free, so that’s great.

The Moccaster came delivered with one rubber foot shorter than the others, which I fixed with a felt sticker (you can even see it in some of the pictures). I’m sure I could have sent the coffee brewer back and gotten it replaced, but I didn’t consider it necessary for something I could easily fix myself.

Quality of the coffee made by the Moccamaster

I feel a bit reluctant to give a review here, as I am far from a coffee connoisseur. However, I can share a comparison of the quality of the coffee with my hand-pour-over set and with the Moccamaster coffee machine.

The quality of the coffee made with the Moccamaster is as good as the best coffee quality I was able to achieve by hand, which is exactly what I was looking for and with so much less hassle. Coffee quality depends highly on the quality of the beans you buy of course and I freshly grind my coffee beans before I brew the coffee, which in my opinion makes a huge difference.

If you don’t want to take my word for it though, the Moccamaster is certified by the specialty coffee association and the European Coffee Brewing Center after extensive quality control.

Moccamaster KBG Select in matt black

Moccamaster KBG Select in matt black

Subtle functionalities I appreciate about the Moccamaster coffee brewers

Other than turning fresh ground coffee beans into delicious filter coffee, which is the obvious functionality you would expect from the machine, there are some more subtle benefits I really appreciate about the machine.

A setting for a full or half a pot of coffee

During the week I drink coffee alone, and even though I think I drink quite a bit of coffee, I still only need half of the glass carafe. When I’m having people over though I easily need a full pot. The Moccamaster KBG Select has a smart button that you can set depending on how much coffee you need and both of the settings ensure the best quality coffee.

The hot plate switches off after 40min

While I like the fact that I can keep my coffee warm when needed, I don’t want the heating element to just consume energy when it’s not necessary (i.e. when I forget to turn it off), all while still enjoying my coffee hot. The KGB Select automatically turns off after 40 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about that.

If you want to keep your coffee hot for longer, you can always go for the Moccamaster KBGT, which has a stainless steel thermal carafe.

A great drip-stop

Compared to many coffee makers I have used in the past, the KGB Select has a great drip stop so that you don’t have to worry about taking out the carafe too early. While I don’t take it out while the machine is still actively brewing, it’s safe to pour a cup when there is still some water in the brew basket.

Conclusion

To me, the Moccamaster is the perfect coffee machine for the design conscious as the elegant retro design looks great on your kitchen counter. Compared to many standard drip coffee makers this easily is the most stylish one, available with a glass or thermal carafe.

While I’m not a coffee connoisseur I have tried to perfect my manual filter coffee over the past years and even though I was able to brew good coffee like this, the Moccamaster consistently makes high-quality coffee without having to put in the work. While I was a bit reluctant during the unboxing, after using the machine for a while, I can now confidently say that I would make the exact same purchase again.

Posted in Design, My Home, Shopping | Leave a comment

10 Salt and pepper grinder set designs for the modern interior

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Ground pepper is a key element while preparing a nice meal and just like grinding salt, it’s so important during and after cooking. Since the salt and pepper shakers or grinders will inevitably take such a prominent spot in the kitchen or dining table, it’s one of those elements that should be pretty so there is no need to hide them away in a cupboard.

You can buy pre-ground salt and add it to a shaker, yet when I’m cooking, I personally like to use coarse salt or even salt crystals sometimes, which is why I prefer a salt grinder instead. As for pepper, a grinder is a no-brainer for me because I think the pre-ground pepper loses so much flavor.

Other than preparing better-tasting food though, I love a well-designed salt and pepper set and I think there are some pretty nifty design pieces that are more modern than the typical Peugeot pepper mill. I have listed my favorites down below for you.

Bottle Grinder salt and pepper mills designed by Norm Architects for Menu

The bottle grinder set designed by Norm Architects for Menu* is shaped like a bottle and sits comfortably in your hand. Since it was first released many years ago, it has become almost like a staple in modern Scandinavian kitchens, and in the meanwhile, the design is available in metal, ceramic, and plastic in many different color combinations.

I like the minimal expression of the design and the ceramic grinders are my personal favorite as the combination with the wood top becomes so much more powerful. A perfect pair made to add freshly ground salt or pepper to your dish both in the kitchen and on the dining room table.

Vipp salt and pepper grinder set

The Vipp salt and pepper mill set is made to fit the kitchen or dining room and the set comes with a dish that holds any salt or pepper residue. The ceramic grinding mechanism can be adjusted to the desired coarseness settings and the metal swivel top gives the set an industrial touch that fits perfectly on a high-end Vipp kitchen, however, it can give a modern look to any minimal kitchen as well. I have had this set in my personal home for years now and I’m very happy with it.

Eva Solo salt and pepper grinders

This pepper and salt mill set* is sold individually as it can be composed in different sizes. The ceramic core comes with a 25-year warranty and each grinding mechanism can be used for either pepper or salt. Different grind settings allow you to set the grind size and the mills are very easy to refill. You can pick the size upon your preference, but I personally think the set works best with two different sizes. This way you can distinguish salt and pepper and I think it looks aesthetically more balanced.

Kähler Hammershøi salt and pepper mill with a porcelain top

The grooves on the Kähler Hammershøi collection have become somewhat of an icon since over a decade ago and they are a significant element in the design of the salt and pepper grinders as well. The porcelain top is combined with an oak base, which gives the grinders an elegant, Scandinavian appearance.

The porcelain top is available in different colours so you can easily recognize your favorite salt, pepper, or spice grinder from each other. The simple ceramic grinding mechanism from Crushgrind® allows for a coarse grind or fine grind and comes with a 25-year warranty.

Skagerak Hammer grinder

The design of the Hammer grinder is inspired by nature and the old fortress on the Danish island of Bornholm. The Hammer grinder is available in teak or oak and together they make a neat little set for your grind salt or pepper.

OyOy Hoop mill salt and pepper grinders

The Hoop salt and pepper grinder from OyOy is probably the most playful design in this list. It’s a perfect design for adding freshly ground pepper or your favorite salt to a dish on the dinner table. The design comes in two different FSC-certified wood finishes so you can distinguish pepper, salt, or other spices you have inside.

Rig Tig Cheffy salt and pepper shakers

The Cheffy mess-free salt grinder designed by Renaud Defrancesco is very easy to fill and the streamlined grooves and rounded top offer a good grip for easy grinding. The ceramic grinder can withstand daily wear and tear and is made to last many years to come.

Alessi Twergi salt and pepper grinder set designed by Ettore Sottsass

Ettore Sottsass designed the Twergi pepper mill along with a number of other wooden products for Alessi. The mill is made with a classic woodturning technique and comes in multiple designs and cheerful colorways so you can customize and combine your personal set to your liking.

Owl salt and pepper shakers designed by Jesper Wolff for Spring Copenhagen

These cute Owl salt and pepper mills designed by Jesper Wolff for Spring Copenhagen are inspired by northern hemisphere wildlife, resulting in a playful, charming, and humorous design that can be seen both in the kitchen as well as on the dining table.

Ferm Living Pebble pepper and salt grinders

The organic form and soft curves of the sculptural ‘Pebble’ grinders by Ferm Living are made out of FSC™-certified ash with a carbonized finish. The organic design is inspired by man-made stacks of stones often raised for memorial purposes. These grinders give your kitchen or dining space an artistic and sculptural element and the grinders are almost like an art object rather than a functional kitchen element.

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Interior novelties for spring 2023

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Wondering what’s new and noteworthy in the interior world? I have made a summary of all novelties I figured are worth sharing in this post, which will be updated as more new collections trickle in after the numerous fairs that are coming up in the next few weeks, so stay tuned!

Vipp Lodge lounge chair in white sheepskin

The Vipp Lodge lounge chair, previously released in their collection is now available in an off-white colorway. The clam-shaped shell of the chair floats onto the dark solid oak wood legs in a seamlessly organic way and the new sheepskin finish softly embraces the body.

The Lodge series consists of a dining chair, lounge chair, and footstool and was originally designed for the Vipp lodge, one of the hotel concepts of the brand (you can see two other of their hotel concepts here and here).

Superfront introduces Japandi inspired Takami shelf collection

You might know Superfront for their custom cabinet front solutions to update different models of Ikea modular cabinets. Now they also introduced their own line of shelving systems called Takami, which is inspired by Japanese artisanal design tradition and a “less is more” approach to design. The shelf comes in different sizes and colorways and matches a collection of furniture legs in the same aesthetic.

Nuura releases Sasi: a collection of wall lamps

The Sasi wall lamps by the hand of Dutch designer Rick Tegelaar for Nuura feature a soft design language and a material selection that creates reflections of the surroundings and light in the room.

New Works releases the Kizu portable lamp in 2 two red marble variants

The Kizu lamp made its way into many homes over the past years and became a staple piece in many Scandinavian interiors. After releasing a portable version of the lamp last year, New Works is now expanding the collection with two red marble variants: Breccia Pernice marble brings to mind the earthy hues of the Mediterranean and Rosso Levanto marble, which oozes dark romance.

101 Copenhagen expands its collection of organic interior pieces

Among smaller accessory releases, Danish design brand 101 Copenhagen introduced two new furniture pieces to their sculptural collection of elements for the modern interior.

The Toe lounge chair

‘Toe’ is a lounge chair with references to futuristic design pieces from the seventies. The sculptural approach that is so characteristic of the brand is showcased in the design aesthetic of this comfortable chair with tick-fluted upholstery with a linear and voluminous shape.

The Tribu collection

Tribu is a collection containing a bench and stool made of a concrete base combined with a linen cushion top characterized by lamellas in the concrete giving the pieces a distinct look that plays with the contrast between clean lines and soft curves.

  • Sculptural furniture pieces from 101 Copenhagen inspired by 1970's futuristic designs
  • A bedroom setting with the designs of 101 Copenhagen
  • A home office setting with the designs of 101 Copenhagen
  • Sculptural vase collection by 101 Copenhagen
  • Sculptural light collection by 101 Copenhagen
  • Sculptural furniture collection by 101 Copenhagen

Watt & Veke introduces a new collection of pendants and table lamps

You might know Watt & Veke from their paper Christmas star collection (featured in this Christmas styling in my home), however, they also make regular lighting fixtures that are subtle in design, yet impactful in any interior. They recently expanded this collection of understated fixtures and a few of these pieces are high on my wish list.

Menu space reintroduces Mogens Lassen’s Jäger Lounge Table

For the design of the Jäger table in 1941, Mogens Lassen took inspiration from the folding stools and beds found in an Egyptian tomb. The design was a proposal for a commission for the personal home of a merchant called Jäger, however, it was never put into production. Now Menu introduced this rediscovered archival design in their collection after researching the original sketches and making sure the table meets modern durability needs.

Muuto releases the Couple coffee table

Belgian designer Sylvain Willenz created the Couple table, recently released into the latest collection of Danish design brand Muuto. The Couple table is inspired by traditional tile tables and features both wood and ceramic stoneware tiles in a new and modern interpretation of this traditional furniture piece.

The design allows the user to pick between tiles with a smooth surface or a soft wavy look, which results in a personalized, tactile coffee table design.

Ikea teams up with designer Sabine Marceli for the design of the Varmblixt collection

Rotterdam-based designer Sabine Marceli created a collection of accessories and light fixtures for Ikea called Varmblixt which highlights the necessary functionality of light, yet also the opportunity it creates to change the mood and atmosphere of a space.

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Tints of blue in the spring collection of H&M home

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I love blue tones in my interior. A pop of blue can have such a fresh and cool effect amongst warm tints of beige and wood tones, which is a combination I go for time and time again when I redecorate. Blue tints are especially well suited for spring and since we usually want to give our home a fresh touch after removing all the Christmas decorations, it’s a great color palette to try out.

H&M homeware just released a whole collection of textiles and accessories in tints of blue, have a look.

In this living room setting the chequered pillows in light blue and beige* really stand out on the darker blue sofa. The structured wool rug* lightens up the dark concrete flooring and the blue glass vase* and bowl* add a fresh spot to add flowers.

For those of you who like subtle blue accents, the collection includes a light blue table lamp*, a wavy light blue shelf*, and my personal favorite: those simple sky blue candle holders*.

For the bedroom, the blue Muslin bedsheets* are such an eye-catcher, especially when combined with this cobalt blue blanket* and the beige textiles on the bed.

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Vitra extends the Jean Prouvé Collection with a series of 4 new iconic colors

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Rolf Fehlbaum, Chairman of Vitra once acquired a vintage Antony chair designed by Jean Prouvé in the 1980s, which marks the beginning of the most extensive collection of furniture and objects by the designer, all housed in the Vitra design museum.

Apart from the Jean Prouvé designs in the Vitra design museum, Vitra made an agreement with the Prouvé family to set up the Prouvé furniture production. The collaboration started in 2000 and took place in close conversation with Catherine Prouvé, Jean Prouvé’s youngest daughter.

Over the past 20 years, Prouvé’s designs have become true icons far extending the borders of France that are timeless and exist beyond trends.

The iconic Standard chair designed by Jean Prouvé and produced by Vitra, available in 4 new colors

Jean Prouvé designs and the importance of color

Jean Prouvé designs are recognizable for their attention to detail, joints, proportions, overall construction, and the processing and execution of the materials themselves with the color being the final touch to the design.

According to Jean Prouvé, only the parts of the furniture that are in danger of corroding should be painted, to allow the nature of the material to shine. That’s why he left wooden and aluminum elements used in furniture production in an untreated state whenever possible.

Jean Prouvé did develop a beautiful range of colors for his architecture because beyond the practical application of colors to protect from corrosion, he knew he could use colors to create a certain aura around his furniture designs.

Vitra is now expanding the original colors (deep black, Japanese red, and Blanc Colombe) with 4 new colors and an unpainted steel variant in which the Jean Prouvé designs can be produced.

Prouvé Bleu Marcoule

Marcoule bleu refers to an important client who ordered a great range of furniture from Ateliers Jean Prouvé and this blue used to be part of the corporate identity of Marcoule at the time. Below you can see the Fauteuil Direction Pivotant desk chair combined with the Compas direction desk both in Bleu Marcoule.

Prouvé Bleu Dynastie

Dynasty blue is inspired by the cobalt oxide in the blue and white porcelain from Ming dynasty times. In the picture below, you can see the Fauteuil de Salon in the new color Bleu Dynastie shot in Jean Prouvé’s personal home in Nancy with the iconic metal doors visible in the picture.

Prouvé Blé Vert

Blé vert (or green wheat) refers to the fresh color of young green wheat just before it turns yellow and is ready to be harvested. Below you can see the famous Standard chair in Blé Vert.

Prouvé Gris Vermeer

Vermeer grey refers to the famous Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer (Vermeer grey) who when taking a closer look at his paintings, used a lot of grey undertones from which Jean Prouvé took inspiration. Below you can see the Cité armchair in the new color Gris Vermeer shot in one of the prefabricated houses Prouvé designed.

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Vega Chair by Vilhelm Lauritzen for Carl Hansen & Søn

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As a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Vilhelm Lauritzen architects, Carl Hansen & Søn is now releasing a selection of unique furniture pieces by the master architect that used to be produced solely for their intended use in the Radiohuset broadcasting building and the Vega concert hall in Denmark.

Vilhelm lauritzen architects: a pioneer of Danish functionalism

Vilhelm Lauritzen is a master architect with quite a legacy. He’s most famous for his Radiohuset, which he designed in 1945, and the complete design, inside and out, is now heritage-listed. Next to Radiohuset, he’s known for the Vega concert hall (1956).

The architect produced every single detail in his buildings, from the door knobs to the mirrors, and light fittings, to the furniture, the sofas in the foyer, and even the modern design typology used in the interior. This uncompromising commitment to the functionalism of his projects produced modern design pieces that are still so relevant today.

Carl Hansen brings two exclusive designs to private homes

Thanks to today’s collaboration with Carl Hansen and Søn, we now have access to two core ideas he exclusively developed for these two renowned buildings at the time: the Foyer series and the VLA26 Vega chair, which are now available for private homes as a tribute to the legendary architect and his contribution to Danish furniture design.

VLA26 Vega Chair: a modernist masterpiece now in production at Carl Hansen & Søn

The Vega chair was originally designed for Vega and up until recently could only be found in its’ historic concert halls. The chairs are stackable and produced with absolute craftsmanship out of steel and wood, finished off with precise upholstery in textile or leather that gives the chair a slender and refined look.

VLA26 is a modernist masterpiece and Vilhelm Lauritzen’s signature aesthetic can be found in the effortless and simple design so typical of designs from Denmark during the last century: functional pieces with ample character.

The design of the Vega stackable chairs

The ergonomics of the chair are well thought through as the back curves to embrace you. The design is available with upholstery for extra comfort or without upholstery, which puts even more focus on the finest craftsmanship of the curved oak and steel.

Finally, the masterpiece, deeply influenced by the functionality and aesthetics of the Vega concert hall, is finished off with wooden feet that lend an artisanal feel to the timeless design chair. This is my personal favorite element on this masterpiece, as it gives it a unique look and feel.

While the Vega chair fits the impressive concert halls that are covered with warm wood elements and graphic tiles perfectly, it certainly has a place in a modern-day interior as well. I tried out the chairs in my neutral-colored interior and I love the way the carefully crafted oak in the seat, back, and feet adds a soft tone to my warm wooden flooring and the way the black steel frame adds these fine and elegant contrasting lines to the setting.

Carl Hansen & Søn: iconic craftsmanship

Vilhelm Lauritzen is one of many mid-century Danish masters to join the Carl Hansen & Søn collection next to names like Hans J. Wegner, Ole Wanscher, Frits Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Kaare Klint, and Poul Kjærholm.

Probably best known for the CH24 wishbone chair designed by Hans Wegner, Carl Hansen and Søn’s bring to life iconic design pieces through the finest craftsmanship and with the highest quality materials. They always work closely together with the families and studios of the exceptional designers, nourishing a long-term relationship to ensure absolute adherence to their visions.

Through the work of these design icons, Carl Hansen & Søn is able to continually reinvent itself and through each of the chairs, tables, stools or even outdoor furniture is keeping Danish design heritage alive with one goal in mind: to gather the best, most iconic modern furniture designs under one roof.

This blog post was written in collaboration with Carl Hansen, however, all opinions are my own. You can read about the Windsor chair in my previous article here, or about the limited edition wishbone chair in collaboration with Ilse Crawford in this article.

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Faye Toogood introduces new Dough ceramics collection

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Dough ceramics designed by British designer Faye Toogood

British designer Faye Toogood is probably most known for her Roly-Poly furniture pieces, which have made their way into a range of renowned interior projects and private homes. Her work includes furniture design, clothing, and since recently also homewares. Her minimal and sculptural objects are bold, yet fit in with so many different styles

Dough ceramics is the most recent addition to the Faye Toogood portfolio of unique and groundbreaking designs. The ceramic series consists of a mug, jug, bowl, platter, vase, and centerpiece, which are all handmade and inspired by the shape or rising dough.

A ceramics series to seamlessly go on the Roly-Poly dining table

The new collection of dough ceramics was created around the Roly-Poly aesthetic Faye Toogood is most known for. The ceramics series were to be used on the Roly-Poly table seamlessly and the designs were created to go hand in hand with the products in that range, hence the oversized, plump, and bulging look of the products.

The Dough mug, my new Faye Toogood favorite

For the design of the Dough mug, the British designer wanted to give additional attention to the details in the simple ritual of having a cup of tea. The forms and curves on this cup are what make it work so nicely. The Dough mug set is my personal favorite from the collection and so on brand with the beautiful Faye Toogood designer aesthetic.

Crafted at Toogood Studio in London and glazed in Portugal

The ceramic pieces in the collection come in cream or charcoal and have a very simple design aesthetic without details or decoration, which is unnecessary with such bold shapes. The glaze has a soft sheen and looks as if it were painted. The ceramics themselves are crafted in the Toogood studio in London, whereas the glazing process is done by artisans in Portugal. A beautiful collaboration between talented makers.

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