Urban Sales Journal
Urban Sales Journal
Discover captivating room ideas that will transform your living spaces into stunning havens of style and comfort. Explore innovative designs, unique color schemes, and inspiring decor accents to create your dream room.
Create Your Perfect Contemporary Style Living Room
So, you’ve finally decided to tackle that living room makeover. Maybe you’ve just moved into a fabulous new place, or you had a life event that screams, “Treat yourself!”. Or maybe the in-laws are coming to visit soon, and you simply must wow them (is there ever really another option?). Whatever the reason, it’s high time to dive into some interior design creativity. If you’re gearing up to entertain some guests or just want a cosy nook that feels distinctly you, creating a contemporary-style living room is all about getting practical and having a blast while you’re at it. If you’re itching for some inspiration on contemporary living room design ideas that make your space feel fresh, inviting, and truly yours, you’ve hit the jackpot. Get ready to get the lowdown on choosing foundational pieces, picking fabulous materials, and mastering the art of putting it all together like you’re the next Kelly Wearstler. What Makes a Living Room “Contemporary”? When you think of modern interior design, picture your campy great-uncle who still wears those artsy turtlenecks, has a vinyl collection and swears by the '60s vibe. It’s all about clean lines, functionality, and that neutral colour palette that makes you feel like you’re living inside a chic, minimalist museum. Now, contemporary design? That's the cool kid at the party who has a knack for changing up their style. They incorporate the cool great-uncle’s style, but take it further; they’re bold, more colourful, and don’t shy away from experimenting with quirky shapes and comfy vibes inspired by what’s happening in contemporary culture. Why YOU & Your Living Room Deserves a Style Refresh Sure, that new outfit might make you feel like a million bucks. But have you thought about sprucing up your space to make you (and guests to your home) feel amazing? As interior design guru Christina DiStefano says, “nurture your home and your home nurtures you back”. Design your space beautifully, and it’ll be as though your living room gives you a hug each time you enter it. The living room is where the magic happens. It’s your stage for Netflix marathons, chilling out while FaceTiming your bestie or just lounging with a good book and a glass of wine. So, if you’re thinking about making some changes, start right there. It’s like the head of the family, setting the vibe for the whole house. Let that living room shine as a place of comfort, connection, and self-expression. So, what are you waiting for? Your home is begging for some TLC. Capture the Essence of Contemporary Style with Our Favourite Living Room Furniture Pieces Finding inspiration for contemporary-style living room interiors can be like a treasure hunt through time, fashion, and nature. You’re curating a collection of your favourite vibes to create the perfect living room oasis. So, how do you channel those contemporary design ideas into your living room? Let’s break it down into three super-simple steps: Form Matters. When you’re scrolling through furniture photos, take a moment to think about what shapes make you swoon. Are you all about sleek lines, or do you prefer some curves to keep things interesting? Your heart knows best. Get Practical. Let’s talk practicality. How does that dream piece fit into your space? And how well does it do what it’s meant to do? Feel It Out. And let’s not forget the most important part: how does it feel? Is the seating comfy enough for binge-watching your favourite series? Does it give you the warm and fuzzies just by looking at it? At the least, you’ll want a sofa, a coffee table, and a rug, with maybe a couple of inviting armchairs to relax in. Play around with a colour palette that speaks to you. Are you into soft neutrals, striking bolds, or soothing muted colours? Mix things up with different textures, like pairing a boucle chair with a sleek wooden coffee table. And don’t shy away from creating a beautiful contrast with light and dark shades. For some serious inspo, check out our Linspire range. It includes multi-functional entertainment units that are as stylish as they are practical, sofabeds that save the day when unexpected guests arrive, and those irresistible round Lotus boucle armchairs that you’ll probably want to pet. Linspire Don 2-Seater Sofa Bed, Off White Linspire Verve Set of 9 Modular Entertainment Unit with 7 Drawers Linspire Lotus Boucle Armchair, Marshmallow When Choosing a Contemporary Sofa, Consider Your Space, Preferred Style, and Fabric When choosing your dream sofa, consider chic contemporary shapes. Who doesn't want a sofa that looks like it just stepped off a runway? Don’t forget the upholstery; what fabric do you love the look and feel of? If you love changing placements, modular sofa options can be rearranged quicker than you can say “game night”. Also, consider scale. Avoid a massive sectional in a small living room. In other words, keep it proportional. Next, add seating like armchairs facing your sofa; perfect for your next marathon chat session. Short on space? Ottomans (footrests that double as seats for guests) are your secret weapon. Linspire Oasis Recliner Chair, Oversize, Seafoam Linspire Aura Foldable Lounge Chair, White Linspire Moss Sofa, 1 Seater Anchor the Space with a Coffee Table Let’s chat about coffee tables. They’re not just for coffee or lost remotes; they're the unsung heroes of living room design. If your space feels like a geometry class with all those right angles, add a rounded coffee table to soften the look. And if your furniture is all curves, shake things up with a rectangular table instead. A coffee table lets you showcase contrasting materials, too. A wood-look, shiny metal, or sleek glass can elevate your space from blah to fabulous. And don't forget storage! Everyone needs a secret stash for random items. A coffee table with a drawer, shelf, or lift-top can keep your clutter hidden while looking chic. Linspire Glimmer Sintered Stone Table Top Coffee Table Linspire Eclipse Nesting Coffee Table with Sintered Marble Top, Set of 2, White Playing with Texture: Rugs, Throws & Cushions So, once you've wrangled those main furniture pieces into your living room, it's time to sprinkle in some personality. The secret sauce to those chic, contemporary vibes? Warm, inviting textures. You can whip this up in no time with some décor items like cosy cushions, snuggly throws, and fabulous rugs. These little gems add that all-important finishing touch of comfort. So go ahead and give your living room the glow-up it deserves. DreamWeaver Trend Medallion Transitional Rug Linspire Theola Standing Mirror DreamWeaver Toscana Geo Lines Rug, Beige Cream, 200x290cm Show Us How You’ve Curated Your Modern, Contemporary Style Living Room At Urban Sales, we’re all about bringing you affordable, quality furniture that gives you all the warm and fuzzy feels. Our stunning contemporary pieces will take your living room from drab to fab, making your cosy nights in feel like an Instagram-worthy celebration. We’ve got everything you need right here, waiting for you to unleash your inner interior designer. And once you’ve nailed that perfect look, don’t keep it to yourself. We want to see how you’ve pulled it all together in your space. So go ahead and give us a shout-out by tagging us at @urbansales_nz on Instagram and Facebook. Show off your creativity, and you might just inspire someone else to level up their home game.
Find Your Living Room Style: The Ultimate Guide to a Space That Feels Like You
Does your home reflect who you are? In particular, what does your living room say about you? This space is the heart of your home and you want it to feel special. But it’s not always easy to channel your personal style. We’ve created this guide to take the stress out of cultivating your personal aesthetic. As you explore what makes your living room YOU-nique, we’ll help you create a lounge that reflects who you are. Together, we’ll discover how to show off your personality and bring joyful moments to your life. Why Your Lounge Matters: Creating Your Happy Place Through Decor So, what are the steps to create your very own happy place through decor? Let’s take a look! 1. Gather Inspiration That Speaks to You While creating your personal space may sound like a challenge, it’s not all hard work. There is a fun part - gathering inspiration. Collecting ideas of what makes you happy and speaks to you is the first step on this journey of discovery. A space that feels like you has to contain things that you love. The easiest way of capturing these ideas is to create a mood board on Instagram or Pinterest. This is one of the best ways to analyse how you feel about certain looks and styles. At Urban Sales, we believe that every piece of furniture should be inspiring. Check out our social media for living room decor ideas and top picks. 2. Decode Your Style: What Colours, Textures, and Feels Do You Love? There isn’t some secret code for determining personal style. But there are ways of identifying what kind of atmosphere you want to create with your living room furniture. Use your mood board to pinpoint the colours that you like, the materials that you prefer and patterns that resonate with you. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll narrow down your choices - which makes finding your own style a lot simpler. Imagine the kind of feeling and mood you want to experience in your living space, to nudge you in the right direction and help you make those choices. 3. Design for Your Life: How Do You Really Use Your Lounge? You’ve identified the colours, materials, textures and patterns that you like - now it’s time to think about how you use your lounge. It’s one thing having a stunning living room, but it should also fulfil its function. Think about your lifestyle needs. Do you have a family with young children? You’ll need the space to be safe as well as stylish. Are you a couple that loves entertaining or having friends over? Consider large hosting tables and comfy seating. What about your four-legged friends? Throws can add a pop of colour while protecting your furnishings from scratches.All of these are real life elements that you need to consider when deciding how to style your living room. Space is key here too, as you need to make sure the pieces you choose will fit in your lounge and still allow comfortable movement around the room. A few simple measurements can save you from heartache later. 4. Choose Pieces You'll Love for Years to Come Buying furniture is an investment and it’s smart to choose pieces that will last for many years to come. By picking items that you love and not just what’s trending, you won’t get that buyer’s regret several months down the line. Opt for well-made pieces that are designed to last but also tick all your boxes in terms of looks and style. Good quality doesn’t need to cost a fortune. By investing in key pieces such as sofas and coffee tables, you hold on to the focus items in your room - while switching up other areas such as decor and accessories lets you keep things fresh. Style should always be balanced with practicality. 5. Add Those You-nique Touches: Personal Finds & Décor Styling your living room is about introducing your personality into the space. Adding pieces that you love and which resonate with you is how you can personalise the room - turning it into an area of self expression. At this point, you can incorporate personal items such as souvenirs and photos, personal finds and decor pieces that mean something to you to make the room your own. By now you should be confident and comfortable making decisions about how to style your lounge room. This insight will also help you when it comes to new purchases like rugs and lighting. Tell Your Style Story: Looks You'll Fall in Love With So now that you know how to decorate a living room, here are some of our top picks for styles to choose from. Scandi Style: Your Nordic Escape The heart of this look is simple functionality within a cosy warm atmosphere. It’s the feeling of snuggling beneath a soft blanket on the cloud-like Linspire Serenity sofa while there’s a storm blowing outside. That’s maximum comfort in a minimalist environment, the perfect look for those who enjoy the simple things in life. Eco Style: Sustainable Quality We all want to do our bit for the environment but still have a beautiful home. You can embrace the sustainable quality of eco style like the Hjem Design Oxford Shelving Unit with its FSC certification - knowing you have a timeless piece of furniture that doesn’t cost the earth. Boho Style: Your Vintage Getaway What makes this style sing is its free-spirited aesthetic. The modern boho look has strong connections to nature without losing its eclectic approach and inspires a sense of sustainability. Our BohoBoho Solid Wood & Rattan TV unit has a vintage vibe while still being bang on trend. And it's environmentally friendly, too! Modern Farmhouse Style: Living Your Best Country Life This style is perfect for those who live in the city but whose heart is in the countryside. Modern farmhouse style takes all that is perfect in farmhouse living and elevates it to the 21st century. Even underfoot, this decor style makes an impact, as with our Homestead Machine Washable Rug for busy households. Bringing It Home with Urban Sales Get the home you deserve but didn’t know you could have with Urban Sales - great furniture at affordable prices. You’ll be enjoying your choices for years to come thanks to the quality and durability of our pieces - specially chosen to make your home unique. We want you to have the space that will bring you joy and comfort, so come and explore our collection. Together, we’ll turn the heart of your home into a space that feels uniquely you.
Trend Alert: Rattan Furniture
Rattan furniture has been around for centuries, and it is making a major comeback in the world of home décor. Rattan furniture is the epitome of island life. It's like a piña colada in furniture form - breezy, relaxed, and full of tropical charm. If you're looking for a stylish and eco-friendly way to furnish your home, rattan furniture might be just what you need. In this blog post, we'll explore what rattan furniture is, the main questions surrounding rattan furniture, and how to incorporate it into your home. What Is Rattan Furniture? Rattan furniture is a type of furniture made from rattan, which is a natural material derived from the stems of rattan palms. Rattan is a strong, flexible and durable material that is popular for use in furniture making, especially for outdoor and casual indoor furniture. It is also eco-friendly and sustainable since rattan palms grow quickly and are abundant in many tropical regions of the world. Rattan furniture can be found in a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern, and is often used for chairs, tables, sofas, and other pieces of indoor and outdoor furniture. What’s the Difference Between Rattan & Other Materials? Rattan is like the superhero of sustainable furniture, with its fast-growing vines and ability to be harvested without harming the environment. Rattan is a type of palm that grows in tropical regions of the world, such as Southeast Asia and Africa. Rattan can grow up to hundreds of feet long, making it one of the most flexible and durable natural materials available. Rattan and wicker are often used interchangeably to describe furniture made from natural materials, but they are not the same thing. Rattan is a natural material that comes from the stems of a palm plant that grows in tropical regions. Wicker, on the other hand, refers to the weaving process used to create furniture from a variety of materials, including rattan, bamboo, willow, and other natural fibers. So basically, the main difference between rattan and wicker is that rattan is a material, while wicker is a technique. Rattan is a particularly popular material for wicker furniture because of its flexibility and durability. Rattan can be easily bent and shaped into various forms, making it ideal for creating intricate woven patterns. Other natural materials, such as bamboo or willow, can also be used to create wicker furniture, but they may not be as durable or as flexible as rattan. Is Rattan Furniture Sustainable? If you’re looking for beautiful, yet sustainable pieces to add to your home, then rattan furniture is the way to go! Let’s dive into some reasons why: Rattan furniture is a renewable resource It is a renewable resource and is harvested from forests where it grows abundantly. Unlike other types of wood, rattan can grow up to hundreds of feet long, making it one of the most flexible and durable natural materials available. Lower carbon footprint than other materials Rattan furniture is lightweight and easy to transport, which reduces carbon emissions during shipping. Unlike other materials, such as wood or plastic, rattan does not require the use of harmful chemicals or processes to create furniture. Additionally, rattan furniture is often produced by hand, using traditional techniques that don't require a lot of energy or machinery. Low maintenance Cleaning your rattan furniture is a piece of cake - no need to fret about special treatments or complicated routines. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and some mild soap, and voila! It'll be looking as good as new. Cleaning made easy! It’s durability means it lasts longer Finally, the durability of rattan furniture means that it can last for many years, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This makes rattan furniture a sustainable and long-lasting choice for your home. Did you know: Our brand BohoBoho features rattan furniture that is beautifully paired with solid wood, making it more durable, sustainable, pieces of furniture that will last you a life time! Outside vs Inside: Rattan furniture is a versatile option for both indoor and outdoor spaces, adding a touch of natural elegance and comfort to any area. Inside, rattan chairs, tables, and other pieces can add warmth and texture to living rooms, bedrooms, and even dining areas. Natural rattan complements a range of decor styles, from coastal to bohemian, and can be paired with cushions and throws for added comfort. Outside, rattan furniture can transform your patio, deck, or garden into a stylish and inviting space. Synthetic rattan options are designed to withstand the elements and require little maintenance, making them a practical choice for outdoor areas. BohoBoho loves natural rattan, and we're proud to say that our products are made using sustainably sourced natural rattan from Indonesia. How to incorporate Rattan Furniture in your home: There are many ways to incorporate rattan furniture into your home décor. To soften the natural look of rattan furniture, add some cushions and throws in fun patterns and textures. Mix and match rattan furniture with other materials and styles for an electric and unique look. You can even use rattan baskets and trays to add a touch of natural texture to your shelves and tables. Experiment with different types of lighting, such as woven rattan pendant lights or table lamps, to add warmth and texture to your decor. And sometimes, keeping it simple with a single statement piece, such as a rattan chair or pendant light, is all you need to add some natural texture and warmth to a space. Rattan furniture can be used in almost any room in the house, from the bedroom to the patio, and it always brings a touch of warmth and natural beauty to your space.
Spring Decorating Ideas
Spring is upon us! As we embrace the changing seasons in New Zealand and eagerly anticipate the warmth of summer, the time has come to prepare our living spaces for sunnier days and a brighter atmosphere. As we all know - New Zealand isn't the most consistent when it comes to what’s happening outside. While the weather may still have a hint of chill, it’s not the time to get our outdoor furniture out yet! But it's the perfect opportunity to start preparing your home with the spirit of the coming season. After all, a well-designed living space isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating an environment that uplifts our spirits, enhances our well-being, and celebrates the new season! In this blog we will discuss how you can perfect your home styling this New Zealand spring! We’ll tick off the things you can do first to really help this process if you are starting from scratch or just need a refresh- looking at what you have right now, and how this resonates with your personal design style. With the help of your vision boards, inspo pinterest boards & more- we’ll dive into how to decorate your home for spring on a budget, and what are the spring styling colours of the moment! Things to Tick Off the List First: 1. What do you have right now? Start by assessing your current home decor and furniture. This step will help you understand what elements you can work with, what needs to be updated or replaced, and what aligns with your design style! 2. Know your design style Now you know what you have and what you need- it’s time to pinpoint what your style is. Doing this will ensure that your decor aligns with your styling preferences and ensure you love everything you add to your home! It streamlines decision-making, saves time, and keeps your budget in check. Here’s some ways to help you figure out your interior design style: Look at what you have right now: You’ve already assessed what you already have, so take what you have at home and see styles are prevalent in your home right now Gather inspiration: Start by collecting images from magazines, social media, blogs, websites whatever works best for you Take Style Quizzes: Style quizzes are fun, and can really help you identify your style. They ask questions about your preferences in colours, patterns, furniture, and decor- helping do the work for you! 3. Create a vision board Creating a vision board is an essential step for your spring home styling styling process- offering a visual guide to achieve your design goals. Popular methods include a physical poster board, a digital version on platforms like Canva, a Pinterest board, or using apps and notes. Choose the method that suits your strengths and will be the most fun for you! How to create the most on point vision board: Once you know how you are going to create your vision board, follow these simple steps to create your perfect vision board! Incorporate What You Have: Take what you already have in and add these items into your vision board (you want to get the whole picture, no just the new stuff) Clarify Your Theme: Think about the theme or focus of your vision board. Is it for a specific room, like the living room, or for your entire home? You can link back here to what you think your interior design style is from the research you did earlier! Gather Inspiration: Start by collecting images from online, magazines, catalogues, or printed images that feature design elements, colours, and decor items you like. Select Images: Flip through your collected materials and cut out images, colours, patterns, and text that match your vision. Look for pictures of furniture, decor items, paint colours, and anything else that relates to your design goals. Arrange and Paste: Begin arranging the cut-out images and elements on your board. Experiment with different layouts and compositions until you achieve a pleasing arrangement. Once you're satisfied, glue or tape the items in place. Add Text and Labels: If you have specific design elements in mind or want to describe your vision, you can add labels, captions, or text to the images. Decorate and add final touches: Add the finishing touches- make it more personal with some stickers or your favourite shows, movies, books that have a great influence on you! Take Action: Use your vision board as a reference while shopping for decor items, choosing paint colours, or arranging furniture. It will guide your decisions and help you bring your design ideas to life. How to Decorate Your Home for Spring on a Budget Looking for how to decorate your home for spring on a budget? Here are some creative ideas to spruce up your space without breaking the bank: Change the layout of your home: Redesign your space using your existing furniture and decor to create a fresh look without spending extra money. Declutter and Rearrange: Before adding new decor, take some time to declutter and rearrange your existing furniture and decorations. Sometimes, simply repositioning your belongings can breathe new life into a space Spring Cleaning: A thorough spring cleaning can make a significant difference in the look and feel of your home. Clean windows, dust, vacuum, and scrub surfaces to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere! Repurpose What You Have: Get creative with items you already own. For example, old glass jars can become vases, and vintage crates can serve as shelves or display units. Pillow Refresh: Updating your sofa or bed's appearance without breaking the bank is a breeze. Just swap those cosy winter throw pillows for vibrant spring options! Bring nature inside: Use elements like pebbles, seashells, and driftwood for decor. These items are often readily available in nature and can be a cost-free option. DIY: Whether it's crafting floral arrangements, upcycling old furniture, or creating your own artwork, this is a perfect way to personalise your spring decor while staying within your budget. Best Spring Decoration Colours Colour in interior design shapes the mood and atmosphere of a room, impacting emotions and perception. Consider both your design concept and personal preferences when choosing colours, as the right palette significantly affects well-being and comfort in your home. Get ready to freshen up your home this spring with a vibrant burst of colours and a mix of bold, lively palettes. Embrace the season by incorporating warm greens, sunshine yellows, fiery orange-reds, and subtly peachy pinks into your decor. Add a touch of elegance with neutral spring shades like ivory, cream, and camel, alongside clearer, richer browns. Light pastel hues in pink, green, blue, and sunny yellow will infuse your space with a sense of renewed energy. Don't be afraid to mix and match these colours and finishes, creating a playful and dynamic atmosphere. For a touch of earthiness, incorporate soothing brown, beige, and terracotta tones, or experiment with an eclectic blend of orange, green, pink, and blue. This spring, it's all about embracing the joy of colour and infusing your home with a fresh and invigorating vibe. 8 Things to Decorate Your Space With for Spring 1. Vases Vases are a versatile and essential element of home decor. They can be used in various ways to enhance the aesthetics of your space! 2. Plants Plants and fruits are not only delightful additions to your home decor, but they also bring a touch of nature indoors! 3. Wall Decor From quirky collections of vintage vinyl records to a mesmerising gallery of travel postcards, your wall art can be a playful reflection of your unique passions and adventures. 4. Mirrors Mirrors are the magical multitaskers of home decor, effortlessly amplifying light, creating an illusion of space, and adding a touch of glamour with their reflective charm. 5. Rugs, Bedding & Curtains Rugs, bedding, and curtains are the unsung heroes of interior design, transforming your space with colour, texture, and cosiness. Whether it's a plush rug underfoot, sumptuous bedding that promises sweet dreams, or curtains that frame your windows with style, these elements weave comfort and character into your home. 6. Pillows & Throws Pillows and throws are your decor's fashion accessories, adding colour, texture, and comfort to your space with style and flair. 7. Indoor Lighting Indoor lighting is especially vital in spring, as it accentuates the fresh, lively ambiance of the season, creating a welcoming atmosphere for longer, sunlit evenings and highlighting the vibrant colours of springtime.
Trend Alert: Danish Design Furniture
In the world of design and architecture, few styles have achieved the level of admiration and timelessness of Danish design. Rooted in the mid-20th century, Danish design seamlessly blends functionality, elegance, and a profound connection to nature. This design philosophy, focused on sustainability, has endured and inspired modern interior design trends, especially in 2023. At the heart of Danish design lies the cherished concept of "hygge," a driving force that amplifies its allure. At Hjem Design, we are dedicated to bringing the beauty and craftsmanship of Danish design to Kiwis, so that they can access the timeless elegance and sustainable ethos that define this design tradition. In this blog post, we will discuss the history of Danish design, its main characteristics like its key relationship with sustainability, our top styling tips to incorporate Danish design into your home, and features of our new Danish design brand Hjem Design! Danish DNA Danish design furniture is the embodiment of functionalist principles that emerged in the mid-20th century, shaping a distinctive architectural style. Based on Danish culture and the idea of "hygge," this design style focuses on simplicity, functionality, and elegance. Within this context, iconic pieces like the Ole Wanscher chair stand as testaments to Danish design's enduring influence. Crafted with meticulous care, this chair encapsulates the essence of the movement – a harmonious fusion of form and function. As Danish design encourages the creation of interiors that evoke cosiness, the Ole Wanscher chair symbolises the link between this design philosophy and our lived experiences, representing not only a piece of furniture but a tangible connection to Danish culture and history. Danish Design Characteristics Minimalism & Simplicity Minimalism and simplicity stand as key concepts within the realm of Danish design. This aesthetic is based on creating simple and functional spaces and objects that are elegant and uncluttered. Danish design champions the notion that true beauty lies in purposeful simplicity. Every piece, whether it's furniture or decor, is thoughtfully curated to ensure that each element serves a specific function while maintaining a clean and uncomplicated visual appeal. This commitment to minimalism goes hand in hand with the movement's reverence for quality craftsmanship and natural materials, resulting in interiors that emanate both timeless refinement and a sense of tranquillity. Muted Neutral Colours Colour is important in Danish design furniture, with a focus on neutral tones and muted hues. The emphasis on colours like whites, beiges, soft greys, and earthy tones reflects the movement's commitment to simplicity and timeless elegance. These understated colours create a versatile backdrop that allows the natural materials and impeccable craftsmanship of Danish design furniture to shine. Using this palette ensures that these pieces fit well in different interiors, representing timeless beauty. Natural Lighting Lighting in Danish design furniture embraces a philosophy of creating subdued and cosy atmospheres. Soft, diffused, and natural lighting takes precedence over harsh or overly bright illumination. This approach aligns with the Danish concept of "hygge," where the aim is to evoke warmth and comfort. Pendant lamps, table lamps, and floor lamps with lampshades that diffuse light help to achieve this effect. The interplay of light and shadow not only adds depth to spaces but also enhances the tactile qualities of natural materials, further accentuating the overall aesthetic of Danish design furniture. Natural Materials & Textures Danish design celebrates the inherent beauty of natural materials such as wood, leather, stone, and wool. The use of these materials adds warmth, authenticity, and tactile quality to furniture pieces. By incorporating these elements, Danish design evokes a tangible link to nature within interior spaces. Meticulous craftsmanship is paramount, showcasing the skills of artisans and underscoring the value of quality workmanship. This dedication to both materials and craftsmanship ensures that Danish design furniture stands the test of time. Hygge "Hygge," the Danish concept of cosy contentment, lies at the heart of Danish design, making it a vital characteristic. This notion of comfort and well-being seamlessly weaves into the design ethos, influencing the choice of warm materials, plush textures, and gentle lighting. Danish design creates spaces that embody a sense of sanctuary, echoing the essence of "hygge." The goal is to create a calm and inviting atmosphere that promotes unity and peace in every part. In this way, "hygge" transforms Danish design into more than just a visual style—it becomes a lifestyle that fosters emotional connection and mindful living. Sustainability Sustainability is at the heart of Danish design, driven by a profound connection to nature and a responsibility for the environment. Danish designers prioritise natural materials, timeless design, and quality craftsmanship, creating long-lasting products with minimal waste - which is why, at Hjem Design we are committed to minimise our environmental impact and being sustainability-focused. Within our sustainability strategy, we've singled out three specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for emphasis. At Hjem Design we are committed to: Sustainable Materials 100% Sustainable Certified Wood: We're committed to using 100% sustainable certified wood, that comes from responsibly managed forests or ethical sources. Responsible Packaging: We're reducing packaging while ensuring product safety. We're exploring recycled and recyclable materials, finding eco-friendly alternatives, and doing our part to protect the environment. Responsible Fabrics: We're on a journey to certify all our fabrics with OEKO-TEX® standards. Sustainable Design Sustainable Showcase: We're designing a remarkable piece of furniture that embodies sustainability at every step. Our goal is to make it as sustainable as possible, setting the bar high for future products. Design for Life: We're rethinking our furniture design with "Design for Disassembly." This means our furniture can be easily taken apart and reused, reducing waste. Sustainable Logistics Cutting CO2 in Our Operations: We're monitoring and aiming to halve our CO2 emissions by 2025, following international standards (GHG protocol). Carbon Footprint Across the Supply Chain: We're extending our sustainability efforts throughout our supply chain, encouraging responsible practices. Recycling: We're boosting internal recycling and upcycling of waste, reducing landfill use and greenhouse gas emissions. Load Optimisation: We're optimising packaging to transport more products per container, reducing our carbon footprint in shipping Decorating & Styling Tips Drawing from the essence of Danish design's distinct characteristics, let's explore the most effective styling tips to capture its true essence: Embrace minimalism by decluttering Incorporate a variety of natural materials and textures like warm woods, leather, wool, and stone. Stick to a neutral colour palette with a pop of colour Look for modern furniture with organic shapes that mimic those found in nature. Maximise natural light by using sheer curtains or opting for minimal window treatments. Accessorise with a purpose by incorporating elements from nature, such as potted plants or wooden bowls. Art and decorative objects should be carefully selected to complement the design's understated elegance.
