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5 Favorites: Wooden Nativity Scenes

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I come from a pretty secular family, but when it comes to Christmas, we embrace traditional holiday decor. Our hand-carved windmill nativity scene, passed down through so many Germanic generations that its origin is no longer known, is a permanent fixture all through December. Here are five of our favorite nativity scenes on at different ends of the modernity spectrum.

Wooden block modern nativity scene

Above: The 11-piece Modern Nativity Set is made from engraved maple, cherry, and walnut hardwoods and finished with beeswax and jojoba oil; $66 from Little Sapling Toys on Etsy.

Contemporary Colour Nativity Scene from Sebastian Bergne

Above: Designed by Sebastian Bergne, the contemporary Colour Nativity represents each character based on proportion, color, and place in composition; £85 directly from Sebastian Bergne in the UK.

Simple and minimalist wooden block nativity scene

Above: The Simple Six-Piece Wooden Nativity Scene is handmade with a scroll saw in Wentzville, Missouri, and is $28 from Oh Look It's a Rabbit on Etsy.

Bauhaus nativity scene from Oliver Fabel

Above: The über-secular Minimalist Nativity Set by Berlin-based artist Oliver Fabel is available for €23.50 from Bauhaus Shop.

Traditional pyramid nativity scene from Erzgebirge, Germany

Above: As it turns out, Erzgebirge, Germany is considered the capital of traditional pyramid nativity scenes. This handmade Pyramid Windmill Nativity Scene was made in the 1970s and is $89 from Mister True on Etsy. For a similar nativity scene, visit Erzgebirge Palace.

N.B.: Looking for holiday decor and gift ideas? See 207 House Gifts for the holidays.


New HeartOak Floors from Dinesen

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New from Denmark-based Dinesen: ultra-wide HeartOak flooring, made from centuries-old oak and featuring natural cracks locked with butterfly joints of oak.

According to Thomas Dinesen (a descendant of the family that started the company in 1898), "Old oak trees tell a special story. The hard winters, dry summers, storm and wind they have lived through leave traces, some of which can be seen in the annual rings and the size of the knots, while others appear only when the tree is sawn-up. During the cutting and drying process, the wood has to release the inner tensions from a long life in the woods, leaving characteristic cracks in the tree. Actually, one can read the entire history of a tree from its middle."

For more information, go to Dinesen Floors. To see more projects featuring Dinesen floors, go to World's Most Beautiful Floors.

Above: The wide boards add a rustic note to this sleek white kitchen in Scandinavia.

Above: A detail of the butterfly joints of oak.

Above: The planks come in widths up to 0.5 meters and lengths up to 6 meters.

5 Favorites: Home Collection from Calypso St. Barth

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SPONSORED POST

With the holiday season upon us, we've been searching for that perfect, timeless house gift for close family and friends—at an affordable price. Enter Calypso St. Barth's home collection, all currently 25 percent off.

Calypso St. Barth's home collection launched in New York City's SoHo back in 2006, and we've noticed the Moroccan-inspired wares at their boutiques in the new Marin and Brentwood Country Marts. Below is a selection of textiles, furniture, and lighting to bring warmth to the wintery home this December. Catch the 25 percent off offer in one of their many locations or online; place your order by today, December 12th, for guaranteed holiday delivery on the 24th.

N.B.: Calypso St. Barth's 25 percent off offer applies to in-stock products only and does not apply to over-sized home merchandise shipping.

Indigo-dyed throw blanket from Calypso St. Barth

Above: Maison de Vacances' Vice Versa Throw Blanket in indigo (shown) is made from crumpled linen in reversible tonal shades; $350 from Calypso St. Barth.

Calypso St. Barth's French-inspired Usine Chair

Above: Calypso St. Barth's French-inspired Usine Chair is made of shiny nickel and meant for indoor use; $225 each.

John Derian printed tray from Calypso St. Barth

Above: The glass decopage Queues de Morue Tray is designed by John Derian for $175 from Calypso St. Barth.

Goat-hair pillow from Calypso St. Barth

Above: Maison de Vacances' Tibetan Goat Long Pillow is Calypso St. Barth exclusive and made of Tibetan goat hair and a natural-colored linen back; $255.

LED silver lamp from Calypso St. Barth

Above: The LED Silver Pixo Desk Lamp takes up minimal space and even features a hidden USB port; $265 from Calypso St. Barth.

Sponsored by:

An Austere Retreat on an Ancient Shoreline

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Situated on a 10th century shoreline in Gotland, the Atrium House by Tham & Videgård Arkitekter overlooks the Baltic sea and is planned around an enclosed atrium courtyard that functions as a sheltered outdoor room. It's also the recent winner of the Berlin-based 2012 Ecola Prize.

The architects were inspired by the island's vernacular architecture: "the elements required for everyday functions have been reduced to a minimum,” as they say (a typical Scandinavian understatement). To learn more, go to Tham & Videgård Arkitekter.

Above: The interiors feature masonry construction of natural plaster colored with carbon black.

Above: The oak doors and windows have been treated with tar oil, a preservative treatment that allows the wood to become gray over time in harmony with the other facade materials.

Above: The large sliding glass windows are mounted on the surface of the exterior walls, similar to barn doors.

Above: A simple built-in alcove bed.

Above: A storage area.

Above: The exterior is simple and low slung.

Above: The house is centered around a protected atrium.

A Pop-Up Marketplace on Helsinki's Harbor

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May 19th in Helsinki is "Restaurant Day." The city opens up to pop-up restaurants in the streets, city gardens, or buildings; this year, six design students from the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture launched the Torikoju marketplace (Finnish for "stalls").

Collaborating with Kobe Design University in Japan, Torikoju is part of their Eating in Open Air project, a project examining the traditions and habits of eating outside and their place in Finnish and Japanese culture. The pop-up cafe at the Hietalahti harbor was designed entirely by the six students: market stall, tables, stools, glass coffee percolators, ceramics, aprons, herb bags, and more textiles. Read on for more about the one-day event and the design by each Aalto University student; see more on their exhibitions at Torikoju.

Photography by Venla Helenius for Torikoju.

Students in aprons at the Torikoju marketplace

Above: The students wear aprons made from seven different pairs of denim, held together with a leather belt by Janni Turtiainen.

Helsinki harbor

Above: The Torikoju tent was designed as an archetype of a minimalist Finnish house made from painted steel, marquees, and a transparent screen fabric. Made Noora Liesimaa.

Torikoju marketplace in Finland

Above: The six students behind their handmade Torikoju (stall).

Porcelain and wood basket trays

Above: Basket trays by Tero Kuitunen and Tiina Leinonen were inspired by Finnish birch bark but made from a paper-porcelain mix.

A glass percolator made by Torikoju Marketplace

Above: Antti Kangas designed a coffee percolator from laboratory glass and stainless steel.

Ceramics by Torikoju Marketplace in Finland

Above: Ceramics by Tero Kuitenen and Tiina Leinonen, who were inspired by the standard paper cups at Finnish marketplace cafes. With an emphasis on a rounded edge, the porcelain cups were stained in different shades of blue.

Rag rugs at Torikoju marketplace in Finland

Above: A new version of the Finnish räsymatto (rag rug) made by Annaleena Hämäläinen and Janni Turtiainen from fabric scraps leftover from the market aprons.

Herb bag from Torikoju marketplace in Finland

Above: An herb bag designed to encourage guerilla gardening. Made by Janni Turtiainen and Annaleena Hämäläinen from adjustable tanned cow leather straps and a rich orange marquee fabric.

N.B.: Traveling to Finland on "Restaurant Day"? See more of our favorite haunts in our Finland City Guide.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Children of Design Dictators

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It's not that we Design Dictators are controlling or anything: It's just that we're convinced that the best toys for going the distance are the ones we want to play with as well. Here are five favorites from around the world.

Cubebot, wood cube that transforms into a robot

Above: For Rubik's Cube lovers, the Cubebot is a non-traditional take on the toy robot and was inspired by Japanese Shinto Kumi-ki puzzles; $28, Areaware; £23.99, SCP.

Fort Standard balancing blocks, blue, green, yellow, red, white

Above: Fort Standard's Balancing Blocks are Bauhaus Inspired and made from repurposed scrap wood. The ultimate purist amongst you design dictators can have them in all white but we're relaxed on this one; $48, Areaware.

Above: It's never too early to introduce your children to the joys of design. When my eldest was two, he was so inspired by an architecture picture book we read together that he named his baby brother Colm (column). Draw Me a House by Thibaud Herem is an interactive coloring book that will inspire everyone to become interested in their built environment; $13.60, amazon.com; £11.66, amazon.co.uk.

Remodelista, knit animals, fox, hare, sheep, Makers and Brothers, Claire-Anne O'brien

Above: Fionn the Fox, Liam the Hare and Brigid the Sheep, a trio of hand-knitted and friendly animals from Irish designer/knitter Claire-Anne O'Brien in collaboration with the fabulous Irish brothers' duo Makers & Brothers; €62 to €68.

Studio Arhoj, ORB money bank, earthen ware globes with ceramic glazing on the top half

Above: These ORB money banks by Danish designers Studio Arhoj are inspired by a fortuneteller's crystal ball and encourage saving for the future with good design; for more information see HAY.

Doshi Levien, Rocker, Richard Lampert, white sculptural shape on wood rocking base

Above: Based on his observations, designer Doshi Levien noticed that toys with the greatest staying power are the ones where "children apply their imaginations onto found objects already in the home and thus begat the "Rocker"; an 'improvised ride" on a found object; see Richard Lampert for more information.

N.B.: To make sure we've got everyone on your list covered, see all of our gift guides to date in our House Gifts section.

Scandinavian-Inspired Textiles by Way of Vermont

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Hailing from the "tippiest and nippiest" corner of Vermont, a textile designer creates goods that bring a little bit of Scandi-inspired sunshine to the home.

When Valerie Ormiston was small, she learned to appreciate the little things in life. In between catching fireflies and minnows and other childhood adventures, she would listen to tales of how, when her own mother was a child, her Finnish grandmother called her "Pikku Maiju"—"Little Marie." In honor of that heritage and of her mother, the designer decided to call her company Pikku.

lopp-di-loop pillow by Pikku

Above: Pikku's Loop-di-Loop Pillow is hand silk screened onto organic cotton/hemp blend canvas; $98.

ribbon by Pikku

Above: Pikku's original designs are printed onto Cotton ribbon imported from Italy by Angela Liguori, and then wrapped on wooden paddles, which are custom made in Vermont; $13 for two yards.

mums pillow by Pikku

Above: Pikku's Mums Pillow comes in peat, lemon, or poppi; $98 for cover only, $136 including down filled cushion.

tulip pillow by Pikku

Above: Like all Valerie's eco-friendly fabrics, Pikku's Tulip Pillow is printed with water-based inks.

joy board by Pikku

Above: Valerie also designs small products in wood. Here her loop-di-loop design adorns a Birch Jot Board; $38. Also available in lemon and carrot.

happy days calendar by Pikku in loopi

Above: Available in pod green, grey loopi (above), orange daisy, or blue grove, Valerie's Happy Days Calendars can be reused year to year;

papers by Pikku

Above: At a recent trunk show, Pikku's wrapping Papers appeared alongside cards and ribbons by Angela Liguori; $8 for two sheets. Photo via designskool.

N.B: Looking for similar goods? Shop 1181 Scandi-inspired accessories for your home in our Accessories Section.

High/Low: The Iconic Artichoke Lamp

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Designed in 1958 by Danish architect Poul Henningsen, the Artichoke Lamp is the ultimate modernist light fixture. It's also one of the priciest.

Above: The Artichoke Lamp is available in several finishes, including glass, copper, white, and stainless. The priciest version is the Large Artichoke Lamp in glass for $57,600 from Design Within Reach.

Above: The Artichoke Lamp by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen Lighting; prices range for $8.852 to $16,528 for the white metal version from Design Within Reach.

Above: The Norm 69 was designed by Simon Karkov in 1969 (it's named for the year it was designed and for the number of pieces included); available in four sizes from YLiving. Prices start at $115 for the Small Norm 69 and go up to $210 for the Extra Large Norm 69.


5 Favorites: Holiday Trees for Apartment Dwellers

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This year, I picked out a two-in-a-half-foot-tall Douglas fir for our one-bedroom apartment, but next year, I'm thinking about one of these wooden trees (I'd decorate it with my own garland or tiny silver bells or clip-on taper candles).

Above: The One Two Tree is made from 26 "branches" of untreated, high-grade Australian hoop pine plywood; AU$349 from One Two Tree in Australia.

Above: The plywood Christmas Tree in black and white is €41 from Ferm Living.

Above: Filigrantrae Danish Tabletop Christmas Tree; $150 from YLiving.

Above: The Cardboard Christmas Tree is made from recycled cardboard and breaks down into three pieces to store flat; $132.78 from Cardboard Christmas (ships from Estonia).

Above: Designed by Anne Paso, the Wooden Christmas Tree with decorations is made from sustainable, PEFC certified Finnish hardwood and flats pack for reuse each year; $115 from A+R Store.

Above: For something on the smaller side, the Cardboard Christmas Tree measures 3 feet tall and is $19.95 directly from The Cardboard Christmas Tree.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Cross Lover

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What is it about the enduring image of the cross that makes it so eminently appealing? Here are four cross bearing gifts to give (and to receive).

linen tea towel red cross

Above: Linen Cross Tea Towel from Olive and Joy; AU $20 from Etsy.

Black cross canoe paddles

Above: The Black Cross beaver tail paddle from the cross series is $280. Read more about them here:

Pia Wallen Birch Cross Tray

Above: Swedish designer Pia Wallen works in felt and has unwittingly become the queen of the cross design. (When we posted on her Crux Blanket two years ago, both Julie and I, unbeknownst to each other, bought one on the spot.) This year we're eyeing this Cross Tray (as well as the Pot Mat Set). The birch plywood tray is available for €39.50 from Nordic New.

jonathon adler grey black cross pillow

Above: Jonathan Adler Cross Pillow in gray and black. The wool pillow also comes in a selection of color combinations; $98 from Jonathan Adler.

N.B.: To make sure we've got everyone on your list covered, see all of our gift guides to date in our House Gifts section.

Explore More: Fabrics and Linens.

The Theater Crowd: Bar & Co. in Helsinki

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In close proximity to Helsinki's Alexander Theatre, National Theatre, and Swedish Theatre, the newly opened Bar & Co. is the new post-performance hangout in the city. Designed by Joanna Laajisto, the bar and restaurant is a modern take on a 1920s-style bistro.

Laajisto started with a long marble bar and tabletop, adding touches of wrought iron, black bentwood chairs, and cognac-leather covered oak benches. Bar & Co., connected to Kitchen & Co.

Bar & Co. is located between Bulevari and Uudenmaankatu at Yrjönkatu 18; for more visit Joanna Laajisto.

Bar and Co. restaurant leather seating

Above: A tanned leather bench cover across from a pair of black Thonet Era Chairs ($175 from Design Within Reach).

Bar and Co. restaurant bar stools and tables

Above: The Lamp Gras Model 214 Wall Lamps ($552 at Design Within Reach) and black vintage Thonet bentwood stools.

Bar and Co. restaurant wire chandelier

Above: Constance Guisset's Veritgo Chandelier with a black spoke-like frame.

Bar and Co. restaurant bar stools

Above: A passageway of light in the main seating area.

Bar and Co. restaurant pasta maker

Above: An antique meat grinder on the edge of a bar table.

Bar and Co. restaurant brass candlesticks

Above: Three brass candle holders mounted on the wall.

Bar and Co. restaurant bar

Above: Overhead brass light fixtures illuminate the marble bar.

Bar and Co. restaurant white tiles with writing

Above: The wine and cocktail menu written on white tile.

Bar and Co. restaurant green walls

Above: Laajisto painted the walls of the cafe dining area in a deep pistachio green; a similar color from Farrow & Ball is Chappell Green ($100 per gallon).

Bar and Co. restaurant chairs and table

Above: Brass candlesticks on a marble top table.

Bar and Co. restaurant brass candle holder

Above: Brass candlestick holders hung on the wall (L) and Laajisto's palette for designing the restaurant.

Bar and Co. restaurant bird on the wall

Above: A lone bird perched along the wall.

N.B.: Look through our latest favorite places to dine in our City Guide: Restaurants.

A Momentous Loft in Malmo, Sweden

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My oldest friend lives in the center of Malmö, in a remodeled loft furnished with midcentury finds and vintage rugs from Turkey and Morocco. It's one of my favorite places, for reasons having nothing to do with the design.

During a raucous dinner party a few years ago, I went into labor with my first-born. So of course I have a natural affection for the loft, which took a year and a half to renovate and features touches like Dinesen wide-plank floors and a kitchen from Uniform. My friend, a yoga instructor, and her husband, a consultant, are a well-traveled couple who explored the world before settling in Malmö, Sweden, and they've infused their home with a mix of exotic finds and Scandinavian classics. To see more of the space, go to Bo-laget.

Above: My friends collect mid-century Scandinavian furniture and vintage rugs from Morocco and Turkey.

Above: A view from the living room toward the dining and patio areas.

Above: The oak kitchen from Uniform features honed black granite countertops; the appliances are by Siemens, the hood is from Viking. The floors are stained black in the entryway and the kitchen to define the space.

Above: An eating area off the kitchen features a vintage dining table from Ikea and four black Eames chairs. A small patio area overlooks the city's rooftops.

Above: The loft features exposed beams and Dinesen flooring throughout. The table is a vintage Florence Knoll oval table desk.

Above: A vintage Swan chair by Arne Jacobsen mingles with an antique dresser in the master bedroom.

Above L: A children's bedroom features a classic String bookshelf and lighting by Danish Le Klint. Above R: A detail of the Dinesen floors.

Above: Both the guest and master bathroom floors are paved in radiant-heated black slate ceramic tiles.

Explore More: 159 more House Calls.

Down Under: An Elegant Table from Scandinavia

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Swedish designers Mattias Ståhlbom and Gabriella Gustafson of Stockholm-based design and architecture studio TAF have long been fascinated by the underside of furniture; with their Upside-Down table, they transform their obsession into an elegant silhouette.

TAF Upside Down Table, HAY, natural ash table with underframe as base

Above: The Upside-Down Table takes the underside framework of a table and exposes it by turning it upside down. See Danish furniture company HAY for more information.

TAF Upside Down Table, HAY, natural ash table with underframe as base

Above: The underside frame becomes the base of the table.

TAF Upside Down Table, HAY, sketch of natural ash table with underframe as base

Above: TAF's initial sketch for the Upside Down Table.

TAF Upside Down Table, HAY, typical detail of underframe right under seat

Above: The underside frame is just under the seat, which is a more typical detail in furniture construction.

TAF Upside Down Table, HAY, three natural ash tables with underframe as base

Above: The Upside Down table is made of natural ash and can be used as a stool as well.

N.B. Looking for a wood table? See 1334 back posts of Wood Tables.

10 Favorites: Scandi Christmas Decorations

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Often inspired by nature, Scandinavians have a fresh, understated approach to holiday decor that we find hard to resist.

paper orbs by Annaleenas Hem

Above: Yet another inspired DIY project from Annaleena's Hem, these black paper orbs are a modern twist on a Scandi classic.

larch wreath and garland

Above: Laden with pinecones, flexible larch is an excellent material for making easy wreaths and garlands. You can see my DIY for a larch advent wreath on Gardenista. Photos via Belgian Pearls and Anthropologie.

DIY advent wreath by Johanna Flyckt

Above: Above a simple advent wreath by Johanna Flyckt is a DIY project that I couldn't resist.

holiday decor by Loppelilla

Above: Scandinavian mainstays: white candles, a DIY project, antlers, and animal skins make a place look cozy and homey. Photo via Loppelilla.

pink paper star by Watt and Veke

Above: A lone paper star makes a dramatic statement. Photo via Watt and Veke.

Himmeli by Time of the Aquarius

Above: Made from pieces of straw, himmeli is a traditional Finnish decoration. Small ones are used as ornaments on the tree, while a larger himmeli makes a strikingly delicate mobile. Photo via Time of The Aquarius.

paper ornaments by Paper Statement

Above: Popular in many Nordic countries, these sculptural paper ornaments were made by Paper Statement in Munich; $25 to $60.

Tree branch by Fryd Design

Above: Scandinavians are the masters of using a single sprig—large or small—to achieve maximum impact. This giant pine branch, via Fryd + Design, was originally spotted on Poppytalk.

Scandi wreaths from Fjeldborg and Liljor Och Tulpaner

Above: Never forgetting their outdoors, Scandinavians employ simple wreaths of twigs, lights, or greens to add a little holiday cheer. Photos via Fjeldborg and Liljor Och Tulpaner.

N.B.: Looking for more Scandinavian inspiration? Browse 6146 ideas for Nordic holiday decor.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Teacher

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When my son was much younger, the school he attended in San Francisco suggested that all teacher gifts should be homemade. The intent was well meaning, but for working parents it was a nightmare. Thus it was I found myself late one night with a jar of June Taylor Conserves, which I decanted into a recycled jar with a hastily handmade label (sorry, June). The lesson learned? Just give the nice jar of jam.

Here are five gifts that require no manual labor.

June Taylor Conserves

Above: Our friend June Taylor makes beautiful preserves in Berkeley using organic berries and stone fruits in flavors like blackberry and lemon verbena; her conserves have a very low sugar content and no commercial pectin; an 8-ounce jar of her Organic Conserves is $14 directly from June Taylor. Image via The Sphinx and the Milky Way.

Spare Stripe Mug

Above: The Spare Stripe Mug is handmade in the US and comes in a choice of red, green, or blue; $24 at Terrain.

Dinner Party in a Box

Above: Dinner Party in a Box; A box packed full of goodies, created by The Bold Italic. inside you'll find a bottle opener, recipe cards from some local SF favorite cooks and restaurants (flour + water, State Bird Provisions, Beast and the Hare, Bi-Rite Creamery, and 101 Cookbooks), foodie bingo, prophecy cookies, and more, (some of the contents shown above). Available from Zinc Details for $50.

Woww Tea Towel

Above: The Woww Tea Towel is Dutch designed and adds a splash of festive color. Present as it or use to wrap a bottle of wine, a small plant or teacher worthy flowers; $36 from Woonwinkel.

Pine Sap Candle

Above: The Pine Sap Candle comes in a rugged faux bois vessel in a unisex scent of sorts: fresh fir, marjoram, sweet balsam, blonde wood, and eucalyptus: $40 from Terrain.

N.B.: To make sure we've got everyone on your list covered, see all of our gift guides to date in our House Gifts section.


Design Sleuth: A Swedish Kitchen with a Tiled Ceiling

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As surfaces go, ceilings are often overlooked. These ceramic tiles by Swedish architects Tham & Videgård hint of the outdoors and add texture, pattern, and color without detracting from the overall purity of a white kitchen.

Tham & Videgård, Sweden Graphics, green and white leaf pattern ceramic tiles on ceiling of white kitchen

Above: A geometric leaf pattern is achieved by placing ceramic tiles designed by Swedish architects Tham & Videgård on the ceiling.

Tham & Videgård, Sweden Graphics, green and white leaf pattern ceramic tiles

Above: The tiles were designed in collaboration with Sweden Graphics.

Tham & Videgård, Sweden Graphics, individual green and white leaf pattern ceramic tiles Above: Individual tiles show a leaf and twig pattern. When joined up the tiles form an overriding geometrical pattern.

N.B. Interested in seeing other uses of ceramic tiles? See 426 back posts of Ceramic Tiles.

A Remote Retreat Designed by Swedish Survivalists

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What more could one want in a forest other than protection from wild animals, weather, and wind? Perhaps a cup of strong Swedish coffee.

Urnatur guest cabins and retreat began as a private farm purchased by two nature-loving Swedes, whose shared interests include crafts, ethnobiology, design, self-sustainability, cooking, and survival. Håkan Strotz, a forester, and Ulrika Krynitz, a biologist, lived simply on their property for many years, he as a teacher in a nearby school and she weaving textiles. For several summers, they organized a handicraft festival. They enjoyed the company and began to invite guests.

Together, Strotz and Krynitz cut down the first trees that would become their hand-hewn estate. Strotz designed the huts to blend into their surroundings, the way ancient huts would have been camouflaged by their mossy environs. The pair took a strictly utilitarian approach to the shelters and even designed iron beds to lend the huts a "gulag feel." Lucky for us, the pair have since embraced their softer sides and a somewhat warmer bed and breakfast has evolved. (They decided that a cup of black Swedish coffee was a reasonable accessory to basic protection from wild beasts.) To further soften the camp atmosphere, carpets, curtains, and textiles woven on the farm add color and life to their designs. For booking information, visit Urnatur, and peruse their textiles in their online shop.

Photos courtesy of Urnatur except where noted.

Owners of Urnatur Cabins in Sweden Swedish Couple in Sweaters in Winter

Above: Owners Håkan Strotz and Ulrika Krynitz bought their small farm in 1993 before turning it into guest retreat.

Urnatur Cabins in Sweden Loft Above Ground Weathered Wood Winter

Above: The smallest cabin, a tree house, sleeps only one. Its accommodations are modest; it lacks insulation and has a tar paper roof (albeit one covered in a lovely green moss).

Urnatur Cabins in Sweden Rustic Dining Room with Candles

Above: The Tin Castle, the building nearest the road, offers electricity (though candles are clearly still preferred).

Urnatur Cabins in Sweden with Wood Burning FIreplace in Bedroom

Above: The Wolf Cot offers dormitory style beds to those wanting a more communal stay. As the only source of heat in the cabin, the wood burning stove must be tended throughout the night.

Candles Burning at Night Glowing Christmas in Sweden

Above: Daylight hours are brief, and trays of candles and kerosene lamps are the only sources of light back to cabins in the dark.

Urnatur Cabins in Sweden Simple Cottage Twin Beds White Bedding Wrought Iron Chandelier

Above: The huts are meant to have a very Spartan feel; "small, dark, and hence very cozy." Photo via Anthology Magazine.

Urnatur Cabins in Sweden Winter Forest in Snow Staircase

Above: A winding staircase leading to the larger of two tree houses seems to arise from nowhere in the wintry forest.

Swedish Couple at Outdoor Fire with Dog in Swedish Forest

Above: I, too, hope someday to brew coffee on a mossy forest floor while looking impossibly Scandi chic. Maybe a stay at Urnatur would do the trick.

Looking for more places to brave the elements? See 68 images of Rustic Hotels in our Gallery of rooms and spaces.

Current Obsessions: Winterscapes

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Here's a roundup of what's piquing our interest this week:

Above: Alexa has been admiring Au Vélocipède in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, France.

• It's almost winter solstice, but we're dreaming about outdoor spaces like this Energy-Efficient Boathouse in Austria.

Above: Alexa's been admiring Studioilse'sCollection for Georg Jensen.

• Neutra's Hailey Residence on the market in the Hollywood Hills.

• Checking out these six portable kitchen islands.

Above: We were delighted to meet so many of our readers at last Saturday's Holiday Market at Heath Ceramics (including our friend above in her Fendi heels); if you missed the event, check out our Facebook Album.

• Liking the unexpected charcoal staircase in this Park Slope apartment.

Above: Ever since Christine worked with Brian Ferry on this post, she can't get enough of his atmospheric photographs of the "everyday" and is thrilled that he is currently selling limited edition prints--perfect Christmas present for any special person in your life.

Above: Mint in Mill Valley is one of the only places in the US where you can find the whimsical clothing of Le Vestiare de Cle.

Above: Reading about witch hazel growing in the Catskill Mountains.

Above: Julie is admiring the wire sculptures of SF artist Tara Knutson ("they're like suspended illustrations"), on view (and for sale) at Mint in downtown Mill Valley.

• While at ABC Carpet recently, Margot was stopped in her tracks by soft throws with stitched ends by Catalan company Teixidors. She would love one on her sofa, but fears that her dog would make it his own.

Seattle brite design collective

Above: Sarah wishes she were in Seattle this weekend to check out the The Blak Designmart.

• Intrigued by the Battle of the Divas, Christine is checking out the house Zaha Hadid is designing for Naomi Campbell and her Russian billionaire boyfriend outside Moscow.

Holiday Table: A California Architect's Wabi-Sabi Picks

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San Francisco architect Cary Bernstein brings a wabi-sabi aesthetic to her holiday entertaining.

For twenty years, Cary Bernstein, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory, has been working her own brand of modernism into the Bay Area. Influenced by her many trips to Japan, Bernstein takes a high/low approach to setting her table and quotes the design philosopher Leonard Koren from his book Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosphers, “In wabi-sabi, there is no valuable, since that would imply not valuable. An object obtains the state of wabi-sabi only for the moment it is treated as such.”

N.B.: Want to see more of Cary Bernstein's ideas for holiday entertaining? Check out her mood board on Pinterest.

Remodelista-Holiday-Table-Cary-Bernstein-Wabi-Sabi-tea-container-steet-tree-clippings

Above: Bernstein uses an old tea cannister as a vase for her "street tree" cuttings.

Remodelista-Holiday-Table-Cary-Bernstein-Wabi-Sabi-Jasper-Morrison-terraccotta-jug-Tajika-Flower-shears

Above L. The natural earth color and simple form of this Jasper Morrison Terracotta Jug lends an air of modern rusticity to the table; £58. Above R: Bernstein uses classic Tajika Flower Shears as grape shears; $69.

Remodelista-Holiday-Table-Cary-Bernstein-Wabi-Sabi-Deborah-Ehrlich-Hurricane-Lanterns

Above: The three layers of Deborah Ehrlich's Hurricane Lanterns give off an ephemeral light; $300 to $900, depending on size.

Remodelista-Holiday-Table-Cary-Bernstein-Wabi-Sabi-David-Chipperfield-Alessi-Tonale-Table-Set

Above: The Alessi Tonale Table Set designed by UK architect David Chipperfield was inspired by vernacular ceramics from Korea, Japan, and China.

Remodelista-Holiday-Table-Cary-Bernstein-Wabi-Sabi-Takemata-Yuichi-stainless-steel-plates-cutlery

Above: Metal craft artist Takemata Yuichi is known for the well-used appearance of his stainless steel plates and cutlery.

Remodelista-Holiday-Table-Cary-Bernstein-Wabi-Sabi-Smith-Handmade-rough-linen-napkins

Above: Rough Linen Napkins by Smith Handmade add a rustic texture to te table; Smith handmade, a set of six for $12 CAD.

Remodelista-Holiday-Table-Cary-Bernstein-Wabi-Sabi-Council-Design-Divis-Table

Above: The Divis Table by Council Design has a rectangular top which is split by the supporting legs. The solid surface is open in places creating both a visual and a physical tension. Go to Council Design for price and ordering information.

Remodelista-Holiday-Table-Cary-Bernstein-Wabi-Sabi-Sfera-hammered-brass-cups-pitcher

Above: Hammered brass and aluminum cups from Sfera represent the meeting ground of wabi-sabi and Scandi; go to Sfera for more information.

N.B.: Looking for more holiday table setting ideas? See A Holiday Table with Soul where New York designer Brad Ford shares his holiday entertaining ideas; Holiday Tables Fit for an Englishman, where London designer Ben Pentreath entertains in the city and country style; and Holiday en Plein Air where LA landscape desisgner Judy Kameon entertains outside.

An Urban Cabin Made in Brooklyn

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The young design firm Workstead, whose work encapsulates the thriving creative scene in Brooklyn, has just completed an apartment renovation where everything from design to manufacture was made in Brooklyn.

Their small Brooklyn Heights remodel involved the reorganization of the kitchen, living, dining, and bath areas of a single floor co-op apartment. The clients’ decision to replace the existing floors with antique hard pine floorboards started an obsession with wood, that ultimately became the key driver for Stefanie Brechbuehler and Robert Highsmith, the founding principals of Workstead (a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory) to finding design solutions for a space where maximizing storage and flexibility were paramount.

N.B.: Brechbuehler and Highsmith originally founded Workstead in their own apartment, which they used as their design lab. To see where it all began, see Workstead in Cobble Hill.

Photography by Matthew Williams.

Remodelista, Workstead, Brooklyn Heights, cherry hardwood storage boxes on white kitchen wall, pendant light over table

Above: The boxes on the wall are made of hardwood cherry and provide storage opportunities. The rectilinear form of the pendant lampshade by Workstead matches the storage boxes on the wall behind.

Remodelista, Workstead, Brooklyn Heights, cherry veneer kitchen cabinets

Above: "A significant amount of below-counter storage serves as both a buffet and work surface for the dining area and kitchen," Highsmith says. The cabinets are made from a hardwood cherry veneer; all millwork was produced by Markus Bartenschlager of Greenpoint.

Remodelista, Workstead, Brooklyn Heights, cherry hardwood storage boxes on white kitchen wall

Above: "We conceived the boxes as sculpture so that the view from the living area was not that of staring into a kitchen," Highsmith says.

Remodelista, Workstead, Brooklyn Heights, cherry hardwood storage boxes on white kitchen wall, white cararra marble backsplash and counter

Above: For budgetary reasons, the clients chose white cararra marble instead of kolkata marble for the kitchen backsplash and counter. With the help of a Brooklyn marble craftsman, Luciano Granato of Red Hook, the designers managed to source a cararra marble with a similar warm brown veining normally seen in a kolkata marble.

Remodelista, Workstead, Brooklyn Heights, cherry hardwood storage boxes on white kitchen wall, metal stitches holding the boxes together

Above: "Custom steel hardware, at multiple scales throughout the project, stitch the cabinets and shelves together," Highsmith says.

Remodelista, Workstead, Brooklyn Heights, wood shelves with large stitches as book ends, Workstead wall mounted lamps

Above: Also manufactured in Brooklyn by Williamsburg steelworkers 4th State Metals, the steel stitches in the living room are larger in scale than in the kitchen as they were designed to act as bookends.

Remodelista, Workstead, Brooklyn Heights, wood shelves with large stitches as book ends, Workstead wall mounted lamps

Above: Two Workstead designed Wall-Mounted Lamps grace the wall of the living area.

Remodelista, Workstead, Brooklyn Heights, bathroom with white shelves and metal stitches

Above: The steel "stitches" hold up white shelves in the bathroom.

Remodelista, Workstead, Brooklyn Heights, bathroom with white shelves and metal stitches

Above: The general contractor for the project was Brooklyn-based J Rod Construction.

N.B. See 114 images of Brooklyn projects in our Gallery of rooms and spaces.

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