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.
Designing Flexible Kids Rooms That Adapt As They Grow
One minute you’re bringing your baby home in a carrier, and the next? You’re stepping on LEGO bricks and negotiating bedtime routines. Blink again, and you’re shopping for study desks and kids' room decor that doesn’t involve cartoon animals. If you’re feeling the whirlwind of the growing kids and ever-changing needs, you’re in good company. The good news is you can get ahead of the chaos with a little clever planning. By choosing flexible, long-lasting kids’ room furniture like cute convertible cots and funky height-adjustable kids’ desks, you can stay ahead of growth spurts without an annual full room redo. This guide is packed with practical tips and inspiring kids' room ideas to help you design a space that works now and later because future-proofing their room means fewer meltdowns (yours included). Toy Storage That Doesn’t Just Look Good (It Works Too) Let’s face it—toy chaos is practically a rite of passage in family life, but all that clutter can be managed with a dash of foresight and some creativity. Goodbye mismatched tubs, hello stylish storage you’ll actually want to show off. Think: solid wood toy storage, such as from the Mio Kids range, that embraces all the fun of childhood while harmonising beautifully with grown-up interiors. Make learning about organising fun for your kids. Label those baskets with colourful tags that they can read. Do you want them to actually use those hooks for hanging things up? Lower them so they can easily reach. Stay ahead of your ever-growing kiddiewinks by nabbing kids' room décor and furniture that adapts to every stage of childhood, like cube storage for toys that transforms into bookshelves. Boori Tidy Kids Toy Cabinet, Barley Alpaka Libby Solid Pine Canvas Bookshelf, Naturual Wood Solidwood Mio Kids Cube Storage Sharing a Room? Here’s How to Make It Work Got kids sharing a room? It’s the setting of childhood memories—both fun and dramatic! Your kids won’t always share, but while they do, here’s how to keep things organised and keep the peace. If their room is tight on space, embrace space-saving ideas with kids’ room furniture like bunk beds with storage, beds with underbed drawers, and slimline desks. Even in a small room, you can carve out fun little zones, such as study nooks, play corners for games, or comfy chill zones. Boori Neat Kid Single Bunk Bed Boori Neat Kids Single Bed with 2 Underbed Storage Drawers Boori Forest Kids Teepee Single Loft Bed What to Look For in Kids' Furniture That Lasts Just because you’re on the hunt for kids’ room furniture doesn’t mean you should compromise on quality. You deserve pieces that can withstand even the wildest tantrums. So why settle for flimsy, fast furniture? You want furniture that's as strong as your little ones' will and imagination. Need a burst of inspiration for style and strength? Dive into the fabulous Boori and Solidwood Mio range from Urban Sales. These awesome pieces are designed to improve the look of your children's rooms and are built to withstand their energetic and playful ways, looking great and staying sturdy. Looks, safety, longevity? Tick, tick and tick. Boori Tidy Kids Storage Bookcase, Cherry Solidwood Mio Kids Toy Storage Combination with 4 Boxes Boori Tidy Kids Rotating Bookshelf V22, Blueberry Keep It Fun Without Needing to Redecorate Every Year Oh, the pressure from Pinterest and Instagram to decorate and redecorate again and again. We get it. Kids’ room ideas come at you from every angle. But you don’t need a full jungle mural to have a room that feels like magic. When it comes to creating a fun and inviting space for your kids without draining your wallet, there are some savvy ninja-stealth designer strategies you can take. One of the smartest moves is to invest in essential items like beds, desks, and shelving units, all in neutral shades. These major pieces are like flexible backdrops for your kid’s room decor and can also blend with the general theme of the rest of your home. After setting up a neutral foundation, you can jazz things up with a vibrant mix of personal touches and alterations by swapping out their bedding, artwork, and rugs. For an alternative to artwork, display sports equipment or instruments, such as antique tennis rackets or ukuleles, on wall hooks as decoration. This allows you to refresh their space regularly, infusing it with new energy and creativity while keeping your budget in check. Where to Shop for Flexible Kids Furniture in NZ That Parents Actually Recommend? We totally get it! You want kids’ room furniture that’s not just smart and stylish, but also perfect for the chaos of family life, without compromising on the interior designer dream within you. If you’re on the hunt for fab ideas for kids' room décor in NZ, Urban Sales is your ultimate playground. We’re here to help our locals enjoy long-lasting joy and ease by making the best furniture and décor choices. Our many happy customers know we walk the talk. And happiness is exactly what we love to see: not just stunning, transformed spaces, but also smiles all around. Tiny Designers Welcome, Get Your Kids Involved in the Room Design Want to create a fun bonding experience? Involve your kids in the design process. Let their imaginations soar beyond just drawing, painting, and crafts. Give them the exciting opportunity to make decisions and create their very own space. It’s a fantastic way to nudge them towards ownership, confidence, and pride. Beyond just upgrading their space, it’s a joyful, memory-making adventure to share with your kids. Hopefully, it doesn’t overwhelm them, but this is a canon event for teenagers wondering why their younger self chose bright yellow rooms. Now You’re Future-Ready from Day One Parenthood is busy and fast-paced enough. The reality is that kids grow fast, and their needs evolve just as quickly. By making smart furniture choices for their rooms right from the start, you can thank yourself later for setting the pace early and getting gorgeous, well-built furniture and décor that withstands the rigours of childhood. Whatever design style works for your home, at Urban Sales, we have kids' room furniture ranges to match, including the beautiful Linspire and Alpaka ranges, as well as ZenLife storage products. Get ready to dive in and make them yours. FAQs: What furniture should we be focusing on for growing with kids? Why not be one step ahead and choose furniture that will accommodate your kids' growth for at least the next five years? Think convertible cots for those sweet bedtime stories and height-adjustable desks for all those homework marathons. Choose wisely, and you will skip a trip to the furniture shop for a while. Are convertible cots worth it? Convertible cots are like the Swiss Army knives of baby furniture, a total win for your wallet when it comes to changing bedding, especially during those whirlwind first five years as your little one grows. The best part? They can effortlessly transform into toddler beds. Just double-check those conversion kits. You want them to be as sturdy and safe as a fortress for your mini adventurer. How do I design a kids' room that lasts beyond toddler years? To keep your child’s room fresh and age-appropriate as they grow out of the toddler phase, it's best to avoid overly thematic designs, especially with furniture and walls. Instead of overwhelming murals, consider using bold colours on the walls. This allows for easy changes in artwork, such as framing your child’s creations or hanging up large posters of their favourite things, like superheroes or animals. Offer a selection of choices for your child to pick from, ensuring they align with their current preferences.
Buying Guide: Adjustable Standing Desk
Following Covid-19 a spike in hybrid and work-from-home cultures rose. With working from home becoming the new norm, perfecting your home office is more important than ever. Recent studies have shown that extended sitting is very common among office workers, who spend an average of approximately 5.5 hours each day at their desks. This adds up to daily sitting durations of more than 10 hours! Although it might not seem like a big pain now, studies have linked sitting for long periods to numerous mental and physical health issues that end up surprising you in the long run. An ergonomic office space is needed now more than ever! Standing desks are part of the hype, with many studies linking numerous benefits to switching to a more ergonomic option. But what are standing desks and their so-called benefits? Let's jump right into it! So What Is a Standing Desk? A standing desk is there to make your job that much easier! Their main feature is that they allow you to conveniently change from sitting to standing. There are many versions with different features, but the typical standing desk will allow you to either manually or electronically change its height. Their rise in popularity isn’t for nothing! - with studies linking their use to a vast amount of benefits. Need some more convincing? Let’s dive into our buying guide for standing desks! 4 Benefits of an Adjustable Standing Desk: Better design, more functions With just a push of a button or a pull of a clank, your desk will adjust to your perfect height. Your productivity is not left behind - as many standing desks such as our Loctek All-in-One Desks have great techy features to make your life easier: Expect less noise and better focus with their smooth and quiet height adjustments Different motors enable faster and more stable adjustment. With larger motors being able to perfectly move the most cluttered of desks. Convenient USB ports to charge all your techy gadgets, so no need to stress about how many outlets you have, because it’s all within easy access! Memory setting for when you have different desk users, that allows the whole family to save their preferred height setting Tidying is made easy! With better accessibility, standing desks are easier to clean and keep tidy, leading you to a better-looking workspace. Simply use the levelling glides along the bottom of the desk to stabilise and level your desk to the right height. Better technology comes with better functions! The anti-collision function ensures safety by preventing the desktop from being damaged or crushing other objects and devices while in motion. Helps your health Being sedentary is the norm for most employees, especially those who work in offices. Sitting for long periods of time with limited amounts of activity or movement can lead to multiple health issues later on. Have you ever heard of the 90-90-90 rule? It basically means that when you are seated at your desk, your elbows, knees, and hips are all at a 90-degree angle. With the ability to adjust your standing desk, you’re much more likely to achieve a proper sitting posture. The 90-90-90 rule makes sure that your wrist and monitor position are all in the correct place in order for you to be most comfortable! This will avoid hunching and slouching over, causing all kinds of back pain later on. Just remember that a standing desk may help you improve your back pain, but it’s probably not the cure for everything. Although a standing desk encourages you to stand up straight and relieves pain from your neck and back, it won’t fix the more significant issues like scoliosis. However, that doesn’t mean that when used appropriately, standing desks can help to lessen some of the pain associated with scoliosis and stop it from progressing! Friendly reminder: Standing for long periods of time is also not the best for you! Try to balance the time you are switching between standing and sitting throughout your day. Improves your mood We all know that physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy body, but there is mounting proof that even small amounts of exercise can elevate mood and lessen anxiety. Everyone can benefit from exercising in their own way! Using a standing desk has been shown to enhance mood, and other studies have found that energy levels are also enhanced. Employees are given a more upbeat view of life at work as a result. So as you become more active while standing, you are boosting your energy levels and increasing your mood at the same time! Increased Productivity Standing at your desk does not negatively impact your daily tasks – in fact with less strain, and an increased mood, doing your job can become much easier. A study between non-users and users of standing desks showed that users selected keeping alert and boosting attention as their top immediate benefits when alternating between sitting and standing at their desks. Tip: Get your sit–stand schedule on point – find what the right sit–stand balance is for you. This may take some adjusting but in the long run, you’ll find your comfort increase and work become not as painful.
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 Colima Bookacase 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.
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.
Introducing Lumo Mattress
Hey! We’re Lumo, and we believe that a good night's sleep has the power to transform your day. That's why we set out on a mission to bring the most comfortable, versatile, and accessible mattresses to Kiwis. We made it customisable, because we know that every-body is different, but we all deserve to wake up refreshed and ready to tackle every moment. Lumo mattresses feature a versatile firmness layer, that you can personalise with a simple flip, to feel your comfiest and most supported. The nights of tossing and turning are over with our breathable and cooling materials, so you can enjoy a deep night's sleep and wake up refreshed. Our removable, washable covers make maintenance a breeze, keeping your mattress clean and feeling like new, year after year. Together we can change how Kiwis sleep for the better. With Lumo, you'll wake up recharged and ready to shine, empowering you to make the most of every day. Explore Our Three Ranges to Suit Every-Body What Makes Lumo Your Mattress of Choice
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.
