The House That Lars Built.

Paris or bust!

2012-02-01T11:23:00.002+01:00

We're house swapping Copenhagen for Paris this weekend with Oh Happy Day. Jordan came up with a delightful itinerary, which I can't wait to dig into, but in the mean time, do you have any recommendations? Anything designy, artsy? Cute or off beat shops? Any events going on this weekend? In the mean time, I've been listening loads to Gershwin's American in Paris (he's my fave) and watching movies set in France while I work. Julie and Julia is just beautiful! Midnight in Paris. What else???

Bon Voyage card from Rifle

This girl: IV

2012-01-31T09:50:00.000+01:00

Black and white gloriousness.

Girl | Foyer | Office space

Quick tour of Copenhagen

2012-01-30T17:47:00.001+01:00

This weekend I helped a friend make a video for a project she's starting. Since I had the rare luxury of being in a car I thought it'd be the perfect time to show a brief tour of Kongens Nytorv (darn the construction!) and Nyhavn (with Christmas lights still up!), perhaps the most famous Copenhagen sites. You can catch a glimpse of the bicycle lanes and even the stellar bicycle etiquette of a certain rider (arm up indicates stopping.) At the end I was filming some bike parking and stumbled on my dream bike. I did a double take. It's a mint Van de Falk with a beautiful brown basket that I've been coveting since I moved here. Sigh. The music might be a bit too French but I had just watched Midnight in Paris so there you go.

Door of the week & oversized flowers

2012-01-27T15:05:00.000+01:00

Is it possible to roll so many wonderful things into just one post? First off, let's take care of door of the week:

Are you kidding me?! Oversized flowers at Paris Fashion week coming through the Parisian door? It's like Alexis Mabille planned their Spring/Summer 2012 just for me. It's like they took my Royal wedding fascinator and timesed (sp?) it by a billion.

Here & Here (thanks, Rubi, for the tip!)

The trick to accumulating flowers

2012-01-26T13:11:00.000+01:00

Host a party! Or dinner! Or just an 'ole meeting! That's it! That's all you have to do. We've had the nicest, most polite friends come over and bring us beautiful flowers as host gifts. Is that common where you live? To bring a host gift? It's definitely kosher in Denmark to bring a little something. So, here I go planning some more get togethers...:)

Elaina brought over this lovely little pink blossom above and Louise brought over the bulbs and now they are starting to blossom. Oooo, it almost feels like spring! Almost.

my Scandinavian style dilemma

2012-01-25T10:13:00.002+01:00

So, here's the thing. I love Scandinavian style. I do. I love the crisp white walls and natural materials. I do.

Buuuuuut...so does everyone else. And I'm speaking from what I know now, which is Denmark. For the most part a standard apartment has the white walls, white or natural floors, and beautiful modern classic Danish furniture or an inspired nod to it. Or Ikea. There are lots of neutrals and then a pop of color now and again.* If you had asked me to define my interior style prior to moving to Scandinavia I would have said a mix of French/Swedish Gustavian (read here for a short history of the style. So interesting!) and loads of color and humor. I'm learning that Gustavian hasn't remained much in Denmark (if it ever made it's way here? anyone know?). I'm thinking it must be strictly Swedish.** Here's what I'm talking about when I say Gustavian:

Now, these are a little too toned down & mature for me. What I'd do is blend the two styles together to get the best of both worlds. Domino (RIP) was quite good at achieving this eclectic mix of historical and modern. This one, below, is an apartment in Malmø, Sweden, just across the water from us in Copenhagen. I'd probably add in some more historical pieces with fun colors & patterns to achieve my ideal look, but I think they did a great job modernizing an historical apartment.

I'd also take advantage of the wonderfully bright patterns and colors that Scandinavians have come to perfect like Josef Frank's. Joanna Goddard recently showed her apartment redo and added in his fabric. I thought it was a clever way of adding color and history.

I realize that I don't talk about Scandinavian style enough and I need to take advantage of my surroundings and focus my design eye while I'm here. I'm going to try and feature more interiors/products. If you see anything noteworthy or know of any awesome designers, let me know.

1st and 3rd photos from Emma's Design Blogg

2nd photo from Line Klein

Gustavian entry and living room found here

Joanna Goddard's bedroom with Josef Frank

Wallpapered entry

*There are exceptions.
**Though Denmark once governed Sweden. I'll have to check my dates. I would think there should be some overlap.

DIY: Kissing clothespin caketopper

2012-01-24T08:38:00.002+01:00

Check out the my first DIY for Brooklyn Bride. So easy and simple. I thought it'd be nice as a caketopper or on favor bags. For the full story go here. Have you checked out my decorating tips? If you like gold, you'll love these ideas. And if you want something easy and powerful, check out this tip. I love writing for a wedding blog. It gives me the chance to think all my favorite things: fashion, DIYs, decor, food. Yes, it's a perfect fit. And a huge thank you to Liv Colliander for stepping in to photograph. I haven't found too many people around town who photograph products and she was up for the challenge. Speaking of, is there anyone in the Copenhagen area who wants to collaborate? Maybe some fun projects or photographing?

Preview, good news, & giveaway winner

2012-01-23T13:08:00.000+01:00

Did you have an amazing weekend? Yesterday I realized that I hadn't been outside since Thursday. Pathetic, unhealthy, reclusive? Maybe, but I was so busy getting ready for Friday's photoshoot that I didn't even notice. Top that off with a fever, sleet/hail/snow and there's no way I was frolicking outside. Anywhoo, the photoshoot was super fun. Here's a preview of one of my projects. More on that soon...

Two items of business...Number one. I'm absolutely bummed that I couldn't go to Altitude Summit, the conference for art/design bloggers in Salt Lake City last week. My heart hurt every time I saw any mention of it on Twitter. BUT, I am thrilled to say that I was named one of the "up-and-coming blogs" by Black Eiffel, Nat the Fat Rat, Mimi and Meg, and Modern Kiddo. Thank you!

Number two. I have the winner of the giveaway. Katherine, come on down! I don't have your contact info so please email me! thehousethatlarsbuilt@gmail.com

Photo by Liv Colliander

Door of the Week: Anchor

2012-01-20T16:39:00.003+01:00

I haven't had a door of the week photo session in quite some time. Winter will do that to ya...you just don't wanna have to be outside anymore than is necessary. Thank goodness for little charmers like this anchor doorknocker. Wish I had a door worthy of you.

In other news, I spent the day shooting a few projects and my house is a DISASTER. I've been working so hard on them this week that I haven't even made time for doing dishes, etc. so you can imagine that tonight will be a lot of fun...Have a good weekend!

Don't forget the giveaway ends tonight!

photo

Fave items from Formland

2012-01-19T10:08:00.000+01:00

I haven't yet written about what I found at last week's Formland, Denmark's design fair, with Maria. Sadly, a lot of exhibitors were not in attendance. A sign of the times? Perhaps. Below are my faves:

A chandelier bedazzled with wooden and crocheted beads. I thought it'd make a fun DIY project. Don't remember whose booth it was.

A booth had just a few products from my favorite Darling Clementine including this Folk and Flora canvas bag. Remember when I interviewed them in Oslo for design*sponge?

Geometrics are EVERYWHERE these days but I really like these rugs from Base 212.

And lastly, Pantone showed the color trends of the year. Some designer lady showed me how to turn the thread samples into a beautiful necklace. Photo by Maria

Shirley Kurata

2012-01-18T09:18:00.001+01:00

I was going to post a "This Girl" today and started with this top image of stylist Shirley Kurata as my first inspiration. Then I started clicking away and discovered that her home is already the perfect reflection of her personal style. The pom pom shoes! The geometric bow tunic/dress. You kidding me?! As for her home...clearly the yellow staircase set me over the edge. She is now kindly added to my "Kindred Spirits" board.

She was to describe her personal style by Refinery29 and said, "I'm really bad at describing myself, but I guess mod secretary style? I'm usually a mixture of vintage and new." I'd say so!

Read the rest of the interview and see more pictures of her and her LA home here.

Styled mag

2012-01-17T08:09:00.001+01:00

The brand spankin' new issue of Styled magazine is out now. They've taken their quarterly issue and reinvented it to come out weekly. I'm pleased to share a DIY in their new issue. I show how to make a frosted gold bowl. For full instructions check it out on their blog or on their mag. Once again, thank you to Hilda for photographing!

GIVEAWAY: Language of Flowers collection

2012-01-16T19:50:00.003+01:00

I'm feeling so grateful for your support with the release of The Language of Flowers. Thank you for helping me get this thing going. As a thank you, I'd love to give one reader the whole collection. That's an oven glove, tea towel, and 2012 calendar. You can enter in two easy steps:

1. Write a comment below
2. Like The House That Lars Built on Facebook
3. (Optional) Follow me on Twitter to hear my very profound thoughts in 140 characters.
4. Easy.
5. Beazy.

Ok, that was 5. Forgive me. Competition ends Friday. Ready....set....go.....

awards

2012-01-16T09:57:00.001+01:00

Looking over tweets from the past few hours, it appears that the Golden Globes is the topic of the hour. I don't think I've seen anything that was nominated, but really, the most important question is, What would I wear if I were invited to go? You know what I mean? Well, I'd have fun with it, that's for sure. So, I'd definitely start with my Sunday Best sweater tucked into a full, flowing skirt and then a fun contrasting color with a gold toe, just for kicks. And globs of jewelry on loan from Fred Leighton, of course.

Sunday Best | skirt | YSL shoes

Formland preview

2012-01-13T11:00:00.002+01:00

Maria and I journeyed out to Formland, the Danish design/gift fair yesterday. It's about a 3 hour drive to Herning, in the middle of nowhere, in killer rain and wind and we came to find that the road trip was the best part of the day. Sadly, the fair was much smaller this time around. A lot of vendors chose now to show so really there isn't too much to report, but I'll give some of my favorite starting next week.

Top: This is Magasin, a big department store, on my way to meet Maria at 6:45am
Middle: One booth used oversize paper flowers for decoration. (brilliant!). I'm thinking they were left over from a campaign that Magasin did last spring.
Bottom: Maria's cute trompe l'oeil Oxford socks, perfect for walking around in all day.

All photos from Instagram. Instagram is a new favorite time-wasting measure while I ride the metro. Are you on it? If you want to follow along my profile name is brittanyjepsen.

DIY Nepali ceiling hanging

2012-01-11T09:08:00.001+01:00

My latest DIY for Oh Happy Day came out yesterday. I recreated this ceiling hanging that I had seen in the architecture school in Kathmandu, Nepal with Spirit of Place in June. Now that I'm looking at the original picture, below, I had no idea how closely I stuck with the colors. I think it was coincidental because I didn't have much of a tissue paper option here. Funny.

Above, these are the original hangings.

idea

2012-01-10T10:03:00.000+01:00

I think I found my Halloween costume for this year. Glad I got this squared away. Now I have ten months to plan it out.

Illustration by Rene Granau from here.

New Year's Market

2012-01-09T10:14:00.000+01:00

Paul and I headed to the New Year's flea market at Forum. They have massive flea markets a few times a year and this was our first time going. Apparently, everyone else had the same idea because the place was jam packed. That also means that the sellers want more for their stuff so sadly, I didn't come back with anything to resell on my shop. I did find a couple of treasures, which I'll have to photograph at some point. Here are some treasures we didn't come away with. First up, how cute are these two ladies? Living the dream!

The line to get in wrapped around the building

Is this a wedding tin? Love it. Love the colors in this quilt.

Beautiful graphics and are these Nazi pins? We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto.

Umm, do I want a pin cushion head? YES! And a flower wreath for a marriage certificate. Not this one, but love the idea!

See what I mean about being packed? This is a church just outside forum.

This booth they make paper flowers with jewelry parts. So beautiful.

Recycle your tree

2012-01-06T12:25:00.003+01:00

I noticed with our sparse Christmas tree that if it was cut in section it'd look like a snowflake. Call me bored. So this morning I took a saw and got crackin. Sadly, our tree was so dry that many of the branches started breaking off so I had to glue gun some back on. I think this would make a great door wreath at Christmas time, but in the mean time perfect for winter time.

Helen Frankenthaler: 1928-2011

2012-01-05T09:55:00.002+01:00

My last semester of undergrad I interned in Washington, DC at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. I loved it. Working in their research center, I got to research women artists, historical and modern, all day long for four months. One of these was Helen Frankenthaler who passed away last Tuesday, December 27th, 2011. A lot of female artists over the centuries have not necessarily been associated with an artistic group or movement because it was not permissible socially. Oftentimes, though not always, they would create in the privacy of their homes and, therefore, are not well-known today, which made my work more of identifying them more of a Nancy Drew novel. Helen Frankenthaler, on the other hand, was not only well-known in her day but influential in creating a movement. She was right in the middle of it all. She was highly influenced by Abstract Expressionism, especially the work of Jackson Pollack, and developed her own technique of thinning out the paint with turpentine and soaking it into unprimed canvas, which lead to the color-field movement with some of my all time favorites, Morris Louis and Kenneth Noland.

One of my favorite descriptions of her work comes from Observer critic Nigel Gosling's review in May 1964, "If any artist can give us aid and comfort, Helen Frankenthaler can with her great splashes of soft colour on huge square canvases. They are big but not bold, abstract but not empty or clinical, free but orderly, lively but intensely relaxed and peaceful...They are vaguely feminine in the way water is feminine--dissolving and instinctive, and on an enveloping scale."

The Bay, 1963
Picture

Brooklyn Bride: Casual Bride

2012-01-04T16:02:00.001+01:00

I'm now starting to guest weekly for Brooklyn Bride, one of my favorite bridal blogs. I certainly did my fair share of wedding scouting on blogs for my wedding and now I get to post about things I wish I could have done. Here's my first ensemble.

This girl: III

2012-01-04T09:15:00.001+01:00

I started this post with the bedroom because it's been scientifically proven to be one of the best bedrooms of all time. Obviously. As I tried finding the right "This girl" who would reflect such awesomeness I couldn't bear that any other have this room so I had to put myself in. And yes, to answer your question, I had problems sharing as a kid.

my photo by Rachel Thurston | Bedroom | Plate

Calendar picks for 2012

2012-01-03T12:22:00.001+01:00

It's not too late to get your paws on a 2012 calendar and I've seen some pretty darn cute ones around. A friend just gave us a Charley Harper one, which I was all too stoked to receive, which also means that we have to say good-bye to our '66 classic black and white Massimo Vignelli from 2011. Ciao!

animals
beautiful colors from Simplesong
Michelle Armas' beauty & shamelessly including mine
animals

Godt Nytår! 2012: Warning, long post!

2012-01-02T09:12:00.002+01:00

The view from our living room this year:

vs. The view from City Hall Square last year with Secret Pocket (I'm never doing that again!)

Maybe watching videos of other people's views of fireworks may not be the most thrilling thing for you, but bear with me. I still find it absolutely nuts that fireworks are legal in a major capital city. Anyone else? I mean, little kids are setting these puppies off. Am I crazy? Yes, they sure look cool from a faraway distance (AND NOT YOUR FRONT LAWN. Ya hear me neighbors?) but all I can think of is the property being destroyed and the fingers getting blown off. Oh my, have I turned full-fledged adult? Scrooge? Or am I just American?

This year we decided to go the safe route and stay home. The top video was taken from our living room window and captures half of the skyline. I wish I could have shown a full 360 degrees because it felt like the true apocalypse. The second video is from last year when we ventured to City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen), which was not the smartest idea if you're into safety and staying alive.

Anywhoo, all that is to say, HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'm rather stoked about 2012. Maybe it's because I like even numbers better? Maybe because I was born in an even numbered year? Or maybe because it's more efficient to say? Four syllables instead of 6. I dunno. 2011 was my first full year married with my Paul. There have been so many changes in every way possible since getting married so at times I long for anything remotely familiar and skype doesn't always do the trick. Writing this blog has been one of those familiar things and I'm grateful to all who follow and have accompanied me on this journey. I don't always hear from you in comments (but I'm not opposed to!) but my stats show me you're there and that means the world. I'm working with some stellar people to spruce up this blog so I can bring you the best content and function. I have lots of fun projects up my sleeves. Muhahaha, this is gonna be good.

WAIT a minute! You know what 2012 also means? I said I was born in an even year, 1982 to be precise. 2012 minus 1982 equals 30. 30 years old. Whoa, writing that was trippy. I've seen a few friends address this in their own blogs and I thought, "gosh, you sound so old just writing about it", but it's time I face the music. I'll be 30 years old. There, I said it. I've been told I don't look my age, which is really sweet, but not super helpful. It doesn't shave off actual years. Or maybe I'm worried more about what younger people think of 30 year olds more than what I think of being 30? Hmmm. Maybe 30 is awesome? Could it be?

Have I accomplished all that I anticipated accomplishing before 30? Nope, but I think I've done the best I can considering I moved to a new country with a new language, new customs, new culture, new network (or no network!), new job market (no job market). While waiting for many months to receive my temporary residency papers this past year I decided enough was enough and with the encouragement of Paul and friends and family started making royal wedding souvenirs. It's been a huge learning curve since then. I have made so many mistakes in starting a company that Donald Trump would have told me I'm fired ages ago, but I'm learning and maybe I'll get it right some day. Preferably soon! I feel blessed to do the things I get to do and that's what drives me to make more. I don't necessarily have a bucket list of things to do before 30, just a lot of goals and plans, but if you have any ideas/recommendations send them my way.

With that, I hope 2012 is good to you. Now, let's go make some beauty!

Here are some highlights of the past year:
Starting to do DIY projects for Oh Happy Day. It's been such great fun.
Blogging in Nepal for Spirit of Place - Spirit of Design and once again spending my birthday in another country
Royal Wedding souvenirs announcement and shop and some awesome blogs/publications who featured it (and yes some are still available and on major clearance!)
Actually going to the royal wedding in April and selling at Portobello Road with Lorianne and our husbands
Seeing so many wonderful things that Denmark has to offer
Going home to America for three weddings! Here and here
Doing my brother and sister-in-law's wedding invitations
Seeing the flood of support and love around Brianna's passing. We love you Bri.
Making it onto CNN and Vogue because I mistakenly thought everyone would also be wearing fascinators
24 days of Christmas crafts (don't know if I'll ever do that again!)

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T10:47:00.001+01:00

Hope you're enjoying the lull between the holidays. Anything exciting happen? Me? Oh, just witnessed an attempted robbery yesterday at the store. NBD. Actually, I was kind of shaken up about it especially since the guy just looked like a sweet old Danish dude. Stealing meat. $500 worth of meat. 3 ft. long. Wha?! Below are the pictures from our Danish Christmas Day/American Christmas Eve. We attended the Christmas service at Vor Frue Kirke where the Copenhagen Boy's Choir sang. Have I told you about my love of boy's choirs. Perhaps because it sounds bizarre, but I mean well. Of course, it was glorious.