Copenhagen Furniture's Danish Furniture Blog

Copenhagen Furniture Ekornes Stressless Charity Drive 2011

2010-11-23T17:42:00.001-07:00

Copenhagen Furniture Ekornes Stressless Charity Drive 2011
Originally uploaded by Copenhagen Furniture of Colorado

Hey all. Here's a quick update that we are running a Charity drive for Denver Childrens Home. Please come by and help support a great Denver institution.

Harmony, Consideration in Interior Design

2009-09-27T17:39:00.009-06:00

Harmony

“Grant that I may become beautiful in my soul within, and that all my external possessions may be in harmony with my inner self. May I consider the wise to be rich, and may I have such riches as only a person of self-restraint can bear or endure.” Plato

'Harmony' plays an important role as it creates a sense of calm and flow throughout your room. The repetition of elements in a room or involvement of rhythm is 'harmony.' For instance, placing a series of similar framed artwork in similar size and proportions on a wall in a diagonal will inspire a harmonious feeling. Another example would be repeating patterns of pictures or frames in similar sizes, like a small frame, then large, then small, then large. Three vases of similar size and color or three vases in a small-medium-large size also can provide that feeling of harmony. Just help the chosen pieces speak to each other so you tie in the elements in your room; the end result will provide harmony if the color/theme/size in the vase is in harmony and agreement with the overall color/theme/size of the throw pillow, picture, or area rug. A series of Danish Teakwood nesting tables is another idea that offers a similar effect of harmony. In this way it will help you and your families/guests eyes to easily move from one area to another providing that sense of progression which is harmony.

You could create the natural feeling of an undulating river by utilizing oval; round or wavy shapes to emulate the ebb and flow calmness of a gently flowing river or lake. Using contrasting colors can help the room become dramatic, but avoid anything that is hurtful to the eye to avoid breaking the established harmony. The last thing you want is to have it feeling disjointed. With too many themes or without paying attention to harmony, a room or home will be shocking, feel cold, and be hurtful to your eyes. This can have a profound impact on your life; how you think, how you react, can affect how you feel. Think of the positive benefits for your life by create a living space that just makes you feel peaceful, appreciative, which in turn can help you feel happy.

The trick with harmony is to again, like color, choose a favorite art piece, or buy a unique piece of art from a favorite local store and make it the focal point and/or theme of your space.

Then work on expanding contrasting colors in the art piece from it, using it in your furniture and other accessories. You could also choose a favorite piece of furniture like a beautifully patterned or colored sofa as your focal point and start there. There really are no set rules for how you should set your theme and this is when you really can have fun just letting yourself be you and choose something you absolutely love, then work from there. Paying attention to harmony is key to gaining a successfully designed room.

Once you have decided all of the elements needed for interior design you can work on a floor plan that establishes the desired effects and reinforces what you have chosen. Look for floor plan ideas in our next article.

Patterns, Texture, and Proportions

2009-08-16T18:43:00.020-06:00

"It always works out in the end, so if it hasn't worked out yet, then it isn't the end." Anonymous.

Texture, Pattern, and Proportion. After talking about color and trying to inspire you to get brave and try some new ideas in your home, I thought I'd have give a brief overview of what I understand from the world of pattern, texture and proportion.

Using Patterns and Textures. Discussing Proportion.

Patterns: Usually repetitive and emphasized by a selected color or series of colors. The more patterns you use, the smaller the room will appear, the less, the larger then obviously.

Textures: What adds texture? Throw blankets, pillows, and books in bookcases, collectibles, displayed possessions, baskets, paint, wall textures, lamp shapes and the weave of fabrics chosen. Avoid lots of mirrors as a way to emphasize textures as they tend to create a dated look.

Patterns and textures can be utilized to add character and pizzazz to an otherwise plain color scheme. First you have to pick a pattern. You can try collecting samples of patterns and textures in your design book or folder that appeal to you. Choose patterns and textures that you think will mesh with your overall plan. Although it seems that there are limitless possibilities and a daunting task, narrow it down your top three favorites. Then fall in love. Fall in love with the pattern and texture you want. You can also do this by picking out a piece of favorite furniture or buy a new sofa that has that pattern or texture you love. This can then become your focal point for the entire room and/or design scheme. In the sofa may be patterns, textures and/or colors you want to emphasize or find compliments for and design around. Often neglected, patterns and textures always serve an important function in decorating. Some are obvious; still others are not, but they still support your theme in subtle ways. Done correctly, patterns and textures will add depth and character to an otherwise plain scheme. Your choices in patterns and textures should reflect, support and emphasize your desired style statement.

Rules of Thumb:

Following these general rules, will help you to select patterns and textures that enhance any room. Always remember that many Patterns and textures directly affect proportion and therefore can have a big effect on how you see your room whether it is obvious or not.

Complex Patterns and Textures. Multiple image complex patterns and textures which use several colors, diagonals, intersecting or crossed/checkered lines are always bold and can be busy for the eye. They liven up large areas, but can easily be overwhelming for a small room.
Abstract Patterns and Textures. Additionally, to emphasize a unique space you may consider utilizing textured or patterned abstract optical illusions to make a setting dramatic. These often become a focal point or conversation piece so make sure to position these correctly.
Vertical Lines. Vertical lines will add height to a short room; conversely they add more height to a high ceiling.
Horizontal Lines. Horizontal lines will add space and width to an area.
Size and Scale. Remember the Size and Scale of your space. General rule of thumb, the larger the space, the larger the print, the smaller the space the smaller the print. Yet if done correctly, adding a large print to a small area can give you a feeling of grandeur.
Grouping and Repetition. The same grouping or repeated pattern used throughout an area can draw together a wide open plan. It will create a flow and sense of continuity. This can be done with color, texture, patterns, and proportions.
Colors. Colors often affect exactly how we see and perceive patterns. High contrast patterns with bold colors create an energetic feeling and colors close in value create a more subdued environment.
Texture. Texture will affect almost any color. Rough textures will absorb light while smooth textures will reflect light.
Context. Consider that a use of patterns can add interest and context to areas that lack architectural features. You also always want to consider the architecture of the home and reflect its positives. You certainly don’t want to decorate a Victorian style home with hard sharp ultra modern steel and glass features as it does nothing to compliment the uniqueness of the home.

Ways to use Patterns or Textures:

One Pattern or Texture. If you use a single pattern or texture on everything in a room, the walls, furnishings, floors, and accessories your room will be immersed in the very particular ambiance created by that pattern or texture, so be careful of overwhelming yourself with anything you won’t love for a long time. Traditionally pattern and texture decorating is done with a single pattern and texture matched against a solid background. For instance, a boring white flat walled room is given dramatic life by a series of brightly textured red upholstered chairs.

Mixing Patterns and Texture. Mixing various different colors, patterns, and textures can be a little tricky. You must always consider that you not only will need to both create harmony between all of the different colors, patterns, and textures, but also create a coherent contrast to give the space interest. This is tough to do and you may have to experiment with it a lot before you get to your final statement. It’s best to establish one main dominant pattern and texture that has a consistent color running through it, and let the others become submissive to act as support with that same color. Patterns and textures have an ability to create powerful feelings in a space so pay close attention to the ambience you are trying to create and make sure they support it. When done right, mixed patterns will make a room feel smaller and create a “hyggelig” or cozy feeling. Area rugs are a great way to add dimension and underscoring of an established pattern or texture.

Proportion:
Proportion is of course, size. It is important to remember that color directly affects a room’s proportion in a visual sense. A general guide line is white or pale colors make objects seem smaller or recede and makes them seem further apart, while dark or bright colors draw things closer which makes them appear larger. You can use this and other tricks to create your ideal environment. Consider that your ratio’s in a rooms décor should be matched accordingly. Consider how things relate in a room and match proportions or ratio’s accordingly. Whether you decide to paint, use accessories or use furnishings, keep these eye fooling properties of how color affects proportion in mind as they apply universally to any medium.

Lighter recedes,
Darker draws in!

It works with every and any design style and can be applied not only to fabrics, but also to furniture, lamps, or accessories. A good way to consider proportion is for instance pairing a 2 seat loveseat with a 3 seat sofa. The pairing of three vases of varying heights instead of one solo piece sitting by its lonesome will allow the proportional relationship to be in harmony instead of feeling disjointed. Improper proportion throws things out of balance and results in room feeling like it does not flow properly. By definition, proportion is defined as the balanced relationship of all the parts to the whole, either visual or structural. If you want to learn more about proportions in furniture design check out this article:

http://members.fortunecity.com/petemullard/mobaing.html

“When we talk about proportions, we are talking about the relationship of two dimensions - usually height to width.” That seems to be a good rule of thumb. See this article regarding this idea: http://www.finefurnituremaker.com/published_articles/proportion_f_and_c_part1.htm

In conclusion, select samples or pictures of designs, patterns, textures, colors, proportions and the like that appeal to you and keep them in your design book to include in your plan. Your plan may be altered over time for a final statement or it may constantly evolve. Evolving your plan can be a good thing because it will consistently reflect the living arrangements that you most currently desire and help to compliment your life to make you feel at home and comfortable. When completed, your patterns, textures and proportions will highlight the focal points in your design and help to support your theme. They will add interest and allow you to connect your broader theme throughout your home. Have fun and enjoy expressing yourself. Next time lets talk about Harmony.

The Color Wheel, Color Scheme, and Color Psychology.

2009-08-02T08:51:00.048-06:00

The Color Wheel, Color Scheme, and Color Psychology.

Are you a colorful person? Do you choose colorful clothes? Are you a more dressed down person? Do you choose earth tones and less dramatic clothes? What color is your car? What IS you favorite color? A fascinating part of our lives is the color that surrounds us. Many believe it has an ability to influence how we feel and go about our daily lives.

If you are a fan of minimalism or contemporary design like we are then, depending on how ambitious you are, you will have fun reorganizing your interior design and make it the space you truly WANT to spend time in. One of the best compliments I received recently from a customer involved a redesign we did of their main living space. The focal point was their fireplace and they found themselves wanting to spend time in the area, but not really feeling comfortable in it. We sat down one evening and we discussed their life, their passions, and what they wanted for the room. After the design consultation they placed custom orders and are now enjoying their space beyond their wildest dreams. Kate actually said this to me, “Oh my God, you have no idea how wonderful this is. We actually find ourselves WANTING to be in our living room. We want to spend time in there and we are really enjoying it now. We are even spending more time together. It has become the place we want to be.” I myself on the personal side am only now beginning this process and re-invention in my life. I am working toward a journey of simplification and harmony in my life and my surroundings and am working on focusing on it in every aspect to the smallest detail. It will be a long journey, I am under no illusion that it won’t be, but I will make it as enjoyable as I can for myself and those around me whom I love so very much.

WHAT IS THE COLOR WHEEL

The Color Wheel was basically invented by Sir Isaac Newton who was the first really to understand the rainbow while looking at it and considering the relationships of the colors. He described the natural progression of colors. It has been modified here and there and the current version being used comes out of the Bauhaus revolution in the 1920’s from Johannes Itten who established the three primary colors of red, blue, yellow as a triad along with 12 associated hues.

The color wheel shows the relationship of colors, in other words, how they relate. It shows the triad primary colors (red, blue, yellow), three secondary colors which are the result of mixing primary colors (purple, orange, green) and the tertiary colors which are a primary color mixed with a secondary color, for example, red-orange, yellow-green and blue-violet. When they colors are mixed with pure colors white or black it creates countless different tints and shades.

If you want to avoid mismatching pitfalls and make sure you are attributing the proper relationships to each color, we suggest you get one. It is an invaluable tool.

"If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there" Lewis Carrol.

Here are some tips to help you as you develop your surroundings and some of the approaches you could possibly take with color.

Incorporate bold color contrasts. Adding pieces of contemporary wall art is an easy way to make each room’s color scheme pop. Group collections in threes.
Utilize clean lines, sharp angles, clear curves and geometric shapes.
Remember that less is more and aim for simplicity. Limit the amount of object and wall decor and hide unnecessary clutter behind cabinet doors. Glass cabinets with wood doors at the base are great for displaying treasures while hiding clutter.
If you’re committed to eco-awareness and love the simple appeal of minimalism as much as we do these essential tips will help you to create the eco-modern home you crave. I myself am only now beginning this process and re-invention in my life. I am working toward a journey of simplification and harmony in my surroundings in every aspect to the smallest detail.
Stress less! Keep your home simple and clean. If you don't need it throw it out, donate it or sell it online. The best way to stay Stressless is to keep clutter to a minimum. This is MUCH easier said than done. But you will enjoy a more calm lifestyle if you can make and achieve this goal.
Always remember that furniture and/or collections that are open at the bottom and light feeling open up a space. Unique platform beds keep a bedroom from feeling cramped. Keep a mattress from floor to top anywhere from 16-20 inches and you will open things up. And with dark colors remember this: it makes things seem smaller and draws you into a space.

COLOR PSYCHOLOGY AND IT’S INFLUENCES

I’ll try to keep this simple and let the colors and their definitions say it for themselves. Although this is a relatively new area of study, the idea that color can effect us has been around for centuries. The ancient Chinese and Egyptians understood the ability of color to affect feeling. You will find skeptics of this theory as there always is, but we do believe this study has merit. For our consideration, we will focus on the colors you choose to paint with, furnish with, and accessorize with which is our area of expertise.

Color has an ability to shape our moods in even the most subtle ways. It can affect them both positively and negatively as is therefore always an important detail to consider. Although neutral earth tones with monochromatic emphasis is often the basis of most minimalists approach, realize there are no rules and you have virtually every option open to you so don’t be afraid of experimenting and change. You don't ever have to keep things the way they are. If you don't like something, change it! After all, “You can not step twice into the same river (or wave), ergo the only constant, is change” as the pre-Socratic thinker Heraclitus of Ephesus so profoundly pointed out.

With that note, always consider the impact color has on not only your living space, but also on your moods. Learning to love color is one thing, but learning to live with it is a another. Make sure you understand what your favorite colors do to you and say about you. The only additional aspect of this theoretical concept is that I think we always have to consider individual experience and how relational projection can mean that each of us will bring our own unique interpretation of colors, but for simplification, this is discussed in the broader sense of what it tries to accomplish.

Basic influences that create feeling: it is important to consider the emotional effects of the chosen color design. Color psychology is the examination of colors and their influences on mental and physical states. It defines colors as:

Warm colors-orange, yellow, and red.
Cool colors - blue, green, and violet.
Neutral colors - white, black, brown, and gray.

OTHER DEFINITIONS/TERMS TO KNOW
HUE: Another name for color
TINT: Color + White
TONE: Color + Grey
SHADE: Color + Black
VALUE: The lightness or darkness of a color

		• Red packs a wallop, physiologically speaking, increasing blood pressure, heartbeat and energy in most people. It instills feelings of intimacy and passion. Red also increases the appetite, which explains why it is used so often in restaurants, and why it can be a good choice for a formal dining room.
		• Orange, like red, tends to warm a room, but in a more friendly and welcoming way. As a result, various shades and tints of orange work well in living rooms and family rooms.
		• Yellow is also warm and welcoming, but it is more attention- getting than either red or orange. For this reason, it is a good to use in poorly lit foyers or dark hallways.
		• Blue, which is part of the cool color palette, makes us feel calm and tranquil, so it is ideal for use in bedrooms. But since blue works as an appetite suppressant (perhaps because there are few blue foods) it is not the best option for a dining room ... unless you're on a diet.
		• Green is another relaxing color that is much more versatile than blue. Light greens are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms; midtones are good for kitchens and dining rooms (many foods are green). Also, because green is calming, it is often used in hospitals, workplaces and schools.
		• Violet is a tricky color, psychologically speaking. Many adults dislike purples, but are fond of the rose family, which can work in many rooms, including dining rooms, bedrooms and libraries. Young children, on the other hand, respond favorably to violet, so this color can be used successfully in children's bedrooms and play areas.

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Copenhagen Furniture quick reference guide (From BT Journal): PRINT & CUT THIS OUT AND KEEP IT WITH YOU AS A GUIDE.

Yellow - is the most visible color and is the first color the human eye notices! Yellow, the color nearest to "light" leaves a warm and satisfying impression, lively and stimulating and in many cultures symbolizes deity. Dark yellow can be oppressive while light yellow is breezy. Yellow's stimulating nature and high visibility to the eye is the reason why many road signs are bold yellow (contrasted by black text). Yellow birds, flowers and skies are sure to be eye-catchers just because of the way the mind and eye works!

Orange - is a good balance between the passionate red and the "yellow of wisdom." Orange is symbolic of endurance, strength and ambition. It can represent the fire and flame of the sun. Orange is said to also have the cheerful effect of yellow, but is intensified in its closeness to the color red.

Red - is a bold color that commands attention! Red gives the impression of seriousness and dignity, represents heat, fire and rage, it is known to escalate the body's metabolism. Red can also signify passion and love. Red promotes excitement and action. It is a bold color that signifies danger, which is why it's used on stop signs. Using too much red should be done with caution because of its domineering qualities. Red is the most powerful of colors. We like to call it Danish Red.

Pink - is the most gender specific. Pink represents femininity and has a gentle nature (which is not a bad thing). Pink is associated with sweets like candy and bubble gum. It also symbolizes softness. Because it's so "feminine," use of pinks should be well planned. Pink and blue color combos are most associated with babies, soaps and detergents.

Purple - is a mixture of somber blue and active red. It can represent coolness, mist and shadows. It symbolizes royalty and dignity and can be mournful, yet soft and lonely. Purple is described as an "unquiet color" being mysterious and mystic in a cultural sort of way. A study revealed that purple, the color of mourning among many peoples, meets with disapproval in six Asian countries.

Blue - represents temperature, sky, water and ice. It is the second most powerful color. It obviously represents coolness, mist and shadows. In some applications it can represent peacefulness and calmness. And as pink represents femininity, blue represents masculinity. Blue is often associated with somber emotions like sadness, gloom and fear. Blue is a contemplative color, meaning intelligence and strength. It is one of the most politically correct colors there is with no negative connotations of it anywhere on the globe.

Green - is the most restful color for the human eye. It's the universal color of nature as well as represents fertility, rebirth and freedom. Bright green can be uplifting while dark green evokes a mental picture of a pine forest. Street signs are painted a metallic green background contrasted with white letters because the combination is believed to be the easiest to read and recognize for the human brain. However, as with most colors, green also brings forth some negative connotations. The phrase "green with envy" also gives way to guilt, ghastliness, sickness and disease.

Brown - is associated with nature, trees and wood. It represents conservancy and humility. Next to gray, brown, in one of its many shades, is one of the most neutral of the colors. It is useful in balancing out stronger colors, and because it is one of the most predominant hues in nature, it gives a sense of familiarity. Light brown confers genuineness while dark brown is reminiscent of fine wood and leather.

Gray - gives the stamp of exclusivity. It's the color "around which creative people are most creative." Gray is a neutral color that can enhance and intensify any other color it surrounds. It can enhance the psychological response of the other colors it supports.

Black - is associated with elegance and class (black-tie affair). It is the traditional color of fear, death and mourning. Look at the many terms using the word black to understand how it is perceived: "black sheep," "black heart," "black and blue" and "black mark." Despite the negative imagery that black brings, it is a preferred color in many designs since it contrasts with most colors quite well. If used correctly, it promotes distinction and clarity in your images.

White - symbolizes purity, innocence and birth. It's closely associated with winter and can also represent surrender or truth. In the color spectrum, white is the union of all the colors. Its neutrality and conservative nature is widely accepted. Its simplicity and subtle quality makes it an ideal color for establishing clarity and contrast in your images.

These general guidelines are a good starting point in your search for color. But remember that color choice is a very personal matter. You're the one who has to live with your new, so choose a hue that suits you, your family and your lifestyle.

Once considering the Color Psychology, The third step is to develop a Color Scheme. If you are not sure what color to pick, then search your home for a favorite picture or art piece such as glass art. Notice what color you are drawn to and make this a focus in your plan. Call it your key color theme or dominant color. Develop your scheme with these considerations and have it match your ambition.

WHAT IS A COLOR SCHEME

A Color Scheme is a combination of colors that create harmony with each other. When choosing a scheme, most people select soft and monochromatic colors. A suggestion is to use the same or similar colors for your large pieces of furniture and your walls and keep your ceiling lighter than the rest of the room. You can then select a key dominant color to create emphasis and pop in a room with accessories like throws, pillows, paintings, glass art or other accessories..

If you feel helpless when it comes to picking and blending colors, your answer could be as far away as your nearest pillow. Here is a quick way to create a color scheme for your home, with an emphasis on - LMD .

Choose a Pattern: Starting with a pattern is the easiest way to create a color palette for your decor. Choose a pattern from any object you already have and love such as a pillow, picture or piece of furniture. There's your color palette!
Use Three Colors: Select a light, medium and dark color from your pattern to be used as your foundation. You may want to go to a hardware store and select color chips from the paint department that match your pattern to carry with you in case you come across a great find and need to know if it matches.
LMD: Light, Medium and Dark - How you use these colors can affect the overall appearance of your room.
- Light- Is the Background- this is usually easy to achieve since most rentals are equipped with light to off-white walls.
- Medium- Large furniture and windows - Since the color of these objects will blend with the above lighter selection, the medium furniture will ground the room and give it a foundation.
- Dark- Accessories. Since your eye is drawn to a darker more intense color you will be able to arrange you accessories in a manner to guide the eye flowing through your room.

HINT: Choose-Use3-LMD: Use this concept whenever you are designing and it will pull things together to successfully create color coordination.

OTHER DEFINITIONS/TERMS TO KNOW

Mono-chromatic: Using one color (hue) throughout, utilizing that colors various tints, tones and shades. When using a mono-chromatic scheme using multiple textures creates character and maintains unity.
Complimentary: Using two colors (hues) that are opposites such as red and green or violet and yellow. Choose varying tints tones and shades which will give the bold dramatic effect you are looking for.
Analogous: Using three colors (hues) that are neighboring each other on the color wheel. These schemes can be warm or cool since colors are adjacent on the color wheel.
Triadic: Using three colors (hues) that are equal distance apart on the color wheel, such as red, yellow and blue or using secondary colors yellow-green, blue-violet, and red-orange.

I hope this posting has been helpful to you. Next week we'll talk texture, patterns, and proportion. As always I appreciate any and all feedback at info@copenhagenfurniture.net. For ideas and inspiration check us out online at www.copenhagenfurniture.net and www.copenhagenfurnitureofcolorado.com where you will find links to our various sites.

Deciding Style, The Initial Steps

2009-07-12T20:31:00.007-06:00

We all want a nice place to live. Some are not as interested as what it looks like or how things are organized or presented, some enjoy an organized but lived in look, while still others are meticulous in their presentation and placements where everything has its place. There are no rules that dictate you; however we will present articles here to help you to create harmony in your home. It is your home though, so make sure it reflects who you are, how you are, and it fits your particular tastes. Our desire is to inspire you to have the goal of being comfortable at home and most importantly, to enjoy your home to its fullest potential with your own true style. Start by grabbing a pen and a pad of paper and brainstorm. Just as any great work begins, brainstorming is a great tool. Answer the following questions to help guide you to decide on your unique sense of style.

1. What do I really like about my home’s interior?
2. What are my favorite colors?
3. What is my lifestyle? Do I have guests, like dinner parties, cozy reading spots?
4. What is a favorite piece/accessory that I have and why?
5. What styles do I like?
6. Why do I like them?
7. What message do I want to convey to me, my family/friends, my guests?
8. What interests do I have?
9. What things do I have that I like? (furniture, accessories, etc.)
10. What things do I want to change?

This should get you started. You can add more questions if you like.

Next, search magazine articles or websites and print out and keep design ideas that inspire you or interest you in a folder labeled Desire to Inspire. If you want you can put our name on top, Copenhagen Furniture, that way it will be really cool and everyone will know you are because we are so very cool! Confident aren’t we? Don’t worry if the pictures are disjointed, different or varying, just worry about getting ideas that you think are cool or neat. Don’t forget to add things like accessories, lamps, area rugs, or hobbies.

Visit our website and click on our shop links. Many inspiring images have been collected and put on there through diligent work by Jody. Additionally our Facebook page at Copenhagen FurnitureofColorado will house a continuing collection of inspiring photos and ideas. There will be a briefing of various design styles as well. You are never locked into a specified theme or distinct style and you can always create your own look. Think of your home as a blank canvas awaiting your masterpiece and your concept of what you think your world should look like. You could pick a particular piece of art, lamp, or accessory that uniquely describes your personality or reflects how you want to feel at home. If you are still struggling, we found a great style quiz (click here) that can narrow it down for you to give you further direction.
We focus on contemporary and transitional designs, but this site can really help define what you want to accomplish. Once you have determined this, you can now begin to set a mood for your home or room. We will talk more about color and its’ psychology in the next article coming soon.

2008-10-14T09:58:00.007-06:00

Copenhagen Furniture: a Desire to Inspire

Here’s to the start of our blog. We are lovers of the interior. We believe home planning and interior design, or the art of interior architecture, has the capacity to affect and shape our lives. It is a medium for self expression and one that has limitless possibilities, whether it is a modicum of it or an entire concept you wish to put into place throughout your home. While a well designed and considerate home interior can provide positive reinforcements for how you live your life, we feel a poor designed and sporadically designed space can do just the opposite and can undermine and reinforce negatives in your life. Have you ever met someone who is at home and in a bad mood and said, “I hate this place!”? Don’t be that person. Our goal is to have you be the person that is in a bad mood and says, “Well at least I love this place!” We therefore wish to emphasize our desire to inspire. Our goal is to facilitate a forum for fans of Copenhagen Furniture of Colorado and its patrons, as well as design buffs everywhere.

As a retailer of high end Danish and Scandinavian furniture, we have had the pleasure of working in a challenging, artistic and dynamic industry. The furniture industry, especially the high end section, is keenly associated with the fashion industry. At times, furniture design can even launch fashion trends, or in the very least, augment them. As we build our blog, look for various articles about Danish Modern, Mid Century Modern, authentic and inspired Scandinavian furniture, interior design approaches for the do-it-yourself-er, inspirational photos, and personal opinions. We will also occasionally feature articles on simple maintenance and/or small things you can do to extend the life of your investment in high quality Danish and Scandinavian furniture. If you have article suggestions or questions, things to add, or things you even disagree with, please contact us at the links provided at: www.copenhagenfurniture.net or www.copenhagenfurnitureofcolorado.com

With that introduction, let the blog begin. I'll start off by saying that I think the one thing one can do to improve ones life is to love ones life. The ultimate way to achieve happiness is to begin by loving oneself. This is easier said than done. Sometimes life just throws us curve balls and we get frustrated as the weight of bad news or bad experiences weigh on our shoulders. But however we live our lives, and at whatever point we are in with our lives, love and a big heart is a key component for success. We all define love in our own terms. Whether it is the love of family, friends, or ice cream. But for now, I will focus on our inner selves. The inner love we feel for ourselves is a great starting point. Is it easy to love ourselves? For some people yes; for some people no. Life is a learning process and hence I have begun, at least in mine, only now to understand the value of learning to love myself. A part of that love comes from how we see the world and how we feel inside about ourselves. This, in turn, manifests itself into how we in- and outwardly take care of ourselves, treat others and yes, how we treat our surroundings. Our blog purpose will look at just that and as such will mostly focus on our surroundings. It will be centered on my passion for quality design and furniture. We all have something in our surroundings that mean a lot to us. It is only natural and part of our biological makeup to associate something that evokes a feeling, spurs a memory, or gives you just a sense of calm and peace. Our surroundings have an innate ability to affect our mood and our sense of self. I do think we need to strike a proper balance, but I feel it is important to love our surroundings and show appreciation for what they mean to us and how they affect our lives.

I think we are living in a society that is questioning itself and still trying to establish and define itself. It is constantly challenging us, debating us, and pushing us to think and ponder. We are an ever-changing value and moral driven society under lots of pressure, which, at least for me, makes for an exciting and bright future because we are pushing the envelope. In the very least, I am trying to convince myself of this truth. This is not the truth everywhere. There are events that constantly challenge our beliefs in lots of ways. Events that often give us pause and make us worry about the future. But it is in this challenge and pause that I am finding strength. For I know that when something bothers me I am learning to take a moment and look with different eyes. I know I am growing and learning still. I know I am questioning and hopefully can add to the great debate that is going on collectively. Just like Plato once considered that the only reality was the collective idea that we existed. That was the only thing that was real, for, he argued, it is only the ideas that continue on in our mortal world. His premise and postulations argued that we cannot cheat death, but our beliefs and thoughts can because they become part of the collective conscience of humanity at large. We all add to a collective thought and discussion in our own way. It’s a fascinating and inspiring idea that can solidify your own inner power to realize you are a part of creating a collective conscience with everything you do. Everything you say, everything you debate, and every step you take in your life becomes a part of the great collective idea of us all at large and creates a sense of our connection with each other transcending all borders. Does it mean we all agree? No. And I think the best part about that is it is exactly what makes life so varied and exciting. Some ideas we agree with, some we don’t, some we argue about and some we condemn. All of our thoughts become part of this reality of the greater good. It is just an interesting consideration that I throw out there as I look to understand what it is I/we do in our company and what its place is amongst all the fish in the sea.

Looking at life with passion, optimism and fervor is not only a good thing, but I believe it is an obligation on our part for our children and our own future. It is with this passion for how we live in our surroundings and our relationship with our external world, that this blog will be centered. It is in no way stressing importance on things and meant to displace the importance of the internal love in our lives as the most important aspect in my opinion, hence the introduction; however it is placing focus on how a healthy considerate home interior environment and space will augment and inspire our daily living and highlight each of our unique qualities, creativity, health, and outlook. The relationship between how we live externally can have profound affects on how we feel internally. As such, I hope it sheds light on why I feel it is such a crucial part of life. My desire is to inspire you to Live Danishly; to underscore the passion I feel for considerate, expressive and comfortable surroundings।