This week I am sharing another reason to book a relaxing week on Mykonos, a new hotel with stunning views and interior. Along with a colorful wooden table, some quirky ceramics and a new stoppable platform packed with carefully curated impact-driven design brands empowering women from around the globe.

As always, hit play on that new Bungalow5 Weekly Playlist and scroll down for everything fabulous. Have fun!

Laid-Back Island Living

Kalesma, a new hotel to be completed this year, is certainly another reason for me to finally visit Mykonos. Kalesma is a collaboration between K-Studio, Studio Bonarchi and the hotel owners, that binds modernism with the local tradition, reinventing mykonian hospitality by proposing a laid-back experience of island living. I am so ready for that island retreat. Where do I sign up?

Quirky Ceramics

I came across Tel Aviv based sculpture and ceramic artist Dima Gurevich, co-founder of Sind Studio. I just love their many quirky and great pottery and sculptures. Especially their hand painted ceramic vase and this need-to-have ceramic fruit bowl.

A Wooden Love Affair

Danes have a love affair with wood, especially oak. Ode Projects creates stunning work from table to kitchen. Recently they created a special edition of their Form // Shape table to a client in Copenhagen.
The red tabletop and light blue base is an ode to the works of Piet Mondrian.

Designed to Empower

Check out White Label Project, a new platform for carefully curated impact-driven design brands empowering women from around the globe. Like the interior and jewelry brand Caralarga founded by Ana Holschneider from Querétaro, Mexico, handcrafting jewelry and interior design objects from raw cotton threads or AAKS by Akosua Afryie designing and producing raffia bags handwoven in Northern Ghana or the jewelry brand Pichulik by Katherine Pichulik from Cape Town, South Africa, up-cycling ropes destined for the sailing industry.

After three years of renovating the more than 100 year old and iconic post office building, Copenhagen finally got its new and very anticipated hotel.

The 390-room five-star hotel has been eagerly awaited for good reason. The new hotel is part of hotelier Petter Stordalen’s Nordic Hotels & Results, but with its own name and identity. The ambition is to be more than just another luxury hotel for tourists, but a symbol and gathering point for Copenhagen and its people.

From the second you walk into the grand covered lobby packed with modern Danish design furniture you know you are in for something special. The glamorous 7-story hotel features its own brasserie, a cocktail- and winebar, a backery, a heated 25m long outdoor pool, a gym, and a great courtyard.

Throughout the entire hotel the design team with Richard McConkey leading, known for designing At Six in Stockholm and ACE Hotel in London, have chosen furniture for a wide selection of the modern Danish design brands, which I am sure will be appreciated by the public.

As an opening treat, the Villa is offering great deals to experience five-star luxury – between 1st of July and 30th of September for 1295 DKK per night, breakfast included. You even get free entrance to Tivoli Gardens, access to the outdoor heated pool and kids up to 12 years old eat for free.

Photography by Stine Christiansen & MeroCph courtesy of The Villa

*All links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission when you click on a link or make a purchase.

I got a treat for you today. I am taking you to Amsterdam, to a place I have been wanting to visit for a while. I have seen it come up on multiple occasions while searching for inspiration. I am talking about the Loft – an interior design agency. They pride themselves with one single passion; seeing spaces work their magic on people. Don’t you just love that approach?

Let’s just Enter the Loft: A showroom setup as a home, combining interior design which also functions as a curated shop. It is a place where every single item was handpicked out and made by artisans and brands they really admire. They wanted to make The Loft a place where beautiful brands would come together and enhance one another.

It’s good right? It is not easy making one big room work as a home, and even though this is not exactly a home, it sure gives you the feel. And it certainly makes me miss my previous apartment in Copenhagen, which had a huge living room, kitchen and dining room space. I for one wouldn’t mind moving in. The long kitchen and dining table in the middle just seem perfect for great gatherings with lots of friends.

For more great homey loft inspiration, check out these great homes:

Amazing Boho Loft Vibes in East London
A Peek Inside a Cool Loft-Like Home in Stockholm
Williamsburg Waterfront Loft

All photos courtesy of The Loft – shared with kind permission.

So, who is up for a week in Copenhagen this summer? While many hotels are still closed, you can find some cool Airbnbs still available. Don’t wait too long with those bookings though, they go fast these days. I have found five homes at prime locations packed with great interior.

The Stable House in Central Copenhagen

Long time readers might remember the stable house I wrote about last year. Well, it’s now an Airbnb. With limited available dates left the coming months, the stunning modernized stables in the middle of Copenhagen can be yours for the holidays.

• Minimum stay is 7 nights
• Sleeps up to 4 guests

Stylish, Sun-Drenched Apartment in Frederiksberg

Walk across beautiful herringbone wood floors and into a kitchen with sky-blue cabinets and marble counter to fix breakfast. Exclusive design-savvy furnishings, striking contemporary artworks, and modern light fixtures unite for a smart, hip atmosphere within this sunny and bright apartment. It even comes with a sunny balcony with a soothing view to the trees and rooftops perfect for drinks.

• Minimum stay is 2 nights
• Sleeps up to 4 guests

New Nordic Design House on the Lakes

Another home I have featured on the blog earlier is this one where the kitchen is designed by Pernille Lind, who is also the mastermind behind the Sanders hotel. The townhouse is right by the lakes and dates back more than 100 years.

• Minimum stay is 3 nights
• Sleeps up to 5 guests

Artist’s Retreat in Copenhagen’s French Quarter

Private & relaxing loft off one of Copenhagen’s favourite avenues. Located in a quiet back garden meaning sleep will come easy even as the city buzzes beyond the gate. The colorful and eclectic loft is packed with plants, artwork, designer furniture and the most amazing window in the open space living room and kitchen.

• Minimum stay is 3 nights
• Sleeps up to 5 guests

Charming Wooden House in Dragør 

This one wins entirely on its charm. The wooden house dating back to 1915 is for visitors who would like to be close to the city, but still wants nature just outside the door. It is newly renovated and comes with a huge private garden (green house included).

• No minimum nights
• Sleeps up to 4 guests

*All links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission when you click on a link or make a purchase.

This week I am sharing the most picture perfect Lake Como villa, a dream holiday location, a few new product releases to hit the store later this year, one for the bedroom and one for the kitchen. I also found a great way to celebrate pride and support LGBTQ+ in your own home, along with a few other cool shoppable designs.

As always, hit play on that new Bungalow5 Weekly Playlist and scroll down for everything fabulous. Have fun!

Lake Como Paradise

High on my list of dream holidays is a stay by Italy’s Lake Como, though this home might be out of my reach, you can still dream right? Designed by Bangkok- and Singapore-based interior designer Albano Daminato, Villa Peduzzi, a 1909 mantion, is a nine-bedroom villa featuring original mosaic tiles and beautiful interior.

Made for Sunny Adventures

Probably one of the biggest menswear turnarounds since David Beckham, men’s sandals have become a bona fide trend. And I am not complaining. Made for adventures in the sun. Crafted from a recycled technical fabric, these sandals* are ideal for a casual dinner and outdoor activities alike.

Harmony in the Bedroom

You may remember me mentioning that one of my favorite bed companies DUX collaborated with Norm Architects on a range of headboards. The Anna Headboard is a simple, Japanese inspired piece that will just complete the overall look of your bed. They even designed a bedside table that connects with the frame.

Pride of Place

Honestly, I’ve seen many failed attempts from brands to design something to celebrate Pride. The Eames Pride Hang-it-All* is one of the better in my opinion. I have always loved the coat-hanger anyway, so this Pride color combination just makes it extra cool. For every sold hanger Herman Miller is donating $25 to OutRight Action International, a global nonprofit organization whose mission is to support human rights and fundamental freedoms for LGBTQ+ people everywhere. Celebrate Pride at home with this classic piece updated in a rainbow spectrum.

Iconic Stoneware is Back

Throughout the late 70s and 80s most Danes will remember the rustic stoneware collection called Ildpot designed by Danish design icon Grete Meyer in 1976. For decades the collection has been out of production and could only be found on flea markets around the country – if you were lucky. Now, FDB will return the iconic stoneware to the Danes dinner tables, from September you’ll be able to find it on shelves across the country again.

Danish Design on Sale

Danish design store Nytibo is clearing out their display models saving you up to 50% on great designer pieces like Little Petra and Eiermann table.

After months of hard work, ferm Living officially opened the doors to their new home in Copenhagen. In old buildings dating back to 1770 that used to house the Defence Command Denmark, a building that has been closed off for the public, now house the world of ferm Living. True to their concept, ferm Living stuck with their idea of creating a home setup to showcase their growing collection in the new showroom and concept store.

Between an original exposed staircase and original wooden beams, you can explore the ferm Living collection through the rooms of a house, from the seating room in the middle with a firepit feature and the corner office with a stunningly styled bookshelf to the perfect playful kids’ room and the creatives corner.

Martin & Trine, husband and wife and co-founders of ferm Living, has a known knack for finding the most amazing vintage accessories on their travels around the world. Their previous showroom where styled with items picked up in a secret basement vintage store in Milan. In between the ferm Living collection you’re now able to purchase some of these vintage finds as well, all on display in the new concept store.

The Home of ferm Living is located on Copenhagen’s Holmen across the contemporary bridge at the end of Nyhavn. Make sure to make it a stop on your next visit to the area.

All photos courtesy of ferm Living – shared with kind permission.

A smaller heatwave has hit Denmark this week. Not that it is anything like temperatures in LA, but I am not complaining. The other day was also the longest day of the year, with daylight for 17h32m. I am really thinking of sleeping on the balcony this week. I am going to make the most of a summer in Denmark this year and feature a bunch of Danish homes and create inspiration for all of you who will visit with guides to Copenhagen. Today, we are heading to Fredericia, Denmark to visit Anne and her family of 5 in the massive 1929 villa.

Anne is a true master of DIY, there is always at least one started, and with a handyman (Anne’s husband) onsite at all times, they all turn out great. One of my favorite projects is their floor-to-ceiling bookcase, which looks absolutely amazing. Also, they just finished a super cute roof over terrace in a corner of their garden. I wish (or Mr. LA for that matter) where that handy.

Let’s also talk about Anne’s art collection. Her one wall in the dining room never disappoint. It’s kept in black and white tones with black or wooden frames, which is the perfect example of how to do the perfect wall. As you know, I am here to help you if you want a wall like this, I launched my curated gallery wall service last week.

Are you the DIY type? If you are, I highly recommend following Anne’s blog, there is a whole DIY section for you to be inspired by.

All photos courtesy of Anne Romedahl with thanks

Year after year Copenhagen has been top of the list on travel lists from players like Condé Nast and Lonely Planet. I absolutely agree, Copenhagen is a wonderful city to visit, a perfect place for a long weekend getaway. The city has so much to offer, but again it’s also a relatively small city, so you can cover most on foot in just a few days. I am not saying that you’ll get to see everything there is to see, but you’ll get a good sense of Denmark’s capital.

Just a decade ago, Copenhagen could only proud itself with a few cool design hotels, but surely someone got the memo that we wanted and needed more, because many have arisen since and I went to visit a bunch of them, to give you a head start and choose the best hotel suited for your needs and your next visit to Copenhagen.

There are a ton of hotels in Copenhagen, from budget friendly to pricier and of course, I would not be able to cover all of them, nor would I. The idea with this guide is to give you an insight to the best hotels where the overall design and interior is in focus, meaning if you are looking for a basic hotel room with a nice bed, four walls, and a in room bathroom, then you should just jump on to Yelp. These are my pick of the best design hotels Copenhagen has to offer from $ to $$$.

Full disclosure, I have visited and stayed at all these hotels and checked-in at some of the biggest rooms the hotels had to offer, but I wanted to show the best of the best. Common for all the hotels mentioned, the service is impeccable.

SUMMER 2020: Many of the hotels offers get summer deals saving up to 36% off normal room charges. Remember to check travel restrictions.

// All hotel links are affiliate links //

The Audo

in the middle of the newly developed part of Copenhagen called Nordhavn (the Northern Habor) and behind the earthy red neo-baroque façade of a 1918 former merchant’s house, sits the Audo, a hybrid hotel concept by Bjarne Hansen of much-loved Danish design brand Menu. The Audo is a 10-room only residence with all rooms on the top floor, all individually decorated in a warm and welcoming Scandinavian feel, thanks to Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Peter Eland of Norm Architects – a longtime Menu collaborator. Indulge in Aesop toiletries and Tekla towels and enjoy your meals in the downstairs restaurant or the many local spots around the corner.

Nimb

is the Tivoli hotel, it’s very luxurious and only has 38 rooms. It has a gym that will make most other hotel gyms look very sad, it even comes with its own temperated room, CrossFit area, and roof top pool (the only one of its kind in Copenhagen). From all ground floor suites, you step out on your balcony which is inside the Tivoli gardens, other hotels only have a view of the garden, so this is very unique. One of my favorite features of this hotel, is its grand wine bar, one of Copenhagen’s best kept secrets. Beautiful white walls, oak floors and a wooden burning fireplace bigger than your first apartment. Even if you don’t end up staying at the Nimb hotel, do yourself a favor and grab a pre-dinner cocktail here.

Nobis Copenhagen

is the first hotel the Swedish Nobis group opened outside Sweden. In an historic landmark building that originally served as the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music you can check-in to a 5-star hotel with views of Tivoli. Probably the best features in all of the rooms are the high ceilings, the 4-poster beds, and the grand all-marble bathrooms. Many of the rooms tend to be a bit small, but the interior and the bathrooms makes up for it. You’ll also find many great designs pieces scattered through each room including a lot of very cool lighting. Down the magnificent white-marble staircase connecting all floors you’ll find a great restaurant.

Skt Petri

is, what I believe to be, the original Copenhagen design hotel. For years it was the hotel the coolest popstars would check-in to on their tours, it had the coolest parties in its massive high ceiling lobby and has always attracted the hippest people in town. With its recent makeover Skt. Petri is back on track. The style is laidback modern luxe with a twist of retro glamour, black wood floors covers the rooms, which is styled with greens and golden browns. There’s also an independently-run street-level restaurant, DADA, specializing in ‘Middle Eastern cuisine’, which is definitely worth a visit and just around the corner you’ll find Skt Peders Bageri, treating you to the best cinnamon buns on Wednesdays. You are also minutes away from great places like Torvehallerne (the food halls) and restaurant Høst, which you have to visit.

Coco Hotel

is a 4* sustainable boutique hotel created by Cofoco. The hotel is best described as a small Parisian style hotel curated with a Danish sense of space and time. The interior is a mix between the modern and classic, vintage and new. Coco is designed to make you want to stay and never leave. The hotel is full of character with 90 individual designed room making you feel very welcome and very comfortable. As an added bonus staying at Coco, you’ll get a great discount when visiting one of Cofoco’s many restaurants, including some of my personal favorites: Høst and Spuntino.

Rye115

here you really get the feeling of living like the locals. Rye115 is a newer, small family-owned hotel with a real guesthouse vibe. Its relaxed vive is only emphasised by the bathrobes, communal eating, vintage finds and slow living throughout. They do not house a restaurant, but you’ll get freshly baked banana bread at check-in and homemade organic breakfast at the long table in the communal room. The host couple knows all the best local spots for lunch and dinners, plus a few secret pasta places.

SP34

has been a favorite among bloggers for years, its serene Scandinavian interior really draws you in. What makes Hotel SP34 extra compelling, is its location in the old Latin Quarter of Copenhagen and the fact that it is a natural part of the neighbourhood’s habitat; a bohemian area with a vivid atmosphere buzzing from the many exciting restaurants, local bars, galleries and vintage stores. Even the name stems from the address in Sankt Peders Stræde 34 in Copenhagen. In many ways, Hotel SP34 is the essence of Copenhagen, both in its exterior and interior. Situated in 3 original connected apartment buildings, each with its own distinct architecture, colour and character, it reflects the authentic Copenhagen. The buildings used to be homes to local Copenhageners, which today means you get the sense of staying in a typical Copenhagen apartment.

CitizenM

is your budget design destination in Copenhagen. Recently opened, this fun and colorful hotel, is certainly a great addition to the Copenhagen scene. Overlooking the newly renovated Rådhuspladsen, you can almost not find a more central hotel in town, you are literally within walking distance to all of Copenhagen. The rooms are best described as a white capsule, where you have everything you need for a pleasant night; a surprising amount of storage under the very comfy bed (which fits the entire width of the room, you literally crawl into bed). A tablet controls everything from blinds, lighting, and TV, which plays free movies and streams from you own devises too. The top floor is the big L-shaped social hub of the hotel, with bar, lounge and workspace decked out in furniture and lighting from Vitra. Pro-tip book your breakfast in advance to save money, but I would strongly suggest exploring the Copenhagen morning food scene too, as the hotel buffet isn’t super cheap. They do know how to make a good cup of coffee though.

Hotel Danmark

is located on the quieter side of the main city square and the busy shopping street, 2 minutes’ walk from Copenhagen’s most photographed street; Magstræde. The rooms are small, so be prepared, yet super cosy and you’ll definitely come across a Danish design piece or two, and it is all topped off with a very neat rooftop terrace. The other good thing is that you can book single rooms, again small, but as a single traveler that might come handy.

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel

or as most Copenhagener’s call it, the SAS hotel, is a daily reminder of one of Denmark’s greatest and best-known architects, Arne Jacobsen. The landmark hotel has been one of Copenhagen’s highest buildings since it opened in 1960. Recently it got a massive refurbishment staying true to the original interior, so if you love midcentury Danish, this is your pick. You’ll see many of Jacobsen’s iconic pieces – the egg and Swan – everywhere in the lobby – and make sure to get a tour of room 606, a time capsule room; perfectly left preserved as it was originally intended and build in the Sixties. Needless to say, the higher you go up, the better the view. Ask for a room facing Tivoli for the very best view of the old gardens in town.

*All hotels links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission when you click on a link or make a reservation.

This week I am taking you around the world from the Netherlands to South Africa to Copenhagen and to the US. From newly discovered design brands to a new must-see showroom and great shoppable bargains to get you in the summer mood.

As always, hit play on that new Bungalow5 Weekly Playlist  and scroll down for everything fabulous. Have fun!

A Smart & Simple Dutch Designed Table

Starting the journey with a Dutch interior brand, Studio Henk. They create stunning, simple and elegant piece, like their recently launched slot dining table. It’s available with different legs, but how beautiful are these solid curvy ones?

Deep, Curvy & Generous

One of my favorite design duos, GamFratesi have created yet another stunning piece for Gubi – its in stores in August. Inspired by a contemporary take on the midcentury Scandinavian design tradition, the Sejour Lounge Chair’s soft, rounded backrest envelops its solid, welcoming seat, offering tremendous comfort and an invitation to stay awhile, as its French name suggests.

Structural & Strong Lined

You know I have a soft spot for Cape Town and South Africa in general. Their design scene might not be widely known, but in fact more and more of their designers are available in Europe and the US – and Lemon is one of them. I have been obsessing over their very structural and strong lined timeless side table piece. I love the simplicity of the shape.

Summer Sheets

If you only make one upgrade to your bedroom for the summer, you should really switch up your winter sheets to a nice summertime combo: Crisp cotton percale sheets and a lightweight quilt or a thin cashmere throw. I know many people like the weight to the bed coverings, which is why a quilt is a good idea. It will also make your bed look super stylish during the day. One of my favorites, rarely do sales, and they are just on the too pricey side for my wallet. However, Parachute’s Last Chance* section is a great source for soon-to-be-discontinued products, but you might be lucky. Favorite picks: This Flannel Quilt* and This Pinstripe Linen Top Sheet*

Copenhagen Got A New Must-See Showroom

Today in fact. Ferm Living have been working around the clock to finish their new HOME – and a new must-see showroom. It’s open for everyone, as it also serves as their very own flagship store.

Planing a trip to Copenhagen, CLICK HERE for the best design hotels.

Dress Up for the Summer

Can we please end this week’s obsession with the fact that my favorite lightweight cotton blazer* is on sale at Arket. It is dark blue and goes with basically everything – a great way to dress up just a bit throughout the summer.

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission when you click on a link or make a purchase.

It is Thursday, the sun is shining, I have an impromptu giveaway going on Instagram, and here is another cool house tour for you to enjoy wherever you are in the world. Louise and Jesper lives in a two-story villa from 1947 together with their two kids – and let me tell you, they are not afraid of color.

Colors throughout comes and goes, Louise is known to change their walls regularly, one days they are candy-striped the next more toned down like now. It really comes down to the mood – but even though the walls may be grey at the moment nothing else seems to be left in a neutral color range. Pinks, blues, yellows, reds are sprinkled throughout on furniture and accessories.

As I am sure most homeowners know, there is never a dull moment, always something that needs to be done. A new patio, painted facades and the foundation for a new green house is just some of the projects already completed this year – the next big project is to sand the white epoxy floors, to get them back to their original wooden finish.

Louise’s quirky and colorful home and her great family have attracted many followers on her blog and her Instagram, which meant that she could drop her job January 19 to become a fulltime blogger. Make sure you follow her too – there is never a dull moment with this family, they even have their own TikTok account.