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21 Entrepreneurs Series: No. 2 Nordic Makers

Nordic Makers was one of the first stores I found in Ireland that stopped me dead in my tracks with a, “Sorry love, I HAVE to go in!”

Louis Weyhe Funder, Nordic Makers

1.) How did your business come about? How was this idea born and what lead you to do what you’re doing now? 

Myself and Klaus, my business partner, officially started our first company in Copenhagen about a year and a half ago. We then started our Irish company about six months later! We had planned to start some type of design venture for many years, and have been doing smaller pop-up shops in Denmark previously. We didn’t initially plan to have an actual physical store, but it has its advantages – especially during the early stages of a retail venture. I have a doctorate in Architectural history, and Klaus has a background in corporate management and sales.

2.) Tell us about your morning routine. Any specific rituals / productivity aspects etc?

No rituals other than checking/answering emails first thing.

3.) What inspires you? 

Buildings, materials, nature and people – probably in that order.

4.) Biggest lesson you’ve learnt?

That most people know a lot more about most stuff than I do.

5.) Biggest failure so far?

Probably something related to bookkeeping and VAT. (I hear ya!)

6.) Biggest Success so far?

We’ve managed to establish our name in Ireland a lot quicker than what we expected.

 

7.) Your work space? Clean & Minimal or Eclectic and colourful – what would we find on your desk?

Clean and minimal. You wouldn’t find anything other than a lamp.

8.) Top 3 entrepreneurial tips?

Be flexible, be nice, work hard.

9.) Who are you currently listening to? 

Ruth Moody, Ryan Bingham and Avett Brothers.

 

10.) Your best marketing tool? 

Social media is probably still our best marketing tool.

11.) Dream Big Right? What’s next for you?

Short term:

Introduce new events (including a new series of temporary exhibitions with young Irish artists (mainly painting and sculpture – starting in early May), increase online sales, increase corporate sales, and increase our product range.

Longer term:

Introduce our own Nordic Makers product range. (I so look forward to seeing that!)

Hopefully shipping world wide soon!

For more info:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram 

 

3 Coffee Table Books On My Wishlist

I’ve been following Anne Sage & Design Sponge since I started blogging +- 9 years ago – and Kinfolk I discovered later through Instagram! All three heroes here are major game players in their field of design – be it publishing stylish decor magazines or producing well thought out & styled, blog posts!  Here are 3 books that keep my passion alive! (Well, when I get my hands on them!)

Sage Living: Read the blog, buy the book!

Ok so this is still in production but sounds super inspiring! Design Sponge: Read the blog, buy the books. 

Kinfolk: Subscribe to the magazine, buy the books!

Enjoy xx

How To Create Awesome Places In Small Spaces

There’s a lot to be said for small spaces. Besides some easy interior design ideas I’m about to share, you can really focus and hone in on your own, unique, style and create something straight out of your favourite decor-mag (or blog 🙂  )

by ???? ???????

 1.) Keep things simple! Go for a neutral colour palette – here white is your best friend and here’s where less is more. The advantage of less-is-more living is you’ll feel lighter too!

Vue d’ensemble : by Marion Rocher

2.) Create interest through one or two strong design features (especially if renovating or building) – like a textured (raw brick/ wallpaper / tiled / painted) wall or structural features like built in nooks or central courtyard. The staircase above for example almost makes this apartment – although it’s a small space, it draws the eye up, creating the illusion of more space. (And look at that practical use of space under the stars!)

by Ossigeno Architettura

by Ossigeno Architettura

3.) Play with your space and use furniture that maximizes your environment – i.e. a round table may work in a corner rather than a long dining table, taking up half the room. Also, does your furniture compliment the style / character you’re trying to create. When items work together visually, it will naturally give the sense of more space.

by Tectónico

 ?????????? : by TATO DESIGN???????????

by INT2architecture

4.) Great storage is key! From rails hanging with stylish capsule wardrobes to clever shelving – good storage goes a long way and can look super trendy too! Never take for granted the space under beds/chairs/coffee tables – boxes and baskets can hide away eye-sore-items! (For me it’s remotes and cables!)

Begehbarer Kleiderschrank : by Elfa Deutschland GmbH

Wandregal für mehr Ordnung : by Elfa Deutschland GmbH

by ÁBATON

5.) Select a handful of bold, eye catching, character pieces – something that tells a story / makes your space interesting. Use small to your advantage – you don’t need to furnish a villa, so select one or two really special pieces that will bring you enjoyment and make your space feel alive!

by BRICKS Studio

by BRICKS Studio

(All images via homify)

Find more awesome design ideas, suppliers and inspiration with homify.com – I’m definately book marking this one!

Toasty Floors

I’ve always been a huge fan of screed floors, and so the new Cemrete Coffee Inspired Colour Collection has me wanting to get play renovate, renovate!

Cemcrete is excited to add six NEW coffee inspired Colour Hardener colours to the range. Six toasty NEW colours that will warm up any interior or exterior space. We all get a great start to our day with that first sip of java and now Cemcrete brings the warmth of your favourite morning beverage into your space. Pick your favourite or use contrasting coffee inspired tones to add warmth and a boost to your space, just like your morning cuppa does for you!

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What is Colour Hardener?

A granolithic concrete material that is floated into fresh screed or concrete which colours, strengthens and creates durable surfaces for concrete floors.

Here are only some of the benefits of using Colour Hardener flooring:

  • Creates a unique, naturally mottled screed floor finish.
  • Ideal floor finish to create continuation from the indoor to outdoor spaces, as it can be used for both and is UV resistant.
  • Almost doubles the MPa strength of a standard screed and is therefore perfect for high-traffic areas. The life cycle performance is excellent, especially in environments that have to deal with the burdens of maintenance and durability.
  • Can be used in conjunction with underfloor heating.
  • No risk of colour being rubbed off or abraded.
  • It’s the perfect material for anyone who wants to express their artistic tastes, whether you want to stain, imprint or incorporate special inlays.

Let’s introduce you to the six new Colour Hardener colours:

Espresso… a luxurious, dark-roasted brown with richness and depth.

2Vanilla Bean… an essential neutral shade that will add a subtle sweetness to any look.

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Mocha Java… a toasted coffee tone in-between brown and gray.

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Chai Latte… as the name suggests it is a sweet and spiced shade featuring hints of cinnamon, pepper, cardamom and ginger.

5

House Blend… an industrial chic modern grey with cool undertones.

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Cappuccino… a coffee range will not be complete without the popular cappuccino shade. Traditionally composed of espresso and hot milk and we’ve added a touch of caramel to the shade.

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What is your favourite coffee inspired colour? Is it the dark roast of our House Blend, the creamy steam of our Cappuccino or the flavourful smokey Chai Latte?

Apartment Cool

Love this look created by Woodbender. Just perfect for apartment living!

Chelseas low res

Salsa Stool in Harvard Cherry stain and Hertex fabric: Dakota Darkness – R2934
Chelsea Tub in Harvard Cherry stain and Hertex fabric: Drama Glazier – R5725
Chelsea Tub in Harvard Cherry stain and Hertex fabric: Koolhide Cobra – R6003
Chelsea Two Seater in Harvard Cherry stain and Hertex Fabric: Century Cotton Peat –  R9435

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