It does not have to cost a million to look a million.

With a little creativity and research, you can find great things around, which are reasonably priced, but looks amazing. Take your time and get inspired here.

If this kind of interior is what you are dreaming of, then take time out and go trough magazines , Instagram, tumblr or wherever you like to get inspired. Then make research in the different stores to make your perfect home. If this is not your strong side, then contact me and I will be able to assist. 

China, ashtray, lamp, table from ZaraHome

Couch and vase from ILVA

Wall lamp, carpet and pillows from IKEA

GERANIUM, a very different but amazing food experience.

We went to have lunch at restaurant GERANIUM on Saturday. First I was totally confused about the address . Geranium is situated in PARKEN where we usually go to support our National Foodball Team. It just did´t make sense to me that a restaurant in this caliber would be placed there. But as soon as you enter the lift to go the 8 flights up to the restaurant you get it. From up there you have a great view of the city all the way to Sweden. It´s a very posh and elegant restaurant which has won many awards for their experimental but great food. They say it best themself in this way : Geranium is a lucid, light and dynamic kitchen. Our mission is to create meals that involve all our senses - restores, challenges and enriches.

And for sure all your senses will be involved and tested and pleased. The location, the interior, the staff, the chef´s and the food are all amazing. Everything which has to do with GERANIUM is designed in,  made by , come from, found in or grown in Denmark and Scandinavia.

We brought Oliver, our 10 year old son to the restaurant. I know it´s not normal to bring kids to places like this, but we have always brought Oliver wherever we go, and he is used to a lot of different things and places. When we entered most people looked a little sceptic, but within no time everybody understood that Oliver was properly one of the guests, who appreciated and enjoyed the food experience of the 13 dishes the most, -much better than his mother who has difficulties sitting still for so long :-)

Geranium has been voted 42nd best restaurant on San Pellegrino's "The Worlds 50 best restaurants in 2014".

The top of Geranium, Søren Ledet and Rasmus Kofoed.

Lovely Interior at Geranium.

The crazy amazing Cellar at Geranium.

Amazing and decorative plates, which Oliver was loving.

Danish interior design.

More delicious and decorative food at Geranium.

Carpets & Rugs

We are getting closer to the cold periode of the year, and one way to make everything a little warmer is to use carpets or rugs in the house. Specially next to the bed it is fantastic to have something warm to step on to in the cold mornings, but even in the bathroom you can use a smaller decorative rug without it getting humid and disgusting. I have always loved wall to wall carpet, and with a powerful hoover you dont have any problems with dust or germs. These are some good and very different options from   1stDIBs  ,   CARPET VISTA  ,   THE APARTMENT  ,    IKEA     ,    ILVA   ,    GARANT    ,  THE RUG COMPANY .   

Public toilets may get better in the future.

Public toilets as we know them usually looks like this, .......scary and disgusting.

I totally get that anything public is a target of vandalism and destruction, but the better it looks from the beginning, the better ( any normal people ) will take care it. And that´s a fact !

 

The public toilet in Narita Airport, Japan has won Japans Transport Ministry Price as public toilet of the year. Which clearly was deserved. I don´t expect all public toilets to look like this, but you can do a lot for a lot less, and make a great difference in the way people will behave in these places. The right light, color and materials makes us behave with more respect towards things. Imagine yourself using these toilets in Narita airport, and coming out of there with no feeling of fear of diseases or disgust.

Christina

L´hotel Paris.

We were going to Paris a couple of weeks ago and I wanted to try something new this time as for hotel and area. I was recommended L´hotel in Saint Germain. The hotel has great history and the interior is full-on over the top, just the way I like it . L’Hotel was built in 1828 by Célestin-Joseph Happe in the exact location occupied by La Reine Margot’s Pavillon d’Amour (a pavilion of love) in the 17th century. The building became Hotel d’Allemagne in 1868 and then Hotel d’Alsace after the war of 1870. Oscar Wilde took up residence at the end of the 19th century and lived at L'Hotel until his death, famously claiming to 'live above his means'. Head Chef Julien Montbabut, returned to the kitchen of Le Restaurant in April 2011. Julien was sous-chef in 2008 when Le Restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in recognition of its outstanding cuisine, quality and service. We didn't end up here this time but I can´t wait to go there and enjoy the amazing surroundings and cuisine next time we are in Paris.

I can´t wait to sit out here and enjoy my croissant and caffe au latte.

The rooms are full of fantasy and colour and will make you feel amazing.

After a long day of walking I will be looking forward to try the hammam pool.

It does not have to cost a million to look a million.

With a little fantasy and research you can create the interior of your dreams without spending a fortune. Go to different reasonable priced stores and flee markets and find furniture and lamps for a fair price. And get it exactly how you like it :-)

White lamp, Zebra skin, vase from ZARA HOME

Chair , floor lamp, daybed from ILVA

Lamp and side table from IKEA

 

6 best boutique hotels in New York, ........in my opinion.

We were supposed to fly out to NY today, but that ain´t happening :-(    At least I am well prepared for next time. Originality, interior and location are the most important thing for me,  here are the 6 hotels I would have gone for.

The Greenwich Hotel

This New York City hotel is located in the city’s elite Tribeca neighborhood. It features an underground pool and fitness center, as well as an on-site restaurant and spa.

The NoMad Hotel

Views of New York City or the atrium are featured in each room at The Nomad Hotel. Mahogany work desks along with an iHome docking station and an in-room safe are also included. Nightly turn down service is provided for guests.

The Jade Hotel

Nestled in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, this boutique hotel is 10 minutes’ walk from the New York University campus and Washington Square Park. 

Boasting elegant 1920s-inspired décor, guest rooms at The Jade Hotel feature luxurious leather chairs and rich fabrics. Guests are pampered with a designer bathrobe, slippers and spa quality toiletries.

Soho Grand Hotel

Situated in the upscale SoHo neighborhood, this luxury hotel is close to art galleries, designer shops and popular restaurants. This modern hotel features an outdoor restaurant and all rooms have city views.

Hotel Americano

Boasting an outdoor rooftop pool in the summer which turns intimate lounge in the winter, 2 gourmet restaurants and modern rooms with city views is this 4-star hotel. It is centrally located in the heart of the Chelsea Riviera between the High Line and the Hudson River.

Hudson New York, Central Park

Featuring an interior lobby garden with trees and ivy walls, this boutique hotel is within 5 minutes' walk to Central Park and the Columbus Circle Subway Station.

Have a safe trip and enjoy, Christina.

WHO WOULDN´T WANT TO BUILD SOMETHING LIKE THIS FOR THEIR KID.

I just could´t help myself. I know it´s a " bit out there ", but these amazing children´s room are to die for. Can you imagine the smile on you baby´s face if they would open up the door for the first time and see something like this :-) I am sure you would be MOM or DAD of the year.

If you have ever been to MONZA for a real F1 this is what you would build for your boy or girl, everybody likes a fast car.

For your little girl who love space and air.

If they are dreamers and want to fly the world this could be the start.

Since Denmark has it´s first person in SPACE at the moment, properly this will be the choice for quite some time.

Are you having a dream of creating a great sailer maybe this could help.

And of course there is always The Princess.

First 5 out of 15 of my favourite restaurants in Copenhagen.

It´s my birthday today, HURRAH for me... ;-) and as the most natural thing I have invited my whole family for lunch at Cafe Victor in the center of Copenhagen, because it feels like home. 

Are you are planing a trip to Copenhagen you should definitely try some of these restaurants below. Copenhagen has a great variety of foods and restaurants to visit, this is 5 of many of my favourites within a radius of less than 200 m from each other. 

 

CAFE´ VICTOR, ..............I have a soft spot for Cafe´Victor. I have been coming here all my life with friends and family. Since the early 90-ties,  dancing to great music untill late and then meeting up with the whole Clan ( my family ) at least a couple of times during the week for coffee or lunch . It´s kind of a home away from home to me, not to mention restaurant Manager, Carsten, who has been one of the most important, funny and gentle ingredients at Cafe Victor since ´The dawn of Time´. It´s like a typical cozy french bistro and you will find everything from traditional danish open sandwiches to Moules marinières, oysters or a great steak. 

 

FIAT, ..............Having lived in Italy for the past 22 years I have become just a tiny bit critical about Italian food outside Italy. But FIAT is definitely an Italian restaurant where I have dared to invited my Sicilian in-laws for lunch and dinner and getting out of it alive !!!!!!! FIAT create lovely non-pretensious simple plates, .......just the way Italian food should be.

 

TAARNET ( THE TOWER ),  I went for lunch with Luca the other day in the newly opened restaurant, The Tower, which is the tower of the Danish Parliament. The view from the tower of Christiansborg Palace is unique and magnificent – Copenhagen’s highest tower, which is now open to the public, for the very first time. The tower is the property of the Danish Parliament, whose Members took the initiative to open it – for the pleasure of all those who live in or are visiting Copenhagen. Bojesen is your host at the restaurant, and you will be served classic danish open sandwiches and great desserts with a twist. If you are lucky you could be sitting  across the ex-Danish Prime Minister, ´Selfie Helle´ and other   MP´s. Great interior, good service and nice light food. Definitely worth trying.

 

PLUTO, ........Really cozy place in great atmosphere, with lots of young people in great spirit. It´s a mix of international cuisine, with great spanish tapas, italian pasta´s, beef and much more. Great young waiters and a guaranty of a fun evening.

 

MARCHAL, ......... This beautiful and elegant Michelin restaurant which is in connection with the great Hotel D´angleterre is the place to go for a special night out if you want to be impressed or impress.

Have a great night out, Christina

12 great styles of using ceramic tiles for interior.

Ceramic tiles are usually used for interior in bathrooms or kitchens, and often only in warmer countries like in the south, because the ceramic tiles take the temperatur of the surroundings and keeps the cool that is needed there . But for wall´s and in modern isolated houses like we have it here, ceramic tiles are easily used without problems . My 4 favourite tiles companies are ...MADE A MANO  ........   FIRED EARTH    ........   DAHL STUDIO  .......  CASA CHRISTINA . Ceramic tiles are great to give a room that little extra to make it delicate and interesting.

 

Simple tiles kept in white on wall´s and black vucanic tiles for the floor.

Silver mirror-like ceramic tiles make a simple kitchen wall like this much more interesting.

 

Beautiful glazed tiles in white gives the feel of a room warmth in the bathroom.

 

Dark green glazed tiles gives an amazing effect in a simple bathroom. 

 

Very chick and elegant with a mix of tiles, marble and brass.

 

Made a mano´s amazing light green floor tiles put in a herringbone effect is a new and beautiful way of using ceramic tiles.

 

Countertops costume made from Made a mano made for kitchens, bathrooms, bars and other.

 

Special mirror effect tiles are a great way to create a different kind of decor in a room.

 

The more traditional way to use ceramic tiles with colored decorated classic tiles like these or hand made tiles from CASA CHRISTINA.

 

Mini tiles to create you own costume made sink for kitchen or bathroom.

 

New "antique" rustic tiles in beautiful shapes gives this classic look in a modern way.

 

Beautiful, simple and light at the same time.

 Let it go all the way through from ceiling to floor .  

 

Let it go all the way through from ceiling to floor .

 

 

 

Super dramatic effect with the glazed black tiles on wall´s and the beautiful decorated floor.

 

A classic and beautiful way to use tiles in diamond shape in hallways.

AMASING LAMPS BY HERVE´ MATEJEWSKI.

I am in love with these crazy, lovely and magical lamps by french HERVE´ MATEJEWSKI  who is not just a designer, but a cook, a decorator, a tailer and a craftsman. In Copenhagen you find his lamps at SPOTLIGHT in St. Kongensgade. Go there and go crazy :-) Each lamp is a piece of art. I would love to use them in a interior decoration some day. Each and one of them should have as much light and air around them to bring forward their uniqueness in a room. I am also loving the small detail like the coloured cords in each lamp.

POMME D'AMOUR

MUSHROOM

BOULE

South America meets Denmark, at Llama

We were for dinner at Llama the other day, and its such a joy for the eye. The South American inspired restaurant in the center of Copenhagen, has just been nominated for the very prestigious " The Restaurant and Bar Design Awards" for its amazing interior and concept, which amongst others has been created by Torben Klitbo, August Lund og Christian Lytje from Cofoco,  Jakob Lange, Lars Larsen and world renowned architect Bjarke Ingels. Definitely a place to try when you are in Copenhagen.

Design Awards 2015.

About last night. Most of the day I went from event to event. First ARPER with great showrooms, designs and speeches in Parkhus 48, then my sisters pop up shop for North.dk, with mega marshmallow in the center of Copenhagen and last but not least Design Awards 2015 which was hosted at PaustianBO BEDRE, Bolig Magasinet and Costume Living, arranged ´Design Awards 2015´again this year , a lovely event to celebrate and choose the best designers, up commers, comebacker´s and many more. I enjoyed myself with great food, wine, and in company of old and new friends, and one of my big idols, former education minister, Bertel Haarder.

Best designers 2015  ´GAMFRATESI´

Bertel Haarder presenting best designers 2015.

Food, sweets, wine, old and new friends.

Copenhagen by night.

11 beautiful pictures of how velours adds that softness and coolness to a room at the same time.

I love velours. My next home will be adorned with at least one piece of furniture of velours. It´s that old fashion cover for furniture which give any chair or couch elegance and coolness at the same time. Just don´t overdo it and end up with a home that remind you of your grand- grandparents house. If you want some good ideas, check out shops like GUBI   ,   THE APARTMENT   and    1STDIBS

Wood, marble, black and nature.

Lovely design by Alain Carle at " Le Phenix Residence, Quebec. So simple, classic and stylish. Super modern, yet warm and cozy. I love it ! The great mix of different types of wood, makes the interior interesting and warm. At the same time as the black marble also heats up the interior.

Black counter in marble used in the kitchen.

Smoked oak used as floor and oiled oak on wall´s and ceiling.

Black is powerful.

Black is usually a color associated with mystique, something negativ and many times even something frightening and evil. But still it´s the most popular color around. It makes such a strong statement whether it´s in fashion, architecture or design. Using black adds a lot of character, but you need quit the psyche to surround yourself in it. Take a look and see just how great it is.

Privat house with black exterior. It strengthen the look of the house.

E-type Jaguar 4.2 .A dream !

Arne Jacobsen The ´7 special edition in black with black legs. So much more amazing than the traditional one with steel legs.

Great mix of black and color in privat home. It gives a lot of character and collects the room.

Black tiles and brass in bathroom. Uber cool !

Laurent couch in black and brass from 1stdibs.com 

Linnen in black from AIAYA. Sleep well IF you dare.

Black Spinning light BH2 from &Tradition.

Staircase in black lacquer finished with gold metal strip. A very exclusive look.

Fridge from SMEG in black.

Home wall in black marble. WAUW!

Amazing kitchen in black lacquer. Specially when mixed with raw stone. Great contrast.

Special edition EAMES chair in black and brass. I want !

Me on a really good day :-)

It´s impossible to mention black without showing my sisters swimsuit and lingerie brand North.dk which has got only things in black.

And of course my black baby, Caesar.

The 8 best places in Panarea, Isole Eolie, Sicily

I was in doubt if I should make this newsletter or keep it to myself. Because I love the fact that Panarea is so unspoiled and I have had it to myself for so long,... but here I go. Panarea is for me the absolute best place in Europe to stay for the summer. It´s one of 8 tiny islands called ´Isole Eolie´, on the north side of Sicily and we have been coming here for the past 9 years. Here you find the clearest waters and will go by boat all day long to visit other islands (preferably with the cutest captain you can find ),  best restaurants, great nature, volcanoes, kind and beautiful people, super hotels and great bars. A mix of Ibiza, Portofino, Capri and St.tropez, but much more low key. No gold and diamonds. Everything here is magical. And you will be hooked for life.

PANAREA

 

LISCA BIANCA

Lisca Bianca is a beautiful little hotel down at the port, owned by one of the 3 sisters who basically own the whole island. The hotel is with sweet small rooms and amazing interior. A great bar for Aperitivo and lounge music and even DJ and dancing during week-ends. Everything is kept in blue, turquoise and white which makes it a joy for the eye.

THE BRIDGE         

Right across from Lisca Bianca you find The Bridge, a super nice and trendy sushi place which have been lucky to attract one of the best original sushi chefs to the island. Everybody meet up here after a long day on the boats and get a few aperitivi before going home to change into something more sexy for the evening. Great music and great atmosphere in relaxed surroundings where you can keep an eye on whats going on on the pier from the balcony, at the same time. 

HYCESIA                

If you are interested in Michelin restaurants in a truly beautiful,  balanced and harmonic setting with a hostess who are so delicious and "in gamba" that you can't take you eyes off of her, then you must try Hycesia. In this place you eat the most amazing and delicate plates and have a wine list bigger than The Bible. The owner also has a cute little hotel next to the restaurant which is lovely and simple.

RAYA         

The Crown Jewel of the island is Raya. Raya is situated at the highest point of the island and seems the have the power on Panarea. It´s an ecological hotel, with an enormous pure saltwater pool. The rooms are decorated with delicacy and the whole hotel througout is made in a style of a mix of Bali, Italy and luxury hippy. Down at the port Raya has one of my favourite shops with clothes made by hand in the most delicious materials, pattens and colours. Beach/sailing/party wear in a very luxury hippy way. At Raya you usually arrive barefood. To top it all off, Raya has the best Aperitivo place on top of the roof of their restaurant in the port. From here you see the sun going down on LiscaBianca, the magic cliff in the water just infront of Panarea. After your aperitivo, you go to the restaurant downstairs where later there will be music and dancing till the early morning.

HOTEL SIRENA         

Hotel and restaurant Sirena is actually situated on Filicudi, the island on the right of Panarea. This great little colourful place is yet another must see in the seas of The Eolie. Great food in another lovely island with black amazing volcanic beaches. 

QUARTARA

Quartara is another small lux hotel on the Panarea, definitely a place for couples. High in the mountain and romantic, with a great restaurant. From up here you have a very nice view of the island and the ocean and are able to stay a little apart from the rest of the crowd.

DA PINA

You want authentic Sicilian, you have to visit Da Pina where you will dine on original Sicilian ceramic and eat original Sicilian food. Some heavy.... some light. But lots of fresh fish, wine and melanzane will be on the menu. 

BANACALII SUSHI

If you are at Banacal Sushi you will dine right under the stars. You are basically on top of the roof of Lisca Bianca and across from Bridge and seldom have I seen something so amazing. You eat the best sushi which is served in a lovely way and enjoy the atmosphere from all sides. It´s just great to sit with great food, great wine and great family and live life to the fullest in these surroundings.

I must go back as soon as possible, Christina

12 amazing pool´s I would love to swim in some day. Even better if it´s in my own front yard.

I can´t help but day dream, when looking at these amazing pools. One day, if lucky, I dream to design, build and swim in one similar to these in front of my wonderful home, Casa Christina, in Sicily which I designed and build 10 years ago.
I crave light and clear waters, and will for sure choose a white based or very light green coloured stone to have the effect of sand-layered crystal clear waters.

One day very soon I hope to swim in a beautiful pool designed and build by me in front of this great home of mine in Sicily.