Monday 21 April 2014

Welcoming the scents of Scandinavia to Australia!


SKANDINAVISK - the company creating candles inspired by the scents of Scandinavia - was founded by two English chaps, Shaun Russell and Gerry Kingham, who fell in love with two blonde Scandinavian girls over a decade ago...

After each moving to the region, working for big American multinationals and living between Copenhagen and Stockholm, they also fell gradually in love with the Scandinavian way of life - the focus on life's small moments, the priority of family over career, the cycle to the office, the home at 4pm, the raw nature, and the endless summers. It's an enviable lifestyle that even the bitterest winter can't dilute.
Both believe the absolute essence of Scandinavian lifestyle is in the colour, light and warmth of a flickering candle flame and a glow that not only burrows deep through the wax, but one which nourishes the soul too. Scandinavians use more candles than any other nation in the world. They use them morning, noon and night, 12 months a year. Because they know that a candle makes any moment softer, more informal, more cosy. And they are the world's happiest people, so Shaun & Gerry think that's something worth sharing!
But what is it that makes them so happy and successful?
The Skandinavisk duo think it is in their ability to create intimacy, fellowship and conviviality around everyday moments. The kind of everyday moment borne from the region's exposure to extended cold and darkness and the need for people to come together, over centuries, around a source of heat and light. But its their ability to then turn this rather functional need into an almost spiritual experience that sets Scandinavia apart - the magic of turning any situation into a moment of cosiness, especially those shared with friends and family around the illuminating glow of a flickering candle flame. Skandinavisk have successfully captured this essence of living in their Hygge range of candles. 'Hygge' is Danish DNA, reflecting the cosy, snuggly Scandinavian feeling and, perhaps, the secret to the happiest nations on earth. 

Team norsu have been coveting these amazing candles for quite some time, and are over the moon to be welcoming this collection to our range! As the first retailer in Australia, we will be launching with five candles from their scented range: HAV (Sea), HYGGE (Cosiness), KØBENHAVN (Copenhagen), SKOV (Forest) and SOMMAR (Summer). 

Beyond the obvious gorgeous packaging and heavenly scents, we have fallen in love with Shaun & Gerry's story and desire to share the 'Hygge' concept with the rest of the world. We are sure you will be equally smitten, and can't wait to share them with you.
They're arriving soon, but we are taking pre-orders now...

Tuesday 14 January 2014

Design Trade Copenhagen 2014

Happy New Year and hello 2014!


Team norsu have kicked off the new year ridiculously inspired with the first of the Scandi Trade Fairs taking place last week - Design Trade 2014. As neither of us were unable to attend this time around (it's penciled in for next year though - yay!), we have been trawling through Instagram and Facebook feeds with bated breath as the new SS14 collections of some of our favourites, By Nord, Louise Roe and OYOY Living Design were unveiled. 

After perusing the collections of many, one thing is for sure - copper, marble and wood are sticking around for another season! Phew, because we cannot get enough of this combo at the moment... 


One other very apparent trend is the introduction of colour - and lots of it!! Plenty of pastels, especially of the PINK variety, and gorgeous geometric prints are still very much on the mind of our favourite designers. 


In addition to keeping up to date with the latest collections, we also find these fairs to be the perfect platform to uncover some new designers appearing on the Scandi market. Below are some of our picks that we have been admiring from afar.


Taking place this week is Formex in Stockholm - we can't wait to bring you more inspiration following that!

WARNING - the following images may cause severe interior envy...please enjoy :)


Love team norsu x


ps - We are keen to bring some of these great designers to Australian and would love to get your feedback - feel free to comment below, or contact us on info@norsu.com.au with your thoughts.



The gorgeous feminine colour and geometric prints of Denmark's LykkeBang


AMAZING diamond lighting from Swedish Designers tvafota Design Duo 


Incredible 'Faunascapes' plywood prints from Danish design house WhatWeDo


Heavenly handmade candles with Scandinavian scents by Danish label SKANDINAVISK


Copper perfection from Danish design house H. Skjalm P.


Neon candleholder and wire bowl delights from designLAB Denmark by Stuff 


Perfect pastel cushions and pouffes by Place de Bleu in Denmark


Seriously cool indoor & outdoor vintage beanbags from SACKit in Denmark


The unique, colourful and quirky handmade figures from Danish design duo DrunkRobot