The Aesthetic Omnivore Visits: Denmark

When thinking about Danish architecture the most familiar images that immediately come to mind are the sleek, modern homes designed by noted architects such as  Arne Jacobsen, Poul Henningsen, and Piet Hein filled with their now iconic furniture together with the must-have furnishings by fellow countrymen Verner Panton and Hans J. Wegner. But venture into older residential areas of Jutland and you'll soon come to find a different yet very characteristic kind of Danish design: charming cottages with hand-thatched roofs, rounded gables and thick plaster walls harken back hundreds of years.   While seemingly the antithesis of the minimalist mid-century looks currently en vogue, their rustic and rough-hewn exteriors belie a quiet sense of order, symmetry, and overall simplicity which remains a consistent element in Nordic design.

Typography on the Street

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Sustainability In Design

Just because you're reducing your carbon footprint or trading your clunker in for cash doesn't mean you have to forgo style or design.

In today's marketplace, there is an ever growing desire for Eco-friendly products that are not only better for the environment and your home but also functional and pleasing to the eye.

Check out some of these great pieces - brought to you by Branch

The Relief Chair is made from medium-density wool, stainless steel, and water based adhesive. Designed by: Ben K. Mickus - 2008

The bamboo veneer and shoji paper used for these lamps is sourced from a sustainably-managed forest in China. The Moso Lamp was designed by Brian Schmitt in 2007

The Cortiça is a chaise lounge made of cork - a naturally renewable material that is lightweight, waterproof and impervious to mold and rot. Designed by: Daniel Michalik - 2004

Simple in design, this bold pitcher set is manufactured in Portland, Oregon with recycled glass pieces and in an electric furnace that is powered by wind energy. Designed by: Andi Kovel - 2008

Paying homage to George Nelson's famous slat bench, the "Georgie" Table is an early Eco-friendly design. In addition to being made of recyclable material, the table is manufactured in New York by hand to reduce construction waste. Designed by: Todd Seidman - 2004

Chair Apparent: Hans J. Wegner

Born in Denmark in 1914, Mr. Wegner began his career as a trained cabinet maker. In 1943, after assisting both Erik Moller and Arne Jacobsen, he opened his first office. It was then that he debuted two of the most important chairs of his career - the Chinese Chair and the Round Chair.

It was in 1950 that Interiors magazine put the Round Chair on the cover of their magazine, calling it "the world's most beautiful chair." From then forward, it would be known as simply, "The Chair".

In addtion to lighting and cabinetry design, Mr. Wegner continued his career designing chairs that would become influential in the mid-century modern aesthetic of the 50's and 60's.

He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Royal College of Art in London in 1997.

Mr. Wegner died in 2007. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.

1931 - First Chair

1937 - Easy Chair

1943 - Chinese Chair

1947 - The Round Chair

1947 - Peacock Chair

1949 - Folding Chair

1949 - Shell Chair

1953 - Valet Chair

1960's Bull Chair

Images Courtesy of: danish-design.com

Cinespia: The End of an Era?

For 37 years, LACMA Film Screenings have been a part of the Los Angeles film culture.

Entertaining audiences with cult and old school classics for years, Cinespia and LACMA have allowed movie fans and film junkies alike to enjoy not just a film but an unforgettable experience. Where else can you see Bullitt on the big screen (in this case on the outdoor wall of a mausoleum) while surrounded by the resting place of greats like Douglas Fairbanks and Rudolph Valentino?


It was recently announced that LACMA's film program would be undergoing changes - one of which the halt of their weekend cemetery film screenings.

The main cultural and artistic contribution of our great city is film and LACMA's inability to maintain this cinematic standard is disheartening to say the least.

Check out the Cinespia schedule and calendar for the rest of this summer and be sure to attend a screening.

For an insightful look at the situation, check out Edward Goldman's Art Talk on the KCRW site.

Save Film @ LACMA has set up an online petition to prove to LACMA's Director, Michael Govan, that this tradition is worth fighting for.

Lust Must: Herman Miller SETU

Launching this September, the new Herman Miller Setu redefines precision seating. With simply one manual adjustment (for height only) the chair's spine automatically adapts to any body type.


The Kinematic Spine is made of two polypropylene materials that flex and bend to fully support your every move.
Designed in partnership with Studio 7.5, the Setu sets new standards in comfort and adaptability. In their uncompromising approach to Eco-friendly design, the Setu is made to be 93% recyclable and their trademarked aluminum base requires no finishing, so there is no extra labor or added toxins in the production process.