Voltage Fashion Amplified

If you are a fan of Danish Teak Classics and/or alive in Minneapolis, chances are, you are aware it is once again Fashion Week. Don't let the Midwest location throw you, we are a viable contender as one of the most fashionable and edgy cities in the U.S. After returning from Philadelphia last night, I've come to see that we do not receive the urban cred we deserve. That being said, tomorrow night, the Voltage Fashion Amplified show at First Ave promises to be a visual and musical feast. Put on your fancy pants, and for goodness sakes, be a bit daring; Midwest is not synonymous with po-dunk.

http://www.voltagefashionamplified.com/

Road Trip: Christ Church Lutheran

In honor of the Christian holiday, I've chosen a worship space as the next must-see midcentury modern site in the Twin Cities.

Christ Church Lutheran in South Minneapolis was a Father-Son collaborative project by Eliel and Eero Saarinen. Eliel completed the worship space in 1949, and when the congregation needed more space, they hired Eero to design the Sunday School and social gathering spaces. Ironically, it was both Saarinen's last commissions. Christ Church Lutheran has just been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

“If a building is honest, the architecture is religious.” Eliel Saarinen

Honest use of materials has created a tranquil, spiritually inspiring space. Whether religious or not, everyone should take the time to absorb the visual ambiance and the amazing acoustic quality of this structure.

3244 34th Ave S, Minneapolis MN 55406
612.721.6611

Danish Teak Classics on RetroStart.com

Danish Teak Classics has just been added to a list of US dealers of Mid-century Modern Furniture. RetroStart.com is a great starting point if you are looking to redesign a room or pick up just one piece. It has a directory of dealers, history of designers, links to workshops and fairs, top magazines that feature articles on mid-century design, and a plethora of blogs devoted to the love of Mid-century Modern. If you're anything like me, these type of blogs can eat up at least an hour of your work day...

SHOW US YOUR TEAK!

Call for Candid Photos of Danish Modern Interiors

Danish Modern furniture has remained so popular because of its versatility;

Now show us how you use it everyday in your own style!

Capture your inner creativity and snap a photo of your Scandinavian Modern furniture as it is in your home. Submit your photo(s) to us at DTC and you will be entered in a raffle for Marimekko housewares and a selection of Danish Modern Ceramics!

Submissions will be used for a display in our showroom (and online) celebrating creative decorating, classic design and the arts. Participants are invited to join us for a reception on Friday May 15th -- an opportunity to view the display among other participants and DTC friends.

We are very excited to share the diverse ways in which you put your teak (and rosewood, etc) to use, and we need your participation to make this work! Please submit materials on or before the deadline listed below.



Photo submission deadline: May 1st, 2009

Opening Reception Friday May 15th, 5pm-7pm Danish Teak Classics Showroom

Raffle Items distributed at and after Art-A-Whirl at DTC

HUNT FOR MIDCENTURY MODERN - ROAD TRIP: Liberty Frozen Custard

At Danish Teak Classics, we love Danish Modern furniture, Modern architecture, and of course, Custard. Luckily, Liberty Frozen Custard in South Minneapolis encompasses it all. They may not be web savvy, but we wouldn't expect that from a custard shop that's a step into the past. Architecturally, the Liberty Frozen Custard shop is a great example of mid-century prefab structure with porcelain enamel metal panels. Originally built as a car service shop, the garage doors now open the dining area to fresh breezes and the buzzing of the bees. It may have gotten a bad review by Twin Cities Eats, but I think the atmosphere is reason enough to make the trip. Besides, I think you can make up your own mind about ice cream.

5401 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN‎ - (612) 823-8700‎

My New Love in Local Art

The beauty of Danish Modern furnishings is that they are so classic and simplistically beautiful, which makes them the perfect staple piece for your rotating artworks and decor. I am in the mood for bright, kitsch, and fun at the moment - possibly due to the winter that just won't let go. Well, it makes for a great excuse to get into some spring cleaning and redecorating. Keep it local with photography from Minnesota-based FriendlyMade. You'll recognize some photo's a distinct Twin Cities landmarks, she definitely has a soft spot for kitschy, mid-century signage. You can find her on Etsy.com at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5314581&order=§ion_id=&page=2

Movie Inspirations for your Danish Modern

As I was browsing through an old stack of House & Garden Magazines, I came across an issue from January 2007. This issue featured 25 Fabulous Movie Interiors. If you're feeling your place is a bit ho-hum, plop yourself on the sofa and rent one of these movies to spark your designer panache.

THE FOUNTAINHEAD (1949)
Released in 1949, The Fountainhead set was designed in the height of the modern period. The architecture and design demands as much attention as the actors. You would expect no less than an ultra chic apartment for a rebellious modern architect.

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971)
To call this film avant-garde is the most friendly of terms, but the eccentric characters and flamboyantly modern pieces in the set may incite a venturing spirit in your own designs.

MON ONCLE (1958)
Released in 1958, Mon Oncle was already mocking the sterility of the Bauhaus-esque modern designs that the Danish Modern designers reacted against. This satirical spoof is perfect for any lover of fashion, history, or architecture.

THE PARTY (1968)
Set in LA in the 1960's, this pad is the ultimate Mod party house of the Hollywood upper echelon. Fun, glamorous, and sensual, this film will give help you stage a new theme fitting for a summer of fun.

THE LADIES MAN (1961)
Lighten up with this playful comedy. Mix your Danish Modern pieces with these bold colors and kitsch decor for a new twist on classic style.