Celebrating the timeless Nordic design – Torbjørn Anderssen’s gifting tips
Torbjørn Anderssen, designer and co-founder of Anderssen & Voll shares his favorite gift ideas for the holiday season.
Hi Torbjørn! How and where will you spend the holidays this year?
“We’ll celebrate at home with the kids. All of our family is located near Oslo, Norway, so it will be easy to see everyone during Christmas time.”
What traditions do you look forward to every year?
“In Norway, we call the 23rd of December “Lille Julaften”. It means “Little Christmas Eve”. We decorate the tree while listening to a very old recording of traditional English Christmas carols performed on the organ of the Salt Lake City Mormon Tabernacle. Then we have a bacon-cheddar pizza while listening to Argentinian tango. I’ve done the same ritual for as long as I can remember. Decorating the tree is like entering a time machine.”
“I've done the same rituals every year, and decorating the Christmas tree is like entering a time machine.”
What’s your most cherished Christmas memory?
“We actually went caroling when I was a kid which is a very un-Norwegian thing to do. My mother is American and introduced an alternative set of traditions that became our family rituals. Some of the neighbours we visited appreciated this – especially the ones that were particularly tone-deaf, I guess.”
Gifting tips by Torbjørn:
Bic-Bac-Boc is a quirky musical instrument that playfully resembles an elephant.
Bic-bac-boc by PELATA pieces
“PELATA pieces was one of the most entertaining projects we designed all year. Teemu, the founder of Finnish Design Shop, referred to these as the “slayers of awkward silence” and he wasn’t wrong! Bic-Bac-Boc sparks endless laughter and noise – it might be a silence you might long for before too long! Fair warning: keep this instrument away from kids if you value your peace and quiet.”
• All games >
Nikari’s Biennale stool celebrates the natural beauty of wood.
Biennale stool by Nikari
“Nikari’s Biennale stool is an object where the given shape is rolling effortlessly with the punches of nature. I could see this fitting everywhere. Basic beauty meets timeless functionality, blending seamlessly into any interior or setting, whether modern or traditional.”
• All stools >
Portable Piton lamp borrows its design and agile functionality from vintage flashlights
Portable Piton lamp by Muuto
“Muuto’s aluminium Piton lamp is versatile and beautiful. We recently used it as spotlighting for an exhibition in Athens and its functionality truly stood out. The design feels thoughtful and refined, with a subtle nod to Achille Castiglioni’s iconic style.”
The functional and sculptural Bird Silo feeds the birds in your yard.
Bird Silo by Pidät
“This is the season to be jolly – and to take care of our feathered friends! Pidät’s Bird Silo is an elegant feeder that pairs perfectly with the ultimate Christmas bird: the Bullfinch.”
• All bird tables >
Ildhane candleholder has an intriguing, expressive form that resembles a bird with a handsome tail.
Ildhane by Nedre Foss
“Yes, I know we designed this one – and that’s exactly why I’m recommending it! Norwegian brand Nedre Foss aims to make objects which are as useful as they are beautiful, with a design philosophy rooted in longevity. The cast iron Ildhane is a perfect example, built to last at least a century – and I believe it truly delivers.”
See also:
• All products by Anderssen & Voll >
• The best holiday design gifts at Finnish Design Shop >
Text: Design Stories Images: Mira Ahola, Juho Huttunen, Mikael Niemi and manufacturers
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• Visit our Holiday Season Shop >
Published on 19 Nov, 2024
