Nordic tastemakers
My Nordics, as told by artist and interior designer Anthony Bacigalupo
California born and Iceland transplant, actor and interior designer Anthony Bacigalupo intertwines natural elements using clay, stone, certain woods and brass in his design work. His evolving style stays personal and intimate, clearly reflected in the spaces that he designs.
Anthony Bacigalupo finds inspiration in taking hints of his heritage, implementing them into his work as an interior designer. In Iceland his work stands out, as his school of thought differs from his Icelandic or Nordic peers. His juggling acting, personal projects and creating designs for hotels has led up to local projects such as the wellness destination Laugarás Lagoon and its Ylja Restaurant.
Learn more about Bacigalupo and what makes his multifaceted and prolific persona tick in the Nordics – the part of the world he now calls home.
Table of Contents
Top photography courtesy of Hlín Arngrímsdóttir
“The first time I went there I stayed in Nørrebro, found a bike that wasn’t locked, rode it around the city …”
In the Nordics, my favourite country is …
… Denmark, which holds a special place in my heart. While I haven’t fully explored the entire country, I spend a considerable amount of time in Copenhagen each year. However, I’ve been frequently asked if I’ve considered moving there. There’s a unique blend of Californian culture and design in Denmark. Despite my love for the atmosphere and architecture of Copenhagen, I’ve noticed that most of my closest friends and connections there come from Jutland or outside the city. I’ve found a different attitude and work ethic that resonates with me.
For a dose of urban pulse, I head to …
… Copenhagen. The first time I went there I stayed in Nørrebro, found a bike that wasn’t locked, rode it around the city, got some of the best bakery goods and coffee I had ever had, read a book in a cemetery, jumped in the sea, ate more than one kebab and walked around a palace, all in one day. I realised shortly after that, if I hadn’t moved to Iceland, I could’ve easily ended up there. The architecture, the way of life, the history, the fashion – it’s all there – and for me, finding those little moments of life and seeing beauty all in a space that comes alive and then dies down at night, is quite special.
“I’m a fan of Tove Jansson’s Moomin stories and want to revisit the area where she drew inspiration for these enchanting tales set in nature.”
For the perfect close-to-nature experience, I visit …
… Iceland, which is the obvious choice for me. However, I will be returning in the near future to Pellinki in Finland. I’m a fan of Tove Jansson’s Moomin stories and want to revisit the area where she drew inspiration for these enchanting tales set in nature. It’s truly magical to explore the island where she wrote them.
For a memorable getaway, I check myself into …
… the Vipp House Cold Hawaii in Thy, Denmark. Nestled amidst nature and in this serene, sometimes harsh environment, the house, originally built as an old guesthouse, exudes a simple yet striking design. I find joy in witnessing the transformation of something that once existed into a modern space while preserving its unique identity.
Photography courtesy of Vipp
“… he has been able to come up with a menu that blends Japanese and Italian so well – it’s crazy.”
For a great meal, I go to …
… Levi in Copenhagen. My friend Gabriele Rizzo is the chef there, and he has been able to come up with a menu that blends Japanese and Italian so well – it’s crazy. One of my favourite dishes is the shiso leaves as well as the arancini covered with a thin slice of Japanese wagyu.
For a fun night out, I head to …
… Stora Vega in Copenhagen for a concert. Afterwards, I’ll visit a few spots, including craft beer brewery Brus and cocktail bar Lidkoeb. I’m a man of habit, and this routine never fails me when I keep it simple with a few close friends. We’ll have a few drinks and try to avoid getting into trouble.
Photography courtesy of Restaurant Levi and Lidkoeb
“I think it’s important that children grow up experiencing art and museum spaces, more now than ever.”
For a dose of retail therapy, I shop at …
… the captivating Audo showroom and retail space in Nordhavn, Copenhagen. Norm Architects has crafted a unique house for Audo, combining a gathering space and a stay experience, which is unlike anything I have ever seen at such a high level. It reminds me of our own guesthouse and showroom in Iceland, The Garden Cottage and The Shed, but situated amidst this beautiful neighbourhood that is still relatively new to Copenhagen.
For a dose of culture, I head to …
… the Fotografiska museum in Stockholm, which is a favourite of mine. I have seen many of my favourite photographers’ exhibitions there, and the space is quite something. But I can’t forget about one of my other favourite museums in the world, and that is the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark. It’s such a calming and timeless space for all ages. I think it’s important that children grow up experiencing art and museum spaces, more now than ever.
Photography courtesy of Audo and Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
“I found all the things that had been missing in my life at the time, all in this little village with little to no population …”
For a hidden gem, I recommend …
… Djúpavík in Iceland, located in the remote Westfjords. I was lucky enough to be taken into the village there when I decided to move to the island. I went there and ended up finding myself and changing the course of my life along the way. I had my first exhibition there. I found all the things that had been missing in my life at the time, all in this little village with little to no population, harsh winters and the coldest sea I have ever swum in.
For me, a quintessential Nordic experience is …
… waking up in Copenhagen on a December morning to go sea swimming in freezing, windy conditions with a friend. Feeling the rush, or lack of feeling at first, seeing women in their 80s doing the same as me but far more comfortably. Starting your day off like that, then going to get coffee and some nice baked goods.
Photography courtesy of Laugarás Lagoon
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