Danes turn ordinary into extraordinary

Danish style is characterized by simple, lightweight designs that are beautiful, artful and always practical. Sleek, low chairs and tables are finely crafted in light woods and veneers that show off the natural grain of the building material. Bendable plywood and silver-tone metals are common elements that offer a soft yet sturdy aspect to furnishings. Cool lines are balanced by the warmth of wool upholstery fabrics or cottons in bold colors and patterns.

Outstanding Danish product lines took North America by storm in the mid-20th century. The goal was to join quality craftsmanship with mass production where suitable to give the pieces a broader distribution reach.

In 1952 Arne Jacobsen, in cooperation with Fritz Hansen, designed the Ant, a three-legged, armless, laminated wooden chair that became the biggest success in Danish furniture history. The name Georg Jensen became synonymous with the highest-quality stainless-steel cutlery, jewelry and hollowware. Designed in 1977, the stainless-steel vacuum jug by Stelton with its unique rocker stopper in hot tones of yellow and orange as well as white is now a modern classic.

The Danish word Hygge (hu-gah) is a feeling or mood that comes from taking genuine pleasure in making ordinary things extraordinary. By taking the time to revel in the everyday necessities, such as cooking and serving a meal, or furnishing a living room, these activities rise from mundane to marvelous. It's a way of personalizing a modern world that is increasingly too frenetic and cold. Paying attention to the little things, and ensuring that quiet time at home with family and friends is valued, easy and fun is a way of life for the Danes, and we can learn a lot from this healthy credo.

Living well in the summer is integrally connected to spending as much time outdoors as possible, which includes dining al fresco and barbecue. Most of us recognize Danish style in home and office furnishings. But you'll find their innovative approach outside as well.

In keeping with their heritage, RAIS, a Danish company that crafts some of the world's best indoor stoves, has designed a barbecue that is equal parts cooker, heater and work of art. Standing 6 feet 4 inches high, the tall, slim pyramid-shaped Gizeh grill is made from corten steel, which weathers naturally to a rusty copper brown (but will not rust right through). Use it as a grill fueled by wood to achieve that irresistible wood smoke flavor. After your meal, enjoy the flames when the evening cools down.

It's always a delight to gather round a fire, but safety is a most important concern. Always use clean, dry wood for an optimal burn that does not contribute to pollution. Most bylaws state that you can have an open fire for cooking or heating. Check your local ordinances. Position the Gizeh a safe distance from combustible materials and be aware of any dry brush.

Giving thought to how our choices impact the environment and how we live day to day is the modern mantra. It's helpful to follow designers and builders who adhere to earth-friendly solutions.

For an excellent overview of signature Danish designers and their product lines, visit the Web site www.danish wayofliving.com. To locate distributors for the RAIS Gizeh grill, go to www.rais.com.

Debbie Travis is a columnist for King Features Syndicate. E-mail questions to her at house2home@debbietravis.com.