Tips from local experts!

A mix of Scandinavian tradition and fun

When Viking House opened 27 years ago in Concord, the selection was almost strictly Scandinavian. The initial offerings were limited to sweaters, dinnerware, crystal, decorative items, and food from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. Since 1983, loyal customers have seen changes in the location of the shop (Viking House is now in its third location), and expansion of the product lines. Today, Viking House offers the same hallmark items that attracted shoppers years ago alongside quality northern European imports, and even some interesting items made in America. Part of the evolution includes new owners Janna Wise and Peter Madison, who took over the shop in January 2008.

Expanded Offerings

“With the purchase of Viking House, we were committed to maintaining the traditions of the 26-year staple on Main Street while exploring opportunities to move forward with fun, beautiful, and interesting product additions along the way,” shares Janna. A “Viking import” himself, Peter was born in Iceland but spent most of his childhood in New Hampshire. “The former owners Cathy and Russ created this great combination of Scandinavian heritage items along with practical kitchen gadgets, top-quality cookware, timeless dinnerware, and beautiful linens,” Janna explains while listing some of the most popular lines carried by the store, including Scanpan, Emile Henry, Le Jacquard, Denby, and, of course, Viking brand. Also in the mix are imported specialty food and candles, and the same fabulous traditional goods such as Dale of Norway sweaters, stunning Orrefors crystal, Fjord Norwegian pewter, and holiday ornaments that were mainstays when the Viking House premiered. Going beyond home goods, Janna shows excitement about the fashion lines in the shop, enthusing, “Don’t forget the huge selection of Trollbeads and Vera Bradley handbags and accessories!” Both of these popular lines have been expanded under Janna and Peter, and Janna is particularly excited about the reception that Trollbeads, a Danish line, has received. “There is now a great selection of beads and a larger area to ‘play’ and tell your story by creating personal jewelry with the Trollbeads,” which each have a unique name and meaning. “The Trollbeads have been around since 1976 but have been gaining recognition and a growing following of collectors who appreciate the design and craftsmanship.” The staff at Viking House assists customers in selecting personal Italian Murano glass and sterling silver beads.

One-Stop Shopping

Janna and Peter take special care to deliver trusted standbys to long-time clients while also adding innovative new items to the shop. “As new generations come up through the years, they are happy to see that traditional items are still available, but they also appreciate the wide variety of practical items and one-stop shopping for gifts for many occasions,” says Janna. And, for those special occasions, Viking House offers the convenience of a gift registry service. “For weddings, couples will come in together, and we work with them to develop their registry,” Janna explains. In addition to the in-store registry, lists are regularly updated online so out-of-town guests may call and purchase items over the phone. Gift wrapping and shipping services are available as well. A smaller-scale registry exists for the popular Trollbeads, called a “Wish List.” The staff at Viking House keeps track of what the customer already has, and they can list what additions to her collection she most desires. “This makes for very easy gift giving for those wanting to help a special someone build their bracelet for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions,” notes Janna.

The Viking Ho use Experience

The store appeals to those who have experienced Scandinavian life, as well as those who want a taste without leaving home. Shopping at the Viking House is a bit like taking a virtual tour via the traditional and modern goods of a faraway land, and Janna notes that the selection is as exciting to those who have been to Scandinavia in person as well. “Many people recognize the brands they have seen during their travels and will pick up something to remind them of their wonderful trip.” Janna says that food—the category with the most customer requests—and fun are both important aspects of the Viking House shopping experience. While serious about offering quality European goods, Janna and Peter pepper the shop with selections that range from whimsical to downright humorous as well. “People will come in frequently and comment about food that their families have traditionally served, like herring, farmer’s cheese, or lingonberry preserves. Of course, now and again, customers leave with the fun Viking helmets, too!”

Go for an eco-friendly option

Green is hot when it comes to paint—and we’re not talking about the color. Whether you’re doing a major remodel or giving your home an inexpensive facelift, you’ll find a variety of environmentally friendly paint options that are healthier for both your family and the planet.

Traditional Paint

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside your home can be significantly more polluted than the air just outside its walls. Although harmful chemicals come from various sources, those released during painting (even after the paint has dried) are major contributors to indoor air pollution. These volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, can cause headaches, dizziness, and other health problems.

Healthier Options

Choose paints that emit few or no VOCs. Because these paints contain fewer chemicals, there will be less off-gassing and a lower health risk to you and your family. Look for interior and exterior no- or low-VOC options from companies you’re already familiar with. Additional options for naturally beautiful color:

• Milk paint: Made from a protein in milk mixed with water, clay, and earth pigments, this eco-friendly and fast-drying paint only comes in a matte finish.
• Clay paint: This common natural paint is made of earth-based minerals and water. Clay painted walls cannot be scrubbed or wiped down (it may damage the paint), so seal with a low-VOC sealer.
• Lime wash: Limestone is combined with water to form a simple, natural paint. Lime wash can be used indoors or outdoors on porous materials like brick, wood, plaster, and concrete.

• A geothermal heat pump system supplied with water from a 3 million gallon man-made pond
• 84 KW wind generator
• Double exterior walls with foam insulation
• 500,000 BTU Heating, 50 tons cooling, 33 fan coil units
• Radiant slab heat for excess energy storage

Since that time, North Branch has completed several projects which have received thousands of dollars in Energy Star rebates, including the Wadleigh Falls Road Senior Housing project in Newmarket, NH, which recently received approximately $77,000 in rebates as a qualifying EPA Energy Star Home.  North Branch was awarded the Energy Star for Homes Outstanding Achievement Award in 2007.

North Branch has also completed several projects with materials considered “environmentally friendly”, including standing lodgepole pine from Wyoming used in the exterior columns, recycled lumber from Washington State, chemical-free earth weave wool carpets, and windows manufactured out of wood from managed forests.