Highlights from 3 Days of Design!

If you haven't been to Copenhagen before, expect trendy, friendly, clean and classy. Transport? By far, the best way to get around those beautiful streets is by bike. I wouldn't recommend wearing sandals though!

There aren't many places in the world where in the main shopping district, furniture icons sit alongside fashion icons.

Think Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Gucci, right alongside the likes of Fritz Hansen, Carl Hansen and Fredericia.

Up early, we walked from Copenhagen Island hotel along the river where swimmers were having their morning dip. Past the Danish Architecture Centre, through the Royal Library's Garden we made it to Normann Copenhagen's flagship store. Making good design available to the masses, their price point is reasonable and quality is superb. Alongside the new launches, it was great to see their full range in the flesh, over an impressive 5 floors.

Affordable minimalism. And all non-upholstered items are available in just 4 weeks!

Stools made from recycled bottle tops.

These counter height tables are simplistic, and have a streamlined frame which is deceivingly sturdy! Paired with the oversized Bell lamp for a bit of fun.

The Off chair, is quite possibly the most comfortable chair we sat on at the show! A bit more of a splurge but if you want an alternative to the Fina, this is it!

Even their staff meeting rooms are cool, behind those dip-dyed acoustic curtains is their monitor for zoom meetings etc.

If you're in search of a shallow sit, and with a layer of feathers for ultimate comfort, then this sofa is for you!

From here, it was recommended we try Copenhagen's oldest bakery Sankt Peder, for the ultimate cinnamon danish.

Then on the bikes for the turbo tour!

With sustainability and circular economy principles at the forefront of everyone's mind right now, it was encouraging to see so many innovative ways of taking an existing problem, and turning it in to something useful.

Mater dedicated their showroom to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable materials. Like up-cycled plastic waste, discarded fishing nets, coffee shells and spent grain fibres from Carlsberg beer production.

We loved the somewhat marbled appearance!

Of course, a trip to Copenhagen wouldn't be the same without a visit to the Hay House. I remember the staircase more than anything else when I last visited, some 10 years ago.

Hay is now the epitome of affordable danish design, both in contract and residential settings. It is just one of the brands with now a majority stake owned by an American giant.

Norr11 with their modern aesthetic. It was great to try out their new Studio sofa and Hippo Lounge, and some of the more recognisable Elephant and Mammoth chairs.

The breathtaking Fritz Hansen Pavilion where they celebrated their 150th year!

If you are in search of furniture for your office, hotel or residential project that will be in active use for decades, then look no further.

The grounds were littered with the new addition to the FH family, Skagerak- a link to their website below:

Click Here

Showcasing the new PK0 A Chair by Poul Kjærholm.

House of Finn Juhl, Montana, Gubi, Menu, Fredericia, and Carl Hansen.

Gubi most certainly have a cool, retro feel in their collection. With the Pacha and Basket sofas which are oh so comfortable.

Having acquired Erik Jorgensen, Fredericia's showroom had an array of iconic pieces such as the Corona, Flamingo and Ox chairs, and the Delphi Sofa.

Montana going bold with colour!

Something new from Carl Hansen.

House of Finn Juhl, in all of it's decadent glory!

Menu, located at The Audo, alongside my friends at Sørensen Leather. True sophistication with a hospitality feel.

Up and coming Anno Studio, with their colourful tubular designs:

Tarkett's Colour block installation, shows how to work with imperfection. Bound together by the colour red, (a notoriously difficult colour for use in interior design) using rejected or obsolete textile tiles that are dyed in creative colour palettes.

And finally, some pictures alongside the breathtaking sculptures at the DDCated exhibition located at the museum of the Lapadarium of Kings (well worth a visit). We particularly liked the origami inspired cocoon chair.

So, what's the verdict?

Happy to say that colour is well and truly on its way back, and in a bold way. But remember to be mindful of colour choice as neutrals tend to stand the test of time more than say, a bright purple.

We cannot just rely on timber for furniture manufacture, so the use of clever, sustainable materials that eradicate waste is a must. Considering simple end-of-life deconstruction in to furniture design ensures recycling is possible.

We really hope to see you at 3 Days of Design next year!

Tak!

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