Visit Copenhagen//A Guide to Danish Design

I recently took a trip to Copenhagen; a city known for its exceptional design and art scene. From museums to galleries, there is no shortage of places to visit for those interested in seeing some of the best designs and art that the city has to offer. A long-time lover of Danish design and having worked with brands such as Fritz Hansen on projects here in the UAE I felt it was time to make a trip and see it all for myself. 

The roots of Danish furniture design can be traced back to the early 20th century. During this time, designers were inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and the principles of functionalism. One of the key figures in Danish furniture design was Kaare Klint, who is often referred to as the father of modern Danish furniture design. Klint's designs were characterized by a focus on functionality, simplicity, and high-quality materials. 

In the 1950s and 1960s, Danish furniture design reached its peak. Designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, and Børge Mogensen created iconic designs that are still popular today. Their work was characterized by clean lines, organic shapes, and the use of natural materials such as wood and leather. These designers helped to establish Denmark as a leader in modern furniture design and that foundation can still be seen today in more 'modern works.

Having shopped until I dropped, and walked the city till my feet bled (not even an exaggeration) two modern brands that I own, shop and love which really stood out were HAY Design and Normann Copenhagen. 

HAY Design is a Danish furniture and home accessories brand founded in 2002. The brand's philosophy is to create a modern, functional, and accessible design that can be enjoyed by everyone. HAY works with a variety of designers from around the world to create furniture, lighting, textiles, and home accessories that are both practical and beautiful. I have written about them before, with their reissue of the Crate Collection, and needed to take the time to see the showroom and office space for myself. 

One of HAY's most popular designs is the About A Chair (AAC) series, designed by Hee Welling. The AAC series is a collection of chairs that are both comfortable and versatile, with a simple and elegant design that blends seamlessly into any space. The AAC series includes a variety of chairs, including dining chairs, lounge chairs, and office chairs, all of which are available in a wide range of colours and finishes.

I was given the opportunity to view the outdoor exhibition space and got to see the popular Palissade outdoor furniture collection, designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The Palissade collection includes chairs, benches, and tables that are perfect for outdoor spaces, with a sleek and minimalist design that is both practical and stylish. The collection is made from powder-coated steel, making it durable and weather-resistant and can be purchased from The Bowery Company here in the UAE.

I may have bought a few things including the PC portable lamp and the amazing giant HAY canvas bag that now is used almost daily. 

Normann Copenhagen is another popular Danish furniture and home accessories brand. The brand was founded in 1999 with the aim of creating original and innovative designs that challenge conventional thinking. Normann Copenhagen works with a variety of designers to create furniture, lighting, textiles, and home accessories that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

One of Normann Copenhagen's most popular designs is the Form series, designed by Simon Legald. The Form series includes a range of chairs, bar stools, and lounge chairs that are both comfortable and stylish, with a simple and elegant design that is perfect for modern living spaces. The Form series is available in a variety of colours and finishes, allowing you to customize your furniture to suit your style.

I have a range of pieces from Normann Copenhagen including the Shorebirds and Little Birds which are the cutest additions to any shelf (bought from Nordic Nest). I bought some of the terracotta collection while there and had my eye on the amazing furniture that they were clearing from the space to make way for Design Week in June, alas my suitcase was too small and my pockets were not deep enough to justify to my other half! 

Since I couldn't bring furniture home with me I needed to make a 'must-see' trip to Kay Bojesen; a Danish designer known for his playful and functional designs, particularly his wooden toys and homeware. Born in 1886 in Copenhagen, Bojesen trained as a silversmith before founding his own workshop in the 1920s, where he began to experiment with wood as a material.

Bojesen's most famous creations are his wooden animals, which he designed to be both toys and decorative objects.  Some of Bojesen's most iconic designs include the wooden monkey, which was first produced in 1951, and the wooden bear, which was designed in 1952. I have my eye on the 70th-anniversary edition monkey...may be saving up for the giant one for a while!

Bojesen's work has become iconic an example of Danish design, known for its timeless appeal and high-quality craftsmanship. His work has been exhibited in museums around the world, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York and comes with the Danish Royal seal of approval.

I didn't manage to go everywhere I wanted, a few places were left undiscovered but that just means there is more to see on my next visit, hopefully not in the too-distant future.  

 

Visit Copenhagen// Top Galleries + Museums

 Here are some of the top galleries and museums to visit for design and art enthusiasts in Copenhagen.

1. Designmuseum Danmark

Designmuseum Danmark is a museum dedicated to the history of Danish design. The museum showcases a range of design objects, from furniture to product design and fashion. The museum is located in a beautiful 18th-century building and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Danish design.

2. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Located just outside of Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is one of the top museums in Denmark. The museum is known for its stunning location on the coast and for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. In addition to the art inside, the museum also has beautiful sculpture gardens and a great café.

3. Glyptoteket

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is run as an independent institution which receives funding from the New Carlsberg Foundation and the State. An art museum located in the heart of Copenhagen the museums' collection includes a range of art, from ancient Greek and Roman sculptures to Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. With special exhibitions running throughout the year with a range of styles and eras the museum also benefits from a beautiful winter garden, making it a great place to relax and take in some art.

4. Copenhagen Contemporary (CC)

Copenhagen Contemporary (CC) is Copenhagen’s international art center showing installation art created by world stars and new emerging talents. A former B&W welding hall, remodeled by architect Dorthe Mandrup the Copenhagen Contemporary (CC) showcases a range of contemporary art, from installations to video art and sculpture. The museum hosts events and performances, making it a great place to experience art in a unique setting.

In conclusion, Copenhagen is a city full of amazing design and art locations to visit. Whether you are interested in Danish design, contemporary art, or ancient sculptures, there is something for everyone in this beautiful city. I didn't get to see all of them while there...just another reason to return. 

Henry Holland Studio// turning a hobby into a high-end household brand

Back in my fashion stylist days I met Henry Holland at a few events and loaned clothes from his House of Holland studio to style Andy MacDowell and her daughters Raynie and Margaret in New York. With diffusion lines available at Debenhams and celebrity model best pal Agyness Deyn strutting the catwalk in London Fashion Week for you, he was a high-profile designer and magazine regular. 

Fast forward to the last three years and Henry has launched the Henry Holland Studio, a collection of hand-built ceramics that began as a hobby during the pandemic. With a series of enviable collaborations and products available to purchase from Liberty London, he has already established himself within his new arena. 

When Moët & Chandon comes knocking you certainly answer that door and that is precisely what Henry did when tasked with creating dinnerwear for an exclusive event. 

"When the official Champagne supplier to Henley Royal Regatta Moët & Chandon asked me to create a series of ceramic dinner chargers for a private dinner, I headed straight into the studio to develop some bespoke, oversized 'one offs' in our signature style for their guests."

Henry quickly fell in love with the meditative process of building each piece by hand, which provided a new, welcoming pace of working, following years spent in the frenetic world of fashion. While working with ceramics Henry has brought his quirky style and colour combinations from the fashion world into his love of ceramics making his creations uniquely different to others on the market. With a return to the hand-built and raw aesthetic brought on by the pandemic and people having time to find hobbies and new ways to stimulate the mind and exercise the 'creativity muscle', Henry found his in a studio in Hackney and what has come from that is a stylish, elegant and quirky collection available to purchase from his online boutique and Liberty London. 

all images ©Henry Holland Studio

Link to website here

Link to Instagram here

Link to Liberty London here

return to old//leaning into heritage

Brands such as Burberry have returned to the old and have moved on with Daniel Lee former head of a new start with an old look and feel. With brands reaccessing their back catalogues and pulling from their libraries of past designs...the reissue and re-release of iconic brands has begun. Often unaware that designs are historical or a reissue the return to old showcases what timeless design is truly about. 

The Cono Chair by Rachel Donath

The Cono Chair by Rachel Donath

This chair has been a lust time of mine for a while. A tribute to the ‘Toscanella’ chair, designed by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Italy 1970, The Cono Chair understands the power of a single superlative piece of furniture. Defined by its conned legs and wicker seat it is a focal point of any room. 

Buy the Cono Chair here

Toscanella’ chair, designed by Alessandro Becchi

Gräshoppa floor lamp by Greta Magnusson

The iconic Gräshoppa floor lamp, designed by Greta Magnusson, was first introduced in 1947 and reissued by GUBI in 2011. Swedish for Grasshopper, Gräshoppa has a signature design featuring a simple bell-like shade and a tilted tripod base with three legs. It has been copied and 'faked' many times but the original design is timeless. 

Buy the Grasshoppa Floor Lamp here

 

Drop Chair by Arne Jacobsen

The Drop Chair was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 as part of his masterpiece, the legendary Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. The Drop was originally produced along with his other iconic chairs but in a very limited number exclusively for the hotel. After more than 50 years in hibernation, the Drop is now relaunched by Fritz Hansen.

More details on the Drop Chair here

The Crate Range by Gerrit Rietveld

The Crate range debuted in 1934 created by Gerrit Rietveld the first piece of furniture made from simple reclaimed wooden crates; a raw aesthetic made of rectangular wooden planks simply screwed together. From 1934, this armchair was sold as a self-assembly kit and was available in different colours; a totally revolutionary concept for the time. In 2023 in collaboration with Danish brand Hay, the Crate range has been reissued with a complete outdoor collection based around the original model.

Buy the Crate range here

Return to crafts

There is a return to crafts in interiors with roughness and rawness that is prevalent within the design that is not only in the aspirational interiors within magazines but available to purchase for all or create in classes and at home. Here is a guide to three trends that show the crafty creations available for your interior. 

 

Potty Pottery // Ceramics

Ceramics are having a comeback. From creating your own pottery for your home to the vast selection available within stores that have a ‘less polished’ aesthetic. The choice of handmade or bought is up to your time available or personal preference. 

 

If you are looking to take a class yourself Abu Dhabi has studios and spaces available to learn new skills and take home your creation or here is a selection of items that are so on point for this look.

 

Cole & Cinder Candle 380dhs                                 Zara Home Vase: coming soon

Classes available : 

Studio Clay

Studio Coe

 

Fluff and Tuft // Carpet Making

This year at Dubai Design Week there was a vast selection of carpet designs on show from ones to walk on to those to hang. A craft and skill that hasn’t been ‘on trend’ for a while; this return to the handmade has a truly tactile feel and has burst back onto the scene within the last year with class options and store designs that are all fantastic to add that little homemade to your look. Often the classes and designs have a novelty feel or artistic look which only adds to the quirkiness of this reemerging craft. 

OYOY Cherry Rug @ Strawberry Fields 400dhs

Classes available : 

SXILL Lab, Dubai

Knotty Knots // Macrame

Macrame is a trend that has been on Pinterest for years, from simple designs to more complicated knots. A bold statement is often referenced as a more ‘bohemian’ look but in recent times used as a great alternative to a picture or painting. New designs are neutral and rustic or polished and colourful, with online tutorials and guides available there are also local classes to create any macrame design or piece you wish to create and add to your decor.

 

Macrame Wall Hanging Home and Soul 450dhs                  Woven Wall Hanging:  Tribe 220dhs

Classes available: 

MAKE, Abu Dhabi

MAS, Abu Dhabi

Tribe, Dubai

 

Happiness in the home//Just add colour

With a focus on serotonin dressing or better known as happy dressing, the home and its interiors have needed more attention. 

Happy dressing has some science behind it, the belief is that dressing in colours, and what you wear makes you feel good, you are more productive, less stressed, and generally happier. With all the positives, why have people been less likely to apply these attributes to their homes? Within the UAE we are surrounded by a beige landscape and warm sunlight tones, a pop of colour could be a welcome addition to an otherwise beige environment. So many are afraid to use colour and struggle with knowing, which is best to use, what works and how to apply it. Colour is a powerful tool and to get it wrong there can be strong implications. You are surrounded by it; cannot be escaped from, and it will be noticed if wrong every time you step into a room. Get it right; well then you will never want to leave. 

Jade and Gallia at shell+core, an Abu Dhabi based interior design firm know that if you get it wrong, it not only looks wrong but can affect moods and attitudes towards things. When they are working on commercial interior design projects it is so important to get the balance ‘just right’ between the client and the customers that will use the space. They suggest starting slow in your home: “We would suggest subtle integrations of colour through items that can be replaced or easily changed; think soft furnishings, art and decorative pieces. That way, your palettes can evolve with your style, and still add a touch of character and personality.” 

DISTRICT 10 ©shell+core

There is a focus on neutral homes, beige, brown and all tones in between, the UAE as a renter’s market often finds that UAE residents fear adding colour, or just do not want to commit. Nada Debs, a Lebanese designer living and working in Beirut and Dubai believes that UAE residents are looking for something timeless. “The neutral colours offer that for them. Colour should be added as accents and gives more freedom to play with the interiors. It also feels safer, and one won’t get tired of a colour overload.”

©Nada Debs

The question should be ‘how best to add colour’; and what key items are worth focusing on?  It could be easy to rush the process and add colourful sofas, bedding, some flowers and think that it is complete. With this haphazard approach, you are more inclined to notice it as a sharp contrast to the neutrals in place in your home. So, asking colour enthusiast and Dubai based interior designer Emilie from Stella and the Stars how best to add colour to a home for maximum effect she has some great advice for newly converted colour lovers that wish to get some happy into their homes: 

 

“Having pops of colour in your interiors adds depth and interest” says Emilie. She understands that some may find it overwhelming or even a scary task to start the process, her advice is to ‘choose one that speaks to your soul!’ A great way of knowing what your ‘soul’ wants is to have a look at your wardrobe. Often you are drawn to certain palettes or tones and that is a great starting point in the home. With the colour confirmed where should you start? “For a living room, it could be a rug, for example, something that will add a focal point to an otherwise neutral colour palette. For a bedroom, it could be as bold as painting the walls or as small as a set of decorative cushions on the bed. If you are feeling like painting the wall in a different colour could be overwhelming, how about painting halfway up the walls?” is Emilie’s advice.

©Stella + the Stars

There are so many ways to have fun with colour that is easily reversible, nothing is forever in your home and in a renter’s market it is often more important for the colour to be temporary. 

 

The key is to go with your gut feeling and not worry about what other people think! Everyone has a different set of colours that makes them happy, that they have an emotional reaction to, those colours are the ones that should be in the home. It is often the case in UAE rental homes that kitchens and bathrooms are not the best, that tiles can be ugly and that staying neutral is the easiest and best option to avoid clashing or drawing attention to the not-so-attractive parts. However, there is a solution to every problem, if the kitchen splashbacks are not the best, apply temporary sticky back tiles, bathrooms are not great then have them wrapped by a professional company that specialises in renters’ homes. It creates a blank canvas to start a not-so-neutral home. Start small, invest wisely and after time the home with a new sprinkling of colour will start to feel like your happy place, and you will not want to leave. 

links:

shell+core

Nada Debs

Stella + the Stars

New Year// New Home Finds

 

After the decorations are down, the candy has all been eaten and normal life has resumed you may notice that it looks a little 'bare' in your home and it may be the time to have a little refresh.  Starting the year off right sometimes requires new additions and a little update with my top picks to spring into 2023!

Mon for HKLiving: Sedia Moka @ Urban Nest link to buy

Hem Zig Zag High Shelf - Oak, by Studio DeFORM @ The Bowery Company link to buy

Hermano Book Case Danube Home link to buy

Flowerpot VP9 Portable Table Lamp &Tradition @ Designitch  link to buy

Zara Home link to buy

H&M Home link to buy