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.  

 

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

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

On a budget or ready to splurge...interiors to lust after.

There is always a trend of high-end designer pieces that are then re-created for the mass market. From chairs to lamps you will see the designer influence trickle down to mainstream shops with a price point that won't break the bank. 

I have collated 5 top picks that are splurge-worthy versus their highstreet counterparts: which do you pick? Well, that's up to you...and your bank balance. 

West Elm v's &Tradition

West Elm has created the Juniper Chair made from a solid acacia wood frame and legs with grey upholstery which has a mid-century feel, much the same at the &Tradition Fly SC1 lounge chair. The Fly chair has a whole range of sofas, armchairs and coffee tables made from solid oiled oak and in a range of fabric choices and designed by SPACE Copenhagen. Which would you chose?

West Elm chair AED 3150

&Tradition Chair starting at AED 8389 from Designitch

Zara Home v's Le Klint

A retractable wall lamp is ideal for reading corners and flexible workspaces. Zara Home has created this retro design with pleated lamp shade for a fraction of the cost of the designer piece by Le Klint. If you are looking for that highend aesthetic but don't have the budget then its a great addition to your home. If you want a style classic, a piece to add to your collection, then the Le Klint SAX 223 lamp is a must have design created in 1952. 

Zara Home lamp £89.99 

Le Klint lamp $770 from The Finnish Design Shop

Pan Emirates V's Bolia.com

A low level modular sofa with exposed seams are often featured in interior editorials, and with sofas being the most expensive item in your home it is easy to get carried away with a high price point. A great budget friendly version is the Hurricane Sectional Sofa from Pan Emirates in grey. If you have the budget to go for designer then the Bolia.com Cosima Sofa in cream has multiple configurations to suit any sized living space. 

Pan Emirates Sofa AED 3995

Bolia.com AED 19980 available from The Bowery Company 

H&M Home V's Hay Design

H&M Home often follow designer trends much like their fashion sector. You cannot get closer to the designer aesthetic than their Metal Lounge Chair in black which is ideal for interior or exterior use. The similarities to the Hay Hee Lounge Chair are evident with the graphic liner design and low frame. All that differs with these two from first glance is the price point. 

H&M Home chair AED 699

HAY Design Chair AED 1450 from The Bowery Company 

JYSK V's Jonathan Adler

One of the biggest bargains I have seen is the JYSK Faces Plant Pot which looks great and is influenced by the Jonathan Adler Muse collection. Designed as a plant pot, but could as easily be used as a candle holder or on your desk to hold pens.  The Muse collection by Jonathan Adler has a large range of decoartive pieces all with the icon multiple faces. 

JYSK pot AED 20

Jonathan Adler AED dependant on item selection and available from Amara




All images © to the designers named. Prices correct at time of publish

Come and Play at Studio Clay, Abu Dhabi

Ceramics is certainly having a ‘moment’. The once crafty art form is having a slick makeover with designer ceramic boutiques arriving in Abu Dhabi. No slicker than that of Studio Clay, perfectly placed at the top of the city and easily reached by all of Abu Dhabi. This designer boutique-style space offers participants a chance to get their hands dirty and learn new skills. 

The art scene in Abu Dhabi is still at a critical growing stage; it's evolving all the time yet the awareness of what the city currently offers is still unknown to so many, often it is word of mouth or found by accident these hidden gems are not known to the wider public. Incredible cultural hotspots have opened over the years such as the Louvre, and with many more in stages of construction. The Abu Dhabi Government has recognised the heritage, artistic and cultural needs within Abu Dhabi and with grand plans in the not-so-distant future for further greatness such as the Guggenheim and the Zayed Museum, however, so many residents still commute to Dubai for a dose of something creative and new.  

 

With that Dubai is beautifully over-saturated with incredible pottery studios, art galleries and talent. Not many places in the capital offer true creative outlets and freedom to experiment and express yourself a gap that owner and founder of Studio Clay Noura Al Dhaheri recognised. 

‘What I hope to achieve in opening my studio within Abu Dhabi is to attract a creative community that grows and supports each other. Throughout my career, I have fond memories of teachers and places that sparked creativity and love for art, my dream and hope is that Studio Clay becomes that for aspiring artists too within the capital and beyond.’

 

A covid project that turned into a business Noura went from running Studio Clay in her spare room in her home meeting clients in nearby coffee shops to opening her own stand-alone store, with employees, members, and workshops.  The serene studio is a pallet of neutral tones, rustic accents and vintage finds from Europe. 

 

“The concept of my studio developed during the pandemic. Covid adjusted our priorities and daily routines in a major way, it gave me a minute to pause and reflect on what's important and how I wanted to spend my time, hence my love for pottery had a chance to bloom. With a curated functional design, I wanted the studio to be an escape, a place where you can really relax, have fun and improve or learn a new skill.”

 

Retail balances out the artist's areas, offering customers the chance to purchase the creations made within Studio Clay. There is a glass room within the space that houses the kilns, and racks of work to be fired. Large benches and pottery wheels fill the space and offer an almost serene calmness the moment you enter. Creating that calm feeling is part of the uniqueness of the studio and was perfectly designed to have that impact upon entry. 

 Art has always had therapeutic benefits, often used in wellbeing, stress and depression treatment, working with clay takes that one step further. Neuroscientists have proven the direct health benefits and often use pottery and ceramics within their treatment plans. There is a joy that strikes once you touch clay and feel it on your skin, the possibilities of creation are endless and a connection to earth and nature help soothe the soul. Many studies have concluded the incredible physical and mental health benefits connected with pottery. It helps increase your focus; exercise imagination and lowers stress levels something that Noura has recognised and championed within Studio Clay:

 

“Art in any form is an important part of self-expression, and it's clear to me at the studio when I see the uniqueness of everyone’s work, I believe there's an artist in everyone and it a totally inclusive activity that helps in many different ways both physically and mentally.”

 

Coming from an arts education background, Noura was conscious that she wanted to target an audience like her: artists. The space is designed to be fully equipped for both the public and an artist’s studio. 

 

“My inspiration for starting Studio Clay is simple: Where would I (an artist) like to spend my day? Since it didn't exist to my full criteria, I decided to take a leap and develop it myself.”

 

There are options on how to use the space: whether it is a one-off class, a chance to build a project over several weeks or as a member, all surrounded by friendly similar minded people. Studio Clay is part of the artist's revolution happening within Abu Dhabi and takes references from artists’ studios in Europe, the slickness of Dubai and looks like something from a magazine but is a woman-owned and operated business that is raising the standards and the possibilities within the artist field. 

 

To enjoy the full range of what Studio Clay can offer you can visit their website: https://studioclay.ae

and follow them on social media: @studioclay.ae

Final Showcase from the Athath Fellowship at MiZa HQ

The Athath Fellowship: Furniture Making for Aspiring Entrepreneurs programme in partnership with MAKE and the American University of Sharjah is having a programme end showcase this March at MiZa HQ, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi. 

The Athath Fellowship is a professional 15-week course aimed at training those that already have a keen interest in furniture design but were looking to expand their expertise and to progress their skillset into launching a business model. The course launched in October 2021 with 10 Fellows and led by Ammar Kalo: Furniture Designer, Architect, Associate Professor at the American University of Sharjah and winner of the silver award at the 2015 Milan Design Week.

 

With a mixture of practical fabrication time in the Makerspace studios in Al Zeina Abu Dhabi, field trips to local production sites, lectures with critically acclaimed designers and studio sessions with Ammar Kalo, the fellows are well on their way to a new career path in furniture making. 

 

This is an intensive and hands-on programme with the majority of the course requiring full in-person attendance at Makerspace Al Zeina. Makerspace has a range of tools, machinery and technology that allowed the Fellows to gain invaluable experience in professional-grade workshop equipment with the instruction and guidance from the staff. 

 

Online lectures were provided by a variety of industry professionals including Christian Andresen from Fritz Hansen, Nada Debs, Design by ROAR, Jakob Vermehren from JYSK and Farah Nasri from Irthi Council. 

 

Athath Fellowship was created to act as a creative and practical bridge to the furniture making world. The focus on providing business and entrepreneurial skills for the creative industries within the UAE was at the forefront of the Athath Fellowship’s mission. Cultivating and growing the maker community and offering Fellows the chance to develop a co-op and community they can work with, learn from, and provide support to one another. Each of the 10 Fellows has developed, designed, and created a final piece to be shown along with sketches, maquettes, and renderings. From this showcase, they will be able to take all the practical and business knowledge into launching their brand or developing their art form further. 

 “The fellowship programme is a stepping stone for young and creative individuals, like myself, who desire initial guidance and knowledge to tap into the design business community, especially within the UAE.”

Rawan Alaydaroos: Athath Fellow 2021-2022

 

The final showcase is open to the public on 6th and 7th March 2022 at MiZa HQ, Mina Zayed,  Abu Dhabi 9am-9pm and requires a 96hr PCR test.

 

You can register interest in the next Athath Fellowship programme by completing the online form via the website. For further information visit the website: www.athathfellowship.ae

 

About MiZa:

MiZa is an emerging neighbourhood tucked in the heart of Mina Zayed warehouses. An urban regeneration project that aims to curate entrepreneurial, innovative and creative output by acting as a starting point for the people of Abu Dhabi in establishing new concepts, ideas and businesses. Its inclusive and non-disciplinary approach encourages cross-pollination between businesses with an intentional juxtaposition between varying industries which, will shape the future of Mina Zayed and Abu Dhabi collectively. 

Architecture: but make it fashion

Reebok have collaborated with Eames on a pioneering design that allows a look at how architecture and fashion can cross over with perfect harmony.

A shoe designed to celebrate the work of Charles and Ray Eames this Club C collection showcases designs that are inspired by the Eames House. 

 

PURPOSEFUL DESIGN

"The iconic Eames Office design house takes on the Club C in a first-ever collaboration rooted in functional versatility, effortless adaptability and unpretentious design."

Club C is a super limited run of shoes that Reebok offer to collectors and friends and family. However this particular style has been done for employees of the Eames brand...now that is rare! 

The shoe display the colours of the Eames House, with the multi-colour Eames logo while the insoles feature Charles and Ray’s signatures. The shoes are boxed in a Eames design that represents the house façade and is a work of art in itself. 

Don't worry: there are a slightly different pair that Reebok are retailing from their own website that still capture the Eames look and feel. 

With this crossover from the architecture world into fashion, it will be interesting to see if other brands follow suit and we will start to see Verner Panton x Nike or Arne Jacobson x Puma. Now that would be exciting! 

You can purchase your Reebok x Eames Collection here.

5 ethical homeware brands to consider for your next furniture buys

 Published Sept. 20th 2021

Available to view online at The National News

Barber and coffee shop LOCAL Mamsha opens on Saadiyat Beach

 Published 10th Aug 2021

Available to view online at The National News

Make your home instagram-ready

published 25th July 2021

Available to view online at The National News

Shea McGee interview for The National

Shea McGee of ‘Dream Home Makeover’ says storage is key in well-designed homes

Published 9 June 2021 

Available to read online on The National News website. 

    

Maid to Measure

Published May/June 2021 issue

Available to view online at Better Living Magazine

 

Customise Cookie-cutter furniture

Published April. 27th 2021

Available to view online at The National News

My wishlist mood board part 2

I thought I would do a follow up with my most recent mood board that I am working my way through! Some pieces I have already purchased, others I am working towards. I am always tempted to look at the highstreet for the 'inspired' items that are similar to the high end however, a lot of these pieces are classics, limited editions or re-issued from the 50s,60s and beyond. It is an investment in something that I will keep (hopefully) for a long time. So my mantra is 'buy well, not cheap' - that doesn't mean blow all your money. Just buy the best you can afford. 

Click the pink link below to take you directly to the item:

Top left to right:

Grey & black chair: Trento chair available at Soul & Tables

Pedestal side table: Lato from &Tradition - available at Designitch

Palm Beach book: Assouline available at The Bowery Company

Black dining table: Fritz Hansen 'Caramite' (limited edition re-issue)

Brown portable lamp: &tradition available at Finnish Design Shop

Middle left to right:

Square coffee table: from &Tradition - Fly table available at Designitch

large floor mirror: 'Sienna' Custom No.9

Small black portable lamp: Hay design available at Finnish Design Shop

Curved desk lamp:  Fritz Hansen 'Kaiser Idell' available at Designitch

Wooden vases: Bound No.82

Black large bowl: Pottery Barn

Black Bird: Norman Copenhagen 'shorebird' available at Skandium

Painting:  Aure available at The Poster Club

Bottom left to right:

Lady statue: Vera at Abigail Adhern

Sand bowl: 101CPH available at The Bowery Company

Black and wicker chair: Wood Culture

Gourd baskets: Bound No.82

Wall Light: DCW éditions - Mantis wall light available at Finnish Design Shop

This is my round up of all the lovely things I am LOVING right now. Some pieces I am lucky enough to own, others I have clients whom adore this style and I get to work with them and others I am working towards owning! 

All Images copyright to the designer. Other stores stock these items, these are just who I would choose to buy them through.