The entrance to the DesignTrade show at the Bella Centre left us in no doubt we were in Scandinavia!
Last weekend’s trip to Copenhagen was a whirlwind of inspiring design and craftsmanship at the DesignTrade show, walking the atmoshpheric streets of this people-centred city, and heading out of the centre to visit Louisiana, the world-famous modern art gallery with its serene sculpture gardens looking out to sea. It was a packed and exhilarating schedule – here are some of the design highlights:
The Danish brand Skagerak (formerly called Trip Trap), famous for their high quality wooden furniture and home accessories, were launching their new Georg range. The series includes this free standing mirror, a console table that leans against the wall, a clothes rack with hangers and my favourite, this light and elegant oak bench – the wool cushion is held in place with leather cords.
A rare double Chieftain Chair, or Chieftain Sofa, designed by Finn Juhl, and produced under licence by One Collection. Only one of these double chairs was originally made, presented by Finn Juhl and cabinetmaker Niels Vodder at the Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition in 1949. The single Chieftain Chair subsequently went into production, but the original Chieftain Sofa became part of the permanent collection of Modern Danish Furniture at the Danish Design Museum in Copenhagen. It has now been re-launched by One Collection in teak, walnut and oxhide.
The quality of the leather, the lines of the frame and the craftsmanship were just breathtaking – I could have sat and looked at it all day! I’ve included the picture below from the One Collection website so that you can better see the wonderful details of this iconic piece of furniture.
Colourful, cosy textiles. Above, printed designs by Signe Lybeck and below, bold printed wool cushions by Janne Wendt.
The Intricate Lamp series by Alexandra Raben that I wrote about in more detail here. A stunning mix of steel frame and delicate cotton and linen yarn casts intricate shadows.
Above and below, Hay’s trademark palette of soft pastels and neutrals with flashes of bright and neon colours plus clean, graphic patterns
Ceramic artist Tina Marie Bentsen and home textiles company Kaamani shared a stand; the subdued colour palettes and subtle textures complemented each other perfectly.
Nunabee, beloved by many already for its colourful ObjectBox, presented a new magnetic Bulletin Board. Designer and cabinetmaker Maya Bille works in native Nordic wood species of oak and pine and has developed the board so that the individual panels can be arranged in whatever shape and design you choose. I loved that natural materials have been used for a product that is usually so utilitarian, and that it allows you to play with the shapes and create your own design.
And as to the idea of the “Modern Scandi” look in interior design – a move towards brighter colours and more pattern? Well, the general consensus was that this has gradually been under way for a while now, especially with the younger designers and newer, contemporary brands, but still very much in keeping with the spirit of classic Scandinavian design – clean lines, truth in materials, simplicity and functionality. The traditional, pared down aesthetic is still very much in evidence, and the two work – beautifully – together. This is Scandinavia, after all.
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