Interiors

northmodern vol.4

I’ve been quite the northmodern regular. This year I’ve visited both design shows in Copenhagen, one in January and the recent show in August. As I have mentioned before in previous posts, northmodern is not the bustling, sales driven trade show this industry is used to. It’s laid back, calm and considered. This year focussed on a celebration of Scandinavian design heritage, modern design, emerging talents and sustainability. I’ve created a quick run down and highlighted my favourites from the show.

I love to see classic designs that are still in production. One Collection exhibited a wonderful selection of Finn Juhl’s designs including the super cool 57 sofa, image below. Fredercia showcased their Double F hotel concept which had a colourful mix of classic and modern designs. Their design heritage dates back to 1911 and have collaborated with designers such as Hans J. Wegner, Nanna Ditzel, Space Copenhagen and Cecilie Manz. The Double F concept showed how seamlessly modern and classic design can sit perfectly together and having a little fun with colour too.

New designers and emerging talents were in abundance. Swedish design house Kovac Family have created the most beautiful lamps made from 25 pieces of sustainably sourced wood. The lamps look sculptural from any angle. Young designers behind Sixten Efort, are keen on keeping traditional craftsmanship alive and uniting that with simplicity and honesty (ones to watch!). Stationary brands La Patite Papeterie Française and Kartotek both stood out as they had simplistically stylish, modern and clean designs that I love. Visual design studio Elkeland returned to northmodern with a series of intricately woven mirror sculptures. Ida’s work (Elkeland) delicately plays with space and light. Studio Mieke Meijer played with light within sculptural light installations, inspired by architectural forms. I’m dreaming of emptying a room in my house just to have one of these arches. they’re so stunning!

Another emerging talent, who I’m secretly a fan of, is Mette Duedahl for studio DUEDAHL. Her ceramic designs have a soft quality with subtle colour tones that make them inviting to touch. Mette is the creative designer behind the well known Push coffee pot for Muuto!

I was happy to see Ferm Living back again with their new collection Subtle Dwelling. A sophisticated, minimal and calm collection that I adore. In contrast to the calm and subtle designs of Ferm Living are Playtype the coolest typography studio around. Playtype presented a loud, fun and provoking new series words and posters including, HARD WORK, Feminist, Activist, Egoist and Optimist.

northmodern is the minimalists’ answer to a trade show, these highlights only scratch the surface of inspiring designs. Next year there’s a big change with northmodern becoming an annual event during May. I’m hoping it will continue to be laid back and with even more brands designing honestly and maintaining integrity. I’m quite excited about returning.