Trend Alert: Danish Design Furniture

In the world of design and architecture, few styles have achieved the level of admiration and timelessness of Danish design. Rooted in the mid-20th century, Danish design seamlessly blends functionality, elegance, and a profound connection to nature. This design philosophy, focused on sustainability, has endured and inspired modern interior design trends, especially in 2023. At the heart of Danish design lies the cherished concept of "hygge," a driving force that amplifies its allure.

At Hjem Design, we are dedicated to bringing the beauty and craftsmanship of Danish design to Kiwis, so that they can access the timeless elegance and sustainable ethos that define this design tradition.

In this blog post, we will discuss the history of Danish design, its main characteristics like its key relationship with sustainability, our top styling tips to incorporate Danish design into your home, and features of our new Danish design brand Hjem Design!

DANISH DNA

Danish design furniture is the embodiment of functionalist principles that emerged in the mid-20th century, shaping a distinctive architectural style.

Based on Danish culture and the idea of "hygge," this design style focuses on simplicity, functionality, and elegance. Within this context, iconic pieces like the Ole Wanscher chair stand as testaments to Danish design's enduring influence. Crafted with meticulous care, this chair encapsulates the essence of the movement – a harmonious fusion of form and function.

As Danish design encourages the creation of interiors that evoke cosiness, the Ole Wanscher chair symbolises the link between this design philosophy and our lived experiences, representing not only a piece of furniture but a tangible connection to Danish culture and history.

DANISH DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS

1. Minimalism & Simplicity 

Minimalism and simplicity stand as key concepts within the realm of Danish design. This aesthetic is based on creating simple and functional spaces and objects that are elegant and uncluttered. 

Danish design champions the notion that true beauty lies in purposeful simplicity. Every piece, whether it's furniture or decor, is thoughtfully curated to ensure that each element serves a specific function while maintaining a clean and uncomplicated visual appeal. This commitment to minimalism goes hand in hand with the movement's reverence for quality craftsmanship and natural materials, resulting in interiors that emanate both timeless refinement and a sense of tranquillity.

2. Muted Neutral Colours 

Colour is important in Danish design furniture, with a focus on neutral tones and muted hues. The emphasis on colours like whites, beiges, soft greys, and earthy tones reflects the movement's commitment to simplicity and timeless elegance. These understated colours create a versatile backdrop that allows the natural materials and impeccable craftsmanship of Danish design furniture to shine. Using this palette ensures that these pieces fit well in different interiors, representing timeless beauty.

3. Natural Lighting

Lighting in Danish design furniture embraces a philosophy of creating subdued and cosy atmospheres. Soft, diffused, and natural lighting takes precedence over harsh or overly bright illumination. This approach aligns with the Danish concept of "hygge," where the aim is to evoke warmth and comfort. 

Pendant lamps, table lamps, and floor lamps with lampshades that diffuse light help to achieve this effect. The interplay of light and shadow not only adds depth to spaces but also enhances the tactile qualities of natural materials, further accentuating the overall aesthetic of Danish design furniture.

4. Natural Materials & Textures

Danish design celebrates the inherent beauty of natural materials such as wood, leather, stone, and wool. The use of these materials adds warmth, authenticity, and tactile quality to furniture pieces. By incorporating these elements, Danish design evokes a tangible link to nature within interior spaces. 

Meticulous craftsmanship is paramount, showcasing the skills of artisans and underscoring the value of quality workmanship. This dedication to both materials and craftsmanship ensures that Danish design furniture stands the test of time.

5. Hygge

"Hygge," the Danish concept of cosy contentment, lies at the heart of Danish design, making it a vital characteristic. This notion of comfort and well-being seamlessly weaves into the design ethos, influencing the choice of warm materials, plush textures, and gentle lighting. 

Danish design creates spaces that embody a sense of sanctuary, echoing the essence of "hygge." The goal is to create a calm and inviting atmosphere that promotes unity and peace in every part. In this way, "hygge" transforms Danish design into more than just a visual style—it becomes a lifestyle that fosters emotional connection and mindful living..

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability is at the heart of Danish design, driven by a profound connection to nature and a responsibility for the environment. Danish designers prioritise natural materials, timeless design, and quality craftsmanship, creating long-lasting products with minimal waste - which is why, at Hjem Design we are committed to minimise our environmental impact and being sustainability-focused. Within our sustainability strategy, we've singled out three specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for emphasis.

Sustainable Materials

• 100% Sustainable Certified Wood: We're committed to using 100% sustainable certified wood, that comes from responsibly managed forests or ethical sources.
• Responsible Packaging: We're reducing packaging while ensuring product safety. We're exploring recycled and recyclable materials, finding eco-friendly alternatives, and doing our part to protect the environment.
• Responsible Fabrics: We're on a journey to certify all our fabrics with OEKO-TEX® standards.

Sustainable Design

• Sustainable Showcase: We're designing a remarkable piece of furniture that embodies sustainability at every step. Our goal is to make it as sustainable as possible, setting the bar high for future products.
• Design for Life: We're rethinking our furniture design with "Design for Disassembly." This means our furniture can be easily taken apart and reused, reducing waste.

Sustainable Logistics

• Cutting CO2 in Our Operations: We're monitoring and aiming to halve our CO2 emissions by 2025, following international standards (GHG protocol).
• Carbon Footprint Across the Supply Chain: We're extending our sustainability efforts throughout our supply chain, encouraging responsible practices.
• Recycling: We're boosting internal recycling and upcycling of waste, reducing landfill use and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Load Optimisation: We're optimising packaging to transport more products per container, reducing our carbon footprint in shipping.

DECORATING & STYLING TIPS

Drawing from the essence of Danish design's distinct characteristics, let's explore the most effective styling tips to capture its true essence:

• Embrace minimalism by decluttering
• Incorporate a variety of natural materials and textures like warm woods, leather, wool, and stone.
• Stick to a neutral colour palette with a pop of colour
• Look for modern furniture with organic shapes that mimic those found in nature.
• Maximise natural light by using sheer curtains or opting for minimal window treatments.
• Accessorise with a purpose by incorporating elements from nature, such as potted plants or wooden bowls. Art and decorative objects should be carefully selected to complement the design's understated elegance.