Postcards from Copenhagen

For this edition of 3 Days of Design, the brands and professionals followed the theme KEEP IT REAL, a statement honoring individual expression and advocating for staying true to oneself and one’s vision. Not only that, but also representing the collective desire for a world that is more caring, inclusive, and conscious.

Based on this premise, there were many exhibitions that caught our attention, exhibitions that sincerely portrayed the brands’ essence and philosophy, paying homage to their core values and principles. A perfect example of this was the exhibition “Home from Home”, by Charlotte Taylor at Noura Residency. With her magic and in collaboration with Aesop, the designer transformed the apartment into an intuitive exploration of interior life. Arranged through instinctive gestures, objects and belongings from brands like A Series of Obstacles, Apohli, and Rye Sleep, she invited us to consider not only how we live, but how light lives with us.

In front of “Home from Home” and Fucina Frammenti‘s exhibit, which featured the Murano glass industry transformed into exquisite lighting designs, was Bread and Butter‘s first exhibition in association with OURI, the newest restaurant by KOPAN, the top Korean restaurant brand in Copenhagen. For this year’s edition, Bread and Butter explored the idea of the “Perfect Pair” through dining objects created by 12 designers from Korea, Denmark, and the Netherlands. These objects completed, contrasted, and complemented one another—functionally, conceptually, and aesthetically—forming new relationships, dialogues, and moments of connection.

Presented in an intimate courtyard —a green sanctuary tucked within the city—, we were invited to visit Project Materia, an exhibition that brought together nine internationally renowned artists, working across disciplines, to engage with three foundational materials: bronze, marble, and glass. Created in collaboration between Tableau and Edition Solenne, Project Materia was conceived as an ongoing exploration of materiality—its history, process, and artistic potential. With Andres Reisinger, Cathrine Raben Davidsen, Forever Studio, Helle Mardahl, Jacob Egeberg, Laurids Gallee, Louise Roe, Onno Adrianse, and Willem Van Hooff works, the exhibit examined how material informs artistic process and expression.

Louise Roe also unveiled a new creative venture within the LOUISE ROE GALLERY: a collaboration that brings together the visionary talents of the design duo, Mentze Ottenstein and Louise Roe Andersen. While enjoying a glass of wine from THE ROE BAR, we observed the intriguing array of new designs, reimagining both form and function. Not only that, but the designer also revealed new additions to the LOUISE ROE furniture collection as well as a display of artful forms in glass, where the Drape Vase figured as the star of the show.

As we strolled through Copenhagen, we had the opportunity to view the exhibition “Echoes of Texture,” which was hosted by Karimoku Case and Linie Design and curated by Pernille Vest. Through Japanese minimalism and Nordic craftsmanship, the exhibition explored the sensory and aesthetic qualities of materials, presented as a poetic and curated stage that invited viewers to sense, feel, and reflect on the role of materials in design and architecture.

Ondarreta was also present at the festival, showcasing a warm and welcoming exhibition designed by Note Design Studio under the name Hello Ondarreta. Set up inside the Note Studio in Copenhagen, the exhibition centered around the Supra Collection, as well as other timeless pieces from the brand. Similarly, House of Finn Juhl transformed its showroom into a dramatic installation, a homage to furniture that stands the test of time. With the name “The Quiet Power of Patina—Aged Originals on Display”, the exhibition highlighted original and gracefully aged pieces.

“Intersections” was the name for Fredericia’s exploratory exhibition, revealed at the brand’s showroom. With the focus to explore the connections that are shaped by design, blending beauty, purpose, tradition, and innovation, it presented a curated collection of furniture by renowned designers, including the latest releases and relaunches by Mogens Koch, Barber Osgerby, Jasper Morrison, Hugo Passos, Nanna Ditzel, Kaare Klint, and Børge Mogensen. Surrounded by exclusive pieces, the experience was heightened with a glass of wine at the showroom’s terrace.

For the festival, Vipp asked the Marrakesh and Paris-based architecture practice Studio KO to design an ephemeral guesthouse. Housed in a restored garage in the courtyard of the brand’s HQ in Copenhagen, the result was an impressive scenography that situated a monolithic structure at the center, hiding and revealing the kitchen, while also featuring bespoke iterations of Vipp’s iconic designs, all reimagined through their singular lens. 

cc-tapis also took part in the festival, presenting for the first time the entire new collection, “Monograph”, designed by Belgian designer Destroyers / Builders. Introduced with a talk with Destroyers / Builders (Linde Freya Trangelder) and cc-tapis founder, the pair spoke about the process of developing the collection, which features different rugs that challenge layering in all sorts of forms: patches, textures, and colors. Next door you could find the Time & Style exhibition, set in a historic harbor warehouse. The installation, designed by OEO Studio explored the dialogue between contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship through furniture, lighting, tableware, and objects.

A—N—D was present at the Rosengården district, unveiling a multifaceted exhibition assembled around three new lighting series by designers Lukas Peet and Caine Heintzman, as well as a selection of their pieces presented with a sensory experience. We were also able to join Louis Poulsen at their renovated store, transformed for the festival, to see the summer’s product news. In the garden stood Circle Dome Square, a light installation by Danish fashion designer and artist Henrik Vibskov.

The British designer Lee Broom presented its new show, “From Here Now”, taking over the historic Asia House, constituting the first time that the venue was open during 3 Days of Design. Featuring over 70 lighting pieces, new products, and the global debut of a brand-new portable table lamp “Chant”, the home was converted into an explorer’s refuge, filled with artworks and artifacts that created an immersive experience.

Frama introduced “Structures of Living”, an exploration of modular dwelling through a system that integrates key areas of life—sleeping, relaxing, entertainment, dining, and working. The exhibition also featured new furniture launches across three families: The Petit Rond, Symmetry, and Ratio Series, from seating to mirrors and storage. Together, we celebrated the new releases with an open-air event in front of the brand’s store, where personalized drinks and joyful music were shared.

The final stop on our 3 Days of Design journey was the Sacrecoeur Apartment—Pernille Hell’s private residence. As the founder of the design store Sacrecoeur, Pernille opened her home during the festival, revealing a thoughtful selection of pieces from iconic design brands, alongside her personal collection of artworks, antiques, and vintage finds—many of which are also available in her store. Undoubtedly, a sanctuary of whiteness and impeccable taste.

This intimate visit beautifully closed a series of standout moments from yet another fascinating edition of 3 Days of Design—one in which we were proud to take part via “Gestures of Home”, presented in partnership with Saba Italia, Armadillo, and Expormim at The Conary, a collaborative exhibition where design became poetic and personal—celebrating spaces that inspire and, most of all, keep it real.