Every time I head over the bridge to Denmark I come back feeling really inspired. I simply love the way people dress, the lifestyle they lead and of course, the interiors in Copenhagen. Last week I felt no different when I returned from
Formland - a fantastic Nordic design fair. Researching for my panel discussion about minimalism or maximalism', I learned so much about the latest trends that are rocking the design world and would love to share a few of these with you today!
I couldn't think of a better way to do it, than through the lens of
Sussie Frank, an interior designer, photographer and stylist as well as co-founder of paint brand
Colour Stories who lives in a beautiful house in Aarhus on the Danish mainland. Sussie's house was built in 1917 and measures a tremendous 382 m2 / 4111 f2 laid out over four floors. Sussie renovated the house for 6 months, while being careful to honour the time and age of the house before moving in in January 2021. Today the family of four enjoy an incredible home that's full of surprises - and a perfect example of what's happening in the Danish design world.
Here are 12 trends I spotted:
1. Anything goes
I bet you weren't expecting the pink stairs. I certainly wasn't!
But why not? I mean we only live once, right?
In fact, this reflects the sentiment of the fashion and design world right now - go your own way, work hard on making your home as personal as possible. Mix and match colours, patterns, shapes and texture to create your own world.
Looking to add joy? Bring in playful touches. Looking for calm? Think about adding soothing tones and furniture with soft round edges.
But above all else decorate for your, and don't worry what others think!
As I write this it feels ridiculously obvious, but I think it's been easy to forget this over the years with so many supposed design 'rules'. It was only during the pandemic where many of us started to think 'hang on, is the decor I want? Are these the colours that make me feel at my best'? Have I surrounded myself with meaningful items? Or can I do more to my home to make it feel personal?
The time is right, right?
2. Eclectic dreams
Every piece in Sussie's home is unique - and this is very much the direction of homes today, as people strive to create a home which is unique and packed with personality.
3. Art is everywhere
Art is everywhere - it's in the furniture which has taken on all kinds of fabulous forms (like the
Puffy Chair designed by Faye Toogood), it's in the rugs, lamps and even the staircases, doors and architraves.
4. Folk art
We're bringing more folk art into our homes. Patchwork (like this quilt by
Instabydomi) is becoming more popular and a great way too upcycle scraps of fabric. I love the work by Danish brand
Jou Quilts.
We're also seeing more embroidery which has a wonderful sense of nostalgia. But forget 'fuddy duddy' - it's all about 'newstalgia' and bringing a modern touch to old pieces.
5. Mix and match pattern
Oh, and pattern. Lots of pattern. Mix and match dots, checks, stripes... anything goes!
6. Upcycling
In the past, some might have seen painting an antique or vintage piece as sacrilegious. But as we move more and more into creating a more sustainable home, up cycling is a great way to breathe new life into an old piece. Keep a look out for the less attractive items at the secondhand store (usually in the back corner / bargain basement) - with a little vision and an artistic touch, they can quickly become a unique treasure!
7. A load of texture
The home has become more and more textured and yep, you've guessed it, any type of surface goes. Think everything from mirror, chrome and brass to leather, 'fluff', boucle, marble, glass, paper, and wood.
8. Playful accessories
Small items are a great way to add a play touch to the home. Decorative lamps, crazy mirrors, and colourful and crazy shaped vases are all great ways to play around with your home and add a personal touch.
9. Newstalgia
Spot the chair above? The red legs give it more of a playful touch from what we're used to seeing. It's 'newstalgia' at play - taking something old and giving it a modern lease of life. Expect to see more of this in the design world moving forwards. Although don't worry, if you're like me, there'll always be the iconic, tone on tone, natural classics too!
Another nod to embroidery that's slowly creeping into homes in both modern and traditional ways.
10. Patch and repair
This also transcends into 'fixing' things - like socks, cushions, bedspreads etc it's time for a 'repair and re-wear' mindset, and best of all, your sewing doesn't need to be perfect. Phew!
11. The unexpected
Small elements of surprise go a long way towards creating a personal space. I love this view of Sussie's bathroom with luxury marble walls, gold trims and a playful vintage pendant.
Take a closer look at this collection of items - including a jute holdall, contemporary sculptural stool and a traditional Nordic basket - it demonstrates the mix and match ethos.
12. Go wild with paint
Do you remember when painting one accent wall in a room felt like the wild thing to do? Well, today, absolutely anything goes. Bannisters, architraves, radiators, windowsills, ceilings. And don't worry about 'just' going for pastels or tone on tone. Playing around with contrast is the way to go! It's such an exciting development and has me looking around my own home thinking what to paint next, how about you?
What an absolutely incredible house! I love how Sussie has added so many interesting pieces. And the paintwork is fab too!
I'd love to hear your thoughts about these latest developments that are rocking the danish design world. I think they are so fun and playful. Who doesn't want to walk into a room and feel joy? They also make me want to go a bit more wild in my own home - while maintaining the calming sanctuary I've created - of course!
Wishing you a fabulous start to the week! See you Wednesday!
Niki
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