ND52 Sofa – Carl Hansen & Søn
Each year, so many new designs are launched at 3 Days of Design, it’s truly hard to pick just one piece of furniture or lighting that stands out. But I have to mention the ND52 Sofa from Carl Hansen & Søn, which I noticed, not only with its form but also with its story. Originally designed in 1952 by Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel, this piece was never produced until now. Its softly geometric silhouette and beautifully crafted oak frame feel both refreshingly modern and familiar. The Ditzels’ intuitive mastery of proportion, curvature, and material is on full display. I loved the pop of colour used, which worked beautifully in the architectural showroom space curated by my partners at Carl Hansen & Søn.
The King’s Garden or Rosenborg Garden
Another highlight of the design festival are the spaces and showrooms that are reimagined throughout the city. One of my favourite places to spend time when I return to Copenhagen is The Kings Garden (also known as Rosenborg Garden). It was a special treat to see it incorporated into the event. At Orangeriet, nestled in the centre of the garden, design fair attendees could take it all in at a sun-dappled pop-up restaurant fully furnished with the newest designs. Fritz Hansen also zeroed in on a century and a half of its formidable handicraft legacy in their stunning showroom.
Audo Copenhagen
Audo marked a defining moment in its design evolution with “Monuments,” an exhibition that re-contextualized the Danish brand’s rich legacy through Neoclassical ideals and minimalist precision. Curated with frequent collaborator Norm Architects and art director Christian Møller Andersen, the installation transformed Audo House into a series of artful environments. Here, its iconic furnishings and new releases were presented with the gravity of classical artifacts, truly elevating the experience beyond a simple showroom.
New Works
Reimagined for its second year, the New Works showroom curated their collection to create a captivating experience they called ‘The Hotel.’ The space unfolded over a series of rooms, each curated to give a blend of intimacy, grandeur, and tactility. Earthy beiges and greenish-browns created a tranquil, grounded ambience, with black accents adding depth and structure. The materials, meanwhile, played on contrast, incorporating smooth marble and steel alongside textured oak, rough stone, and soft upholstery. It was a beautiful exploration of how different textures and materials can come together to create a cohesive and welcoming space.
Trends that I noticed
A few key trends stood out to me this year, particularly in terms of materials and colours. Ash and walnut woods were everywhere, showcasing the beautiful, visible grain and clean finishes that are so central to Danish design. The soft, neutral tones of ash and the rich depth of walnut create a warm, natural foundation that pairs beautifully with the cooler colour stories happening. It was an intentional showcase of wood, moving away from the historical preference for paler oak and embracing these beautiful materials.
