Our Highlights from 3daysofdesign 2023

Revered for its beautiful approach to natural materials, Danish brand Carl Hansen & Søn introduce the PK1 Chair by Poul Kjærholm in woven paper cord. Originally designed in 1955, the lightweight and stackable seat contrasts the industrialism of its steel frame with an organic, durable, earth-friendly paper cord woven seat – comfort meeting minimalism. Each chair takes 15 hours and 180 metres of cord to intricately hand weave with a technique that is equally as attractive on both sides.

‘While the PK1 Chair in paper cord features something new, it oozes familiarity,’ explains Knud Erik Hansen, the brand’s owner-manager. ‘We have developed a new weaving technique that brings together the best of both Poul Kjærholm and Carl Hansen & Søn’.

Iconic lighting brand Louis Poulsen has teamed up with evocative fashion, homeware and glass makers Home in Heven to reimagine its beloved Pale Rose collection. Taking inspiration from the minds of designers Poul Henningsen and Vilhelm Lauritzen, the boundary-pushing interpretations bring about pieces of art imbued with an otherworldly sense of humour and imagination.

‘We’re excited to reveal these unique pieces as a wonderful modern tribute to two of our most important heritage designers,’ says David Obel Rosenkvist, Louis Poulsen’s Chief Commercial & Creative Officer. ‘This collaboration just goes to show how iconic heritage designs continue to inspire and evolve over time.’

Made in partnership with Blowfish Glass in Birmingham, the lights will be sold at auction later this year, with much of the proceeds being donated to charity.

Fredericia’s Gomo lounge collection by Hugo Passos combines fluid grace with the heavy and grounded. Defined by smooth but ever-so-surprising curves, the designs’ play on angles create a sense of elegance anchored by the comforting presence of a fully upholstered base.

The chair and sofa are all about versatile socialising, creating alluring rest spaces at home as well as spritely relaxing zones in more public places. ‘With the new Gomo series we are tapping into new territory,’ says designer Hugo Passos. ‘I am extremely happy with the curvaceous lines and can’t wait to see it in many different scenarios, at home but also in larger projects - from hotel lobbies, waiting areas, and receptions to bedrooms and living rooms. On its own, as a group or mixed with other furniture.’

The collection is based around circularity. The cover is fully removable, so swapping between the multitude of colourful and textured fabrics and leathers to change the mood is swift and easy, and all spare parts can be taken apart and reused.

Danish designer Finn Juhl’s beautiful Fireplace Chair is back after being out of production for 60 years. Originally created in 1946, the distinctive design was a much sought-after vintage classic across global auction houses, and is now happily available to all.

Exuding the designer’s philosophy for warmth and bringing people together, the chair is for fostering conversation within, as well as unwinding. Expertly crafted in Denmark, the chair showcases unparalleled making skill in its between-legs cross, along with its sensual timber frame.

Customisable with a selection of woods and leathers, the relaunch features a sustainability-focused edition in FSC® certified ash and premium Danish Sorensen Leather. The exclusive leather is certified by Animal Protection Denmark and made from the finest rawhides from North Jutland. Its smooth and luxurious surface showcases distinctive markings of a life naturally lived such as wrinkles and scars, creating a one-of-a-kind character, the material gracefully aging over time and developing a natural patina.

Based around the simplified form of a column, the Midst table by Stockholm-based design and architecture practice TAF Studio invites connection and gathering. Crafted from matte solid oak or linoleum on a monolithic spun steel base in a high gloss finish, the table is honest and approachable, a place where there’s always room for one more.

‘Midst Table is a meeting between the poetic and functional,’ explain designers TAF Studio. ‘The name refers to the centre of the table being a gravitational point, while its round shape cancels out hierarchy – there is no head of the table. Its shape naturally draws us in towards its middle, encouraging a meeting of minds and eyes.’

A curvaceous snake of a seating system, the Jagger sofa is a reinterpretation of cult 70s furniture design and melds loose, laidback vibes with a refined, minimalist edge. Available as a lounge-y low-slung sofa and a higher version for dining, each is made up of eight different organically-shaped modules which can be combined in endless formations (don’t forget about the two-sided options). Winding and twisting though rooms big and not so, the piece adapts and flexes to the specific spatial needs of people as well as architecture.

The result? Part ethereal dreamscape, part playful yet practical puzzle.

Created with graphic simplicity, the timeless beauty of the Tradition modular seating series by Povl B. Eskildsen invites indoor and outdoor use through any season.

‘Tradition elaborates on traditional spindle furniture designs, drawing clear references to mid-century renditions of chairs,’ explains Eskildsen. ‘It looks to the Danish design tradition, fulfilling a function while looking visually appealing. At the same time, it draws on the way we seek to create personal spaces in furniture design, for rest and relaxation’.

Shaped and joined by hand from solid, FSCTM- certified teak heartwood, the seating is defined by smooth, seamless joints and a timber that is naturally durable and resistant to weather damage. It develops an elegant silver-grey patina over time, its alluring quick-dry cushions are upholstered in weatherproofed outdoor fabric while still soft enough to welcome inside.