In Conversation with Rikke Frost

One of the most important parts of being an emporium of high-end interiors is ensuring strong connections with both the makers and designers of the furniture we display. After all, curating your space is just as much about the stories as it is about the style. That’s why, as part of our London Design Festival activities, we wanted to tell the tale of one of the best in interiors.

The creative mind we’re speaking to today is one of Denmark’s own design specialists, Rikke Frost: a provider of light, a shaper of seating, and an educator of inquisitive young minds at Aarhus University. In recent years, she has partnered with one of our most popular brands, Carl Hansen & Søn, producing flagship designs that now sit alongside the work of Scandi design legends such as Arne Jacobsen, Ilse Crawford, and Hans J. Wegner.

Starting out, at what moment did you know you wanted to design furniture?

"I have always been fascinated by the way objects can shape our daily lives. Growing up, I was constantly drawing, building, and rearranging spaces. But it wasn’t until studying design that I realised furniture was the perfect medium for me – it’s tactile, functional, and emotional all at once. That combination still inspires me every day."

And which parts of that design process are the most important when creating a new piece?

"For me, it’s the balance between concept and craft. The initial idea has to feel meaningful and relevant, but the way it’s executed – the joinery, the proportions, the tactile details – is what makes a design truly come alive."

You've done multiple collaborations with Carl Hansen & Søn, what is it that draws you to work with them?

"Their deep respect for craftsmanship and natural materials aligns perfectly with my own values. Carl Hansen & Søn’s ability to combine heritage with innovation creates a strong foundation for meaningful, long-lasting designs."

If you had to choose a Carl Hansen & Søn classic that resonates most strongly with your own personal style?

"The CH88P chair. I love how it combines a slender, almost airy frame with warm, tactile materials. Its mix of steel and wood makes it versatile and modern, yet it still carries the timeless craftsmanship that Carl Hansen & Søn is known for. It’s a great example of how functionality and elegance can go hand in hand."

Which lighting ambience is the most used in your home? Are you a big light person or one for small pockets of lamps?

"I prefer small pockets of light. To me, lighting should create atmosphere rather than overwhelm a space. I use lamps to highlight textures and corners, making each room feel intimate."

Speaking of lighting, if you could read one book by the glow of your Petal lamp, which would it be?

"I would read The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – a reminder of the magic in small details and seeing the world with curiosity."

You mention your three word philosophy on multiple occassions, could you tell us where that comes from?

"It grew from my belief that design should strip away the unnecessary (minimal), offer a sense of wonder or surprise (magical), and always consider people and the planet (mindful). These three words guide me from the very first sketch to the finished piece."

With that philosophy in mind, is there a specific milestone in design you one day hope to achieve?

"I would love to see one of my designs become a true modern classic – still relevant, loved, and in production decades from now."

When not using your creativity for furniture and lighting, are there any other things you particularly enjoy?

"I enjoy cooking, playing sports – especially tennis – and swimming in the sea both in summer and winter. Being outdoors and connecting with nature is an endless source of inspiration for colours, textures, and forms."

Which material that you haven't worked with would you most like to?

"I’m curious to explore more with paper cord in unconventional ways, perhaps in combination with softer, more unexpected materials."

If you had a long delay for a flight and could wait in one chair in the entire world, which would it be?

"I would choose the PP130 Circle Chair. Its generous, open form feels almost like sitting in a light, sculptural nest. It has a wonderful balance of comfort and elegance, allowing you to relax completely while still feeling connected to your surroundings."