The renowned lifestyle magazine Wallpaper has described Denmark as an architectural amusement park. Fareeda Kanga draws inspiration for her home from a recent visit to Copenhagen.

Think of design and Denmark is synonymous with the word. Just as the Parisians arouse our sartorial sense of style, it’s the Danes who inspire us to elevate our standards of décor and design to new highs! Modern design is an integral part of the Danes’ national identity and forms the tapestry of everyday life.

Danish Design Defined

Originally, Danish design was a product of the 1950s. The post-war period experienced a lack of materials, and therefore durability and high quality was in demand. Design in this period was thus characterized by simple design, functionality and minimalism.

Danish design is simply made for living. In fact, Copenhagen is home to the biannual INDEX: Award, which is not only the biggest design award in the world, but probably also the most important. The importance of INDEX: Award lies in the unique, over-arching theme of Design to Improve Life – a concept which has established INDEX: Award as a global, inspirational design beacon.

Living Like The Danes

On a recent trip to Copenhagen, I was amazed to see every microcosm of daily life designed to perfection and detail, from a paper napkin to a fork to a children’s water bottle! In fact, numerous Danish products have become archetypes or icons of 20th century design. Architects and designers like Arne Jacobsen, Jorn Utsen (Sydney Opera House) and Erik Magnussen have forged the path for future designers.

Incorporating the same look in your home entails keeping a few style mantras in mind.

1. Keep It Simple – 'Simplicity is the essence of beauty,' so remember - dress your homes as the Danes do. More is less – Choose one piece that stands out and make it the focal point of your room rather than a myriad mediocre ones that scream chaos and clutter.

2. Stick to Neutral Tones – Pastels and whites never go out of style. Don’t scream for attention with loud colours instead let your furniture and fixtures do the talking. An understated elegant look never goes out of style.

3. Choose the Highest Quality Products – Danish design has its roots in superior craftsmanship, knowledge, superb materials, and a strong code of simplicity within aesthetics.

Look for soft shapes that interact with rules of design and materials of the highest quality. Remember when in doubt – opt for clean, simple lines, great materials and classic creations that never go out of style.

Where to shop in Copenhagen for the best Danish Products:





Images from Illums Bolighu

ILLUMS BOLIGHUS – This is the superstore of design - the ultimate design department store showcasing the best of Danish design. Furniture, lamps, kitchen and bathroom articles, ceramics, porcelain, silver, and glassware, you will find the stuff that your décor dreams are made of here.

Address: Amagertorv 10, 1160 København K





Images from Normann Copenhagen

NORMANN COPENHAGEN - Is a prize-winning design flagship store located in an old, 1,700m2 cinema in the Østerbro area of Copenhagen. In 2014, it made the exclusive list of the New York Times' 12 shopping treasures of Europe. Their products are sold in more than 77 countries, and Normann Copenhagen has more than 38 products in its own collection.

Inside the flagship store, you can find Normann Copenhagen design - furniture, vases, chairs and much more. Expect traditional materials put into untraditional use, such as a washing-up bowl in rubber, a vase made out of Silicon, and a dog made out of plastic!

Address: Østerbrogade 70, 2100 København Ø





Image from Keramiker Inge Vincents

KERAMIKER INGE VINCENTS – For the most unusual ceramic vases and flatware in the funky Norrebro neighbourhood, head to this tiny store that ships (thinware not flatware) around the world.

“I like the idea of producing objects for everyday use – bowls, cups, vases, and various vessels for tea lights. Nevertheless, I work on the edge of the functional – sometimes even paper-thin. Each object is hand shaped and no two are identical. Hence the description 'serial unika' (series of one-off pieces) and the brand name thinware,” says the award winning ceramist Inge Vincents. Hand-thrown vases mimic the appearance of slouchy bags; while square tea-light candleholders are made of porcelain so paper-thin it is translucent.

Address: Jægersborggade 27; DK-2200, København N



Shop the look from Urbandecor.com to introduce elements of Danish Designs into your Indian home:

Egg Chair, Peacock Chair Replica, Coffee Table, all from Urban Decor

Some colour palettes to use as a resource as you decorate using Danish influences: