First stop on the trip was the Nuura Lighting showroom…

Rooted in Denmark, where the dark months are long and cold, Nuura’s ethos is based on aesthetic, organic forms and high quality lightning.

A key principle that is embedded in all their products is the importance of light for our wellbeing and its influences on our circadian rhythm, energy levels, mood, and overall health. Each of Nuura’s light contributes in its own way to creating the ideal atmosphere — whether it’s calm, energised, or focused. A particular favourite at the showroom was the Liila. 

"Inspired by the reflection of sunlight on water, the mouthblown optical glass globe alters the lights, and casts soft shapes onto the walls surface, that feels very calming and organic."

We then bundled back on our coats, collecting a hot drink for our journey and made our way to our next destination. In a beautiful old building overlooking the Marble Church was a space for smaller brands with emerging talent and project portfolios. Here we looked at bespoke rugs by Massimo Copenhagen and curtains by & Drape. & Drape thoroughly impressed a room full of designers with their modern and curated aesthetic approach to curtains. Their aim is to create ambience within professional spaces, and through a thoughtful, considered approach to both fabric selection and fixing methods, they demonstrated schemes where their interventions had clearly transformed the mood and feel of the space.

The last showroom on day one was Wendelbo.

Founded in 1955 in Denmark as a small family workshop specialising in upholstery, Wendelbo’s core ethos pays homage to the Danish design heritage whilst remaining unrestrained to rigid design guidelines. They pride themselves on the combination of tradition and innovation. A respect for heritage without fear of reinvention.

Amongst a range of very lovely furniture products, a few favourites were the Alti lounge chair with its oversized tubular steel frame, the bulbus and low-slung Ridge sofa and the Mate side table, which is designed to look like the silhouette of a waiter with a tray on their hand.

After a quick pastry stop on day two and watching the world go by on bike, we made our way over to the old Carlsberg factory site for our last activity for the trip. Here we visited BRIQ, a commercial company specialising in urban development, architecture and spatial design.

We had a very insightful introduction by Peter Bur Andersen, a Partner and Co-Creative Director, who explained they have made it their mission to fight ghost towns and empty stores, transforming and activating existing buildings, so they fulfil their potential as a sustainable resource and as an urban narrative in ever-evolving cities, with an aim to bring people together via community and experiences. 

"This talk was probably one of the highlights of the trip, and Peter’s masterclass in placemaking then led us outside for a walking tour of the reimagined Carlsberg district, of which BRIQ has been heavily involved with."

The guided tour saw us walk around the former Carlsberg brewery site which has been transformed into one of Copenhagen’s most dynamic design districts and a striking example of adaptive-reuse and sustainable urban regeneration, marrying the areas rich industrial heritage with considered contemporary architecture. I would recommend a look online at BRIQ and the wider work to this area on Copenhagen.

All in all, a busy two days of exploring full of insights, inspiration, new faces and new perspectives, we came back inspired and excited and… 

The key takeaways and design trends I came away with follow:

Warm minimalism. Scandinavian minimalism will never fade, but there is a noticeable shift toward warmth and tactility. Neutral palettes are enriched with earthy tones—terracotta, muted greens, and deep browns—bringing a sense of comfort to clean-lined spaces.

Scandinavian design places a strong emphasis on respect for materials, which is one of its defining principles. This accompanies natural authenticity, value durable and eco-conscious choices and craftmanship.

Tactile, visual warmth & curved geometry. Curves and soft organic forms and feminine woven fabrics are everywhere and this soft geometry contrasts beautifully with the structured simplicity of Nordic design.

Consider layered lighting strategies. Us Brits should learn from the daylight scares winters in Copenhagen, lighting design can take centre stage and provide functionality and feeling alike.

And fundamentally…

Design spaces that are good for people – an obvious one, but a good one to remind yourself and give you perspective when your head is deep within a project.

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