Hygge & The Culture of Danish Design

Canapes and cocktails were made by Snaps+Rye, a contemporary Danish restaurant situated on Golborne Road in Notting Hill, who served Danish ‘snitter’ and ‘mini frikadeller’ canapés alongside Nordic mojitos. The drinks were made using their homemade dill snaps and served in terracotta coloured ceramic ‘Nordic cups’. Founded by Danish-English husband and wife team Kell and Jacqueline Skött, Snaps+Rye serve ‘new Nordic cuisine’ with a focus on quality produce and provenance, recreating a little of Copenhagen’s culinary culture in west London. Kell Skött also spoke at the event, explaining how, in pursuit of the Danish good life and aligning themselves with Danish ‘values’ and heritage, they offer a seasonal and sustainable menu with a modern twist on classic Scandinavian dishes, baking their own rye bread and making their own house-infused ‘Akvavit’ Snaps, which was used in their delicious Nordic mojitos. 

The talks were introduced by Grant Kanik, Associate Principal at HKS, who spoke about the minimal Danish aesthetic they embraced, which included use of Hørning solid wood ‘Douglas Fir’ planks and furniture from Fritz Hansen throughout the office space. 

“When it came to our approach with the design of this space, and what inspired us as designers, Danish design was at the core of what we did because there were three overriding threads behind what we did… First and foremost since being architects, it was about functionality. We also wanted a timeless space, and ultimately we wanted a very human space, and that naturally led us to align ourselves with Danish design principles that you’ll see threaded throughout the office. The space is very minimalist. The space is a backdrop for what we do and our creative process. What we love about the flooring is that it has a very spartan quality about it, but it is very welcoming. It’s very natural, but it’s very technical. It’s the one big design statement in the space, and that statement is that it’s a studio and not an office.”

Read more about the HKS office design and Hørning wood flooring here. 

Rolf Nielsen, Associate Partner at C.F. Møller was the first speaker of the evening, and chose to speak about the relationship between the dwelling and outside spaces in Scandinavian residential architecture. He commented that this relationship between inside and outside “is at the very centre of Danish living”, and can help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the home. He went onto explain how the international modern movement has been absolutely critical for the way that Danish architecture developed from the 1920s onwards. 

In terms of the modern movement, Nielsen focused on ‘Bedre Byggeskik’ which roughly translates into English as “Better buildability”. He explained that this practice cemented the integration of the modern movement within Danish architectural practice. And how out of this was born Danish functionalism, specifically the way that Danish architects approach the modern movement and translate it within their designs. 
 

He went onto explain the importance of efficiency in Danish society, and the emphasis on saying ‘thank you’, which places a focus on the end result rather than process, claiming that ”Danes are focused on delivering an efficient result”. In terms of design, Holm commented how Danish design conveys function and efficiency, and a love of simplicity which you can see in architecture in the purity and straight lines. Holm believes that this is due to the Danes’ Protestant roots. Danish churches are very minimal and bare inside (because your eyes should only be directed to God) in comparison to highly decorative Catholic churches. As a rule, Danes don’t have fancy ornaments – it’s seen as needless boasting, which would break the ‘rules’ of equality. 

Holm also spoke about hygge, of which he says the foundation is “trust and equality” and “giving something ordinary a special context” which can be done through “simplicity, spirit, warmth and happiness”. He quoted Louisa Thomsen Brits, author of The Book of Hygge, who says: “Hygge happens when we commit to the pleasure of the present moment in its simplicity”.
 
Danish design, Holm says, is “made for human beings; for equals, by equals and not just for show. It is always warm and welcoming and in no way flash, as that would ruin the idea of equality”.

Photo above courtesy of Republic of Fritz Hansen

Fox believes that when you delve into it “Danish design is not cold and not achingly minimalist. There’s a warmth which comes through in the colour palette”. There is often a reference to nature, with colours such as rich warm cinnamon, which is warm, comforting and cosy. She said that you will also see a saturated use of colour in Danish design, which is very considered, very warm and ‘light capturing’. 

She also explained that the colour ‘millenial pink’ has roots in Danish design... “When we look at Danish design towards the new crafts area, new Danish designers are very focused on the capture of light, and this affects colour choices”. She highlighted that the Danes tend to use colour in contrast with natural materials, but that the tones are very important, and they are freshening up. Pastels such as sage green and orange will become prominent, with a move away from pink towards more salmon and melon tones.
 

Photo above courtesy of Republic of Fritz Hansen

Fox spoke about younger Danish designers such as Amalie Bo and Netter Andresen are using less of the grey which has been so prominent for so long. The two designers have even launched a creative collaboration called ‘Don't Go Grey’ for a commission at Hillerød Music School, which operates within design in the cross section between art and architecture. Although Danish design is simple and functional, there’s always been a link with industrialism and new technologies which you will see in the colours coming through… “There is a search for new materials, and colour is informed by the materials themselves”.

This can be seen in the work of designers including Danish sculptor Carl Emil Jacobsen who turns bricks and stones from demolished buildings into glorious pastel pigments. Other young Danish designers who are also using colour and materials in new and interesting ways include Astrid Tolnov, Gurli Elbækgaard and Aurora Borealis, who all offer an exciting view of how Danish design is pushing new boundaries.