By the team at Seek & Ramble
There’s something magical about Copenhagen in June,and if you’re lucky enough to experience it during 3daysofdesign, you’ll discover a city alive with creative energy, world-class design, and a deep commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability. We were lucky enough to take a trip to Copenhagen this summer to explore the best of Danish and international creativity, and we left feeling more inspired than ever.
A Celebration of Design Excellence
From iconic to emerging brands, 3daysofdesign delivered a lineup of showrooms, installations, and experiences that has a uniquely Scandinavian way of reminding us of why Copenhagen is the centre of contemporary design.
Hay, always a standout, presented fresh takes on functionality with warm, inviting palettes and effortlessly modern silhouettes. 3daysofdesign saw the exclusive launch of La Pittura, a lively, hand-painted tableware series by artist Emma Kohlmann, created exclusively for the occasion. While it seems a departure from the functional style Hay is known for, the range sits well punctuating the more simple collections. Although Kohlmann is an American designer and the range is hand painted in Sri Lanka, it has a nostalgic nordic summer vibe. The launch of La Pittura sat alongside the return of a true design icon: Mario Bellini’s 1966 Amanta Sofa, reissued with all its sculptural presence intact.
Images from hay.com
Muuto impressed with its refined simplicity, blending Scandinavian minimalism with contemporary comfort.
We were drawn to the Verpan showroom, working with the Verner Panton company to reissue classic designs that feel as modern and innovative as the day they were originally released.
But what we truly loved, what sets the Danish experience apart, is the way the Danes seamlessly integrate furniture, showrooms, cafés, and design storytelling. Walking into a showroom wasn’t just about seeing a product, it was about being immersed in a lifestyle. From curated scent to soft lighting, from a fresh coffee in hand to a beautifully styled reading nook, every element was considered.
Sustainability Front & Centre
One of the most exciting discoveries of the event was the work being done by Mater (https://materdesign.com), a leader in sustainable furniture design. Their innovative use of circular materials,including upcycled waste and sustainable timber, underscores a powerful shift in how the industry approaches environmental responsibility.
We’re especially energised by the renewed focus on natural materials. There was a warmth to this year’s showrooms,a return to natural timbers like oak and walnut, textures that invite touch and bring soul into a space. Rich, dark walnut in particular stood out, with its grounding presence and luxurious grain.
We also noticed a growing use of stainless steel, adding a crisp, industrial contrast to warm materials. This balance of softness and edge is something we’re exploring in our own upcoming collections - stay tuned.
Danish Design Meets Danish Living
Beyond the showrooms, the architecture of Copenhagen was an event in itself. The city is a masterclass in liveable design, where modern structures blend effortlessly with heritage facades, canals curve between cobbled streets, bicycles outnumber cars and a well planned metro. Every corner seemed to echo the same values we champion at Seek & Ramble: thoughtful design, simplicity, and lasting quality.
And of course, the food. Our visit wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the flavours of the city:
• Hart Bageri served up flaky, golden pastries that rival any in Europe. Their coffee was a welcome daily ritual between events.
• Aben Brewery became our go-to for post-showroom beers. The vibe was relaxed, buzzing, and full of creatives types talking design.
• Osteria 16 was unforgettable. Small plates, huge flavour, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like a local, albeit equal parts cold and sunburnt local.
Leaving Inspired
From timber textures to sustainable stories, stainless steel forms to warm walnut tones, our visit to 3daysofdesign was a celebration of everything we believe in at Seek & Ramble.
Our ramble around Copenhagen also reminded us that true style is about more than aesthetics, it’s about how design shapes our daily lives. As always, we return home inspired, invigorated, and excited to bring a little Danish confidence into our new collections.