Opening on 19 December in the heart of Surry Hills, the new HAY store will boast 250 square metres of contemporary furniture design spread over two floors.
HAY was founded in Denmark in 2002 with the ambition to create contemporary design, innovative technology and quality materials in combination with clean and straightforward aesthetics.
Much like its flagship store in Copenhagen, HAY Sydney will also include a permanent installation of the HAY Mini Market concept on ground floor, offering a wide selection of accessories, from lighting and textiles to stationery and glassware.
Having spent a year living in the small town of Skellefteå in northern Sweden, Libby Helinski fell well and truly in love with everything about the culture, environment, lifestyle and of course, design.
Deciding she wanted to bring part of that back to her hometown of Newcastle, she — with the help of her husband — opened Scandinavian homewares store, Pappa Sven.
With both a bricks and mortar and online store, Pappa Sven aims to be truly Scandinavian, rather than just a shop filled with Scandinavian-inspired products. Brands include Marimekko, Kähler Design, Ferm Living, Fine Little Day, By Lassen and OyOy Living Design, to name just a few; with the range including candles, cushions, blankets, baskets, rugs and small furniture pieces, as well as Marimekko bags and fashion.
Wanting their customers to feel like they’ve stepped into a cozy little shop in Stockholm or Copenhagen, the beautiful store is located in an old warehouse with exposed rafters and a big glass frontage. If you’re in the area, definitely check it out! Otherwise…
As I write this, I’m sitting in Copenhagen’s cat cafe, with a real life cat on my right and some rather intricate coffee cat art on my left. So it’s safe to say I’m having a good time!
Having now lived in Copenhagen for three full months (where did the time go?) I’ve well and truly converted to the Danish way of life. Undertaking my final semester of university here, I’ve definitely been busy! There’s been studying (or lack thereof), working for Interiors Addict (how nice is Jen for letting me work from half way across the world?!) and of course, exploring my new hometown (well until December at least). During this time, I’ve learnt a lot, about myself and this beautiful country. So I thought it’d only be fair for me to share a little of that with you!
First, there’s the bike riding, which at rush hour becomes like a formula one race! Stick to the far right or risk being flattened. Bikes are truly the kings of the Copenhagen streets and if you want to get anywhere in a timely, cost-efficient manner, they’re the go-to form of transport.
Second, there’s the whole brunch thing. Sure we do brunch in Australia, but not to this extent. Think yoghurt, muesli, cold cuts, eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes, cheese, bread and a smoothie all in the one glorious platter! And you’re not even judged for eating this ridiculous amount of food; if anything it’s the norm.
Third, the untranslatable word: hygge. So this word can’t really be converted to English, but for the Danes it’s everything. In essence it means creating a cosy, warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with the people you love. Cafes can be hygge, friends can be hygge, picnics can be hygge. Drinking mulled wine with blankets and oversized scarves? That can definitely be hygge! Basically, it just explains why the Danes are considered the happiest people in the world!
Fourth, the most beautiful homewares I ever did see. You can’t comprehend the amount of times I go into homewares stores and curse the fact that I only have one suitcase with me. So many gorgeous things but no way to take them home. Woe is me! My favourite place has to be the premier centre, Illums Bolighus, a must-visit for anyone who loves Danish and Scandinavian design. Selling everything from potato peelers to statement furniture, you’ll want one of every single thing.
My local homewares store!
Fifth and finally, the fact that Copenhagen’s in Europe. As much as I adore Australia, we are just so far away from everything! Since being in Copenhagen, I’ve been able to travel with such ease, be it a two-hour trip to Edinburgh, a three-hour trip to Reykjavik or this weekend’s one-hour trip to Berlin. Being so close to so many different countries, with so many different cultures and people, has made for some of the most amazing trips. I feel so unbelievably fortunate to be having this experience and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Feeding Scottish Highland Cows (hairy coos!) in ScotlandIn front of a geyser in Iceland
Follow Olivia’s journey on Instagram: @oliviashead.
All photography is Olivia’s own (apart from those where she’s in the photo, obviously…).
I love discovering a new artist, and when they’re based in my new home (until December) of Copenhagen, well that’s even more exciting!
The artist I speak of is Nynne Rosenvinge, who creates very affordable graphic illustrations, paintings, art stickers and notebooks. Featured in galleries, magazines, commercials and the finest design stores in Denmark, Nynne is also stocked in a bunch of Australian stores (see stockists below).
With a style that is mostly minimalistic and abstract, Nynne uses a mix of handmade and digital techniques to create her artworks. “I make minimalistic paintings, collages and watercolour drawings mostly in greyish and pastel colours,” explains Nynne. “I digitally integrate my artworks into my illustrations, art stickers and notebooks. This mix of handmade and digital graphics gives my products a unique and personal touch.”
Having always been fascinated by simple graphic shapes, finding their simplicity calming, Nynne’s work is nearly always minimalistic, abstract and non-figurative. Yet this is a style that she has only grown into through time: “My first illustration editions were a bit more figurative, but for some reason, I tend to be more and more abstract in my expression. Now most of my work is minimalistic.”
While she has been creating illustrations for quite some time, it is her latest venture of art wall stickers, entitled Big Pieces of Art, that she is particularly excited about. “I got the idea not too long ago, when I was rearranging my framed illustrations. I was tired of constantly making holes in my walls in order to display new illustrations, so I created Pieces of Art. They come in various designs and sizes and are easy to apply onto not only walls but also furniture which needs a personal, unique and artistic look.”
Shop directly through her website (she ships to Australia), or visit one of her Australian stockists: Papercookie, Yellow Front Door, Resident GP, The Minimalist and Hello Polly.
Branching out from the world of fashion for the first time, Virgina Martin of the Australian label búl, has collaborated with ceramicist Tania Rolland to create a range of ceramics. They’re inspired by búl’s Spring Summer 14/15 collection, Denmark.
A fusion of Tania’s technical knowledge and búl’s aesthetic, the collection’s design simplicity is strongly in line with a Danish influence. Featuring vases, bowls and bottles, each mould has been handcrafted by Tania’s own model and engraved with a drawing inspired by Virginia’s mood board for the fashion collection.
The carefully crafted ceramics are like pieces of art, kept simple in design with hand ‘inked’ lines, a signature of Tania’s work. The colour palette is kept demure with soft blues, stone greys, navy and white hues resulting in a beautiful and delicate collection.
The collaboration is a seamless partnership between two creative minds. The collection will be available in búl stores and online from mid-August.
Editor’s foreword: I am super proud of our editorial assistant Olivia for being awarded a scholarship to study overseas this year. Luckily, she will still be working for us part-time, with the bonus of all that Danish design inspiration! Travel safe, Olivia! Jen
So, ten days from tomorrow I’ll be off, flying 23 hours to the other side of the world where I’ll be for the next four and half months. I’m trying to stay calm, cool and collected but it’s not going so well!
I’m off to Copenhagen, Denmark, for my last semester of university, where I’ll be undertaking a mix of journalism subjects and a subject on Danish architecture and design… I couldn’t resist! I’ll also still be writing for Interiors Addict, switching places with Jen as the Europe-based writer when she returns to Australia next month. Haven’t we become the little global operation?! As well-known pioneers in design, I hope to introduce you to some great Scandi finds and if my suitcase allows it, hopefully bring some beautiful goodies home with me.
Originally from England, I’m looking forward to returning to Europe and being only a couple of hours’ flight away from places like London, Paris and Rome. Ah, someone has to do it! I’m also looking forward to living in another country and really immersing myself in the culture. I visited Copenhagen for four days last year and absolutely loved it, so I have high hopes for the next few months, though I have to admit I’m getting very sad by the idea of leaving all my loved ones behind, especially my kitties!
If you want to follow me on my impending adventure, find my Instagram here. Also if you have any tips for things to do in Copenhagen please let me know (special thanks to Nat from Apartment Diet who has already sent me some great recommendations)!
Offering 20% off across all furniture and lighting, Great Dane’s mid-year sale starts tomorrow (Saturday 31 May) for two weeks.
Gold Mega Bulb Pendant
The Scandinavian luxury retail group is known for its coveted designer pieces, with the sale — in both the Sydney and Melbourne showrooms — being one of the few chances you’ll get to snap up discounted designer pieces, many exclusive to them. Some of the great buys on offer include: Eric Buch Bar Stools, perfect for the kitchen or bar (were from $895, now from $716); the classic Smed Stool, a collaboration between Great Dane Furniture and OX Design, Denmark (were from $795 now from $636); and the elegant Vodder Tall Boy with trademark organic drawers (was from $3,950 now from $3,160).
Eric Buch Bar Stool
Popular lighting choices like the Mega Bulb Pendant (top) which is individually mouth blown by a glass master and exclusive to Great Dane (was from $375 now from $300) and the Spinning Light BH2 by Benjamin Hubert (was $595, now $476) will also be on offer.
