Sunday, June 14, 2020

Danish Design

Trip date: July 2019

Although it had only been a month since my friend Aaron and I had traveled together in Croatia we were meeting up for another exciting adventure; first stop Copenhagen!
I'd only been once before and had fallen pretty hard for the Danish capital, so I was thrilled to go back with Aaron who had been many times. And as an extra bonus Aaron's friend Albert, who I had met a couple of years before in NYC, would be joining us along with his friend Sherri. 

I booked on Icelandair in coach, taking advantage of a good sale price, and paid a little extra for an exit row seat. Icelandair gives you the option of bidding for a Sega Class upgrade but mine was not accepted. I used my Priority Pass to hang out in the lounge at SeaTac before the fairly comfortable flight to KEF. It was an easy transfer and my flight to CPH was also comfortable as I had paid a little more for a "more leg room" seat near the front of the plane. 

Once at Kastrup Airport I jumped on the metro to Norreport, I actually meant to take the train to Central Station but was a bit jet lagged and not paying attention. No worries, I just had a little longer walk to the Hotel Alexandra. I loved my one night stay here on my last trip and was doing the same this time. I had booked a Single Room Superior this time around and was rewarded with a very cool space designed entirely in 1950's Danish design, including a Finn Juhl chair and Le Klint wall lamps. I was super happy with my room but my windows opened right onto H.C. Andersens Boulevard which is very busy, so I'd request a room facing a side street next time.
I just love that the entire hotel is outfitted in amazing Danish furniture and curios. It is such a nice change from your average hotel decor. 
As hotels are expensive, Aaron had found a great Airbnb for us, right near Norreport metro/ train station and the Food Hall, where we checked in on our 2nd day. We loved the open, airy space, cool modern Danish design, and views of the park.
My room even had a little outdoor space which looked out onto the neighboring roof tops. I can't recommend this apartment enough. Such a comfortable space, great views, and an elevator. Look into if you are needing a 2-bedroom while visiting!

Hotel Alexandra offers guests free entry to the Design Museum and since I hadn't had a chance to visit it on my last trip I made it a priority to go this time. I chose to walk as I just love exploring the neighborhoods in Copenhagen. The museum is in the Frederiksstaden district, which is considered one of the most important rococo areas in all of Europe. 

The Design Museum is located in the old Frederik’s Hospital building, dating from the 1750s. The museum moved in 1926 but was founded in 1890 and was in another building before the Hospital was closed and gifted to them.
It's a very large museum and is absolutely filled with objects, art, furniture, ceramics, fashion, etc. On top of all the big name Danish designers, there was a special exhibit on Bauhaus while I was there. I really enjoyed spending time here! I felt like I was in the coolest store ever (and completely out of my price range!)

Although prices can be exhorborate, shopping in Copenhagen is a design nerd's dream. We stopped into Le Klint having all noticed their gorgeous window display. I recognized the lights from my hotel room decor. This is a great place to check out a full range of the designer's wares!

Hay House is an excellent stop for housewares (and also views of the Skøget shopping streets) with two floors in a beautiful old building. I've found cute and unique things to bring home on both my visits.
Sherri and I had a great time shopping at Denmark's famous Illums Bolighus also. There are four floors packed full of everything from fashion, to art, to furniture, to housewares... and there was a sale going on! They also carry my favorite bougie licorice.

In Copenhagen design is all around and it's one of the things I look forward to when I visit. I find the style to be clean, modern, cool, and fun. Of course there are many names that are widely recognized like the electronics manufacturer Bang & Olufsen, or the furniture designer Arne Jacobsen, or even the architect of the Sydney Opera House Jørn Utzon. But I like that when you are in the city it is everywhere, in small details; even on the street. 
Got a favorite Danish designer? Leave me a comment about them!

All Copenhagen photos here.

Other posts from this trip:

Danish Drinking
Copenhagen Bakery Porn

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