It probably comes as no surprise that I’m going to start my highlights from this year’s 3 Days of Design at the showroom of one of my all-time favourite brands, the ever inspirational, New Works.
With double the number of galleries, studios and exhibitions to visit this year, safe to say Copenhagen was abuzz with design lovers last week, all just as eager as I was to see the new ‘New Works Residence’ for themselves. But, luckily for me, I had an exclusive invitation to take a look around before doors opened on Friday morning.
Located in the historic Bernstorff Palæ on bustling Bredgade, this incredible space dates back to the 1700s, and was in fact the first property Nikolaj Meier, Co-founder and CEO of New Works, and Creative Director and Co-founder Knut Bendik Humlevik saw. And even though they subsequently looked at a number of other possible locations, it was this unparalleled setting they kept coming back to, and I can completely understand why.
Taking up the entire second floor, and three times larger than their previous premises on Frederiksgade, the duo, who I interviewed for this blog back in 2022, collaborated once again with acclaimed Swedish interior stylist Lotta Agaton, to make their new home a must-visit destination.
Stepping straight into a striking marble covered entrance hall, guests are immediately welcomed by an enticing display of New Works favourites before heading up the sweeping Rococo staircase to what was once the servants’ quarters.
But, instead of a linen room and a porcelain room, visitors are now transported into a New Works universe, complete with calming soundtrack (available to listen to on Spotify) and delicious Byredo ‘Woods’ candles burning throughout.
A long corridor, flanked by the latest ‘Tenon’ lounge chairs from Spanish designer, Omayra Maymó and a galaxy of ‘Tense’ pendants hanging overhead acts as a central axis off which the entire residence unfolds.
Splitting off between exhibition and living rooms, offices, workshop, and a kitchen, each area is designed with its own specific purpose in mind, but thanks to Lotta’s expertise moving from one to the next feels natural and seamless.
For example starting in the serene Middle Lounge, you’ll find classic ‘Covent’ sofas perfectly placed around ‘Atlas’ coffee tables, ‘Bukowski’ chairs with French cane seats, and the new ‘Kite’ lighting series from Panter & Tourron casting an enchanting glow thanks to their deliciously textured shades.
From there you head into a Meeting Room, the Atelier, and a Study before arriving at the Library. A more intimate and cosy space, dressed in dark walnut and black accents, the gorgeous grey textiles of the ‘Shore’ lounge chairs and sofas, low hanging pleated ‘Nebra’ pendants and a plethora of ‘Kizu’ lamps balances the look and feel completely.
The culmination of my tour was the Gallery, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous corner room facing the Marble Church with large windows letting in light from both sides. Designed to host special events, here I took a much-needed pause to not only take in what I’d already seen but to try out John Astbury’s super soft ‘Coda’ sofa.
The first modular sofa system offered by the brand, its sweeping embrace was too much to resist, and when a cup of coffee was placed down next to a new ‘Lantern’ portable lamp for me to enjoy, I wished I could have stayed all day.
But, as you know that’s not how it goes, I had more to see and much more to share.
The New Works Residence can be visited by prearranged appointment, with more details about the building, its renovation and all the products featured found on the New Works website.
Images 1-6, 10 and 11 by Nicola Capper, all remaining images courtesy of New Works.
Enjoyed reading this post? Then why not take a tour of GUBI House London.
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