Design fairs 2022: our highlights

From Milan to Copenhagen, we invite you to discover some of our favourite moments from the fairs and provide a sneak peek at a few of the new product releases that will be coming your way this year.

3daysofdesign

Copenhagen never disappoints and our team had a wonderful time exploring 3daysofdesign in the Danish capital this month. Hear from our Marketing Manager Jess and Photographer Max as they talk us through some of their highlights.

Max – Photographer

The home of &Tradition was a highlight for me. Invited for an evening of pizza and oysters, with a saxophonist playing in the courtyard, we were given a tour of the &Tradition house. Many of my favourite designs were showcased within inspiring layouts and the room styling really heightened for me why I love the collection and the brand. Combinations of products and colours were surprising but worked perfectly.

The exhibit featured a projection of short films made by each of the designers and every room had interesting artwork to enhance the spaces. One space in particular, with the Little Petra, AP12 Cruise Rug and the iconic Topan and Flowerpot pendants impressed me with how the room made the mix of straight lines and organic curves blend seamlessly. Another room with layers and layers of the JH Formakami Pendants was just a dream to photograph. To top off the evening, it was exciting to get a sneak peek of a new limited edition Little Petra being launched later this year: it's going to be a standout piece.

A must-see space for me to visit during the event was the House of Finn Juhl. And wow it didn't disappoint. Over 100 years old the showroom is part of the Wilhelm Hansen building named after the biggest music publishers in Scandinavia who occupied the building before, running their music publishing house for five family generations. As a photographer, I was taking it all in, enjoying many of the building’s original features.

The space was filled to the brim with design enthusiasts taking in the history of the space and the beauty of the Mid-Century furniture collection. The newly re-launched 1948 Whisky Chair drew me in straight away. The crafted handmade brass tray and feet, walnut finish and hand upholstery combined all the quality materials I love. The story of the chair and the whisky glass gift with purchase is a lovely touch.

Jessica – Marketing Manager

I have a few stand out moments from 3daysofdesign 2022. Verpan's colour palette exhibition within the Lindencrone Mansion was of these. The space just gave me joy. The space captured Verner Panton icons expressed in the colours of a day. As you passed through the space, it took you on a journey, the yellows and oranges making me think of a sunrise and the morning light, and the blues giving a sense of calm and relaxation. I love colour and the impact it can have and just like the philosophy of Verner Panton, it was a nice reminder to keep enjoying each day in a playful way.

The Fritz Hansen X Henning Larsen Pavilion was a personal favourite for me. It seems I wasn't alone, with the 150th anniversary celebration gaining the Best Exhibition Award. The setting was incredible, within the Designmuseum Denmark's beautiful garden. The Pavilion was designed for the occasion and felt the ideal way to pay homage to the brand on their 150th year. The design focussed on a Nordic approach centred around daylight, honest materials and provided a sustainable home for the furniture being showcased. Learning it was designed to be disassembled and re-used elsewhere, made me admire it even more - a vision with circular design thinking.

I enjoyed everything about the space. When passing through, it felt like a natural transition between inside and out, the designs on display were beautiful and inviting and the 'buzz' of those visiting added to the whole experience.

My first experience of the 150th Anniversary Edition collection in person did not disappoint, it was even more alluring than I knew it would be. The details and finish, just exquisite. I also really enjoyed having the chance to listen to the brand ambassador Christian Andersen, the Creative Experience Director for Fritz Hansen, talk about one of my favourite products in the collection, the Clam Pendant.

Milan

The world’s most important design fair is back in its full glory for 2022. Our CEO Christian and Sam from our Purchasing Team visited the Salone del Mobile furniture fair and explored the city’s many design districts…

Sam – Purchasing Team Leader

Visiting the Brera and Duomo design districts were particularly inspiring for me. The buzz in these areas really showcased how design is so integrated within the fabric of Milan.

However, I discovered my favourite piece of furniture at the Salone del Mobile - the new Zenzo Sofa Bed from Softline. It differs from a conventionally styled sofa bed as you pull out the frame from underneath the base of the sofa, and simply unfold the cushion to give you a large bed. It was so simple, yet so practical - perfect for small spaces yet accommodating when it needs to be. It’s certainly a design we will be adding to the Nest collection over the coming months so keep your eyes peeled!

Christian – CEO

I was invited by FLOS for an exclusive 100 person at Orobia 15, in the presence of Pierro Lissoni, Marcel Wanders and Michael Anastassiades and it was the ideal setting to appreciate the catalogue of legendary designers the brand work with. With fine dining at the pop-up restaurant hosted by Ona, a program of design talks and new collections for 2022 - the exhibition space unveiled the 'Flos of the future'.

The Design Forever exhibition by Elle Decor Italia was another one of my highlights from Milan. Based in the historic Palazzo Bovara, the exhibition was based on the idea of timeless design and brought together an eclectic assortment of designs from the past and present.

The spaces curated by Elle Decor combined products from different brands and decades, showcasing how differing styles can be mixed to create truly inspirational interiors. I particularly loved seeing the flexible system from USM being used in a bedroom setting.

Clerkenwell Design Week

With over 400 events and 10 exhibition venues to explore in the heart of London, Clerkenwell Design Week took place between 23-25 May this year. Nest team members Toni and Ashlee soaked up the atmosphere…

Toni – Managing Director

It was wonderful to get out to our first fair in an age and the Clerkenwell Design Week was a great place to start. The London weather was kind to us and despite heavy thunder we stayed dry and we were able to soak up the creative and inspirational atmosphere.

Our impromptu private tour of the Carl Hansen & Son showroom was a delight, and their Embrace Modular Sofa was a joy; I was particularly drawn to the FSC certified walnut and grey BM0253 shelving designed by Borge Mogensen, which is both modern with a mid-century nod.

Ashlee – Sales Manager

The highlight for me was the Muuto showroom, we not only saw the space in all its glory but also took part in a workshop ran by Hackney Herbal, where we got to explore essential oils and make our own room spray. It was a great experience!

The space itself was incredible and featured an array of great colours. The Pantone colour of the year, very peri blue featured heavily, and I was also intrigued by the matching of pastel and bold tones within the space. The product that really shone for me was the In Situ sofa. Upholstered in a warm chestnut leather, it was placed against a bold blue background – it really did inspire.

Did you attend 3daysofdesign2022, Milan or Clerkenwell Design Week? We’d love to hear about your favourite moments! Share your thoughts and images with us on Instagram @nest_co_uk.

Discover our latest product releases on our new arrivals page.

Images: Max Hawley