3daysofdesign has become one of the most important meeting points for the international design and interior architecture community. For a few days each year, Copenhagen transforms into a hub of creativity and innovation, where leading brands and designers showcase their latest ideas, products and perspectives. Several members of the Basic Collection team attended this year’s event to gain first-hand insight into the directions shaping the interiors of tomorrow. We’ve gathered the trends, inspirations and showroom experiences that left the strongest impression on us.
In the Spotlight: Some of Our Favourite Brands
Orsi – Audo Copenhagen
During 3daysofdesign, we visited Audo Copenhagen‘s Quiet Grandeur exhibition, hosted at Audo House in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district. From the very first moment, it became clear that this was far more than a traditional product presentation. The concept, created by Norm Architects and Christian Møller Andersen, immersed visitors in an atmospheric world where the experience of space was just as important as the furniture itself.
Audo House is a destination in its own right. The showroom, boutique hotel, concept shop, hospitality venues and company headquarters operate as one integrated environment, allowing visitors not only to view products but also to experience the brand’s philosophy firsthand. Housed within a carefully restored historic building, it functions simultaneously as an exhibition space, community hub and hospitality destination, creating a natural meeting place for design enthusiasts.
Anna – NORR11
The NORR11 showroom was one of the most memorable stops of this year’s 3daysofdesign. Rather than simply presenting furniture, the brand created complete atmospheres and emotional experiences through carefully composed interiors.
What inspired me most was NORR11‘s approach to textiles. While the brand’s iconic sculptural furniture already possesses a strong identity, the bold fabrics and rich textures introduced in this year’s installations elevated the pieces to an entirely new level. Through the deliberate combination of materials and surfaces, each product gained additional depth and individuality while maintaining the timeless elegance that defines the NORR11 aesthetic.
The showroom served as a powerful reminder that textiles are far more than decorative additions. They have the ability to transform the character of a piece, influence emotions and fundamentally shape the atmosphere of a space. NORR11 demonstrated this masterfully, creating interiors that felt inspiring, tactile and unmistakably contemporary.
Trends and atmospheres that inspired us
Dodó
Our visits to partner brands provided insights that extended far beyond individual product launches. Throughout the showrooms and installations, we encountered carefully curated compositions and complete design concepts rather than standalone furniture pieces. These environments communicated each brand’s vision and the emotions they aim to create through their products.
One particularly interesting observation was the shift away from the cool, restrained aesthetic often associated with Scandinavian design. Many brands embraced a more playful and emotional approach, reflected in bolder colour palettes, richer textures and a stronger emphasis on textiles. Curtains, drapery and layered fabrics played a significant role not only as decorative elements but also as tools for defining space and creating warmth and comfort.
At the same time, functionality remained a core Scandinavian value. We saw an increasing number of products designed to perform equally well across residential, workplace and hospitality environments, blurring traditional boundaries between these settings. This mindset was also reflected in product design, where familiar forms were reinterpreted through subtle yet highly considered details.
Sustainability continued to be a key theme across virtually all brands. Many manufacturers highlighted products made from recycled materials or by-products of their production processes, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to more responsible design practices.
Nóri
One of the most striking characteristics of this year’s 3daysofdesign was its strong connection to nature. Warm, welcoming interiors, layered textures and nature-inspired colour palettes appeared throughout the event. Soft beiges, muted olive greens, deeper shades of green and rich earthy browns featured prominently across many exhibitions.
Organic, flowing forms remained highly influential, although several brands also introduced stronger geometric elements. Scandinavian minimalism today is no longer about cold simplicity. Instead, it has evolved into an approach that combines clean lines with warmth, rich materiality and a more personal atmosphere.
It was particularly interesting to see how many manufacturers presented lounge and seating systems capable of supporting both social interaction and privacy. These solutions reflect the changing demands of contemporary workplaces and hospitality environments, where flexibility and adaptability have become increasingly important.
I was especially inspired by the timeless elegance of the collections presented by GUBI and Audo. Their designs demonstrated how sophisticated furniture can seamlessly integrate into hospitality, workplace and high-end residential projects alike.
Szilvi
One of the most inspiring aspects of 3daysofdesign is that it doesn’t take place within a traditional exhibition hall. Instead, brands welcome visitors into their own showrooms, headquarters, studios and workshops. It was a unique opportunity to step inside the environments where ideas, concepts and products are actually created.
A recurring theme across many presentations was the pairing of classic, refined materials with more contemporary or industrial elements. Dark wood finishes, rich textiles and marble surfaces were often juxtaposed with raw, polished or distinctly modern details, creating compelling contrasts.
Multifunctionality also emerged as a defining trend. The boundaries between residential and public environments continue to blur, while furniture is increasingly expected to satisfy aesthetic, ergonomic and functional requirements simultaneously. We encountered numerous products and systems designed to adapt to different uses and changing spatial needs.
Among the experiences that left the strongest impression on me were Audo Copenhagen‘s comprehensive lifestyle concept and the thoughtfully curated atmosphere of Audo House, which Orsi describes in greater detail. I was equally impressed by NORR11‘s multi-level showroom and Bolia‘s remarkably cohesive presentation.
From a professional perspective, the most valuable aspect of the trip was the opportunity to experience the products of our partner brands firsthand, connect with industry peers and gain direct insight into the ideas and design philosophies that will shape interiors in the years ahead.
3daysofdesign once again reinforced our belief that great design is about far more than aesthetics. It is the thoughtful balance of space, materiality and functionality that creates truly meaningful environments. The inspiration and insights we gathered in Copenhagen will undoubtedly continue to influence our future projects.
