Hansen Kitchen Furniture - The Back Story
I'm back home, so where do I start?? I suppose, from the beginning, that's a good place.
For years and years, whenever I go to Copenhagen, I always take time to go into the kitchen showrooms and take pictures and chat with people who work in the showrooms. Being of Danish descent, and being familiar with Scandinavian design, and loving it, I love seeing what's new in the Scandinavian kitchen world. It always gives me a fresh point of view.
As part of my showroom visits in August, Hansen was one that I knew I must take time to see. I walked into the showroom, the last showroom to see before my vacation ended in August, and my immediate instinct told me that these kitchens were special, noticeably well crafted, and overall, so beautifully designed.
I chatted as usual with the man who approached me (hoping to score a brochure) and after a short chat, in which he told me that he knew of my blog and followed it(!) he introduced me to Knud Kapper, architect, and creator of Hansen's line of kitchen, bath, and other furniture. In addition to the kitchen and bath line, Kapper is an architect of buildings, interiors, and coordinated home furnishings for the homes he designs. One thing lead to another, and Knud and I decided to continue our conversation over time, which actually began immediately upon my return back home to New York.
Even after coming home, you know, you're back to reality, Denmark is far away, but, I could not stop thinking of the Hansen kitchen furniture..."living kitchen architecture" as it is referred to by Hansen. We moved into high gear, developed our plan to launch Hansen into the U.S., Knud came to New York for a week in November, and here we are, having just introduced Hansen this past week, first, via Dwell's kitchen blog and via a personal visit to Denmark from Jill at Apartment Therapy! We are both returning home today after a very good, and fun, time together, having attended a fantastic event for the redesign of Hansen's showroom last Friday night, and spending more time together surrounding the event.
Yes, the pictures of Hansen kitchens are gorgeous, but I must tell you...to see it and to understand the concepts behind the design, is to be taken in by its beauty, by its distinctive aesthetic and its ergonomic philosophy. There is so much more to share, much of which I will share on the new Hansen blog.
There are future, spring, plans for a display, but details are not yet firmed up. Hansen will be exhibiting at ICFF in May in the Danish design section, so make your plans to visit us!
Susan Serra, CKD
in Scandinavian Kitchens
|
11 Comments
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (11)
Susan, I applauded your initiative to bring these wooden beauties to the US market. I just came back from the Interior Design Show in Toronto. You can feel that there is a growing niche that wants the freedom to design their home to their taste. Access to more options enables us to really put our stamp on our kitchen design. For that, you need suppliers with unique products. Well-done!
ooooo! Gorgeous!!
Kim, yes, I think you're right. This line is so organic in its tactile experience and its looks. It's simple and elegant and, as a result, can be dressed up or down. One has the freedom to choose which direction to go in, and it's always right. Thanks so much for your support, very much appreciated.
Pamela, gorgeous IS the word!!! It's this beautiful matte finish which just looks and feels so soft and natural. Love it!
Interested readers should head over to Hansen's Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hansenliving/
Most web sites make a HUGE mistake by only posting small photos of their products, so it is well worth it to view these larger versions (click the All Sizes button).
Hope to see more photos posted there!
Yes, and there will be more images to come over time. It's interesting to see the kitchens in different settings. Thank you Kirk, for your comment, very much appreciated. :)
Exquisitely designed. It is really a beautiful product. I wish you much success with the line.
Laurie
Thanks Laurie! Your support means a lot! Appreciate the feedback.
Did you say solid wood? Wow!
I’ll be honest, at first glance I didn’t like it. But, after sifting through all the photos at flickr. It started growing on me a little. There’s a certain simplicity about the design that radiates warmth and a feeling of being organized, my wife should love it. Me personally, I still like the moldings, panels, flutings and all the little details that it has taken me years to learn how to do. But, It’s not up to me! I’ll just build what I’m told, especially when it comes to her kitchen. Thanks for posting
Susan, I love the Hansen line. It'll be perfect for my future kitchen. Where can I find out about cost and order time?
Hi Michele. The cost will be in line with other high end kitchens, and order time should be 2-3 months. Just contact me at the top right of this blog, the top side bar box if I can help you in any way. Glad you like it.:)
Hi Pop, good to see you again! It's true. It has this elegant simplicity, and it is beautifully designed. And, no, it will not be for everyone, and that's as it should be. But, isn't it great that we get to do different types of kitchens? Embrace modern! Especially this simple yet warm type! :)