Interview
A chat with Normann Copehagen’s CEO and Founder Poul Madsen as the Danish brand opens its rst agship store in Southeast Asia
Danish brand Normann Copenhagen brings stylish home pieces to Asia with its newly opened 200-square-metre showroom at the heart of Bonifacio Global City. Poul Madsen shares his insights about the brand as well as tips for new homeowners. HOW DID NORMANN COPENHAGEN START? We just turned 20 years. I co-founded this with my friend, Jan Andersen in 1999 as a small store in Copenhagen. In 2001, we met Simon Karkov, a Danish designer, who consequently showed us his Norm 69 lamp, which had been lying in a loft since he designed it back in 1969. We fell in love with the lamp and decided to put it into production. This was the beginning of Normann Copenhagen as design producer. Twenty years later, we are so happy to have presence in 87 different countries worldwide. WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE? It has to be something we look at and think, ‘this is special, something we haven’t seen before.’ What makes a design special can come from any part of the design process. Sometimes it is the function of a product, which is unique, sometimes it is using a material in a new way, and sometimes it is the shape itself. It can even be as simple as the connection of two elements or something small like that. In general, we like a design to have clean lines and a certain simplicity. However, there is always that little something that adds character to the design. I guess you can call our style minimalism with an attitude. WHAT ARE YOUR MOST ICONIC PIECES? One is the award-winning Washing Up Bowl, which we’ve been producing for 15 years now. Another is the Form chair, which you can have in different sizes, colours, and materials.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE PHILIPPINES?
Finding the right business partner is very crucial. It becomes very personal and emotional. We need to know that it will be run in the same way as we would run it. It requires a partner with similar values, the necessary know-how, and the right organisation and experience. Our local partner is strong in franchising, and we have great confidence in their approach. We are lucky to find the right match here in the Philippines.
WHY DO YOU THINK THE BRAND IS SUITABLE FOR THE FILIPINO HOME?
The pieces are very versatile and can be styled in different ways. The Form chair for instance, can be turned into myriad different versions. So you can always find one that will suit your requirements. The design is also very timeless, stylish, and functional, so I think it would fit Filipino homes well.
NAME FIVE ITEMS THAT YOU WOULD RECOMMEND FOR THOSE WHO ARE JUST STARTING TO FURNISH A HOME.
First, get a nice lighting fixture to set the mood. A striking piece like the one from our Norm lamp series can be the focal point of any room. Then find a good sofa where you can sit or lounge. The Onker two-seater sofa is not only comfortable but also comes in a variety of colours. Then have a timeless dining set like the Form dining table and chairs. A set of cups to keep you warm and multifunctional bowls that come in handy with its many uses are also essential.