We were invited to visit Marie-Louise Høstbo in her stylishly furnished flat in Copenhagen in Denmark. For almost 30 years, the connection between architecture and design has been at the core of this architecture expert's work, and she's constantly on the lookout for new ideas and inspiration. In our interview, she tells us what makes FRITZ HANSEN so unique for her and what matters to her in a home.
Marie-Louise, thank you so much for your time!
You're an architecture expert, an author and now Head of Design. What does a working day at FRITZ HANSEN look like?
Design, product development, marketing or sales – I work with many departments of the company every day, and every day is different. We have moodboards and prototypes standing next to pieces from our historical collections. That coherence sparks new ideas, as do inspiring workshops with colleagues and stimulating exchanges with designers.
You have a beautiful office at FRITZ HANSEN's headquarters. How important is your working environment to you?
My working environment is very important to me. The atmosphere of the spaces where we live and work has a big influence on our well-being. I work from Allerød in Denmark, where Fritz Hansen's headquarters is located right next to a forest. That's wonderful, because this connection with nature brings new inspiration every day.
Do you also have a home office, and how is it different from your office?
At home, I focus on research – I look things up in books from my library, which seems to grow by the day. I work at our long dining table, which is often piled high with books and materials over the course of the day until dinner. (laughs)
150 years of FRITZ HANSEN. What does the brand mean to you personally?
FRITZ HANSEN has had a major influence on the development of Danish design. Working with visionary architects has been part of the company for more than a century.
I hope we'll continue to be able to work with talented architects in the future. Because that's how unique pieces are created that then find a place in our homes or workplaces. This co-creation is what makes FRITZ HANSEN unique, and I'm looking forward to continuing this part of the company.
The anniversary collection includes many classics in new materials as well as new designs. What's your favourite piece from the anniversary collection, and why?
The anniversary collection is a new way of expressing the FRITZ HANSEN collection. It shows how the individual pieces are connected. For me, one piece stands out in particular: the Fauske marble. It's a new stone for the Poul Kjærholm coffee table – it's exquisite and makes a historic piece completely contemporary.
How would you describe your personal interior style?
Constantly changing – I often rearrange my interior. I like collecting designer pieces, but souvenirs from my travels also play an important role in our home.
Where and with whom do you live?
Our flat is in Copenhagen, in a building in the Danish Skønvirke style. My eldest daughter recently moved into her own flat, while my younger daughter still lives at home. Copenhagen is a wonderful city. We love living close to the water and to delicious bakeries.
How important is the fusion of architecture and design to you?
In Denmark, architecture and design are integrated into a holistic experience together with our society and culture. When you live in an older building, the interior has a certain history. We often think about the interior design – about how practical it is to have rooms that, depending on how we live today, can serve different purposes from those they served when the building was constructed.
What turns a flat into a home for you?
A flat becomes a home through the people who live in it. It's amazing to see how a flat changes when you move into a space. Personally, I can make any place my home as long as it has room for my family and my books.
Where's your favourite place to be at home?
Around the dining table. It serves as a work table – I did the research for my books and wrote them at this table. It's where we gather for family meals, and there's room for lots of friends. A wonderful place for conversation and for spending hours in good company.
What inspires you?
I find inspiration everywhere and nowhere. Art, design, architecture – I'm constantly on the lookout for new ideas. When I travel, I visit authentic places; history and the way we think about it inspire me.
What FRITZ HANSEN trends and new products can we look forward to in autumn/winter 22/23?
We're continually striving to create meaningful design pieces and keep growing the collection. This is reflected in a deep dedication to aesthetic, long-lasting designs that improve our lives.
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Thank you so much for these fascinating insights!
