Few brands can match Fritz Hansen's diverse design heritage. The Scandinavian design brand has been writing its success story since 1872, and today it delights us with both its legendary classics and a wide range of new, modern designs. We recently met Louise Svendsen, whose responsibilities include styling Fritz Hansen's showrooms, at her beautiful apartment in the heart of Copenhagen in Denmark. In our interview, the 38-year-old Head of Space Design tells us what makes the brand so special to her – and how you can bring the distinctive Fritz Hansen feel into your own home.
Dear Louise, what does a working day look like for the Head of Space Design at Fritz Hansen?
There's no such thing as a typical day, and that's exactly what I love about the job. Every day brings new tasks, new ideas and new dreams to bring to life.
What did you do before? How did you get this exciting job, and why are you so passionate about interiors?
Before joining Fritz Hansen, I worked as a stylist and travelled a lot. I really enjoyed it, but then a headhunter contacted me on behalf of Fritz Hansen. I remember her saying, "This position is available now, and then not again for another ten years." So I had to meet them for a coffee.
Years ago, I worked in styling in the fashion industry. I enjoyed it, but in a field that changes as often as fashion does, I couldn't imagine staying for many more years. I firmly believe in the saying, "Furniture should last for generations, because it ages beautifully."
What do you like most about your job, and what are the biggest challenges?
The best thing about my job is that I truly love what I do. It never feels like going to work, and I feel privileged to be surrounded by great design every day.
The biggest challenge is balancing my ambitions with the number of hours in the day. I always wish I had more time ... for everything!
What does the Fritz Hansen brand mean to you personally, and how do you bring these values into your concepts?
Fritz Hansen is special to me because it represents a design heritage like few other brands. And that gives rise to wonderful stories.
For example, the tray table we make for our accessories collection was originally made by two carpenters who worked at Fritz Hansen in the 1950s. They designed the table as a Christmas present for all FH employees. Many years later, we rediscovered it and decided to add it to our collection.
Fritz Hansen is special to me and many others because it feels like one big family. When I work on my concepts, it's very important to me that we don't compromise on what we create. At Fritz Hansen, we're all very ambitious – which can give some people grey hairs.
Tell us about your home. How big is your apartment, and where exactly is it?
Our home is a 136-square-metre apartment in a historic building in Frederiksberg in Denmark, a part of Copenhagen.
The apartment has beautiful high wall panelling, a fireplace and old wooden floors. There are lots of lovely details that tell the story of a time long ago, which I really like.
When the kitchen was renovated a few years ago, we decided to install a modern, highly functional black kitchen as a contrast to the rest of the home. I love how the contrast brings out the best of two different eras and creates a balanced look.
How would you describe your personal style? And where do you see parallels with Fritz Hansen?
I love that we live with a combination of new and old furniture, as each brings out the character of the other. I see similarities with Fritz Hansen here. The brand wouldn't be the same without both our amazing classic collection and our contemporary pieces, which together represent 150 years of exceptional design.
What do you love most about your apartment?
The light that comes in through the windows. I love late afternoons, when the sun has a particularly warm colour and casts beautiful shadows across the apartment. They fall on the walls and create patterns on the furniture.
And what do you love about living in Copenhagen?
When I moved here 11 years ago, I felt at home straight away – and that feeling has never left me. The city feels small and big at the same time. You're never bored or short of ideas. There's always something to see, hear or discover.
What does a typical Sunday at home look like for you?
I love having guests over on Sundays. It always makes the weekend feel longer. I spend the morning cycling to the local food market to buy fruit, vegetables and special spices, and preparing the meal for our guests.
I often spend late afternoons in my special spot in the apartment: our bay window, where the light is beautiful. I love sitting here in a soft armchair with magazines from all over the world. I take the time to make notes, look up products or read interesting designer profiles.
My diary is so full that it's hard to make this part of my daily routine, so I enjoy spending this time at weekends.
Did you always know you wanted to work in interiors?
Not really. I used to dream of becoming a fashion designer. But instead of designing, I was always rearranging the furniture in my room. So yes, perhaps it was always written in the stars.
What's your personal trend for autumn/winter 21/22?
I recommend using soft colours in your interior and always adding a splash of colour. It gives the look a modern edge.
We shouldn't be afraid of colour – it's all about how we use it.
For example, the mustard yellow in the living room is a colour I tested on a trade fair stand in Milan, Italy, in 2019. I had a nine-metre-long table made in exactly that colour, and the response was overwhelming.
