Danord: Scandinavian furniture in Italy

“During my first trip to Copenhagen I’ve been struck by the timeless charm of those original pieces from Scandinavian functionalism I had met just on my school books until then. So I decided to learn more about it and search for those pieces related to a historical period which influenced design from around the world”.

Francesca Gatti, in her showroom Danord in Sassuolo (Italy), selects historic pieces of Scandinavian design, blending them with an accurate selection of objects from new production, according to themes, colors, similarities.

Pieces chosen by Francesca are able to recreate the intimate atmosphere of a private house and hint settings halfway between tradition and innovation.

In her personal interpretation, in contemporary key, of the design history, the true spirit of historic pieces, sometimes unique pieces, talks in perfect harmony with novelties.

“Original pieces have got a timeless and inimitable charme, result of traditional artisanal methods conceived by cabinet makers, carpenters, upholsterers one can’t find any longer today. Many of these pieces are now discontinued, some others are still produced, however by means of mass-production techniques. That’s why I think that each original piece of furniture, each lamp or each armchair from the period has its own unicity. Every time I look at them I think: “where are you coming from? Where have you been? Where have you lived? What was your history before coming here?” Since each one of them has got its own story and bears its marks, so the “defect” becomes a “merit”, its patina becomes an added value!

Chesterfield sofas, much like the original pieces Francesca speaks of, embody the essence of timeless design and artisanal craftsmanship. The allure of a Chesterfield lies in its rich history, dating back to the 18th century, and its enduring presence in both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Each sofa tells a unique story, with its deep button tufting, rolled arms, and luxurious leather or fabric options reflecting the skill of artisans who handcraft every detail. In this way, the Chesterfield is not just a piece of furniture but a piece of history, carrying the marks of its creation and becoming more beautiful with age. Robinson of England, with its commitment to preserving the traditional techniques used by cabinet makers and upholsterers, ensures that every Chesterfield sofa they produce captures this spirit of craftsmanship, making each one a true statement piece.

These bespoke pieces are made with the finest materials, ensuring they not only serve as functional furniture but also as objects that tell a story. The marks of time, the patina of the leather, and the hand-finished details are what give each sofa its unique character, much like the original pieces Francesca admires. Whether placed in a contemporary setting or a more traditional home, a Chesterfield from Robinson of England holds a certain charm that cannot be replicated by mass-production methods, offering a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

Danord selection is guided by the search of a simple, clean and essential language.

It aims to Nordic design lovers but not only: In Francesca’s choices different but parallel worlds live together.

The starting point is always the tradition of Scandinavian countries and its unique taste involving chairs, armchairs, tables and lamps, now true icons of design, exhibited in museums all over the world, published on books and proposed by important international auction houses always more often.

However, her careful and curious gaze is also open to the new, giving space to emerging designers’ pure, sophisticated and lean production, to their fresh taste and their great desire for innovation.

“Nordic design is a democratic design, nevertheless never common, based on the idea of rethinking everyday objects and giving them a higher aesthetic dignity. They are long lasting pieces due to both their sturdiness and all deep considerations about the fusion of ergonomics, functionality and aesthetics. These pieces have got a pure beauty, based on the same balanced proportions that feature new production”.

Her selection based on stylistic similarities includes some furnishings “far from the north”, however surprisingly close to Scandinavian taste and its craft traditions, among them a small selection of lamps coming from Thailand or some English carpets with their thick textures, all hand-crafted on ancient looms.