Unafraid to incorporate unconventional styles, colours, and shapes, Reflections Copenhagen pushes the boundaries of design, adding new dimensions and possibilities to interior décor. Envisioned to intrigue the eye, every piece that emerges from Reflections Copenhagen bears the mark of meticulous handcraftsmanship, where each material’s irregularities and inconsistencies are celebrated. These imperfections become part of the product’s unique character and elegance, highlighting its authenticity and bridging the gap between décor and art.
Determined to craft creations that transcend the realm of mere functionality, Reflections Copenhagen aims to elevate everyday objects into exquisite art pieces, bringing forth collections that redefine aesthetics and set new standards in the creative field. This vision drives their pursuit of delivering decorative items that captivate and inspire. From enchanting crystal décor to dazzling tabletop treasures, luxurious lamps and majestic mirrors, each product from Reflections Copenhagen is a testament to the brand’s incredible ability to merge imagination with craftsmanship to create products that beguile with their beauty.
FOUR sits down with Reflections Copenhagen’s founder, Andrea Larsson, to understand how her desire to embrace the eccentric birthed a brand now renowned for creating extraordinary pieces that transcend trends and time with their audacious play on geometry, light and colour…
How was Reflections Copenhagen founded, and what drew you to the industry?
I’m a self-made designer and actually educated as a schoolteacher. I grew up in a creative environment with architecture, art, music, and an interest in all things creative and self-made. In 2002 I started working as an interior stylist for magazines, and in the years after that, I had a small interior shop, created a few interior books, and had a fashion and interior company, Daisy Copenhagen. In 2014 I met my former partner, Julie, and we started producing mirrors and crystals and grew the company from there. So for me, in a way, it has grown organically but with the idea of making a difference and creating products that are different and have an effect visually.
How has Reflections Copenhagen evolved since its inception? What have the challenges been and what lessons have you learned over this time?
A lot has happened to us in the last few years. We have especially grown our clientele, and I believe we have created an awareness of the brand and its intentions. It’s a challenge when times are changing so fast. We have to adapt to survive, and at the same time, I insist on us holding on to our intentions with the brand and not compromising too much. I think it’s important to my brand to have a strong character and a conscious plan.
How would you describe Reflections Copenhagen, its philosophy, and its products to people?
It’s bold — as in colourful, geometric and sharp. We are elegant, flirty and, most importantly, we are playful. I try and push the boundaries and go beyond conventions in the design and the production as much as I can to elevate the product and also create an impact. Our philosophy and general idea, in fact, is to work with the light, the reflections, shadows and mirroring.
What is your signature style, and how does that influence/direct the design decisions you make?
I have always been very influenced by earlier design eras like Art Deco, Memphis style, and interior scenes from the 70s. I spend a lot of time researching shapes, colours, and designs from these periods and other vintage items such as perfume bottles, vases, art pieces etc. I like to inherit the styles from these eras and bring them up to date and into a new and modern interpretation. I think my signature style is marked by this, but also by my love for colour, colour combinations and my Danish upbringing. I think (I hope) we have a DNA to the products that is visible, but I think the change throughout the last years has been in getting to know the material better and being able to push it a bit further production-wise. And, of course — inspiration comes from many things in certain periods.
How does Reflections Copenhagen draw from and incorporate local culture and craftsmen?
We don’t really work with small local artisans and craftsmen. However, everything we do is made by hand but in a bigger production. For me, it’s very important to build authentic and meaningful relationships with my manufacturer. We have a close and respectful relationship, and I am so impressed by the work and craftsmanship ship they do.
What would you say are the 3 key design elements of Reflections Copenhagen?
Reflections, colours, and distinction.
What is the usual production process? How long does it take from inception to completion?
It depends on the process. All design processes are different in a way and hard to explain like this, but once I have the design, it’s a process of technical drawings and details about which techniques to use, sample makings, approvals, and modifications. It can take from 3 months to 1 year.
What designers do you compare yourself to, and how does Reflections Copenhagen set itself apart from them?
I compare myself to designers that dare to do something different and do not necessarily follow any restrictions and conventions. There are so many fantastic designers that I love and admire. But at the same time, I want to create something new and different. I want to do something solid and long-lasting that people want to keep through generations. So, a mix of modern thinking, with inspirations from the past — but an ever-lasting product to be kept in the future.
What have you learned or experienced as a designer through your relationship with local and global influencers?
I learn a lot from people in general. It’s important to listen and to learn from others’ experiences.
Do you have a favourite piece in your collection, and why are you drawn to it?
This is difficult — I really love everything, hahaha. But if I should choose right now, I love the shapes of the Chelsea Collection, the glasses especially. I’m kind of proud of these; they are light and timeless in a way. And also, being able to have a product such as The Meridian, which is a kind of an art piece, is fun. And I’m happy that I’m able to use objects like this in the collections. This makes my job fun.
What iconic work are you most inspired by? Why and how does it influence you?
I’m a total fan of Ettore Sottsass and his work. The use of colours and shapes is amazing and very significant for the design of the 20th century. This influences me because it’s so crazy and wild and still timeless. It’s minimalistic, but still a rejection of this, and working with these opposites has an effect which is so inspiring to me. I have so many designers and artists that I admire. Art Deco is an amazing era with its luxurious and opulent aesthetics, intricate patterns and rich detail. For example, the Russian artist Erté is fantastic and inspiring.
What have you been working on recently, and how are you influenced by design trends?
I always follow trends; I believe it’s important for a designer to know what is happening around you, especially in the design scene. So I’m influenced by this as well. I work in many different markets, which is great because then I can do designs that are not typically Scandinavian, for example. Right now, I’m working on special diffusers for the middle eastern market, and I am doing a lot of research on this.
What designs or design decisions would you like to see in the future in your sector?
Designs that are made to last and go on for generations. If we put new things into this world that are full already, we have to do it with thought
What direction would you like to see Reflections Copenhagen moving in future?
Oh, so many. But for now, tabletop and being able to set a full table. And more furniture is in the pipeline. We will keep our DNA but, of course, be able to develop our designs.
To find out more about Reflections Copenhagen and its products, contact them using the below details:
REFLECTIONS COPENHAGEN
Rentemestervej 43
2400 København
Denmark
Web: reflections-copenhagen.com
Tel: +45 21 48 48 09
Email: info@reflections-copenhagen.com
Instagram: @reflectionscopenhagen
Facebook: @reflectionscopenhagen
Pinterest: @reflectionscph