Located in Publika Shopping Gallery, Smuk Living made its debut onto the furniture scene in 2011, borne out of a vision by its founder, Amelia Tham. Tham’s recognition of a distinct void in the local market for authentic Scandinavian furniture paved the way for a partnership with Nine United, renowned for its stewardship of several Scandinavian home furnishing brands in more than 40 cities across the world. This move marked a pivotal moment for Smuk Living, not only bolstering its offerings but also cementing its position as a premier destination for aficionados of Scandinavian design.
Within the umbrella of Nine United’s home furnishing brands, Smuk Living features a curated array from HAY, &Tradition and Verpan. Each brand radiates a unique essence, offering a varied spectrum of Scandinavian furniture that boast their own distinct characters and styles. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find at the store, which opened in August 2019.
HAY
Established in 2002 by co-founders and creative directors Mette and Rolf Hay, HAY aims to innovate new ways to answer the ever-changing demands of the modern world. “HAY is not just a brand, it is a lifestyle,” Tham says. Vibrant hues and youthful spirit define the essence of HAY. Driven by a passion for design and the dedication to constant innovation, the team behind HAY seeks to create products that enhance life’s simple pleasures. In HAY, no object is too common, no detail too minute.
Take, for instance, something as seemingly mundane as a wine glass. HAY’s is crafted from tinted and clear borosilicate glass, and this everyday item will elevate any occasion with its simple yet captivating presence. The Apollo Chandelier is another example, originally created by Nikolaj Lorenz Mentze as an oil lamp for Apollo Bar and Kantine, a restaurant in Copenhagen. “If you had asked me whether I thought a chandelier was an appropriate typology for us, I would have said no. I would have said it’s too nostalgic, too old,” Rolf says. “But I was wrong. What’s remarkable about the Apollo Chandelier is that it stands out as a very modern object—it’s an absolutely original take. It alters people’s expectations and makes them see it in a new way.”
&Tradition
&Tradition, founded on the principle of intertwining tradition with innovation, embodies a slightly more serious demeanour. Although the brand proudly celebrates its repertoire of classic pieces, it also introduces contemporary pieces that offer a refreshing twist without veering into overt loudness. A perfect example of this is the norm-breaking VP1 Flowerpot collection, an enduring classic that defies convention while maintaining its timeless appeal. It effortlessly stands out despite its bold departure.
Verpan
Verpan was created in homage of famous Danish architect and designer, Verner Panton. Panton, a design rebel throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, left an indelible mark with his emotive creations. He shunned straight lines, choosing to opt instead for bold and avant-garde designs that brimmed with originality. A man ahead of his time, Panton’s experimentations, though daring, never succumbed to mainstream trends.
Arguably the most recognised lighting design by Panton is the VP Globe. The idea was conceived while in Venice, Italy. Captivated by the old streetlamps in the city, Panton sought to recreate the ambience in his design with a touch of red and blue within. However, the System 1-2-3 Chairs tops the chart as Panton’s most groundbreaking design overall. Launched in 1973 and drawing inspiration from his previous award-winning S-shaped plastic chair created during the ’60s, the concept was elevated into an S-shaped swivel chair, adorned with a range of fabrics and leathers. One critic wrote of the System 1-2-3 Chairs: “It will be a milestone in future furniture design. We have never before seen a chair designed and built like this series.” Even today, Panton’s designs remain as iconic and relevant as ever.
At Smuk Living, one is able to discover an extensive range of furniture, from lounge chairs and storage systems to accessories such as rugs and mirrors. The lively shades and modern allure of HAY greets guests with a burst of energy by the entrance, before it transitions into the refined elegance of &Tradition and Verpan as new layers are revealed further into the store. Smuk Living is characterised by the simplicity of minimalism and functionality embodied by Scandinavian design at its core. With each carefully selected piece, Smuk Living remains dedicated to providing furniture that is effortlessly adaptable to any environment while retaining its distinctive Scandinavian charm.
