Scandinavian design made its debut at the 1930 Stockholm Exhibition. The 1939 World’s Fair in New York first exposed Americans to the simple, clean and lightweight forms of Scandinavian furniture, which combines quality craftsmanship with mass production. Scandinavian design also epitomizes the “form follows function” principle.
Architect Kaare Klint provided early inspiration for Danish designers who pioneered the Danish modern design concept. Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjaerholm and Hans Wegner were among the most prominent names in Danish modern design during the style’s heyday in the 1950s and ’60s.
“Jacobsen is whimsical,” says Lisa Lesney at DNA European Design Studio in San Diego’s Little Italy district. Owned by Danish architect Jesper Pedersen, the shop carries works by Jacobsen and other designers under the Fritz Hansen line. Two of Jacobsen’s signature pieces are still available at the shop. “The Egg and the Swan are famous icons of Danish design,” Lesney adds, gesturing toward a brightly hued molded Swan chair priced at $4,995.