Think of modern Danish design and one name springs to mind: HAY. The brainchild of husband and wife team Rolf and Mette Hay, the brand has been leading the way in furniture and home accessories since its conception in 2002.
The couple set out with the mission to create a brand that was accessible and functional yet didn’t compromise when it came to style and quality. They soon succeeded, with the brand continuing to grow and becoming a household name not just in Scandinavia but in the UK and around the world too – without losing its individuality and personal touch that the two Hays bring to it.
HAY is a brand that (quite rightly) looks to that signature Danish design that has made the country famous – minimalist, pared-back functionality – but isn’t limited to it. As well as the in-house design team, they work with designers all over the world – from Sebastian Wrong who has created a range of lighting, to Scholten & Baijings who created the brand’s unique Paper Porcelain cups and Clara von Zweigbergk, whose graphic Kaleido trays have become somewhat of an iconic piece for HAY.
When it comes to choosing those designers, it’s all about instinct and fit with the brand rather than solely big or established names. Mette – who looks after the accessories side – travels around the world to gain inspiration, and will pick up on designers that she likes and sees potential in when it comes to collaboration. As for the furniture (of which Rolf is the driving force), architecture is a big influence – so you’ll find pieces that are incredibly well thought-out and structured, all while managing to be subtle and uncontrived.
Working closely with Rolf and Mette, the collaborative designs sit seamlessly within the collection all while being completely individual. This depth, substance and eclecticism have come to define HAY in some ways, with the collections now ranging from rich, forest green velvet sofas and bold wood mugs, to marble trinket boxes and colourful embroidered cushions.
But aside from the influences, the inspirations, the collaborations and the processes, HAY really just boils down to one ethos: to provide beautiful products for everyday use. It’s safe to say that it lives up to its promise.
Shop HAY on Coggles here.
