The Montana State of Mind

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for anyone who is passionate about design. Publishing houses, new talents and brands wherever you go mean that every day spent there is an event in itself. This is all down to a combination of unique partnerships and a plethora of inspirational locations. Montana‘s new showroom, which was opened specifically to mark the occasion of the 3 Days of Design festival, is another successful blend. 12 rooms, a 42-colour palette and a diverse selection of items that range from bread to soap and clay figurines. The stock is both eclectic and full of contrasts, straight from the imagination of Helena Larsen, an architect who wanted to allow our senses to express themselves via this show of strength. As such, her fluorescent room stimulates the eyes while other, darker rooms are aimed at the sense of smell, hearing and the perception of space. As we emerge from wandering around, the questions pile up. It is rare for a space to stimulate us like that – which proves how sucecssful this latest venture has been. An absolute must-see if you are passing through the Danish capital.

Showroom Montana – Bredgade 76, 1260 Copenhague

Helena, can you tell a bit about yourself?

Helena

Helena Laursen, 45 years, Swedish, architect and has worked as such for almost 20 years. My titel at Montana is Architect and Head of Spatial design.

What was your vision behind the new Montana showroom?

Helena

Since we had created 2 homes the last two years we wanted to create a new experience! We opted to build an exhibithion where the products are the heros and showcase personality through creative ways of exposure and styling.

Where did you find the inspiration to every room? For instance, why make a black room and why make a room with ruins?

Helena

The inspiration was drawn from the fact that we make room for personality on all levels. Physical as well as emotional including our senses. The fluorescent room thus challenge the eyes, whereas the black room challenge the senses through odour, sound and air.

In what way did you chose then use colors in the showroom? According to specific color trends?

Helena

We don’t necesarily follow colour trends. We have 42 colours to work with and our main purpose is to challenge the use of colours. This is what we believe we did in the different rooms.

You use props like soap, mirrors etc. in the showroom. Can you explain why?

Helena

Again we challenge personality and senses and the soap touches people’s senses when entering the room. The clay figures challenge the artsy type, the mirrors maybe the vain type, etc. Thus there is a thought behind all props in the rooms.