The Danish furniture company Innovation Living revolves around crafting innovative, sustainable designs intended for everyday use, embodying the essence of Danish craftsmanship. In an interview with Head of Sales Jesper Fruelund we delved into the brand's history, values and future plans.
Origins
The roots of Innovation Living trace back to 1971 when founder Flemming Højfeldt, inspired by the flower power generation, began with the production of beanbags. Transitioning into the late 1980s, Innovation Living and designer Per Weiss pivoted their focus towards the design and development of multifunctional sofa beds, a domain it has dedicated itself to since 1989. The brand evolved steadily, garnering recognition through several design collaborations, amongst others Verner Panton. Højfeldt's vision and passion for original design have propelled the company's growth and positioned it as a distinguished specialist in sofa beds. ‘Today Innovation Living is a company built on top of the proud Danish furniture tradition. We take great pride in our family-owned legacy, which has shaped us into a leader in the business of furniture production’, Jesper says.
The Nolis sofa bed
Nolis
‘As a trusted and credible supplier, we hold ourselves responsible for consistently delivering products that not only meet but exceed expectations.,’ Jesper highlights. This can be seen in their new addition to the collection: Nolis. The sofa bed was presented at the Brussels Furniture Fair last year and won the Brussels Balthazar Award for “Best International”. ‘We dedicated considerable effort to strike a balance between form and function, ensuring that Nolis not only serves as an eye-catching furniture piece but also addresses the practical needs of modern living spaces. The ability to effortlessly convert into a bed is making Nolis a versatile and multifunctional addition to any home.’ The sofa bed was designed by Oliver & Lukas WeissKrogh. Their philosophy is deeply rooted in Scandinavian aesthetics, emphasising clean lines, functionality, and an overall sense of understated elegance.
Other fairs at which Innovation Living will participate soon are Imm Cologne (Hall 10.2|Stand L020), Salone del mobile in Milan, 3 Days of design in Copenhagen, CIFF Guangzhou and High Point Furniture market.
Designers Oliver & Lukas WeissKrogh
Sustainability
One of the core values of Innovation Living is sustainability. ‘Our self-owned European and Asian manufacturing network streamlines local material sourcing, effectively reducing carbon footprint and unnecessary freight,' Jesper explains. The company’s dedication to sustainability is reflected in their extensive list of certifications, including amfori BSCI, REACH, FSC, Nordic Swan Ecolabel, Oeko-Tex, and GRS. ‘They reflect our commitment to responsible sourcing, ethical production, and environmentally conscious practices.’
Innovation Living's commitment to sustainability is deeply woven into its design philosophy. With a focus on recyclability, their design process emphasises material choices, disassembly, and recycling of products at the end of their life cycles. Flat packing reduces volumes and transportation emissions, while reduced plastic and sustainable packaging further minimise environmental impact. They plant over 10,000 trees annually, encouraging a balanced ecosystem. The replacement of spare parts and the washable, detachable covers aim to prolong product lifespans and promote circular consumption. Additionally, their fabrics, made partly from recycled plastic waste, underscore their dedication to eco-friendly practices.
Tenksom
The company's emphasis on sustainability extends further with their latest sofa concept, Tenksom. The concept is based on the basic DNA of Innovation Living, but with the intention to take the sustainability dimension one step further. This includes meticulous selection of materials and thoughtful design, all with a focus on sustainability, disassembly, and the ability to be recirculated, embodying our commitment to a greener future,’ says Jesper.
More information:
Innovation Living
+45 8643 8211
[email protected]
www.innovationliving.com
