Montana Showroom Opening

As you know from the start of my Copenhagen series, my trip to Denmark began with a visit to the island of Funen, where I was very lucky to visit two production houses. The second tour was of renowned Danish brand Montana, where production takes place at a high-technological site covering a huge 19,000 m2. The family owned company, founded by Peter J. Lassen in 1982, produces and supplies storage systems and a table and chair series designed by Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Andreas Hansen, Peter J. Lassen, Joakim Lassen and the architects schmidt hammer lassen. 

All products are developed and made in Denmark ensuring a high standard of quality is maintained. It was fascinating to see how the modular systems are produced from start to finish and I was interested to learn about the 'star system' which was developed around a detailed mathematic calculation based on the measurement 5.7cm. Though it sounds complex, the philosophy is simple -  it allows every Montana element to be infinitely combined. Known for their vast and inspiring colour palette, paint application is a huge part of the process and they uses only environmentally friendly water-based lacquer colours. With an extensive range of colours that has expanded and changed many times since 1982, Montana has a replenishment guarantee so that you can always re-order the colours that you chose.



Following on from the production tour, I had the pleasure of attending the highly anticipated Montana Showroom Opening in Copenhagen during 3daysofdesign. Located at 76 Bredgade, inside the same beautiful building as the new Erik Jørgensen showroom, Montana is situated on the second floor, spanning 12 inspirational rooms. Visually stunning, the rooms feature a vibrant colour scheme that evokes 1950s ice cream parlours. Think frothy milkshakes, candyfloss, jellybeans and minty-green meringue!



Divided into two sections, the Home Section features gorgeous master bathroom showcasing the Montana Bathroom line with a Montana Wardrobe walk-in closet in fresh mint greens and light greys. 

The huge living room and library features pink, turquoise and light yellows with a bar, shelving and TV corner. I was captivated by the incredible detailing of these dynamic spaces which include painted flooring and coloured carpets layered with velvet rugs.

Feminine in light pink and purple hues, the delightful bedroom includes a wardrobe and makeup table and features fun painted stripes. Following the panelling, these add a touch of playfulness to the otherwise classicist architectural details of the stucco and cornices. The furnishings showcase all the latest novelties of 2017/18 including the new Collection III pieces, Hall Edition and the Panton Wire shelving system. 

For the second section, the Montana Office, the architect studio mtre has developed the concept, story and functionalities in collaboration with the Montana design team and the stylist Gitte Kjær. I have long admired Gitte's work and I loved the way she styled the spaces. I had the pleasure of meeting her at the showroom party later that night and was interested to learn that she sourced some of the smaller stone and textural pieces from flea markets in Copenhagen. If only we had flea markets like that here in NZ!

With a vision to challenge space, mtre has created solutions to enhance well-being and performance, while reflecting the company’s vision, culture and identity. The spatial concept envelops around the idea that an international gallery administration has moved into the premises. mtre was inspired by showing how a company that spans both the creative side and the business side could organise the space in question. The beautiful office section includes meeting rooms, an open office landscape, a space called The Sanctuary, and a space called The Cave, as well as an office canteen.

The overall colour palette strikes a beautiful balance between the more subdued, darker shades and contrasting splashes of bright, playful hues. Together with variations in materials used and so much personality, the showroom is both charming and uplifting. Be sure to visit if you are in Copenhagen! 

Images courtesy of Montana