New launches from Menu & a new look for The Audo

Of all the new collections that come out of Scandinavia each season, one I always particularly look forward to seeing is that of Menu. I’ll be honest: when I first viewed the press photos of its autumn-winter 2020 launches, which were unveiled at its newly made-over Copenhagen showroom / HQ / hotel The Audo during 3 Days of Design, I wasn’t sure what to make of them. But the more I’ve looked at them and read up on the stories behind them, the more they’ve grown on me.

There’s a definite focus on timeless design in the latest collection. Called ‘Modernism Reimagined’, it aims to continue the legacy of the mid-century modern movement, which lasted from the mid-1930s to the mid-1960s and eschewed ornamental details in favour of rational, streamlined buildings and objects – many of which remain enduringly popular to this day. It’s all part of a gradual evolution that has seen the brand starting to incorporate more pieces by legacy designers alongside contemporary creations, and there’s an increasing warmth and elegance to its aesthetic.

In that vein, the collection encompasses a number of pieces first created in the 1950s and 60s by the late American designer Arthur Umanoff (1923-1985) and now being put back into production for a new generation. Umanoff was a firm believer that design should be as functional as it is beautiful and his work had a wonderful gracefulness about it, often combining metal, rattan, walnut and birch with slender, tapered lines. The relaunched items include a trio of elevated planters (all suitable for indoor and outdoor use) that offset sleek powder-coated steel bases with rustic hand-woven baskets, and a simple yet striking wine rack consisting of leather straps suspended from a black-steel frame. There are also three stunning designs made from walnut and polished brass: a candleholder, a side table and a pendant lamp. They’ve certainly stood the test of time, and I can imagine them fitting seamlessly into contemporary interiors.

Among Menu’s brand-new designs is the ‘Corbel’ shelf – a versatile wall-mounted piece that combines dark-stained oak, steel and marble and works brilliantly as a nightstand or side table wherever space is tight. It’s one of two inventions from design studio Krøyer-Sætter-Lassen; the other is a pair of table lamps called ‘Torso’, which consist of ceramic bases topped with linen shades. Both have sculptural, almost classical shapes, and I love the contrast between the glossy finishes and the raw, unglazed elements.

Also new is the ‘Houkime’ rug, designed by Nina Bruun and similarly classic in its expression, with a ribbed pattern and a plush mix of cotton and tencel. It comes in midnight blue or beige, with various sizes to choose from.

Finally, there are updates to a few existing series, including fully upholstered versions of long-term partner Norm Architects’ ‘Co’ chairs and a snuggly sheepskin-covered option for the ‘Knitting’ chair, designed in 1951 by Ib Kofod-Larsen and relaunched by Menu a couple of years ago. There’s also a wooden version of the popular ‘Androgyne’ lounge table, plus a table mirror to match the brass-framed ‘Nimbus’ wall mirror.

As for The Audo itself, its updated look is the work of Norm Architects’ Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and rethinks the atmosphere, usage and connectivity of the building’s various spaces. Additional seating areas have been introduced for the growing community of remote workers looking for an informal meeting place and café, and there’s a newly created courtyard with decking, lush planting and a greenhouse that can be used for gatherings. The adjacent restaurant has also been reimagined with relaxed bistro-style seating in anticipation of the soon-to-open Loui at The Audo – a  permanent dining concept developed by the team behind Copenhagen’s Restaurant Lola.

Upstairs, the 10 guest rooms have been refreshed with vibrant pops of yellow, green and red, which look stunning against the earthy terracotta, beige and ochre walls. There are also a few bespoke additions from The Audo’s brand partners, including wooden cabinetry from family-owned maker Kolon, soft curtains from Durup and Dedar, and modernist handmade wall reliefs created by Atelier Plateau in collaboration with paint and plaster company St. Leo.

Fellow fans of neutrals, take note: the whole place is a masterclass in how to use subtle colour to create a sophisticated and cosy effect without overwhelming the space in question. I can’t wait to see it in person when I return to Copenhagen.

All photography via Menu; final eight images by Armin Tehrani