Cover Copenhagen based Helle Mardahl embraces colour in every aspect of her life

Enter the colourful world of Danish glass artist and designer Helle Mardahl as she talks about her inspirations and marrying function and artistry

Beautiful spherical shapes of handblown glass in vibrant and juicy colours are Helle Mardahl’s signature aesthetic. From covet-worthy tableware like whimsical cocktail glasses and glowing, orb-like lamps to artful sculptures, this Copenhagen-based designer is taking the world by rainbow storm with her mouth-watering pieces.

“My journey with glass started on a holiday to Malta. I stumbled upon some mouth-blown glass in a shop and was immediately drawn to the soft and shiny surface,” says the Central Saint Martins graduate. “It’s an ancient technique, but somehow glass art has been quite out of fashion for a decent number of years. That made me wonder how I could work with glass in a new and different way.”

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Above Functional and stylish, each handblown piece is unique and makes a special addition to any home

Reaching out to local glass artisans in Copenhagen, she began her journey with a table lamp. “It was an organically shaped table lamp with magic dots on it,” Mardahl shares. “I was so incredibly fascinated about the process, the material and technique, and I still am today. I found a material that I will never grow tired of which is truly a blessing as a designer.”

Her famed “Bon Bon” signatures and Candy collection are tangible interpretations of classic sugary confections. “Every collection is an attempt to create an experience that activates all your senses,” explains the artist. “It’s about tasting, feeling, seeing and smelling. That’s also why each of our colours are named after something edible like caramel apple, raspberry and blueberry ice cream. The thought is that people can connect each colour with a specific taste. It requires that we all use our childhood memories and our imagination.” Read on as we get to know Mardahl and why well-made cocktails are a staple of her home.

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Above Bon Bon Pendant Lamp in Bubblegum and Light Sprinkles

Where do you go to find that spark when you are looking to create new things?

“I look through old coffee table books, I go to different cute stores, and I look for colour and odd dimensions everywhere I go. I’m also really inspired by movies like Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

Can you walk us through your creative process from conception to finished product? How closely do you work with your artisans?

“At first, I concretise my ideas by drawing my designs. Then I play with colours. I have a massive suitcase at the office with colour samples that I love to combine in many ways. Colour is such an essential part of my designs, so I need to visualise the combinations before I can get any further. When I already have an idea of the shape and colour, I visit my artisans. Together, we can easily use a few days to improve on the designs. When working with heat at such high temperatures, it’s always unpredictable how the shape and colour will turn out. It’s such an incredibly fascinating process and, to me, the most cherished part of designing.”

Let’s talk about the wonderful functionality of your pieces, was this a conscious decision to make beautiful everyday products?

“It was always my intention to create functional art pieces that could last a lifetime. The designs are small celebrations of sublime craftsmanship and uniqueness made to subtly stand out.”

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Above Vibrant and juicy hues inspired by candy confections are her signature look

Describe your own personal design ethos; does this carry over into your sense of style and the way you decorate your home?

“I am always surrounded by a lot of colours but I also have a need for a clean surface. All my walls at home are light. It feels like a clean slate, which allows you to play with other elements in the room while still maintaining a harmonious feel. With our collection of furniture, you’ll also notice more sharp and clean shapes in contrast to the soft, organically shaped glass objects. It’s a dance of contrasts.”

Share with us three items that are very special to you and bring you joy.

“My husband gave me a framed photograph of a black horse and a white horse hugging on a field. On the field, there’s an oil refinery in the background. From nature to catastrophe. I absolutely love that photograph—and it was also shot by my husband, which makes it even more valuable to me. Another object which I highly treasure is a gold necklace my mother-in-law gave to me at our wedding. It’s an heirloom, and I wear it around my neck every day. Such a thoughtful gift. The last thing that comes to mind is the souvenir magnets on our fridge. We collect unique magnets from our trips around the world, and our fridge is plastered with them. It has become a family tradition, and there are so many great memories attached to each one of the magnets.”

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Above Vibrant and juicy hues inspired by candy confections are her signature look

Complete the sentence: “You’ll never see _____ in my home.”

“A dark surface in my home.”

What’s your secret to hosting a good party?

“The most important thing is to be a good host, to serve your guests well, and to make them feel relaxed and comfortable—oh and serve them great cocktails. My husband Alastair is talented in the kitchen, and he loves to make his own recipes to go with the exotic cocktails to serve our guests. An easy way to get a good party started.”

Share with us a good idea for a housewarming gift.

“A wild bouquet of flowers. It’s thoughtful but not too much.”

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Above Vibrant and juicy hues inspired by candy confections are her signature look

Complete the sentence: “When I need a break, I ______.”

“I escape to our country house with a bottle of wine.”

Name three cities that you love and that inspire you.

“I just visited Seville, Spain a few weeks back, and it was truly amazing! Filled with such unpredictable beauty. I was in awe of the Arab influence, especially the architecture. We visited the Alcázar of Seville which is the residence of the royal family when they visit the city. So very special to experience! The palace is a preeminent example of the Mudéjar style introducing Islamic derived decorative styles into the Iberian Christian kingdoms. The level of details was just mind-blowing. Another city which is an eternal favourite of mine is New York. It has a certain diversity, openness and unpredictability about it which is so fascinating. It’s a city full of contrasts and differences, and you never know what to expect around the next street corner. It’s unlike any city I’ve ever experienced. Berlin also has a very special place in my heart. Besides Copenhagen, it’s the city I’ve spent the most time in during my youth. I had a few exhibitions there, and the art scene is big there. It’s a city filled with inspirational creatives, and there’s a sincere acceptance of originality.”

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Helle Mardahl

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