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New Look at Scandinavian Design
Inova draws inspiration from the rich Scandinavian design tradition, which is known for its timeless aesthetics, functionality, craftsmanship, and genuine expression. By enhancing this legacy with innovative materials, advanced techniques, and bold creative thinking, we strive to offer fresh insights into Scandinavian design.
Interestingly, our name, Inova, reflects this commitment, as it derives from the idea of innovation and new perspectives. We carefully select leading contemporary designers who resonate with our philosophy and blend their creativity with the dedicated Inova team. Our designs are distinguished by their innovative approach—bringing new perspectives to objects that are cherished worldwide, embodying the essence of modern Scandinavian design.
It Begins with Lasting Strength
Rooted in our Scandinavian heritage, we aim to create designs with a unique and recognizable character. These creations reflect innovative thinking, grounded in practicality, and crafted from forward-looking materials. The result is a durable aesthetic that goes beyond passing trends. These are designs built to last, ones you’ll want to keep and pass down through generations.
Maintaining our high standards of quality requires continuous testing, which is at the heart of our development process. To ensure strength and stability, our products are certified by independent institutes recognized as authorities in the industry. The European Standard (EN) measures and certifies the strength, durability, and safety of our products for both residential and commercial use. In addition, we test select pieces of our furniture against the demanding North American ANSI/BIFMA standards. Together, these industry certifications provide added assurance that our designs are both safe and built to endure.
A Deep Dive into Materials
We are always exploring fresh ideas and collaborating with industry experts to discover innovative techniques and materials. The search for the perfect materials is a vital part of our design process, where every element matters, from the major components like wood and textiles to the packaging that wraps it all together. Beyond visual aesthetics, we prioritize the feel, durability, and sustainability of each material, considering its origin and full life cycle.
Circular thinking is at the core of our philosophy. By ensuring materials are repurposed into new products and reused by others, we help reduce the pollution of our oceans and the environment. This commitment led us to introduce products made from recycled materials years ago, with the goal of minimizing waste, conserving natural resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions—contributing to a healthier, circular economy.
The Makers Behind Our Vision
The artisans and craftspeople at the heart of our company turn our concepts into reality, transforming your design dreams into tangible pieces. We are excited to introduce you to the talented individuals who bring our ideas to life. Discover who they are, where they create, and how their work contributes to reducing our environmental impact.
From Italy to Poland, Germany to our home base in Denmark, our furniture is crafted across Europe. Nearly 90% of our designs, which represent the majority of our sales, are handmade by skilled artisans. This approach ensures exceptional quality, prevents overproduction, and reduces the environmental impact of transporting goods across long distances.
Shaping New Perspectives in Scandinavian Design by Merging Tradition with Innovation to Transform Spaces into Experiences
Inova was born out of a shared vision between Astrid Sørensen and Johan Mikkelsen, two passionate designers rooted in the Scandinavian tradition. Established in Copenhagen, Denmark, Inova emerged with a clear mission: to fuse the timeless essence of Scandinavian aesthetics with innovative thinking and contemporary maerials.
With backgrounds in industrial design and a deep appreciation for the Scandinavian heritage of functionality and simplicity, Astrid and Johan sought to create furniture that not only served a purpose but also resonated on a deeper emotional level.
The name “Inova” reflects this vision. Derived from the word “innovation,” it symbolizes the company’s commitment to pushing boundaries and reimagining the future of design. The founders believed that by integrating modern techniques and forward-thinking approaches with classic Scandinavian principles, they could offer a fresh perspective on what furniture could be—something more than just functional objects, but pieces that tell stories, evoke emotions, and shape spaces.
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Design is more than what we see, it’s what we feel. The right piece of furniture doesn’t just fill a space, it shapes the atmosphere and creates a sense of harmony that stays with us long after we’ve left the room.
— Astrid Sørensen, co-founder of Inova
Our History
Meet our designers
We work with some of the most respected designers in Denmark and further afield. They’re all award-winning experts, as you would expect. But perhaps more important is our mutual interpretation of great design: elegant, well considered products that reflect our time and improve our lives.
Johan Mikkelsen
Johan Mikkelsen, a Danish furniture designer and co-founder of Inova, has been an integral part of the Copenhagen design scene for over two decades. His career began in 2003, and since then, he has become a respected figure in the world of Scandinavian design. Johan’s work is characterized by its seamless integration of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, creating pieces that are both visually appealing and highly functional.
His designs often reflect the minimalist beauty of Scandinavian aesthetics, but they go a step further by incorporating sustainability at every level of the process. From the materials he chooses to the manufacturing techniques he employs, Johan is committed to reducing the environmental impact of his creations.
At Inova, Johan Mikkelsen’s role extends beyond that of a designer. He is a visionary leader who is deeply involved in all aspects of the creative process, from concept development to final production. Working closely with his team, he emphasizes collaboration and innovation, encouraging an environment where new ideas flourish. Johan is particularly known for his ability to challenge conventional design norms, often merging artistic expression with practicality in ways that elevate everyday furniture into something extraordinary.
His dedication to pushing the boundaries of what furniture can be has earned him recognition both in Denmark and internationally.
Mei-Li Nakamura
Mei-Li Nakamura is a distinguished designer of Japanese heritage who has made a significant impact on the Scandinavian design scene. With over two decades of experience living and working in Denmark, she masterfully blends Eastern minimalism with Nordic functionality, creating designs that are both elegant and practical.
As a lead designer at Inova, Mei-Li has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s modern furniture collections. Her designs are known for their balance of beauty and functionality, often integrating sustainable materials and practices to reduce environmental impact. This innovative approach has earned her a respected reputation within the industry.
Mei-Li’s design philosophy focuses on the harmony between nature and living spaces, reflecting her cultural background and passion for sustainability. Her creations are not just functional pieces of furniture but expressions of simplicity and serenity that enhance contemporary living environments.
Her contributions to Inova have helped define the company’s design ethos, making it a leader in sustainable and forward-thinking furniture design. Mei-Li continues to inspire others with her refined vision, contributing to the ongoing evolution of Scandinavian design.
Lars Bjørnsen
Lars Bjørnsen is an acclaimed Norwegian designer with over 30 years of experience in the furniture design industry. His work is celebrated for its seamless integration of traditional Scandinavian craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, resulting in pieces that are both timeless and functional. Lars’s designs emphasize simplicity and durability, while also carrying an understated elegance that makes them suitable for various spaces.
As a senior designer at Inova, Lars plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s design direction. His innovative use of natural materials and commitment to sustainability are at the core of his design philosophy.
Lars is known for his ability to push the boundaries of modern Scandinavian design without losing sight of its roots. His creations balance form and function, showcasing his deep understanding of how furniture can enhance everyday living while maintaining aesthetic appeal. This approach has earned him a loyal following both within Scandinavia and globally.
Throughout his career, Lars has been a driving force in the evolution of Scandinavian design. His contributions at Inova, along with his independent work, continue to inspire a new generation of designers, further cementing his legacy as a visionary in the field.
Elinor Nyström
Elinor Nyström is a highly respected Swedish designer with over two decades of experience in the world of Scandinavian design. Her work reflects a thoughtful balance of traditional Swedish design elements and modern innovation, showcasing her ability to blend heritage with forward-thinking creativity.
At Inova, Elinor has played a crucial role in developing the company’s furniture collections. Her designs are characterized by clean lines and the use of natural materials, embodying the essence of Scandinavian minimalism.
Elinor’s approach to design emphasizes durability and functionality, ensuring that each piece she creates stands the test of time. Her designs for Inova focus on enhancing everyday life through simplicity and elegance, making them highly sought-after both in Scandinavian markets and internationally.
Beyond her work at Inova, Elinor remains a leading voice in the design community. Her dedication to sustainability and her ability to fuse tradition with modern aesthetics continue to influence and inspire designers around the world.
Astrid Sørensen
Astrid Sørensen, a celebrated Danish designer, has made a significant mark on the world of Scandinavian design through her work and leadership at Inova, the design firm she co-founded with Johan Mikkelsen. Known for her distinctive approach that merges elegance with cutting-edge innovation, Astrid has become a prominent figure in modern Danish design.
Her work reflects a deep understanding of the balance between form and function, which is a hallmark of Scandinavian aesthetics, yet she adds her unique flair by embracing modern trends and sustainable practices. This combination has led her to receive numerous prestigious awards, including the title of Designer of the Year in Denmark, which solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in the design world.
Astrid Sørensen’s influence on Inova extends beyond her designs. She is also deeply involved in the company’s strategic direction, ensuring that the brand stays true to its mission of sustainability and innovation. Under her leadership, Inova has been at the forefront of eco-conscious design, with Astrid championing the use of sustainable materials and ethical production methods.
In addition to her work at Inova, Astrid is an active voice in the global design community. She regularly speaks at conferences and workshops, where she shares her insights on the future of design, the importance of sustainability, and the role of creativity in addressing global challenges.
Henry Whitmore
Henry Whitmore is a renowned British designer who has recently brought his talents to Inova as a guest designer. With over a decade of experience working in London, Henry has made a name for himself through his collaborations with iconic global brands like Apple, Microsoft, and Dyson. His designs are known for their seamless integration of form and function, consistently placing the user experience at the forefront of his creative process.
At Inova, Henry aims to infuse his fresh perspective into Scandinavian design while staying true to its core values. His experience working on innovative projects has equipped him with a unique approach to problem-solving, blending cutting-edge technology with aesthetic beauty.
Henry’s design philosophy revolves around the idea that great design should not only be visually striking but also intuitive and deeply connected to the needs of the user. This principle has earned him recognition across industries, allowing him to work with some of the world’s most forward-thinking companies. His contribution to Inova is expected to push the boundaries of modern furniture design even further.
Through his work at Inova, Henry Whitmore is poised to bring new dimensions to Scandinavian design by merging his British roots with Nordic minimalism. His expertise and innovative approach promise to elevate the company’s collections, offering fresh and exciting solutions for contemporary living spaces.
Klaus Hoffmann
Klaus Hoffmann is a highly respected German designer with over 25 years of experience at Inova. His expertise lies in blending the clean lines and simplicity of Scandinavian aesthetics with the precision and rigor of German engineering. This fusion has allowed Klaus to create furniture that is not only visually appealing but also highly functional and durable.
Throughout his career at Inova, Klaus has been instrumental in shaping the company’s product lines. His innovative use of materials and commitment to sustainability have been key factors in Inova’s success. Klaus is known for his attention to detail, ensuring that each piece is crafted to the highest standard of quality.
Klaus’s designs are celebrated for their timeless appeal, with pieces that stand the test of time both in style and durability. His focus on creating furniture that balances form and function has made him a prominent figure in European design. His contributions continue to influence the direction of modern Scandinavian furniture.
In addition to his technical skill, Klaus brings a deep understanding of sustainable design practices. His dedication to reducing the environmental impact of his work has made him a leader in creating eco-friendly furniture solutions, helping to shape the future of European design.
Freya Lindström
Freya Lindström is a globally recognized designer known for her innovative work in furniture and accessories. Her designs seamlessly blend Scandinavian minimalism with cutting-edge techniques, reflecting both her artistic vision and commitment to sustainability. Freya’s creations are sold and exhibited internationally, gaining her a prominent place in the global design community.
Educated at the Stockholm School of Arts and further trained at Aalto University in Helsinki, Freya launched her own studio in Stockholm in 2002. Over the years, her distinct approach has earned her numerous prestigious accolades, including the Nordic Design Award and a Five-Year Working Grant from the Swedish Arts Council, affirming her impact on the design world.
Freya’s collaboration with Inova has been particularly influential, allowing her to explore new horizons in furniture design. At Inova, her work focuses on combining functionality and artistic expression, creating pieces that challenge traditional norms while maintaining the timeless appeal of Scandinavian design.
Through her independent projects and her role at Inova, Freya continues to be a driving force in the industry. Her ability to merge aesthetics with sustainability has not only shaped her personal career but also inspired the broader movement toward eco-conscious design in Scandinavia.