Before I tell you about 3 Days of Design, I have to tell you about Copenhagen itself.

This was my first visit to the Danish capital, and I was immediately struck by how differently people move through the city. There are bikes everywhere. Not just recreational bikes, but commuter bikes filling dedicated lanes and carrying people to work, school, and errands. In most places, it honestly felt like there were more bicycles than cars.

Walking is just as common.

Fitness isn’t another task to squeeze into the day. It’s simply woven into everyday life.

Of course, all that cycling probably helps balance out the incredible bakeries. I completely understand the obsession with cardamom buns now. Add in a BMO sandwich and a few other pastries, and I was happily participating in Danish food culture.

I also fell in love with the architecture. The colorful historic buildings, weathered brick, and layers of patina gave the city a warmth that’s difficult to describe. I appreciated that the historic center hasn’t been overtaken by glass towers, allowing the original character of the streets to shine.

Even more than the buildings, though, I noticed the people. Public squares were filled with friends lingering over coffee or dinner. The pace felt slower and more intentional. As an American visitor, I couldn’t help wondering if not constantly worrying about things like healthcare, retirement income, or higher education costs contributes to that feeling. Whether or not that’s the reason, the overall atmosphere felt noticeably less stressed.

The city itself felt thoughtfully designed for people.

And that made it the perfect setting for 3 Days of Design.

Materials Really Do Matter

One of the biggest themes that stood out to me during the festival was the creative reuse of materials that would otherwise become waste.

At the Material Matters exhibition, I found company after company transforming agricultural byproducts and post-consumer waste into beautiful surfaces, furniture, and objects. Rice husks, hemp, recycled plastics, paper waste, and other overlooked resources were being given entirely new lives.

I’ve always believed that good design starts with good materials, so this exhibit felt like it was speaking my language.

Instead of hiding recycled content, many companies celebrated it, making sustainability part of the aesthetic rather than something behind the scenes.

I left with pages of notes and a camera roll full of inspiration.

My Favorite Discovery Was a Tiny Bird

As someone who thinks about indoor air quality almost daily, I wasn’t surprised that my favorite discovery at 3 Days of Design wasn’t a piece of furniture or a new material.

It was a tiny bird.

The product, called Birdie, reimagines the typical air quality monitor by replacing a screen full of numbers with a simple visual cue. A small bird sits on a perch mounted to your wall. When the air quality is good, it sits upright. When something needs your attention, it gently droops.

That’s it.

No constantly checking numbers. No trying to interpret data.

If you want all the measurements and details, they’re available in the app. But for everyday living, the visual cue is intuitive, approachable, and beautifully designed.

It was one of those products where function and form come together perfectly.

Even better, both founders were there. They generously spent time talking with me about the product, upcoming innovations, and even asked about my blog and my interest in healthier homes. Those kinds of conversations are one of the best parts of attending an event like this, you get to meet the creative people behind the ideas.

One of My Favorite Days

One unexpected highlight was taking the train north to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.

The ride itself was part of the experience, passing through neighborhoods and landscapes that offered another glimpse into Danish life. Then arriving at the museum, with its thoughtful architecture, incredible collection, and sculpture garden overlooking the water, it was unforgettable.

Standing outside among the sculptures with views across the Øresund, it was easy to understand why so many people consider it one of the world’s great museums.

It perfectly blended art, architecture, and nature in a way that felt uniquely Scandinavian.

Final Thoughts

There were more than 500 exhibitions during 3 Days of Design, and we only scratched the surface.

But I came home inspired by something bigger than any single product launch.

I saw a design culture that values sustainability, simplicity, health, and quality of life. I met founders who are trying to make everyday living better. I discovered materials that turn waste into beauty. And I experienced a city where biking, walking, and gathering in public spaces are simply part of daily life.

I hope I am lucky enough to visit Denmark again.