Behind every successful design are the ones that never make it to market — and sometimes, that’s where the best stories begin.

In this episode of The Sociable Kitchen® Podcast, host Julie Broberg talks with Eva Fly, one half of the Danish design duo Bly Studio — known for their work on Denmark’s Next Classic and for creating the wooden shelves and magazine holder in Kvik’s Kvik Living collection.

Eva shares the story of the kitchen concept she and her partner designed for Kvik that never went into production — and how the ideas behind it lived on. She reflects on what defines the new wave of Danish design, how sustainability and tactility are shaping her work, and why a home’s warmth often comes from the materials that feel most human.

✨ From textile kitchens to timeless shelves, this is a story about learning, evolving, and designing with character.

What happens when two design houses share the same belief — that great design should be for everyone?

In this episode of The Sociable Kitchen® Podcast, host Julie Broberg talks with Nikolaj Duve, industrial designer and co-founder of Says Who, the Danish design studio behind Kvik’s Ombra and Corisa kitchens — and now part of the Kvik Living furniture and lighting collection.

Nikolaj shares how the partnership between Kvik and Says Who began, the process of creating new design classics like Ombra and Corisa, and how they’re rethinking what Danish design means today.

He also dives into how AI is changing creativity, helping designers imagine beyond limits — and why balance, simplicity, and honesty still sit at the heart of everything they make.

✨ From kitchens to furniture to the future of design — this episode is a deep dive into how the values of timeless Danish design continue to evolve.

Frank Hauge ist Inhaber von Kvik Stavanger, einem erfolgreichen dänischen Design-Küchen-Franchiseunternehmen in Norwegen. Wir haben uns mit ihm zusammengesetzt, um mehr über seinen Weg zu erfahren und darüber, wie er und sein Team zum Erfolg gekommen sind. Bereits im ersten Jahr wurde Kvik Stavanger zum Geschäft des Jahres in Norwegen gekürt und hat diesen Titel gerade zum zweiten Mal in Folge gewonnen. Hören Sie zu, um zu erfahren, wie Frank den Übergang vom Bekleidungsgeschäft zur Küche geschafft hat.  

Wir haben mehr als 180 Läden in 13 Ländern und suchen neue Franchisenehmer. Wenn Sie sich von Franks Geschichte inspirieren lassen wollen, besuchen Sie unsere Website und nehmen Sie Kontakt auf! Wahrscheinlich suchen wir einen neuen Franchisenehmer in Ihrer Nähe!

https://www.kvik.de/beruf-und-karriere/franchise-partnerschaften

Ralph und Mai Nissen haben im Juli 2021 Kvik Hamburg Altstadt eröffnet. In dieser Folge sprechen wir mit ihnen darüber, wie sie es gewagt haben, der erste Laden auf dem deutschen Markt zu sein und wie sie den Übergang vom Verkauf von Kleidung und Schuhen zum Verkauf von Küchen geschafft haben.

Wenn Sie daran interessiert sind, ein Kvik-Franchisenehmer zu werden, schauen Sie sich die Möglichkeiten auf unserer Website an:

https://www.kvik.de/beruf-und-karriere/franchise-partnerschaften

Morten Weng hasn't always been a franchisee - he had careers as a carpenter and a tour guide, he owned discos and cafés before landing as a kitchen salesman at Kvik Fredericia in 2013. Today, he owns the store. In this episode, we hear his story.

We are a Danish kitchen company with more than 180 stores in 13 countries and we've got big growth ambitions. Chances are we're looking for a great franchisee in your area. Check out our website www.kvik.com to learn more. 

Sofie got a job at Kvik Helsingborg just out of gymnasium. She had applied to architecture school and didn't get in, so she thought she would get some design experience and apply again. She never got around to that and instead, took over as the owner of Kvik Helsingborg in 2018. She tells her story in this episode. 

We're opening new Danish design kitchen stores all over Europe, so have a listen if you're interested in being your own boss, but with a great concept and team at your side. Then visit our website and see if there's a potential Kvik store near you.

www.kvik.com

Frank Hauge owns Kvik Stavanger, a successful Danish design kitchen franchise in Norway. We sat down with him to learn about his journey and how he and his team have found success. They were actually named Store of Year in Norway in their first year and just won it again for the second year running. Listen to find out how Frank made the transition from clothing shops to kitchens.  

We have more than 180 stores in 13 countries and we're looking for new franchisees. If you're inspired by Frank's story, visit our website and get in touch! We're probably looking for a new franchisee in your area!

www.kvik.com

Volvemos con otro episodio en el que entrevistamos a uno de nuestros franquiciados independientes.  En estos momentos buscamos al menos 65 nuevos franquiciados, tanto para que se hagan cargo de tiendas ya existentes como para que abran nuevas ubicaciones. En nuestro sitio web puedes consultar siempre la información más reciente sobre las oportunidades que ofrecemos. Encontrarás un enlace en las notas del programa. 

No es necesario tener experiencia en el sector de las cocinas para presentar una solicitud, tal como descubrirás en esta conversación con los hermanos Thijs y Lex Kaptein. Abrieron Kvik Heerhugowaard en los Países Bajos en 2018 y ya los nombraron Tienda del Año en nuestra Reunión Anual en 2022. Su éxito no terminó aquí y abrieron su segunda tienda, Kvik Hoorn, en noviembre de 2023. 

Pero vamos a escuchar su historia... Me gusta llamarla «Di sí a la cocina», y sabrás por qué en un momento... 

Este podcast se ha regrabado desde su versión original en inglés, intentando mantener la fidelidad del texto original.

Hoy hablamos con uno de nuestros franquiciados, Miguel Zafon. Miguel abrió Kvik Valencia Sorni en el apogeo de la pandemia de coronavirus, en un precioso edificio en el centro de Valencia que anteriormente había sido un banco. Desde que hablamos con él, ha abierto su tienda insignia, Kvik Alfafar. Cuando estuvimos allí, no era más que un solar vacío, pero lo visitamos y hablamos con Miguel sobre sus sueños para la tienda. En este episodio te lo contaremos con más detalle.

Somos un concepto de franquicia y tenemos cerca de 200 tiendas en 12 países. Tenemos ambiciosos planes de crecimiento y queremos abrir aún más tiendas: ahora mismo tenemos 65 vacantes disponibles para franquiciados en nuestro sitio web y nuestro objetivo es crecer con al menos ¡cien tiendas más! Así que si dentro de ti hay un emprendedor que está deseando salir, echa un vistazo a nuestro sitio web y comprueba si hay alguna vacante cerca de ti. Buscamos personas que quieran ser sus propios jefes, pero con el respaldo de un concepto, un producto y un equipo sólidos. No es necesario tener experiencia en el sector de las cocinas, como descubrirás en esta conversación con Miguel. Lo único que necesitas es el deseo de aunar todo lo que te apasiona y la voluntad de trabajar duro para hacer crecer tu negocio. 

Este podcast se ha regrabado desde su versión original en inglés, intentando mantener la fidelidad del texto original.

Hoy nos tomamos un breve descanso de nuestra serie sobre diseño danés para contar otro tipo de historia. Somos un concepto de franquicia y contamos con más de 185 tiendas en 12 países que venden cocinas de diseño danés.

Queremos crecer a lo grande. Eso significa que buscamos constantemente nuevos franquiciados, tanto para nuevas ubicaciones como para que se hagan cargo de las tiendas ya existentes. En este sentido, hemos hablado con algunos de nuestros socios franquiciados para que nos cuenten su historia. Presentaremos estas historias de vez en cuando en el feed de The Sociable Kitchen®. 

Hemos hablado con Ralph y Mai Nissen, que abrieron nuestra primera tienda en Alemania en julio de 2021: Kvik Hamburg Altstadt. Se trata de una pareja danesa que lleva muchos años viviendo en Alemania, pero que casualmente se crió no muy lejos de donde se fundó Kvik en Dinamarca. 

Ambos habían trabajando en el comercio minorista, pero no tenían experiencia en el sector de las cocinas, así que les preguntamos cómo se enteraron de la oportunidad...

Y solo un apunte: esto se grabó en su tienda en el corazón de Hamburgo, por lo que es posible que oigas trenes pasar y el ruido de una gran embarcación que estaba excavando en el canal justo al lado de la ventana donde grabamos. Te pedimos disculpas por ello. 

Este podcast se ha regrabado desde su versión original en inglés, intentando mantener la fidelidad del texto original.

This episode of The Sociable Kitchen® features an interview with Thijs and Lex Kaptein, brothers who opened the Kvik Heerhugowaard store in the Netherlands in 2018 and Kvik Hoorn in 2023. Despite their diverse backgrounds, with Thijs working as an agent for wedding and evening wear dresses and Lex as a carpenter, they have achieved remarkable success, being named Store of the Year in 2022.

The episode explores their journey to owning a Kvik franchise, emphasising that a background in the kitchen industry is not necessary. They highlight their customer-oriented approach, using a tool called "Maze" to measure customer satisfaction and loyalty. The success of their stores is attributed to hard work, a clear vision, and exceptional service, ensuring customers feel cared for and valued.Moreover, the episode discusses the training and support provided by Kvik to its franchisees, including various training programs, network building, and comprehensive business support, from location selection to daily business operations.

We’re looking for more franchisees in locations all over Europe. Check our website to see if there’s an opportunity near you:

DK: https://www.kvik.dk/karriere/rekruttering-af-franchisetagere
BENL:  https://www.kvik.be/nl-be/loopbaan/rekrutering-franchisenemers
BEFR:  https://www.kvik.be/fr-be/carriere/recrutement-en-franchise
NL:  https://www.kvik.nl/carriere/werving-voor-franchisenemers
UK: https://www.kvik.co.uk/career/franchise-recruitment
FI:  https://www.kvik.fi/ura/franchising-rekrytointi
DE:  https://www.kvik.de/beruf-und-karriere/franchise-partnerschaften
NO:  https://www.kvik.no/karriere/rekruttering-av-franchisetakere
ES:  https://www.kvik.es/carrera-profesional/contratacion-de-franquicias
SE:  https://www.kvik.se/karriaer/vi-soeker-franchisetagare

What happens when a kitchen inspires a piece of furniture?

In this episode of The Sociable Kitchen® Podcast, host Julie Broberg sits down with award-winning Danish designer Rikke Frost, the creative mind behind Kvik’s Align kitchen and now The Sociable Bench — part of the Kvik Living collection.

Rikke shares how the idea for the bench grew naturally from the kitchen, how its soft curves echo Align’s signature handle, and how every small detail — from the hidden shelf to the curved edges — serves both form and function.
 

She also reflects on what makes Danish design so human, why good design should be both inviting and practical, and how autumn colours are currently inspiring her creative world.

✨ The Sociable Bench is Danish design made for togetherness — from the heart of the kitchen to every corner of your home.

In this final episode of The Sociable Kitchen® podcast's first series on Danish design, host Julie Broberg explores the evolving landscape of Danish design, from its mid-20th century roots to its modern-day ethos. Central to this evolution is the Danish design process of "tænke, tegne, teste" (think, draw, test), a cycle emphasising continuous iteration and improvement.

The Confederation of Danish Industry proposes a new design policy, moving beyond the traditional focus on objects like chairs and lamps to a broader view of design as a collaborative process. This approach involves not just designers but a diverse team of experts, addressing complex challenges with robust, sustainable solutions.

Designer Lærke Ryom, a recent graduate, exemplifies this new direction. She discusses her hands-on approach to repurposing materials, such as transforming discarded jeans into upholstery for chairs and using offcuts from production processes for new creations. This reimagining of materials is part of a larger shift towards sustainability in Danish design, acknowledging the significant environmental impact of design decisions.

The podcast also delves into how Danish design culture, characterised by flat organisational structures and a collaborative ethos, is uniquely suited to tackle modern challenges. This culture encourages a multidisciplinary approach, where everyone from CEOs to interns contributes ideas and expertise.

In conclusion, as Danish design moves forward, it embraces a holistic, user-centric approach, integrating aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility. 

Read more at kvik.com/podcast. 

Ralph and Mai Nissen opened Kvik Hamburg Altstadt  in July 2021. In this episode, we talk to them about how they dared to be the first store on the German market and how they made the transition from selling clothing and shoes to selling kitchens.

If you're interested in becoming a Kvik franchisee, check the opportunities on our website:

DK: https://www.kvik.dk/karriere/rekruttering-af-franchisetagere
BENL:  https://www.kvik.be/nl-be/loopbaan/rekrutering-franchisenemers
BEFR:  https://www.kvik.be/fr-be/carriere/recrutement-en-franchise
NL:  https://www.kvik.nl/carriere/werving-voor-franchisenemers
UK: https://www.kvik.co.uk/career/franchise-recruitment
FI:  https://www.kvik.fi/ura/franchising-rekrytointi
DE:  https://www.kvik.de/beruf-und-karriere/franchise-partnerschaften
NO:  https://www.kvik.no/karriere/rekruttering-av-franchisetakere
ES:  https://www.kvik.es/carrera-profesional/contratacion-de-franquicias
SE:  https://www.kvik.se/karriaer/vi-soeker-franchisetagare

In this episode, we speak with award-winning  furniture designer Lærke Ryom about the Danish design expo stand she created for the Confederation of Danish Industry at Habitare Pro in Helsinki, as well as Ukurant, a  platform for young designers that she co-founded.   We also speak with Nikolaj Duve from SaysWho about the co-creation process that resulted in our best-selling Ombra kitchen design. 

To see photos of all the things we talk about in this episode, please visit our website: https://kvik.co.uk/podcast

Thank you for coming with us on this journey through Danish design. One of the things that came up again and again in my conversations was the notion of co-creation. And what is co-creation, you ask? In a way it's a collaboration - you invite a diverse group of people with different knowledge and talents into a room and everyone contributes to solving the task at hand. Everyone’s unique perspective is taken into account and the solution is thereby co-created. 

In this episode, we speak to textile designer Astrid Skibsted about two projects she recently co-created, Lise Thomsen from the Confederation of Danish Industry about Bang & Olufsen's design process, as well as Sune Kjems from the Danish Design Council about his own culinary journey towards co-creating in the kitchen. 

Visit our website for pictures and a transcript: https://www.kvik.co.uk/podcast

Other links to things mentioned in the episode: 
LEGO Ideas: https://ideas.lego.com/
Bang & Olufsen: https://www.bang-olufsen.com/en
Data Mirror at Trapholt Museum: https://trapholt.dk/en/data-mirror/
Rocks of Greenland at Design Museum Denmark: https://designmuseum.dk/en/exhibition/rocks-of-greenland/

We've explored the Danish design DNA and now it's time to explore the possibilities of what Danish design can do. We spoke to designer Nikolaj Duve from SaysWho. We learned about a surprising project where Danish design helped solve problems in the toughest prison in Denmark from designer Sune Kjems. And we also spoke to designer Lars Thøgersen and Claus Johnsen, our own Head of Design. 

To see pictures or read a transcript, visit our website: https://www.kvik.co.uk/podcast

In our last episode, we learned about the origins of the Danish Design DNA, if you haven’t heard it, you should go back and listen now. In this episode, we dig a bit deeper into the ten strands of the DNA.

In 2017, the Danish Design Council saw a need to redefine Danish design for the 21st century. If American design is business and German design is science and Italian design is art, then what is Danish design? In the 20th century, it was arguably craftsmanship and that’s still a key element today. 

But design can play a key role in solving the challenges we face in the world today - things like climate change, using our resources wisely - the ten strands of the Danish design DNA reflect that. It contains not only the heritage of Danish design, but the future as well. The ten strands can be boiled down to ten simple values - social, human, holistic, quality, user-driven, transformative, craft, durable, factual and simple.  

To see the designs we talk about in this episode, visit https://www.kvik.dk/podcast/episodes/closer-look-at-danish-design-dna

Back in 2016, the Danish Design Council teamed up with the Danish Design Centre, the Royal Danish Academy of Architecture, Design and Conservation and Design Museum Denmark and decided to take a close look at Danish design and really get to the essence of it. The result was a mapping of the Danish design DNA which was presented in 2017 when Aarhus was the European Cultural Capital. 

In this episode, we learn how the Danish Design DNA came to be and how it can be used.

To see the designs we talk about in this episode, visit https://www.kvik.dk/podcast/episodes/intro-to-danish-design-dna

As a Danish company creating and designing kitchens for more than 40 years, Danish design is close to our hearts. As we’ve expanded into more and more countries, we’ve noticed a need to be able to explain to new audiences what Danish design is and what makes it special. For this, our first podcast series, we’ve talked to a number of experts on Danish design to try to learn just that.  

Here in episode 1, we explore the history of Danish design's heyday in the middle of the last century. 

To see all the designs we reference in this episode, visit: https://www.kvik.dk/podcast/episodes/what-is-danish-design

Most people are familiar with Danish design classics like Arne Jacobsen’s Egg and Swan chairs or the famous PH lamp by Poul Henningsen or perhaps Jørgen Utzon’s Sydney Opera House, even if you didn’t necessarily know that they were Danish design. But what is the essence of Danish design? The glue holding it all together? And where is Danish design heading today?In this podcast series, we try to find out. 

The first episodes will drop in early September, so hit subscribe already now, so you don’t miss out!

Visit our website kvik.com/podcast to learn more. 

When a design school internship turns into a real product, you know there’s a good story behind it.

In this episode of The Sociable Kitchen® Podcast, host Julie Broberg talks with Annika Hoffmann, a newly graduated Danish designer whose internship project became The Sociable Lamp — part of Kvik’s Kvik Living collection, created with Danish lighting specialists Frandsen.

Annika shares how her design went from sketch to production, what it’s like to see your first product launched before graduation, and how light can shape atmosphere, mood, and togetherness.

She also reflects on the Danish design tradition, the future of sustainable materials, and why she’s currently inspired by Bauhaus, biomaterials, and 3D printing.

✨ The Sociable Lamp launches in January 2026 — and its story begins here.

What happens when Danish design meets total flexibility?

In this episode of The Sociable Kitchen® Podcast, host Julie Broberg talks with Helle Bjerre Drost, Senior Concept Manager at Kvik and the creative lead behind Compose — the brand-new kitchen that brings together timeless Danish design, real-life functionality, and an unprecedented level of personal choice.

Helle shares how Compose was developed from the inside out: starting with an ergonomic integrated handle, exploring new materials and colours, and creating a huge 64 possible combinations so customers can compose a kitchen that feels uniquely theirs. She explains how her background in furniture and innovation shaped the process, why simplicity is essential for keeping prices surprisingly low, and how today’s customers are seeking long-lasting, meaningful design anchored in everyday life.

From colour trends and wood tones to the importance of longevity and hygge, this episode is a deep dive into what makes Compose both practical and poetic — a kitchen designed to evolve with you.

Compose is available now. Create your own perfect harmony at kvik.com.

How do you create furniture that feels at home in the kitchen — and still stands on its own as true Danish design?

In this episode of The Sociable Kitchen® Podcast, host Julie Broberg talks with Hans Thyge and Søren Stellfeld of Hans Thyge & Co, the design duo behind The Sociable Table, The Sociable Chair, and The Horizon Lounge Chair — part of Kvik’s growing Kvik Living collection.

Hans and Søren share the story behind their collaboration with Kvik, the challenge of creating “outstanding design that’s still affordable,” and why simplicity, touch, and proportion matter more than ever. They discuss how Danish design continues to evolve — not by reinventing, but by reinterpreting — and why good design must first touch your heart before it speaks to your head.

The Sociable Table and Chairs are available now as part of Kvik Living — Danish design made for togetherness.

Explore Kvik Living on kvik.com.

Award-winning Danish designer Rikke Frost is known for her furniture and lighting designs. We asked her if she would design a kitchen for us. Like Pippi Longstocking, she said, "I've never tried that before. I'll probably be good at it,"  and she designed Align for us here at Kvik. In this episode, we talk to her about Align, which we expect will set a new standard in Danish kitchen design. 

In this palate cleanser, designed to wake up our feed again ahead of new episodes on Danish design, we sit down for a philosophical conversation about kitchens with Danish editorial cartoonist Jens Hage. 

Morten Weng war nicht immer Franchisenehmer - er machte Karriere als Tischler und Reiseleiter, besaß Diskotheken und Cafés, bevor er 2013 als Küchenverkäufer bei Kvik Fredericia landete. Heute ist er der Eigentümer des Geschäfts. In dieser Folge hören wir seine Geschichte.

Wir sind ein dänisches Küchenunternehmen mit mehr als 180 Filialen in 13 Ländern und wir haben große Wachstumsambitionen. Möglicherweise suchen wir einen großartigen Franchisenehmer in Ihrer Region. Besuchen Sie unsere Website www.kvik.com, um mehr zu erfahren. 

https://www.kvik.de/beruf-und-karriere/franchise-partnerschaften

Sofie bekam einen Job bei Kvik Helsingborg, als sie gerade aus dem Gymnasium kam. Sie hatte sich an der Architekturschule beworben, wurde aber nicht angenommen, also dachte sie, sie würde etwas Designerfahrung sammeln und sich erneut bewerben. Dazu ist sie nie gekommen und hat stattdessen 2018 die Leitung von Kvik Helsingborg übernommen. In dieser Folge erzählt sie ihre Geschichte. 

Wir eröffnen neue dänische Design-Küchengeschäfte in ganz Europa, also hör mal rein, wenn du Interesse daran hast, dein eigener Chef zu sein, aber mit einem tollen Konzept und Team an deiner Seite. Dann besuche unsere Website und finde heraus, ob es in deiner Nähe ein Kvik-Geschäft gibt.

https://www.kvik.de/beruf-und-karriere/franchise-partnerschaften

How do you build a whole new design universe from scratch?

In this episode of The Sociable Kitchen® Podcast, host Julie Broberg sits down with Christian Milán, Product Manager for Kvik Living, to talk about how the concept came to life — from defining the vision to collaborating with Danish designers and creating furniture and lighting that extend Kvik’s design DNA beyond the kitchen.

Christian shares what it takes to make designs that feel unmistakably Kvik — from soft materials and hidden features to the kind of quality that lasts for decades.

He also gives us a peek behind the scenes of the creative process, what it’s like to work with designers like Hans Thyge & Co, and what’s inspiring him right now.

✨ Kvik Living is Danish design made for the whole home — and this is the story of how it began.

Learn more about Kvik Living on our website at Kvik.com