A Family Tradition Reimagined: The Story Behind Intarsia Furniture
people • makers
The former company "Møbelintarsia" has been revived under the new name, Intarsia Furniture. Originally founded in 1948 by carpenter and furniture designer Jørgen Aakjær Jørgensen and his wife, Lis Aakjær Jørgensen, the couple devoted their lives to building Møbelintarsia into a thriving family business.
Nearly 75 years later, their granddaughter, Nanna Aakjær Svendsen, would relaunch Møbelintarsia with a vision of preserving the carpentry legacy from the golden age of Danish furniture, blending it seamlessly with modern trends and traditions.
WEBSITE: instarsiafurniture.com INSTAGRAM: @intarsiafurnituredenmark
Words: designeers
SEPTEMBER 2024
designeers
Tell us about what furniture you make and how you came to continue the carpentry legacy of your family:
nanna
In 2019, I revived my grandfather Jørgen Aakjær Jørgensen’s 1948 furniture designs. Specializing in small pieces like coffee and side tables, we focus on meticulous craftsmanship. With a background in Innovation and Design Management, I recognized the uniqueness of his work and found a Danish manufacturer to relaunch the business. We aim to keep our niche focus while exploring new designs for the future.
designeers
How have you brought the designs from over the decades into the modern world while keeping the essence of the original concepts?
nanna
I updated my grandfather’s designs with minimal changes, such as switching from dark woods like teak to lighter Nordic woods, which are more popular today. I also incorporated modern production techniques to ensure durability and easy maintenance, giving the designs a fresh yet timeless appeal.
designeers
Have you any favorite collections you can tell us about?
nanna
The Heart Table is a personal favorite, with its simple yet modern intarsia work. It has been part of my life since childhood and remains timeless, fitting seamlessly into Nordic interiors even 70 years after it was first designed.
designeers
What challenges have you faced recreating classic furniture? Have there been any mistakes that led to positive outcomes?
nanna
The biggest challenge was finding a manufacturer skilled in traditional craftsmanship. After a lengthy search and a 12-month prototype process, we succeeded in maintaining the integrity of the original designs while adapting to modern production methods.
“My grandfather, Jørgen Aakjær Jørgensen, inspires my work and motivates me to continue the Intarsia legacy.”
nanna
designeers
What does a typical workweek look like for you?
nanna
My workweek is busy with operational tasks, but I find time for creativity in the evenings after my children are asleep. Designing new pieces feels more like a personal hobby that I deeply enjoy.
designeers
How do you like to spend a lazy Sunday?
nanna
I enjoy spending a relaxing Sunday at home with my husband and our two young children, with no big plans—just quality family time.
designeers
What are your hopes and aspirations for Intarsia Furniture over the next few decades?
nanna
I aim to establish Intarsia Furniture as an internationally recognized brand, giving my grandfather the recognition he deserves for his timeless designs, and continuing his legacy on a global scale.
designeers
Favourite hotel in the world:
nanna
My favorite hotel is Vejlefjord Hotel in Denmark, where I spent a lovely mini honeymoon with my husband.
designeers
Design hero:
nanna
Home magazines, coffee table books, toy cars, a glass of juice from my kids, and fresh flowers from the garden.
designeers
Design hero:
nanna
My grandfather, Jørgen Aakjær Jørgensen, inspires my work and motivates me to continue the Intarsia legacy. His philosophy also led to the creation of the Arcus Shelf and Ellipse collection.
