A Bright Spot in Nordvest: Visiting Design by Us

The first time I stepped into the courtyard behind Design by Us, it was one of those quiet, work-from-home afternoons that called for a little exploration. I’d seen they were doing something special for Three Days of Design, and I’d been following them on Instagram for a while — so it felt like the perfect moment to finally pop by.

courtyard in front of Design by us, WUTH, Høeg+Møller and DFTP.

What I didn’t expect was the green courtyard that opened up when walking through the door — like stumbling upon a small urban oasis. The place was buzzing with quiet energy: people were working outdoors, sipping coffee, some chatting about projects. Others inside focused on their screens, or were walking around rearranging the decor, or simply working on their next visuals. It wasn’t just a showroom — it felt like a shared space for creativity.

Inside, the store is a dream. Bright, airy, filled with installations that feel more like contemporary art than a typical lamp shop. One lamp, in particular, caught my eye: a sculptural piece that can go both on the ceiling or the wall — and somehow feels like a star, a ship's wheel, or a futuristic compass, depending on how you look at it. Their lighting is expressive, playful, and bold, but also incredibly well-made. I definitely crushed on a piece called “Addicted to Us”, which combines mouth-blown glass and cognac-colored leather. It’s one of those things you immediately want to send to your partner with a “Should we…?” message.

What’s interesting is that while Design by Us started with making lamps and lighting fixtures, they also make furniture — tables, chairs, and pieces for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Everything feels cohesive, down to the way the store is staged. It's easy to imagine the lamps hanging in a cozy living room or an intimate café — they don’t just light up the room, they bring the room to life.

What makes this place even more special is its origin story. The space Design by Us occupies today is actually a former factory — once filled with grime, oil, and machinery. When Rasmus Larsson first considered moving his business to Nordvest in 1999, he and two partners decided to take on the challenge of renovating the old industrial building. They kept the bones: the old windows, the beechwood floors, the graffiti on the walls (although I don’t remember seeing the graffiti during my visit) — and brought it back to life with bold design and character.

Over time, Larsson became more than just a designer. I’ve read that he acquired and restored buildings in the neighborhood — and was definitely a first mover in Nordvest. He clearly saw the potential in the area over 25 years ago, and we probably owe a lot to him for the life that has been brought into the neighborhood since then.

Back in that courtyard, Design by Us shares the space with a few other businesses:

• DFTP (Design for the People), who have a stylish showroom just next door

• WUTH, a brand creating beautiful cashmere pieces

• And HØEG+MØLLER, a creative content agency

Together, they form this little pocket of inspiration in Nordvest — proof that good design and good neighbors can transform more than just a building.

If you’re in the area, stop by. Even if you don’t leave with a lamp, you’ll leave with a little spark of inspiration.