JOURNEY
In conversation with Trit House
The opening of Wendelbo’s first monobrand store in Melbourne marks a defining chapter in our international journey. In partnership with Trit House - the family-founded design retailer led by Rain Shin and Ivan Yoong, long-time advocates of Scandinavian design in Australia - the new space brings the full Wendelbo universe under one roof for the very first time in the country.
Though Denmark and Australia may be worlds apart geographically, the two share a natural affinity when it comes to design: a love of warmth, liveability, and craftsmanship that stands the test of time. Over the past decade, Rain and Ivan have helped cultivate that connection, introducing Wendelbo’s design philosophy to an Australian audience with growing enthusiasm.
We sat down with them to revisit the early days of our collaboration, explore the shared values that bridge continents, and reflect on what this new milestone means for the future.
Let’s start at the beginning. Ivan, do you remember your first encounter with Wendelbo?
Ivan: I first came across the brand back in 2012 at a trade fair. Christian da Silva Wendelbo and I met there, and I remember being struck by a sofa you were showing. It was pink, with timber buttons, and carried a boldness that really stuck with me. That sense of confidence in your design language has been there from the start and continues to grow.
Denmark and Australia are far apart, yet you often speak about a natural alignment between the two design cultures. What do you think creates that connection?
Rain: On the surface, they couldn’t be further apart. But both cultures value warmth, liveability, and authenticity. Wendelbo celebrates simplicity and detail in equal measure, and Australians connect with that because our homes are about comfort and openness.
Ivan: And there’s honesty in Danish design. Instead of following trends, it’s about crafting something functional, beautiful, and lasting.
"There’s honesty in Danish design. Instead of following trends, it’s about crafting something functional, beautiful, and lasting."
- Ivan Yoong
The new monobrand store is a milestone for both of us. What inspired this move?
Rain: We deeply value our longstanding partnership with Wendelbo and see this moment as a chance to take our collaboration to new heights. The Melbourne store is not only a significant milestone, but also a natural progression. It’s a dedicated space to present Wendelbo’s design philosophy in its truest form, while laying the foundation for what we can achieve together in the decade ahead and beyond.
Ivan: For visitors, it’s also a chance to experience the full range of Wendelbo. Each piece has room to breathe, the settings invite you to imagine how the designs fit into your own life, and it feels like a true extension of the Copenhagen flagship. Minimal in ornamentation, yet warm and inviting, with the craftsmanship at the forefront.
Our family heritage is a cornerstone of Wendelbo. How does that resonate with Trit House and your customers in Melbourne?
Rain: Very strongly. Trit House itself is family-founded, so we understand what it means to build something with those values at the core. Our customers respond to that story of continuity and care - it feels genuine.
Ivan: From our perspective, consistency has also been key. Every piece Wendelbo creates carries that thread of craftsmanship, but the brand is always evolving, working with world-class designers. That combination meant we could trust the brand not just for one season, but as a long-term partner in building a design legacy in Australia.
And how has the response been so far?
Rain: Incredible. Our clients already loved the Wendelbo collections we carried within Trit House, but being able to explore the brand in its entirety under one roof has taken that connection further. People linger in the space, they want to sit, touch, and really experience the furniture. The launch party and the first weeks of trade really reaffirmed the decision to open Wendelbo Australia.
Do you have a personal favorite piece from the collection?
Ivan: For me, it’s the Atli lounge chair in chrome. The industrial edge of the frame combined with the brighter Baru fabrics makes it sculptural - and it’s still so comfortable.
Rain: I have a soft spot for the Ridge sofa. The lower profile, the stitching - it really shows Wendelbo’s relaxed yet refined design language. Both pieces stood out at the launch, and you could see how naturally they resonated with people.
"People linger in the space, they want to sit, touch, and really experience the furniture."
- Rain Shin
Finally, looking ahead, where do you see Wendelbo in Australia’s design landscape?
Rain: With the momentum Wendelbo has built globally - new collections, collaborations, explorations of material - we’re excited to see how Wendelbo Australia can continue to grow alongside Trit House.
