In the vibrant city of Copenhagen, a unique establishment known as Simone Book Services is redefining the concept of a bookstore. More than just a place to purchase reading materials, it stands as a versatile cultural hub, integrating a curated selection of rare and independent books with exhibition spaces, audio zones, and venues for gatherings. This innovative approach reflects a deliberate effort to create an environment that goes beyond mere commerce, fostering inspiration and engagement.

The vision for Simone Book Services originated from the shared passions of founders Tugce Kayar Subay and Ibo Subay, a couple with extensive experience in fashion media and marketing. Their profound collection of literature spanning art, design, and fashion spurred them to establish a 'literary branding' enterprise in February 2026, offering tailored library curation for various settings, including exhibitions, corporate offices, and brand showcases. Simone Book Services acts as a physical manifestation of this venture, allowing for the display and evolution of their curated collection, which extends beyond books to encompass furniture and objects intrinsically linked to the culture of reading.

The interior design, distinctively moving away from typical Scandinavian aesthetics, was masterfully directed by Turkish-born architect Derya Arpac. Her design features bespoke furniture pieces from a talented group of designers. These include modular shelving units crafted from a combination of aluminum and cherry wood, versatile mobile book trolleys, and a striking counter enveloped in leather. Arpac describes her wall-mounted cherry wood shelves as a dynamic structure that seems to ascend and expand through the space, evoking the intricate framework of scaffolding or a building's internal skeleton. This choice of cherry wood, with its warm, reddish tones, provides a deliberate contrast to the lighter woods frequently seen in traditional Scandinavian designs.

Adding to the store's distinctive character, Lærke Ryom contributed a leather-clad counter, showcasing her expertise in innovative upholstery. Similar to her "Garments chairs" created for The Mindcraft Project, the counter incorporates zippered edges that reveal cleverly integrated storage compartments. Kasper Kyster designed a modular shelving system made from unpolished, folded aluminum sheets, perfect for showcasing magazines and allowing for future expansion. For comfortable seating, Daniel Schofield crafted a bench from black-pigmented MDF, fitting seamlessly into a corner of the store. He also designed mobile book trolleys from the same material, encouraging visitors to interact with the collection and explore the space freely. Beyond the functional design, artist Staffan Sundström enhanced the ambiance with three original paintings for the opening, with plans for a rotating display as pieces find new homes.

A particularly captivating feature is “the red room,” a 20-square-meter area inspired by David Lynch's distinctive aesthetic. Adorned with crimson walls and floor-to-ceiling matching curtains, this intimate space provides a dedicated setting for small-scale events and exhibitions. Since its inception, Simone Book Services has already successfully hosted diverse activities, including a book launch for photographer Lasse Dearman, the curation of a library for sports brand ASICS, and a pop-up event for fashion label Bonnetje Recut. Looking ahead, the store plans to introduce its own line of "reading objects," a collection that will span everything from bookmarks and paperweights to lighting fixtures and shelving solutions, further cementing its role as a comprehensive destination for literary and design enthusiasts.

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