Nicoline Durup, founder of DURUP, has made a mark in the world of drapery and interior textiles by blending the meticulous craftsmanship of haute couture with the transformative power of home decor. Based in Copenhagen but with an international outlook, DURUP curates the finest textiles from around the globe to create luxurious and bespoke drapery, curtains and wall coverings. Durup’s journey – from the fashion industry to founding her eponymous brand – is a story of innovation, passion and the relentless pursuit of beauty.
Her background in the fashion industry, particularly her experience with prestigious brands like Stella McCartney, has significantly influenced her design philosophy. “How I approach design today is, in part, still informed by my early career start in the fashion industry,” she shares. “Working for a forward-thinking, luxury brand like Stella McCartney – whose own design history is rooted in bespoke tailoring – shaped how I approach working with textiles and how I apply an haute couture sensibility to my design work more broadly.”
Durup founded her brand with a clear vision: to breathe new life into what was traditionally seen as a functional commodity. “People thought of drapes as something functional, a necessary commodity to keep the sun out,” she explains. “I not only wanted to bring high-end fashion into the home but to help people understand the transformative power of textiles. I always say, dress your home as you would dress yourself.” One of the company’s standout offerings is the Al Quoz curtain collection, inspired by Durup’s travels between Denmark and the UAE. This collection is a stunning blend of Nordic minimalism and Emirati opulence, reflecting her ability to fuse distinct cultural aesthetics seamlessly.
“Designing Al Quoz was an organic outcome of my frequent travels between Denmark and the UAE,” the designer says. “I was so inspired by what I encountered here – the vibrant colours, the rich light, the intricate level of detail in the architecture – and the contrast to the place I am from.” The collection marries the minimalist Danish design approach and muted colour palette with the Emirati love of texture and heavier materials. “I’m very proud of this special collection as it brings together two of my favourite parts of the world,” she adds. Durup emphasises the importance of understanding each client in order to create uniquely tailored designs. “Both with commercial and residential clients, my first step is to better understand the space, the style and the story which will inform the world we are creating,” she explains. “It’s a collaborative dialogue with the client and the foundation of a bespoke design process grounded in self-expression, imagination and connection.” She personally sources and curates fabrics from around the world, ensuring that each piece reflects the DURUP vision and commitment to quality. “Simply put, DURUP is not your parents’ curtain company,” she says.
Durup has introduced innovative trends in drapery, such as fabrics with dual textures and patterns. These trends reflect her vision of drapery as integral components of artistic interior design. “When done right, drapery, wall coverings and other home textiles become the foundational elements of the design process that in turn help us form a closer connection to the spaces we inhabit,” she notes.
Her approach to design is like that of an haute couturier but with a playful, joyous twist. This means choosing fabrics historically not used for drapery – such as wool, textured cotton and silks with vivid patterns – to create a personalised design experience that reflects each client’s unique story.
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