I’ve just come back from the Stockholm Furniture and Lighting Fair at Stockholm Design Week – and BOY did it deliver!

Coinciding with Stockholm Design Week, the Furniture and Lighting Fair had just the right balance of practical and inspirational design pieces – things that I could use in projects for my clients right away, and some I’d love to take home myself! It was a treat to see so many fabulous items for the home that are really well suited to our Australian design aesthetic. There were plenty of gorgeous sofas, armchairs, tables, lamps, fabrics, rugs and even homewares from established brands, new brands with some high-quality student work in the mix.

The design of the stands alone was spectacular, and it’s wonderful to experience them in person. The environment that the brands create can be so powerful in a few meters square, evoking an atmosphere that stays with you, but can be difficult to capture in photographs. It’s about the feeling, and the experience pulls a huge following from around the world (I heard the Aussie accent everywhere I went!).

Here I’ve pulled out some of the brands, pieces and experiences that left me with that ‘Oh my god!’ feeling!

The Sculptor’s Residence by Norm Architects with Menu + Dux

A gorgeous selection of designs was curated by the team Copenhagen-based architecture and design studio Norm Architects, to create the eclectic living quarters of an imagined artist!

Located in the heart of Stockholm, four different rooms served as an exhibition space for designs from Menu and Dux, complemented by tactile sculptures by British object-maker Nicholas Shurey, functional ceramic objects by Sofia Tufvasson and Atelier Armand, limestone and marble podiums by Östersjösten and dolomite plaster plinths by St. Leo.

Although Dux is known here in Australia mainly for their (incredible) spring mattresses, they’ve been making furniture by renowned Swedish designers since the 1950s. It was a treat to see these stunning pieces upholstered in gorgeous fabrics and leathers alongside beautiful sculptures and objects set in a historic apartment. It had the casual elegance of a New York loft apartment, complete with sculptures, sketches on rolls of paper and paintbrushes, but without the mess!

Menu available from The Apartment.

Fogia

The Lyra Chaise by Fogia (the speckled + hardback chair here!) is something I wanted to take home straight away! This is a piece that you don’t see too often, an incredibly comfortable long armchair that doesn’t take up too much space and still looks gorgeous. It is made for relaxing for one, or perhaps two people. I’d love to snuggle up with my girls and read a book with them here! The canvas detail, soft curved shape, perfect proportions are designed by Andeas Engesvik for Fogia.

I also LOVED this sofa designed for Fogia by multidisciplinary design studio Note Studio. The Supersoft Sofa is exactly what it claims to be – seriously feels like sitting on a cloud! It looks so inviting and yet still has chic levels of sophistication.

Fogia available from Fred International.

Fredericia

The design for the Canvas Chair by Danish design house Fredericia was uncovered from their archives. Designed by legendary Danish design master Børge Mogensen before his death in 1972, this wide canvas and wood chair is all function, no fuss, and totally timeless. An absolute classic that is still as relevant today as ever!

Fredericia available from Great Dane Furniture. 

ORIGIN at Asplund Store

Origin curates and produces contemporary objects by bringing designers and artisans together. Collaborating with a range of different designers across the globe, Origin aims to highlight the incredibly skilled artisans in Portugal by working alongside them to produce small capsule collections.

Featured at the Asplund Store (a Swedish design store) at the Fair, the latest collection I saw launched is entitled Southern Lights – featuring nine projects from nine new designers and 4 new craftsmen, introducing new materials like porcelain, sandcast aluminium, pig’s bristle and mouth-blown glass. Some absolutely beautiful design objects here, crafted with serious expertise and love!

Origin available at Great Dane. 

NEW WORKS

We’re fully feeling the trend for neutral colours with contrasting textures here at the Nordic designer New Works stand, brought to life by super stylist Lotta Agaton Interiors.

The innovative producers of sculptural objects, lighting and furniture did not disappoint with their intimate and inviting rooms that defied the traditional ‘trade fair’ aesthetic! Featuring some gorgeous pieces in a luxurious yet simple setting, New Works’ display of new additions and updated classics were super dreamy.

New Works available at District. 

Vieser

I think it’s fair to say that I have never been so excited over a shower drain!

Finnish brand Vieser create shower drains that become a beautiful feature, rather than an eyesore. My favourite is the Vieser Dot which is a large slatted timber circle, which feels quite warm and soft to stand on, compared to tiles or stone.

Their stand was absolutely gorgeous, with large panels of Dekton for the floor and wall surfaces which gave it a totally seamless look, with no grout to worry about!

Ilse Crawford for Wastberg

Of course, almost everything designed by legendary British designer Ilse Crawford is destined to be a classic. This new lamp, Ilumina for Wastberg, is no exception. An update on the library lamp, it really could be used anywhere; a bedside lamp, entry, living room or office. It’s available in eggshell white and brushed aluminium, but it’s extra special in shiny copper that will patina beautifully over time.

Wastberg available at Eurolace. 

Mobel

It’s hard to separate just one piece from the stand I saw by Mobel – the whole story worked together so well.

The stand and its key pieces were designed by Copenhagen-based architecture and design practice Studio David Thulstrup, and reflected a bold edit of materials, fabrics and colours.

New side tables called ‘The Pair’ designed by Studio David Thulstrup comprised two overlapping side tables – one entirely glazed ceramic side table, intended to sit alongside a contrasting matte powder-coated metal table. In this case, it’s true that opposites attract!

Mobel available at Fred International. 

Swedish Ninja

The colourful tabletop is made from 100% recycled plastic, specifically, up-cycled cosmetic bottles, set on spindly powder-coated steel legs. Recycled plastic has never looked so beautiful and fun!

This brand enjoys vibrant colours in the design of their pieces, which is what makes them really stand out in the Scandinavian design landscape. You can even see telltale signs of bar codes and labels in this Eye Candy table!

Lauren will be presenting a session on the key looks and trends that emerged – from forms, colours and textiles. Book your tickets to ‘Mega Trends Stockholm’ on Friday February 28th at The Apartment in South Yarra here!