Best In Show: Stockholm Furniture Fair 2018.

Stockholm Design Week and Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair is one of our favourite Global Design Events we love watching from afar (it’s the one we still haven’t personally attended – yet!). Taking place between 5-11 February 2018, the event has left a trail of Scandinavian Design Bombs all over the internet. Social media, countless press releases and our cunning sleuthing and daily detective work ensure nobody misses out. Hooray!

Today we bring you our roundup of event highlights and best new gear unveiled at Stockholm Furniture Fair 2018. Ummmm… Might want to pop a motion-sickness pill and prepare yourself for a scroll-a-thon! Sorry, not sorry.

Related:
Best In Show: Stockholm Furniture Fair 2017.
Best in Show: Stockholm Furniture Fair 2016.
Our recent coverage of Imm Cologne 2018 and Maison & Objet 2018.

INSTALLATIONS.

Trend Exhibition ‘EN-AW 6082’ by Halleroed // Taking its name from an aluminium alloy suitable for welding and anodizing, one of our favourite Stockholm-based design studios, specialising in killer retail interiors, staged an installation which explored the use of materials via a series of monumental objects.

“The interior trends in recent years have been about looking to both the past and the future. There has been a growing interest in fundamental, real materials, such as wood, metal, glass and leather, as well as handicrafts made from these materials. There is also a second, parallel trend emerging primarily in the industrial sector and various industries: since “real” materials are becoming scarce or morally indefensible to extract, they are being replaced by man-made imitations, often called “fake” material,” said the design team.

“Another clear direction in interiors is inspiration from the art world, either in the form of collaboration with artists or conceptually in the work with rooms, furniture and objects. Given the major transformation that is taking place within the retail trade due to online services, etc., in-store behaviour has changed dramatically. It has become more important to offer an experience to visitors when they walk into a store since the act of buying the product can be handled online. Many retailers are therefore interested in broadening their approach to their interiors and are looking at the art world to enhance the customer experience. In this exhibition, we wanted to display these trends,” concludes Halleroed.

Photography by by Abi Dare.

‘A Quiet Reflection’ Installation curated by Annaleena Leino for My Residence Bookazine with Ariake Furniture & Wastberg Lighting // This sublime installation was set inside the former Mexican embassy in Stockholm – a stunning townhouse dating back to 1896, which will soon be transformed into a private home. Layers of texture and history provided the perfect backdrop for Ariake’s minimalist furniture and sleek Wästberg lamps. Scandi-design-porn at it’s best.

Photography by Staffan Sundström.

‘The Lookout’ Installation by Note Design Studio for Tarkett Flooring // Tarkett enlisted Note to reinterpret the typical fair stand and showcase the design potential of flooring. With architectonic elements and a progressive colour palette, the combination of materials, colours and shapes demonstrates a whole new world of flooring possibilities, with surprising results. Nailed it!

Photography by Mikael Lundblad. Styling by Fanny Skoglund & Jessica Lagerman.

TypeO x Temporärt Pop-Up // Swedish online store TypeO moved into Temporärt’s physical retail space, creating a multisensory design experience that merged design, interiors, products with coffee and food during Stockholm Design Week. Not sure about you, but we are unlikely to gett sick of Pop-Ups anytime soon, especially when they look this good.

FLOORING & TEXTILES.

Bolon Launches Nature-Inspired Flooring Collection ‘Elements’ // Bolon’s new flooring collection brings the harmony of the natural world to interior spaces. Discreet and versatile, the Elements range acts as a bridge between objects and their surroundings, demonstrating the positive effect that good design can have on our senses and wellbeing. Stay tuned for more about this stunning collection soon on Yellowtrace.

Rennes and Chainette textile collection by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Kvadrat // The Bouroullec have worked alongside Kvadrat to create a textile collection featuring graphic chain-like patterns embroidered onto translucent fabric. The new collection encompasses two textiles named Rennes and Chainette, with both based on a bespoke room divider originally made for an exhibition of the Bouroullec brothers’ work.

Images © Studio Sempix.

Inga Sempé’s New Textile for Almedahls // Called ‘Drops on Line’, Paris-based Inga Sempé has created a white translucent fabric for blinds and screen dividers, featuring an unstructure line-and-dot pattern.

Harlequin rug by OkiikO Studio.

Piano Album Cover rug by Karolis Strautniekas.

New Rugs by jot.jot // Young design brand jot.jot showcased a series of new rugs – Harlequin by OkiikO Studio, and Piano Album Cover rug by Karolis Strautniekas specifically caught out attention. Made from 100% pure wool,  these statement-making designs are likely not to leave anyone feeling indifferent.

Photography by Terence Chin.

Mr Fräg x Designer Rugs // Australian brand Designer Rugs unveiled a rug collection by Sydney industrial designer Mr Fräg. The collection takes its inspiration from Fräg’s fascination with timber joining techniques and his journey as a skilled craftsman.

FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES.

Belle Reeve Sofa by Luca Nichetto.

Elliot Dining Table by Jason Miller.

Handle Side Table by Neri&Hu.

Launch Performance & New Collection by De La Espada // Portuguese brand De La Espada presented ‘Let’s Pretend This Never Happened’ — an event that combined furniture design, drama, sound and music, within the intimate setting of a Stockholm home once owned by the manager of ABBA. Created by Studio Astolfi, the interactive theatrical event encouraged guests to engage with the furniture and one another with scenes that were joyful, reflective, and emotional.The total of fourteen new furniture designs were presented through a performance by two actors, Fernando Nobre and Vania Rovisco, with a specially written storyboard created to celebrate the pieces and bring them to life.

A new collaboration between De La Espada and Brooklyn-based industrial designer Jason Miller launched at the event with the introduction of five new products. Further product launches included new designs by Neri&Hu, Matthew Hilton, and Luca Nichetto.

Din Chair by OEO Studio for Fredericia // “The Din Chair is gracious, welcoming and designed for relaxed dining and generous hospitality,” explains Thomas Lykke, creative director of OEO Studio. The most prominent design feature of the chair is the contrast between the thin and lightweight wooden frame and the luxurious upholstery. Beautiful.

Rose Chair by Chris Martin of Massproductions // New technologies in industrial production enabled the development of this elegant lounge chair that proved challenging both in form and material. Chris Martin decided this next chair would be named after his daughter Rose, as other products in the Massproductions collection have been named after children of the co-founders.

“At first I thought it would be difficult to design a product with the name Rose, because the name would be strongly associated with the shape of a rose. In the end, this product seems like a perfect embodiment of a flower, given its petal-like features, but that was not thought of in the beginning! The name was, and is still, just a tribute to my daughter Rose.”

Airisto Series by Joanna Laajisto for Made by Choice // Helsinki-based Joanna Laajisto drew upon traditional Scandinavian holiday cabins when designing this collection of timber furniture for Finnish brand Made by Choice. Laajisto originally designed the namesake collection for a bed and breakfast in Turku, Finland, which is set to open in summer this year, with interiors designed also by the designer’s eponymous studio.

From left to right: Myko chair by Stefan Borselius, Gito Sideboard, Spisolini armchair by Andreas Engesvik, Enclose armchair, Hawu side table & Poppy Low pouf by Nina Jobs.

Spisolini chair by Andreas Engesvik.

Mame armchair by Luca Nichetto.

Myko chair by Stefan Borselius.

Grande table & Persimon lamp by Note Design Studio.

New Furniture Collection by Fogia // Swedish brand Fogia launched a series of fourteen new products featuring rich colours and soft curves that channelled contemporary 1970s vibes. Designed by Luca Nichetto, Note Design Studio and Andreas Engesvik, amongst others, this collection cements Fogia as one of the leading contemporary Scandinavian design brands.

Northern Debuts New Collection // Northern Lighting announced the launch of Northern lifestyle brand, with the first collection making a debut at the Stockholm Furniture Fair 2018. Natural materials, classic sensibilities and an edgy approach to contemporary design are the hallmarks of the new brand.

The debut collection includes pieces like the exclusive desk by Yonoh crafted from smoked oak and perforated steel, upbeat modular shelving and storage system from Rudi Wulff, sleeper sofa by Morten & Jonas, and a personal favourite – a gleaming bar cabinet by Swedish design studio Färg & Blanch.

Flying Shelves by Mario Tsai for Ferm Living // Danish brand Ferm Living has collaborated with Chinese furniture designer Mario Tsai on a series of “flying” shelves, which appear to be mounted without the use of any fixtures. The brand met the young designer at the Greenhouse section of emerging talent during last year’s Stockholm Furniture Fair.

Loft Bar Stool by Thomas Bentzen.

Outline Series sofa by Anderssen & Voll & Airy coffee table by Cecillie Manz.

New Collection from Muuto // Danish brand Muuto presented a series of new products, including the Loft Bar Stool – an extension of their existing chair collection; The Outline Sofa family by Anderssen & Voll and Airy Coffee Table by Cecillie Manz.

LIGHTING.

Apollo by Phloc Lighting // Designed by Swedish architects Mats Broberg & John Ridderstråle, ‘Apollo’ lights are available in a range of beautiful colours and finishes. Their shapw was inspired by a plumb bob, a tool with a pointed weight on its end that architects use to ensure a vertical hang.

Alphabeta Floor Lamp by Luca Nichetto for Hem // Italian designer Luca Nichetto has created a floor-lamp of Alphabeta for Scandinavian design brand Hem. The lamps comprise colourful shades that stack in customisable combinations which can be selected by the customer online in any combination of shapes and colours. “Alphabeta is the world’s first digitally customisable pendant lamp with more than 10 billion possible combinations, all in-stock, and shipped free to Hem customers,” said a statement from the brand.

New Lighting by KIMU Design // The traditional form and function of an oriental paper lantern meets with western design aesthetics and transforms them into beautiful new shapes that are Nigiri Floor Lamps and Onigiri Pendant Lights by KIMY Design.

Arc Collection by Manér Studio for Le Klint // Designed by Nanna Neergaard and Marie Hesseldahl from Manér Studio, Arc Collection celebrates Le Klint’s traditional pleating techniques, inspired by the imposing architecture of The Grundtvig Church in Copenhagen.

Blossi.

Blossi.

Blossi.

Blossi.

Miira.

Miira.

Miira.

Miira.

Miira.

Lighting Collection by New Danish Lighting Brand Nuura // Inspired by the Nordic light and the riches found in the Nordic nature, the new Danish lighting brand, Nuura, launched its four collections at Stockholm Furniture Fair 2018. Danish design combined with elegant lighting ensure the lamps appear as beautiful objects even when turned off. The collection of pendant, wall, floor and table lights – dubbed Anoli, Blossi, Liila and Miira – is crated with residential, hospitality and commercial spaces in mind.

Animation, styling & music by Nina Kauppi.

Limbus GreenFrame Designed by Johan Kauppi for Glimakra of Sweden // GreenFrame is a floor screen designed to embraces and enlighten our favourite potted plants, with integrated lighting by Glimakra of Sweden. Designed by Johan Kauppi, GreenFrame allows plants to play a prominent role in an interior – even where daylight may not be enough. This new product was deliberately and ambitiously created with the purpose of contributing to better indoor climates, nicer workplaces and happier plants.

GREENHOUSE & OTHER EMERGING DESIGNERS.

‘All Wood’ Sculptural Lights by Mari Isopahkala // As part of ‘We Love Woods Exhibition’, Finnish designer Mari Isopahkala presented sculptural, De stijl-style sculptural lighting. Structurally and technically, ALL WOOD lamps are 100% hand-made in Finland by a master cabinet maker. Extreme love!

Barocche Mirror Series by Nikolai Kotlarczyk.

Graphic Grain Console by Nikolai Kotlarczyk.

Scena Mirror Series: Rotonda Table Mirror by Nikolai Kotlarczyk.

Wompoo Dining Chair by Nikolai Kotlarczyk.

Ember by Troels Flensted.

Poured Collection by Troels Flensted.

Solid Geometry Mirror by Troels Flensted.

Nikolai Kotlarczyk and Troels Flensted at Greenhouse // The studios of Copenhagen based designers, Nikolai Kotlarczyk and Troels Flensted, shared the Greenhouse stage to present a mix of objects; from limited edition, production pieces and prototypes. Presenting their own personal works and projects, the two designers’ objects celebrate production processes, texture, pattern, colour, transparency and reflection. The duo’s work presents a diversirty found within Scandinavian contemporary design today, whilst retaining a refined approach to form and finishing.

Fluid Add-Ons by Jenny Nordberg // FLUID ADD-ONS was Jenny Nordberg’s first solo exhibition in Stockholm. Together with stockholmmodern, Nordberg unveiled a new series of large mirrors and a new experiment with pewter mirrors. Young Danish designer’s practice is deeply rooted in an exploratory relation to manufacturing processes with a specific interest for two parameters – the uncontrollable and the ultra standardised. These aspects might be seen as two opposites, but for Nordberg, they are closely linked in the way that something or someone other than her is making decisions.

Ro dining chair.

Fo floor lamp.

Collection O by Hi Thanks Bye Studio // Collection O is a sculptural interpretation of the Canadian landscape fused with Chinese aesthetic by Studio Hi Thanks Bye founders, Stein Wang and Topher Kong, both immigrants from China. Seeing the panoramic vista of Canada in places like Algonquin Park, the Bruce Peninsula and Fogo Island, the designers were inspired to create a line of furniture that would mirror the vast and natural beauty of the Clandian landscape.

Fortuna chair by Hanna Stenström and Jennie Adén for Materia.

Shelf by Madeleine Nelson and Frida Pettersson for Källemo.

Sculptural room divider by Lisa Lindh and Klara Hedengren for Massproductions.

Hear Us Out by Beckmans College of Design // Students from Beckmans College of Design in Stockholm teamed up with six Swedish brands, creating furniture prototypes in response to briefs by Blå Station, Gärsnäs, Johanson Design, Källemo, Massproductions and Materia. Named ‘Hear Us Out’, the project saw 12 students from the university’s product design course spend a whole term working alongside the brands. Genius.

Chair Nirvana by Aalto University Students // Interior architecture students from Aalto University in Helsinki designed a range chairs aiding to capture a meditative state of mind. Each one of the 12 Nirvana chairs was made from steel and aluminium sheeting… Because nothing says Nirvana like meditating on cold hard metal. Ummm, ok.

“The idea behind using a limited number of materials and restricted dimensions, is to encourage students to concentrate on the essential and on what really matters in design, that is, their personal artistic expression,” explains Aalto University tutor Martin Relander.

Armchair & Traytable by Alexander Kanygin // Based in Saint-Petrsburg, Russia, product designer and architect Alexander Kanygin presented a series of fantastic pieces at Greenhouse, including this plywood Aalto-esque Armchair & painted plywood Traytable shown here.

PHEW! Have I lost you already? I don’t blame you, cause this roundup is epic. Ok, I’m officially outta here!

[Images courtesy of Designers & Press Office.]