Ive already shared two of my favourite exhibitions from Stockholm Design Week The Sculptors Residence and The Archive so today I have a round-up of interesting product launches from the Stockholm Furniture Fair, which takes place at the same time.
The largest trade show in the Nordic design world, it bringstogether more than 700 brands mostly from Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland, but a few from further afield, too. Its also where many companies choose to unveil their latest pieces, and Ive picked out some of my favourites below. So, make yourself a cuppa, sit back and feast your eyes on these beautiful new designs
Relaunched pieces from Fredericias archives
First up is Danish brand Fredericia, which has long been a favourite of mine. Its focus has always been timeless, long-lasting design and for 2020 it has chosen to relaunch several classic pieces from its archives. One isthe Ditzel lounge chair, created in 1949 by Nanna Ditzel (later responsible for Fredericias iconic Trinidad chair) and her husband Jrgen. It marked a departure from the upright, rigid chairs that were conventional at the time, and its curved shape was intended to give people the freedom to sit in new, more relaxed ways. The updated version is made from PUR foam with a steel frame, wooden legs and a choice of upholstery, and will be available from September.
The other pieces, which are due to go on sale this spring, were all the work ofFredericias first design director, Brge Mogensen. The BM61 and BM62 chairs (the latter with arms, the former without) are simple yet striking, with a solid wooden frame and a choice of cane wicker or linen webbing for the seat and back. The Canvas chair, meanwhile, has a clean-lined oak frame and chunky armrests that echo Mogensens famous Spanish chair, but with canvas rather than leather for the seat and back. It was designed just before his death in 1972 and has never been put into full production before now, but it makes an excellent addition to Fredericias range.
Versatilefurniture and lighting from Carl Hansen & Son
Brge Mogensen was also the man behind two pieces being relaunched by Carl Hansen & Son: the BM0865 daybed (available from May) and the BM0488 table bench (available from September). Both were originally showcased at theCopenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild furniture exhibition in 1958 and formed part of Mogensens building furniture concept, through which he aimed to create enduring designs that could be added to and adapted over time in response to changing needs. The daybed is made up of modular oak seats, soft cushions and cylindrical head and armrests that can be used in all sorts of different combinations, and it suits a wide variety of spaces. The bench is crafted from solid oak with a woven top and is similarly versatile, working well as a seat, a side table, a coffee table or a surface for books and other items.
Also on show on Carl Hansens stand and in some of the below press photos was the new MO series of floor, table, wall and ceiling lamps. The companys first collaboration with Danish designer Mads Odgrd, it consists of simple lacquered-steel shapes that symbolise lights comforting effect on people and is designed to last for decades without dating. It will be on sale from October, with prices starting at 263 / 300 per lamp.
Scandinavian classics and contemporary tables from Warm Nordic
There was yet another relaunch from Warm Nordic a young Danish brand unveiled at the fair in 2018. It was founded with the aim of showcasing long-lost mid-century pieces alongside contemporary designs, and its latest addition is Dwell a family of compact sofas and armchairs first created by architect Hans Olsen in the 1950s. The curved shape and tapered wooden legs form an elegant yet striking silhouette and theres a wide range of upholstery options to choose from, including leather and tactile boucl. Its set to go on sale this spring, with prices ranging from 1,800 to 5,250.
Warm Nordic also used the fair to showcase its new Affinity dining table. The work of architect / design duo Halskov & Dalsgaard, it combines a bevelled linoleum top with slimline metal legs and beautiful cane detailing. It comes in round and elliptical versions, with a choice of three muted colourways, and it too will be available in the spring. Prices start at 2,030.
New additions at Artek
New on Arteks stand were two pieces designed by French duo Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec: the Rope chair and the Tupla wall hook. Both combine simple-looking silhouettes with sophisticated construction and stay true to the Finnish brands ethos of blending art and technology (hence the name Artek). The chair is described as a line drawing translated into space and consists of a steel-tube frame threaded with rope that forms the back and armrests. Its surprisingly comfortable as it bends to the sitters shape, and it comes in black with a black polyester rope or light grey with a natural flax rope. The wall hook, meanwhile, is made from die-cast zinc and intended to add beauty to an everyday object, with elegant loops that are as lyrical as they are functional.
Sculptural minimalism from Kristina Dam
I always look forward to seeing the latest pieces from Copenhagen-based designer Kristina Dam, who describes her aesthetic as sculptural minimalism, and her spring-summer 2020 collection certainly didnt disappoint. Among the new additions on her stand were the understated Capsule glasses and carafe, the angular Pedestal table and a bench to match the existing Curved side table. I also spotted brown- and black-leather editions of the popular Curved pouf, a new full-sized version of the Rotating mirror, and a beautiful porcelain sculpture called Brick, which takes its cue from Ancient Greek architecture and features a single unbroken line.My favourites, though, were the powder-coated steel Bauhaus lounge chair a tribute to the famous Bauhaus art school, available in black or white and suitable for indoor and outdoor use and the painted-glass Dual vases, which come in soft, earthy colours and can be stood on either end, giving you two different designs in one.
Many of the new launches are available now; others are coming soon but you can sign up for alerts via the website.
New colours and options from String Furniture
Swedish stalwart String Furniture used the fair to display several new additions, including a rich brown version of its iconic modular shelving system and the full roll-out of its beige colourway, first launched for some elements last year.There was also a new utilitarian version of its compact Pocket shelf unit featuring perforated metal and a lipped edge.It was created by Swedish duo Anna von Schewen and Bjrn Dahlstrm, who sought to reinterpret the design while retaining the essence of the original, and isideal for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and garages. The holes can be used for hanging hooks, rails and other accessories, and it comes in three colour choices white, taupe and neon orange that were developed in collaboration with stylist Lotta Agaton.
Sustainable wooden furniture from Nikari
Finnish brand Nikari had largely escaped my radar before now, but I was very taken with the way it combines modern design with traditional craftsmanship. I was also impressed by its commitment to sustainability, which extends as far as powering its head office, studio and workshop with renewable energy from the hydro-power plant located next door. Its pared-back wooden pieces encompass creations from the likes of Alvar Aalto, Jasper Morrison and Claesson Koivisto Rune, and are made from responsibly sourced wood finished with natural lacquers. New for 2020 is the understated Storia stool, designed byNikari founder Kari Virtanen, and Jenni Roininenats Basic table, which comes with round or rectangular ends. Both are understated and timeless, and I can see them fitting seamlessly into all sorts of different settings.
All-new accessories from &tradition
As well as displaying its recently launched pieces by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mlgaard Nielsen, &traditionunveiled Collect, a line of elegant and understated home accessories created by Space Copenhagen. Designed to complement the Danish brands range of classic and contemporary furniture and lighting, it includes cushions, throws and bedspreads in earthy hues such as beige, burgundy and terracotta. All are made from soft and cosy natural materials, with linen and merino wool alongside organic cotton. Theres also a series of hand-crafted concrete planters, which can be used indoors and out and come in three different sizes. The full collection should be available very soon, although prices have yet to be confirmed.
The Roadie bench from Massproductions
Last but not least is Sweden-based Massproductions, whose new Roadie outdoor bench was named Best Product in the fair awards. The creation of the brands British co-founder Chris Martin, it was inspired by thesteel crowd control barriers found at rock concerts and is made from strong yet lightweight aluminium. The high back is designed for comfort, and the curved shape means sections can be placed together in a circle to encourage conversation; its also stackable for easy storage. It comes in brushed silver, pale yellow and dark green finishes, and matching seat cushions are available. Prices start at 2,060.
All images courtesy of the brands mentioned above
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