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A look at Stockholm Furniture and Light fair 2018 – part 1

Stockholm Furniture and Light fair 2018,

Visiting Stockholm furniture and light fair 2018 is significant for my work and inspirational too. Trade shows can be quite overwhelming with hundreds of exhibitions and thousands of products.  I went this year with the focus of getting a feel of the interior design styles used and mostly looking for ‘the message’. What message is the design world trying to convey? I will of course be listing new products to look out for in my part 2 post but I feel that there’s another angle and something to explore further.

A disclaimer, the photographs are my own and I apologies for the substandard photography. If someone could design exhibition lighting that doesn’t mess with photography then you’d be well loved. It’s such a shame that exhibition lighting is so bad. I digress. Back to the show.

A few key factors I noticed at this year’s show. There’s a huge appreciation and resurgence of classic design. Anniversaries of original designs. Brands releasing new products that were originally designed by the (often deceased) designer. Including classic designs in new material finishes. The respect for these pioneering designers from the 1930’s – 60’s is humbling and inspiring. The likes of Fredericia, By Lassen, Fritz Hansen, Swedese and DUX are championing classic Scandinavian design.

Warm tones. Colour was a feature in some designs, as you can imagine my eye went straight to the calmer tones. Though I have to admit when colour was being used it wasn’t too loud, it was muted and earthy. When looking at minimalist designs, the tones were warm, earthy browns, oak, walnut, rust and beige.

There were also displays of brand identity. Styled exhibition stands depicting the story of the brand. Also historical references, focussing on materials, craftsmanship and linking back to their flagship stores. Two stands that did this very well were Tisca rugs, styled by Lotta Agaton. With her clever use of styling she highlighted the materials used in an artistic way (feature image). The other one that I thought was very clever was the Skagerak stand. A minimalist style set with individual rooms that flow from one to the other. Designed in house by Ditte Buus Nielsen. She captures essence of Skagerak’s flagship store with a sense of space. A homely feel with minimalist style, green corrugated roofing and planted raised beds. I loved them both and were great examples of stylists and designers using their talents to promote a brand while keeping the integrity of the company.

Art led design. From lighting, plinths, furniture to oversized abstract paintings. Inspired by or even collaborating with artists, there are lots of companies out there creating this aesthetic. Authenticity, individuality and ownership are becoming increasingly relevant. In particular Frama have been producing some incredible art led designs with products such as the Rivet table and Eiffel lamps.

Below are a selection of images from the show. More to come in part two.

Stockholm Furniture and Light fair 2018, String and menu furniture

String Furniture with the Offset sofa by Menu, floor lamp by Astep  Stockholm Furniture and Light fair 2018, by lassen

byLassen – Welding chair Stockholm Furniture and Light fair 2018, Fredericia Trinidad chair

Fredericia – Trinidad char designed by Nana Ditzel , new finishesStockholm Furniture and Light fair 2018, Ferm living

Ferm Living – Their new collection is a clever use of colour and tones. Stockholm Furniture and Light fair 2018, Frama lighting

Frama – lighting, architectural and artistic  Stockholm Furniture and Light fair 2018, Tisca rugs styled by Lotta Agaton

Tisca Rugs – styled by Lotta Agaton Stockholm Furniture and Light fair 2018, Fritz Hansen

Fritz Hansen – 60th Anniversary editions of the Drop chair and Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen Stockholm Furniture and Light fair 2018, Skagerak

Skagerak -Edge potStockholm Furniture and Light fair 2018, Skagerak

A look into the Skagerak stand designed by Ditte Buus Stockholm Furniture and Light fair 2018, Swedese

The Lamino chair by Swedese, designed by Yngve Ekström in 1956

More thoughts about Stockholm Furniture and light fair 2018 to come.

H x

4 Comments

  • Reply Abi | These Four Walls blog February 21, 2018 at 3:43 pm

    Such a lovely round-up of a very inspiring fair! And beautiful photography too

  • Reply Discovering new designs with warm minimalism - Hannah In The House March 28, 2018 at 12:52 pm

    […] A look at Stockholm Furniture and Light fair 2018 – part 1 […]

  • Reply Vikki | Style&Minimalism March 29, 2018 at 6:36 pm

    Hi Hannah

    Thanks for sharing your favourite products and inspiration from the show. I was sad not to be able to go myself so this makes up for it a little, especially as I know you’ll have selected the nicest bits!

    Vikki xx
    http://www.styleandminimalism.com

  • Reply Ahaan May 31, 2018 at 12:38 pm

    Such a lovely design with wow factor on every product.

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