Best In Show: Stockholm Furniture Fair 2017.

Stockholm Design Week and Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair form the world’s largest meeting place for Scandinavian design. This event has developed into a melting pot where everyone who’s connected to, or is interested in Scandinavian design meets. So why the hell weren’t we there in person, you ask? Please don’t get me started. Alas, let’s not despair. Social media, press releases and our daily detective work ensure nobody misses out. Today we bring you our roundup of event highlights and best new gear unveiled at Stockholm Furniture Fair 2017.

Ummmm… Might want to prepare yourself for a scroll-a-thon!

Related Posts:
Best in Show: Stockholm Furniture Fair 2016.
Our recent coverage of Imm Cologne 2017 and Maison & Objet 2017.
More articles relating to our coverage of Stockholm Design Week.

INSTALLATIONS.

Photography by Mathias Nero.

Sulla Bocca di Tutti (On Everybody’s Lips) by Note Design Studio // The coveted task of creating the central Design Bar at this year’s fair was awarded to Note Design Studio. Adopting the concept of ‘Sulla bocca di tutti’ (meaning “on everybody’s lips”), the studio’s goal was to create a warm, inspirational and generous experience. “The Design Bar is a full-scale restaurant that only exists for one week. This opens a door to many creative possibilities and we really want to take advantage of this opportunity and create something exciting. Over the years we have spent many wonderful hours in the Design Bar, and now we want to capture this feeling in our design. It is our ambition to create a space that feels warm, visual and inviting for everyone,” shares Note Design Studio’s Johannes Karlström.

Images courtesy of Hayon Studio.

Jaime Hayón’s Pavilion Installation // Jaime Hayón was this year’s Guest of Honour, which saw the prolific Spanish designer create a pop-up design pavilion at the Stockholm Furniture Fair. The pavilion hosted Hayón DNA gallery – a mini retrospective of Hayón’s work, grouped into themes that have been his ongoing influence, such as ‘sculpting form’, ‘fantasy’, ‘flora fauna’, ‘folk culture’ and ‘craft heritage’.

Photography by Kristofer Johnsson.

‘Designed To Last’ by Residence & ArkDes with Kråkvik&D’Orazio // Curated by Karin Åberg Waern, Hanna Nova Beatrice and hosted at ArkDes (Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design), ‘Designed to Last’ exhibition launched during Stockholm Design Week 2017. Reflecting on some of the most important issues currently facing the design industry – sustainability and designing for the long term – the exhibition features a number of designers and architects and ways in which they see their role in a rapidly evolving, throwaway society. The exhibition was designed by Norway’s leading stylist duo Kråkvik&D’Orazio. Stay tuned for more very soon.

See more about this exhibition on Yellowtrace here.

GREENHOUSE & OTHER EMERGING DESIGNERS.

Vancouver studio Knauf and Brown took home the Rising Star award.

Belcarra Floor Light by Knauf & Brown.

Elli Mirror by Knauf & Brown.

Knauf and Brown at Greenhouse // Vancouver studio Knauf and Brown were this year’s Winners of the Editors Choice Awards, having been recognised as the fair’s Rising Star. It’s absolutely not difficult to see why, as the duo’s collection is incredibly elegant and nothing short of brilliant.

Bento by YUUE Design at Greenhouse // Bento is an interactive portable lamp designed by YUUE Design. “To turn on the lamp is as intuitive as pulling the band on the top. The light gently goes on automatically. Reversing the action will turn off the lamp. The structure is made possible thanks to the extendable pole and a flexible silicone lampshade. The cylinder chamber even allows for storage for small objects.”

SOMA by Studio Marfa.

BRETON by Studio Marfa.

LUNAR Table by Studio Marfa.

Studio Marfa at Greenouse // Hamburg-based Studio Marfa presented several new pieces, such as the SOMA Chair, BRETON shelf and LUNAR table. TheSOMA Chair interprets the draft of a lounge chair in an easy way. Limited through the stainless steel frame and shaped with vertical elements of a cantilever chair, SOMA generates a flexible and body adapting space. Inspired by the insignificant structure of wood paneling in concrete buildings, BRETON captures the beauty of this natural influence. In contrast to the heavy concrete surface the thin brass mountings support a light, almost levitating look. The LUNAR Table tells the story of new beginnings in a far away world – the childlike fantasies about infinite space and the incredible expectations in what may be hidden there.

Babu by TORU.

Babu by TORU.

Clop Chair by TORU.

Pony Stool by TORU.

TORU at Greenouse // TORU is a young Barcelona-based craft and design company that produce beautiful, simply designed furniture featuring exquisite materials. All the products are handmade by local artisans, and are either unique or produced in small series. The first three pieces of the Toru collection have been designed as a dialogue between the material and the symbol, between what is and what it represents – a mixture of ideas and sensations turned into objects by Jordi Ribaudí.

Dowel Stool by Mr Frag.

Cloud Table by Mr Frag.

Mr.Fräg at Greenhouse // Australian designer Frag Woodall, aka Mr.Fräg, presented his Dowel Stool, Cloud Table and Matisse Low Chair (not shown). Although we’ve featured both the table and the stool in the past, I think it’s worth while giving these pieces another round of applause.

Dowel is a family of stools that celebrate a rich combination of materials with polished solid brass or black seat and simple turned timber legs. Cloud series is a collection of three small occasional tables with tops manufactured in white Carrera marble with a honed silk surface, and legs turned out of American White Oak with a traditional Danish soap finish. Gorgeous.

Rose Coffee Table, Barocche Mirror & Halo Vase by Nikolai Kotlarczyk.

Barocche Mirror by Nikolai Kotlarczyk, photographed inside the Grundtvig’s Church in Copenhagen.

Nikolai Kotlarczyk at Greenhouse // Our much loved Copenhagen-based Australian contributor, Nikolai Kotlarczyk (hooray!), presented his debut collection that references the aesthetic, ritualistic and emotive aspects of the catholic church in central Europe.

The series highlights the apparent contradictions of the church, a conflict of modesty and opulence, masculinity and feminism, modernity and tradition. These contradictions are highlighted through objects that mix robust materials with hazy transparencies, honest reflections with abstract figures, and feminine colourways with tribal motifs. The ritualistic act of the offering, the use of architectural mandalas and the idea of self reflection are all explored within the series. Go Nikolai!

R255 by Zsuzsanna Horvath & Ariane Relander. Photo by Ville Vappula.

Sentinelle by Zsuzsanna Horvath & Ariane Relander. Photo by Ville Vappula.

Sila by Zsuzsanna Horvath & Ariane Relander. Photo by Ville Vappula.

Zsuzsanna Horvath & Ariane Relander at Greenouse // Hungary-born, Helsinki-based architect and designer Zsuzsanna Horvath joined forces with French-Finish designer Ariane Relander for an exhibition at Greenhouse 2017. The duos joint project, R255 easy chair, carries a strong graphic and minimal aesthetic which has taken it’s shape in the research of a sharp geometric profile and a hypnotic identity. The chair, made of 9mm moulded plywood, features a sculptural red seat, with thin black lines frame that creates an appearance of an elegant drawing.

Selection of pieces at Örnsbergsauktionen 2017 by emerging designers. Photography by Viktor Sjödin.

Candlesticks by Malwina Kleparska. Photography by Viktor Sjödin.

Candlesticks by Malwina Kleparska. Photography by Viktor Sjödin.

Branch by Farreol Babin. Photography by Viktor Sjödin.

Glass & Steel Chair by Fredrik Paulsen. Photography by Viktor Sjödin.

Örnsbergsauktionen 2017: An Auction of Work by Emerging Talents // Örnsbergsauktionen organised their 6th annual exhibition, produced by Kristoffer Sundin, Fredrik Paulsen, and Simon Klenell. This artist operated auction house for studio produced design and craft features experimental, small scale or one-off pieces that were auctioned at the end of Stockholm Design Week 2017.

‘Under Bar Himmel’ by Aalto University Students // A group of 12 Furniture Design masters students from Helsinki’s Aalto University presented a range of chairs made with nothing other than galvanised steel rods (in three thicknesses). Wild.

Mountain Mirror by Elkeland.

Ovo-ovO by Elkeland.

Woven Mirrors by Elkeland. Photo by Benita Marcussen & Set design by Pernille Andersen.

Woven Mirrors by Elkeland.

Elkeland at Perspective Studio // Stockholm’s concept store Perspective Studio hosted Elkeland – an independent design studio located in a small cabin in the remote Danish countryside, founded by Ida Elke. From her studio, Ida engages in small scale production of peculiar objects for unconventional homes. Objects on show included Woven Mirrors & Mountain Mirrors and Ovo-ovO.

FURNITURE & LIGHTING.

Ilse Crawford next to her Sturdy Stools designed for Made By Hand. Photo by Felix Odell.

Detail of Sturdy Stool. Photo by Ditte Isager.

Sturdy Stools Series by Ilse Crawford for Made By Hand // Manufactured by Made By Hand to their exacting standards, the Sturdy Stool collection pays respect to Danish craftsmanship and addresses our normal human needs – upgrading them to make a stool that is visceral, solid and special. Designed by Studioilse, the Sturdy Stool is strong and familiar, based on the idea of the ladder, for ease of use. Its signature is a series of chunky rings in brushed steel and an aluminium skirt.

Arrow Collection by Erik Petter Järkil for Austere // During Stockholm Design Week 2017, Austere design store launched at Alma, Stockholm’s super cool new member’s club for creatives. The shop is run jointly by Alma and Austere and offers international design – both unique products designed specifically for Alma, as well as a selection of other brands carefully curated by the team behind Austere. Designed by Erik Petter Järkil and inspired by historic Nordic architecture and symbolism, Arrow Collection debuted during the week, with chair and stool design being personal favourites from the collection.

Lucky Chair by Luka Stepan for Blä Station // With a distinct 1960s vibe, Lucky is made from form-pressed timber veneer, resulting in a familiar shape, which also feels completely new and unique. Personality plus = extreme love!

Furnishing Utopia // Often credited as the first minimalists, the Shakers and their furniture have inspired countless modernist and contemporary designers all over the world. Yet with their presence confined to just a few sites in the United States, people rarely have the opportunity to experience Shaker objects in person and in context. Launched last year, Furnishing Utopia’s mission is to provide designers with direct exposure to original Shaker artifacts and demonstrate how the group’s ideas still prove influential. In Stockholm this year, the american brand showcased new pieces by Ladies & Gentlemen Studio, Norm Architects, Studio Gorm, Anderssen & Voll, Bertjan Pot, Vera & Kyte, amongst others.

Dini Sofa by Andreas Engesvik and Big Sur Coffee Table by Simon Klenell & Kristoffer Sundin for Fogia.

Supper Round Table by Andreas Engesvik for Fogia.

Jord Sofa by Nichetto Studio for Fogia.

Stool by Note Design Studio for Fogia.

Luft by Nichetto Studio for Fogia.

New Products from Fogia // Swedish brand Fogia presented four new design collaborations with designers Luca Nichetto, Nina Jobs, TAF Arkitekter, and Simon Klenell & Kristoffer Sundin. The brand’s new collection for 2017 is characterised by a distinct Scandinavian style, while challenging the international furniture scene with new, exciting design languages and innovative material selections.

Han by Goula Figuera for Faro Barcelona.

Nit by Goula Figuera for Faro Barcelona.

Faro Barcelona // Faro Barcelona traveled for the first time to participate at the Stockholm Furniture & Lighting Fair. Faro showcased a carefully-chosen selection of their latest developments, many of which showcased simple but clever ideas that reinterpret the concept of lighting.

Carl Hansen Reissue CH23 // Carl Hansen & Son relaunched Danish modernist Hans J Wegner’s CH23 dining chair, which was designed at the same time as his famous Wishbone chair. The CH23 completes the set of four chairs Wegner designed as his first collection for the Danish brand.

Modern Line Sofa designed by Greta M. Grossman for Gubi.

TS Desk designed by GamFratesi for Gubi.

New furniture from Gubi // Gubi presented several new designs from the award-winning duo GamFratesi, where the new editions of Beetle and Masculo Collections were in focus (not shown). The TS Collection, also by GamFratesi, expanded to include a desk design, while new versions of the classic Modern Line Sofa and Lounge Chair by Greta M. Grossman were also presented.

Daniel Rybakken Collection for Artek // Norwegian designer Daniel Rybakken has collaborated with furniture company Artek in a new collection of mirrors, storage and seating. True to Finish brand’s celebrated aesthetics, Rybakken’s pieces address the question of what it means to be a contemporary Artek product.

Result Chair and Pyramid Table reissued by HAY // Danish brand HAY and furniture manufacturer Ahrend are reproducing a collection of mid-century chairs and a table originally designed by Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld (son of Gerrit Rietveld) in the late 1950s. Both designs were typically used in Danish schools throughout the 1960s and 70s, and were designed by Kramer and Rietveld while they were both working for Ahrend.

Kasthall’s New Rug Collection // Kasthall’s design studio has put particular emphasis on future development with the company’s design legacy as its point of departure. The theme of the 2017 collection is Arrival of Origin, featuring a beautiful new collection of hand tufted rugs. Kasthall combines LOOP-technology with a new three-dimensional technique for tufting, using the best of traditional craftsmanship.

Réunion Lamp by Nichetto Studio for Mjölk. Photo by Hironori Tsukue.

Réunion Lamp by Nichetto Studio for Mjölk. Photo by Hironori Tsukue.

Zen/Han by Nichetto Studio for Mjölk.

New Lights and Vases by Nichetto Studio for Mjölk // To celebrate three years of fruitful collaborations, Italian designer Luca Nichetto has conceived the Réunion Lamp for Canadian brand Mjölk, by paying tribute to all the projects designed together. Conceived as a true international project, Réunion Lamp assembles a powder coated metal shell made in Canada, and a mouth blown glass body crafted in Murano. Zen/Han glass objects were inspired by the the Bauhaus art school and its use of universal forms. The objects come in two individual geometric shapes finished in a special colour palette personally developed by Luca Nichetto.

Point Tables by Massproductions // When DuPont launched Corian® in 1967, it revolutionised the design world as it differentiated itself from traditional conventions for functionality and material use. ‘Form follows function’ is the mantra of the design company Massproductions. The two now meet in a new project, The Point Tables – a study in Corian and its characteristics. The tables are conceived as floating surfaces in Corian, supported by the thinnest of legs in the same material. The tables are designed for a broad range of applications, and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Bike by Monica Forster for Offecct.

Phoenix by Luca Nichetto for Offecct.

Two New Chairs by OFFECCT // OFFECCT launched a number of products, although two pieces in particular caught my attention – Bike by Monica Förster and Phoenix by Luca Nichetto. The inspiration for Monica Förster’s Bike chair came from the cycling world. The chair is built with a strong steel tube frame and fitted with a leather seat which can be easily replaced if needed.

Luca Nichetto’s Phoenix chair is a prime example of Offecct’s Lifecircle philosophy. Every detail has been designed and produced to ensure that the life cycle of the whole piece is as sustainable as possible. The frame is made from recycled aluminium, the upholstered parts can easily be replaced and there is great flexibility regarding colours and materials. Fittingly, the chair is named after the bird in ancient mythology that continuously rises from its ashes.

Join Collection  by Form Us With Love for La Cividina.

Pinch Sofa & Armchair by Skrivo Design for La Cividina.

Guest by Antonio Rodriguez for La Cividina.

New Collection by La Cividina // La Cividina showed a bunch of products, but their upholstered seating like Guest by Antonio Rodriguez, Pinch by Skrivo Design and Join by Form Us With Love were personal standouts. Perfect for commercial applications, if you ask me.

Iittala Tabletops Exhibition titled ‘Reset Your Table’ // Iittala launched a new colour for Teema Timi Collection by highlights the dinner table through a variety of design interpretations in their exhibition ‘Reset Your Table’ on show at Wetterling Gallery. Blue perfection.

Lottus Office Chair by Enea // Speaking of perfect blue, ENEA introduced a bunch of new products, including the expanded collection of Lottus office chairs, now with a new writing tablet available in different shapes. Although, I was simply taken by the colour on these Lottus chairs, ok? Can you blame a girl? How brilliant do they look? Very.

Officina Floor Candle Holders by R&E Bouroullec for Magis.

Officina Floor Candle Holders by R&E Bouroullec for Magis.

Officina Mirror by R&E Bouroullec for Magis.

Officina Table Candlestick by R&E Bouroullec for Magis.

Officina Collection for Magis // Although not technically new (these were released in Milan last year), the expanded Officina collection by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec continues the duo’s exploration of cast iron. Following on from the tables, chair and stools, the collection has expanded to include a series of accessories such as the coat stand, candelabra, a clothes valet and a mirror.

Hem’s New Showroom in Stockholm.

Hem’s New Showroom in Stockholm.

Hem’s New Showroom in Stockholm.

Hem’s New Showroom in Stockholm.

Hem’s New Showroom in Stockholm.

All Wood Stool designed by Karoline Fesser
 for Hem.

Udon Chair designed by Staffan Holm
 for Hem.

Table Mortar designed by Mark Braun for Hem.

Hem’s New Showroom in Stockholm + New Products // With the opening of a new Stockholm showroom and five exciting launches, Hem doubles down on their mission to develop and produce trailblazing work by a new generation of vanguard designers. The showroom was designed by Hem in collaboration with Swedish architect duo Förstberg Ling. Regarding their new realises, Staffan Holm’s Udon Chair and Karoline Fesser
’s All Wood Stool top the charts as personal favourites.

SP01 Outdoor Collection by Tom Fereday // Australian brand SP01 presented a selection of their new outdoor collection designed by Tom Fereday. Made in Italy by leading manufacturers, the range was designed and tested to withstand the toughest of environment – the Australian outdoors.

See more about this collection on Yellowtrace here.

Loop Giant by Timo Niskanen for Himmee // This oversized loop-shaped sculptural light was inspired by a mini-golf obstacle. Its LED light source is placed on the inner surface of the lamp, concealed under an acrylic diffuser. The light fixture measures 1.8m in diameter, and will be produced on demand.

Block by Johanna Jacobson Backman for Zero.

Convex by Jens Fager for Zero.

Mist by Front for Zero.

Funghi by Thomas Bernstrand for Zero.

New Lighting Collection by Zero // Swedish brand Zero Lighting launched six new products designed by the likes of Front, Jens Fager, Thomas Bernstrand and Johanna Jacobson Backmanall. And let’s just say they are pretty damn fine.

La Lampe GRAS by DCW éditions: Icon of the 20th Century // In 1921, Bernard-Albin Gras designed a series of lamps for use in offices and in industrial environments. The GRAS lamp, as it was subsequently called, was astounding in its simple, robust design, with no screws nor welded joints seen in the basic form. In 1927, the Ravel company purchased the patent and started production of the GRAS lamps. So anything new from GRAS in Stockholm, you ask? No. But they are awesome and I love them and I thought I should remind you of them, ok?

‘Meld’ Stoneware Light by Northern Lighting // Northern Lighting presented Meld, designed by Noidoi Design Studio, with a shade comprised of two expertly pressed parts, cut and glazed to meld together into a single, harmonious whole. Lovely.

Holocene Oil Lamp Collection by Wästberg // Swedish lighting brand Wästberg’s philosophy is bringing back light to human proximity. The company presented a light designed by Norwegian designer Daniel Rybakken dubbed ‘W172 Bokeh’, a powerful pendant and floor lamp composed of two contrasting elements – an industrial and highly specialised aluminium heat sink, cooling the central high power LED, and a more human, softer and recognisable bell, blown in etched glass.

Made from brass, the Holocene collection was created in collaboration with some of the most influential players in contemporary design resulting in two oil lamps – a round-bottomed one by Ilse Crawford and a cylindrical design by architect David Chipperfield. The third product is a candlestick holder by Jasper Morrison – a simple nub made to hold a single candle.

Stone pendant by Tom Dixon.

Plane Drop chandelier by Tom Dixon.

Tom Dixon’s New Collection // British designer Tom Dixon unveiled PLANE drop chandelier – a statement piece designed for high ceilinged environments such as the staircase, the atrium and the lobby. PLANE represents one of the brand’s most versatile pendants: the brass-plated steel frames planes can be rotated to create different configurations and mysterious optical illusions.

New Flooring Collection by Jean Nouvel for Bolon // With its clean material expression and flexible application, the Bolon collection by Jean Nouvel is a flooring concept comprised of six colour signatures. A departure from Bolon’s typically designer-driven flooring, this architectural edition was conceived with spatiality in mind. The result is a flooring with a textural, hand-woven effect created of woven vinyl in combinations of black, grey, red and blue.

This collaboration marks Bolon’s first ever architect-driven flooring concept and directly addresses the concerns of architects in its concept and execution. Colour panes make it possible to have complete control and flexibility within the interior. The flooring amplifies the interior geometry, making it possible to experiment with the layout and the natural circulation within an interior space.

Pilotis by Doshi Levien for Kvadrat // First curtain collection by renowned British/ Indian design duo Doshi Levien for Kvadrat, plays with light, shape and layers. To celebrate the launch, Doshi Levien created Pilotis, a naïve futuristic and architecturally formed installation featuring textured, smooth and perforated textiles. Taking their cue from architectural textures, pointillism and Le Corbusier tapestries, the four new textiles have a gentle futuristic twist.

BAUX Patterns by Form Us With Love // And finally, BAUX launched ‘BAUX Patterns’ a catalogue of ideas designed by Form Us With Love. Catered to specific features, the platform becomes a short-cut to more than five hundred—diverse and filtered—wall patterns, combining the beauty of design with the durability of the BAUX panel properties.

After discovering that architects and designers found ‘an infinitive choice’ a little exhausting, Form Us With Love in collaboration with BAUX, designed a platform of monochrome and colourful patterns ready to be mounted on any wall. By using twenty-five colours, in a series of 3x3m recurring patterns, Form Us With Love has created a vast and accessible catalogue of perfectly panelled timber wool wallpapers.

Ok, guys. I’m done!

[Images courtesy of Designers & Press Office.]