Minimalism reigns at the annual furniture and lighting fair in the Swedish capital
In the face of a maximalist movement, the furniture and lighting fair maintains its status as the place for Scandi and Nordic minimalism. Here’s our pick of the launches from some of the biggest names.
Artek
The Bouroullec brothers have been busy ahead of the fair, collaborating with several of the biggest brands in the region on new products and exhibitions. For Finnish furniture brand Artek, the brothers have created a new chair and wall hook. Both are based around simple lines, designed as ‘line drawings come to life’, but the Rope Chair is particularly striking: A rope made for marine use is threaded through solid metal tubing to form the back and armrests of a simple chair. The flex of the rope adjusts to the user and is available as a solid black or rope-and-white colourway.
Iittala
The Ruutu vase and Iittala fleurs. Image via Studio Bouroullec
Elsewhere at the fair, the Bouroullec brothers have used their vase design for Finnish brand Iittala to create an exhibition exploring imperfections in craftsmanship at the Wetterling Gallery. The pair have created a series of ‘flowers’ out of glass and hammered iron to sit in the Ruutu vase they designed for the brand in 2014. A new ceramic version of the vase, hand-finished with an enamel glaze, will also be on show, alongside new, large glass Ruutu vases in a range of colours.
Pedrali
The Italian brand brought their ‘Palace of Wonders’ to Stockholm, showcasing a range of scenes, from restaurant to office. Their shiny new Soul Outdoor – originally designed by Eugeni Quitllet in bentwood in 2018 – resonated especially well with the show’s sleek Scandi vibe. With an aluminium frame and a teak seat, the updated design offers a high-end take on traditional outdoor seating.
Wästberg
The Swedish lighting brand launches two new products at the fair – a simple ‘homage to the light bulb’, designed in collaboration with David Chipperfield and a library light-style lamp by Ilse Crawford. Chipperfield’s Halo is a family of three conical shades, with the shade and bulb made of opal glass, while Crawford’s Ilumina design is a semi-squat light with a curved shade with slotted holes that gives off ambient light. The design has a retro feel, particularly in the glossy copper tone – a finish that is designed to tarnish over time, giving the design a unique longer life.
Massproductions
The Roadie chair by Massproductions is inspired by crowd control barriers and lighting rigging – the sort of objects used by roadies setting up venues across the world. Chris Martin – the British half of the cofounding duo (the other being Swede Magnus Elebäck) – designed the lightweight curved seating, created for outdoor use and the inward curve of the bench helps to create a communal, conversational space. The bench is made with recycled aluminium and comes in a brushed finish or painted in yellow or dark green and can be combined with a removable cushion.
