The unique and eclectic Scandi style

“Twenty years ago, we could be found in the exact same spot, right here in hall 6”, exclaims Paul Christian Knudsen with a smile. The Sales Director of Broste Copenhagen warmly greets clients and industry peers alike, clearly delighted to be back experiencing the trade fair’s buzz once more. First founded back in 1955, the brand announced a shift in direction two years ago. The cosy way in which the products are staged showcases that change to perfection, from the plates in the Nordic Vanilla collection to the Lagoon settee with its subtle and soothing hues. The Danish firm that previously specialised in candles and made its name as a tableware brand is now staking its claim as a fully fledged interior design house, just like Ferm living, Hay or Muuto, who also exhibited at the trade fair. One of the things that makes Broste Copenhagen particularly unique is its highly identifiable colourway. But that’s not all. “We’ve moved from a very rustic style to much sharper lines, whilst nonetheless retaining our focus on comfort. “Hygge” is really important to us”, comments Knudsen. A vast range of furnishings and decorative pieces designed to accompany us throughout the day asserts a new take on this Danish “philosophy of life” that places well-being centre stage.  

Kristina Dam, who was appointed as the brand’s Artistic Director two years ago, also presented her own creations on a neighbouring stand. Her work is a celebration of quality materials and clean design, two traits so often associated with leading Scandinavian design houses. But what sets her creations apart from the rest can be captured in two tiny words: “sculptural minimalism”. This approach is dazzlingly demonstrated through the designer’s Collector range, which features a three-legged chair underpinned by a complex manufacturing process, a highly architectural table with an X-shaped leg, and a host of elegant details such as the oak creations assembled using walnut joints.  

A broader and somewhat ungeographic definition places Finland amongst the countries said to typify Scandi style, associating it with a more artisanal approach and organic silhouettes. BlockO ticks all those boxes whilst nonetheless dancing to its own tune. Vetrom, the young firm behind the product, describes it as “a perfect circle in a world of squares”. The world to which they are referring? The world of work. This O-shaped co-working booth is almost exclusively fashioned from local materials, explains the firm’s CEO, Roope Urpolahti. It is not simply its shape that makes it a game changer, but also the fact that it addresses a number of very current needs: the work surfaces are antimicrobial and future models will be fitted with an integrated air purifier. Just like Evavaara and Silmux, who also had stands in the WORK! sector, Vetrom serves up a highly original take on both Scandinavian design and office furnishings. 

Born in Sweden, meanwhile, markets products that are designed and, for the most, manufactured in Sweden. Its founder is Scandinavian three times over. Born in Denmark to a Norwegian mother and Swedish by adoption, Kim Vejsholt launched the brand back in 2008 with the idea of selling eco-friendly products. Made from recycled and/or recyclable materials, his everyday items are true ambassadors for the “Scandinavian way of life”. “Sold all around the world, the “bird feeder”, which attaches to a window, attracts birds and brings you closer to nature, even in an urban setting. That’s what Scandi style’s all about, too.” A style reputed for its reliability and exacting standards, to which the brand adds a sprinkling of fantasy, with its wooden tree-shaped pepper grinders now bringing miniature Scandinavian forests to kitchens the world over.

By Marie Montuir