In a world saturated with constant online noise and global chaos, design enthusiasts find solace in the quiet yet vibrant spaces of in-person trade shows, like the Stockholm Design Week (SDW). This event, backed by the Stockholm Furniture Fair (SFF), drew tens of thousands from February 3-9, 2025, offering a meditative escape brimming with cultural events and innovative design. Although there were no standout trends, the event underscored introspection and thoughtful rumination as key influences in contemporary design, revealing a deeper connection to human progress.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
EventOrganizer: Stockholm Furniture Fair
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Designer1: Note Design Studio
Designer2: Faye Toogood
Exhibition: Stockholm Design Week
The SDW showcased a unique blend of design retrospectives and forward-thinking innovations. Classic yet contemporary, the Pocket Stockholm Shelf by String revisited its iconic past, celebrating its 20th anniversary with new vibrant hues reminiscent of Stockholm’s cultural landmarks. Similarly, the partnership between Note Design Studio and Danish brand Blēo presented “Statements,” a ten-color palette collection, showcasing color as an emotional narrative extension for interiors seeking intimacy and expressiveness.
Notably, Faye Toogood’s exhibition, “MANUFRACTURE,” invited attendees to reflect on the designer’s craft and the inherent humanity of manufacturing processes. Her work emphasized the vital role of designers in an era increasingly defined by artificial intelligence, urging makers to focus on their unique contributions to creative practices. This narrative of retrospection and innovation was echoed by Swedish outdoor furniture company Fiam, which introduced the Mya Outdoor Armchair. It featured three vibrant colors inspired by the iconic design of the Spaghetti Chair, signaling a seamless blend of cross-cultural design influences.
Emerging talents were not to be overshadowed. At the SFF’s Greenhouse, up-and-coming designers presented playful yet functional pieces, striking a balance between innovation and familiarity. The Pico Chair by Andreas Engesvik for Fogia was one such highlight, juxtaposing a lightweight frame with plush upholstery for a piece both classically comfortable and visually compelling. Similarly, the Geodetic Table by Lehn Studio brought Art Nouveau influences into the modern age, blending sinewy wooden structures with minimalistic tabletops that doubled as trays.
Reflecting the same commitment to bold yet restrained design, the Stretch Chair by Forms Design married traditional woodworking techniques with recycled materials, creating an emotionally charged piece. This was evident in its dynamic frame and suspended seat, exemplifying both visual and tactile craftsmanship. Meanwhile, Johanson Design showcased Deco-inspired installations, adding collaborations with numerous designers and launching the future-retro Tekla Brick Red color, a fresh, bold statement for their collection.
In a lighter, but equally intriguing vein, the Book Monster by JLF Design Studio captured the whimsical spirit of Stockholm Design Week. With its playful form and vibrant tangerine hue, this somewhat monstrous yet endearing piece challenged typical home furnishing conventions. It epitomized the reading ritual with its uniquely designed bookshelves, prepared to adapt to any literary journey. These diverse showcases at SDW highlighted the interplay between nostalgic design legacies and groundbreaking innovations, bridging the past with present aspirations.
