Sweden’s design history is long and quite broad, of course there is the obvious IKEA furniture that has become synonymous with Swedish design but it is but a fraction of what Sweden and Stockholm has to offer the design interested traveler.
The most revered period of Swedish Design has to be the Functionalism Period of the 1930’s and 1940’s, referred to as ‘Funkis’ by Swedes, this is classic minimalist design at its best, in my opinion. Modern Swedish design is still very strong with designers such as Front and Form us With Love being commissioned all over the world by various furniture and lighting companies.
I will share some of my favorite design stores and companies with you, of course this is not an exhaustive list but if you have a passion for design, I am always available to expand on this list when you stay with me.
Asplund
This Swedish furniture brand champions both local talent and international designers such as Jonas Bohlin, CKR, Thomas Sandell, Tom Dixon, Jasper Morrison and Piero Lissoni. They also invest on the next big designer by commissioning up and comers if they like the design.
Address: Sibyllegatan 31
Brandstationen
This is a treasure trove of modern second hand furniture and design, from the now common Eames chairs to massive industrial chandeliers, there is so much to take in.
Address: Hornsgatan 64
Carl Malmsten
Classic Scandinavian functional design. Sturdy, understated and functional pieces from their archive and new designers.
Address: Strandvägen 5B
Design House Stockholm
Contemporary Swedish design, this brand has made appearances overseas but for newer, more exclusive editions it is worth a visit.
Address: NK Hamngatan 18–20
Designtorget
If the Board members of Designtorget like something they will stock it, so long as it comes from a Scandinavian based designer. It is great place to pick up an interesting souvenir.
Address: Sergelarkaden 12, St Eriksgatan 45, Nybrogatan 16, Kungsgatan 52, Götgatan 31, Centralstationen.
Modernity
20th-century design specialists. If you are after a particular piece, Modernity should be able to source it, at a price of course.
Address: Sibyllegatan 6
Skultuna Concept Store
Skultuna brass factory is one of the world’s oldest firms, founded by Swedish King Charles IX in the 17th century. I own a couple of pairs of cufflinks from them but their range of products is only limited by their designer’s imaginations.
Address: Grev Turegatan 18
Svenskt Tenn
Founded in 1924, Svenskt Tenn is a classic Swedish brand. The legendary architect and designer Josef Frank was commissioned to design modernistic furniture and fabrics in a delicate botanical style, which till this day dictates Svensk Tenn’s signature style. The store also includes a tea salon for when you are shopped out!
Address: Strandvägen 5
Originally from Australia, I have worked as a hotel Concierge for over 15 years in Melbourne, London and Stockholm. I also hold a degree in Industrial Design and have numerous furniture and product designs to my name, many of them exhibited at the prestigious Salone del Mobile in Milan. I am married and have a daughter; my wife holds an interior design degree and works in the furniture industry here in Stockholm. My passions are furniture and interior design, single malts, wine, food and restaurants, then to balance that…cycling. I am lucky enough to have visited a lot of different countries and lived/worked in a few of them also, which makes me part of a small group of ‘World Concierge’. I feel that the Concierge’s role is to be your best friend in the place you are visiting and I provide my recommendations based on this ethos. I want my guests to have the best experience they can have and that requires having a chat and finding out what they are interested in and to what degree. I have been a Les Clefs d’Or Concierge since 2007 and am currently the Vice-President of Les Clefs d’Or in Sweden.
The Sheraton Stockholm Hotel has 465 rooms and is situated in the heart of Stockholm’s central business, shopping and food district. The great location allows you to explore the wonderful city, filled with museums, restaurants and shops. Stroll out of the doors and enjoy the surrounding shopping area, picturesque Old Town and the City Hall, where the annual Nobel Prize ceremony is held. Getting around could not be easier as the hotel is only minutes away from the Airport Rail Link and Central Station. The Sheraton Stockholm Hotel offers magnificent views over the historical buildings of the Old Town, the Southern island in the background, and last but not least - the City Hall.
46 8 412 34 00