Scandinavian design is not all about clean lines and timelessness, but also a unique drive for innovation and a fearless spirit. The same winning combination has made Design House Stockholm a standout brand, both in the Nordics and on a global scale.
“DON'T MAKE SOMETHING unless it is both made necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, don't hesitate to make it beautiful.” The Shaker motto might as well be describing the core philosophy of Swedish brand Design House Stockholm, the epitome of form meets function.
Yet, the brand it takes it up a notch by adding the ever-present element of surprise. From furnishings to lighting, decor to accessories, the elegant brand knows how to bring a smile to your face while still being practical.
But it's not just about the products, it's also about the process. Unlike most brands that commission designers to create specific items, Design House Stockholm prefers to think of themselves as a publisher rather than a manufacturer. Meaning, they leave their proverbial doors wide open to the designer's wildest ideas, selecting the most exciting and innovative ones for production.
This approach not only brings a wealth of new ideas, but also creates a more democratic world of design, in which creativity and impactful vision reign supreme.
A stellar example of the process in action is the Block lamp, created by Finnish designer Harri Koskinen when he was still a student, unknown to the design industry. Koskinen's minimalist lamp was the first product that Design House Stockholm – which until then had operated as a creative product development company – decided to release.
Believed in and bolstered by Design House Stockholm, Koskinen’s unique design became a celebrated and award-winning modern classic, which has also been gracing the halls of MoMa’s continuous exhibition since the year 2000.
Another iconic creation worth highlighting is the Knot cushion, a whimsical and sculptural creation by Icelandic designer Ragnheiður Ösp Sigurðardóttir. Over the years, the Knot cushion in its many forms has become firmly ingrained in the minds of interior design enthusiasts, and for good reason: crafted from knitted tubes skillfully tied into knots, the Knot cushions are just the perfect combination of wit and thoughtful functionality that all products under the Design House Stockholm brand so gracefully embody.
The story behind its creation is just as fascinating as the product itself. Sigurðardóttir originally designed crocheted teddy bears with lengthy legs for a theater production, but her experimentes with machine-knitted tubes to enhance the production process sparked another idea instead – the idea for Notknot cushions, today known as the Knot cushions.
Design House Stockholm's primary goal is to help create meaningful products and share their fascinating stories, whether it's collectible birthday cake candle holders or decorative stepladders. It's no secret that the company's recipe for success includes courage and pushing boundaries when it comes to designing memorable products.
By daring to explore new design territories and experiment with unconventional materials and forms, Design House Stockholm has become known for producing unique and visually striking products that stand out in a crowd. From the Block lamp to the Knot cushion, each Design House Stockholm creation has a unique narrative and adds a touch of whimsy and charm to any space.
Design House Stockholm
- Founded in 1992 by Anders Färdig.
- Färdig served as CEO of Design House Stockholm until 2021, when Daniel Hansson was chosen as his successor.
- Design House Stockholm does not hire designers to implement predefined products, but acts as a "publisher" for the unique ideas of independent designers.
- Among many others, Harri Koskinen, Carina Seth Andersson and design agency Form Us With Love have designed for the brand.
Design House Stockholm favorites
See also:
• All products by Design House Stockholm >
• All products at Finnish Design Shop >
Text: Mira Ahola Images: Design House Stockholm