Colourful hustle and bustle at the "Furniture & Light" trade fair in Stockholm
The Scandinavians are known for their foresight when it comes to trends and innovations. While other nations are still struggling with the houseplant trend, I was very surprised to find practically none at the Light & Furniture trade fair in Stockholm. Find out what else I discovered here.
The Swedes like it colourful. Colour-blocking - combining colours that are opposite each other in a colour wheel - is the focus of this year's trade fair and will almost certainly accompany us into the future. Colourful hustle and bustle in the far north seems to be nothing new and that is why daring combinations are created. Orange and blue going hand in hand - yellow and green coming together - or red and pink making out around the next corner. Having only recently discovered the colourful life for myself, I was on fire and could hardly contain my enthusiasm.
Simple shapes in dazzling backdrops
In Stockholm, colour forms a strong backdrop for understated, light or dark lacquered furniture. There are also exciting designs here that are strongly reminiscent of classics from days gone by. A good mix of retro and nature has always been a guarantee for success. Light wood or dark lacquered furniture makes its own appearance and provides an exciting contrast to strongly pigmented colours.
The colour palette
Where colour blocking is not just limited to the walls, it doesn't stop at furniture and accessories either. Provocative and loud, it literally screams at us: Hey, be cheerful!
A lot of joie de vivre can be seen in the "Warm Nordic" brand. Bold colour combinations that are strongly reminiscent of the 50s and 60s catapult us freshly and cheerfully into our century. I am thrilled. Brands such as AYTM , Muuto and DUM also rely on strikingly beautiful colour contrasts.
The trend colours cannot be clearly defined as such. Blue, earthy and pink-coloured tones, as well as orange and red, were very striking. Colour-blocking is now a must and is gaining in importance in our homes. The trick is to find exactly the right shade. Once the tone is right, the combination has a harmonious effect on the eye of the beholder.
Countertrend
But not everyone wants to dip into the colour pot. After all, the north is known for its simple and understated designs. The counter-trend is presented with a little rouge in the form of earthy colours for sofa covers or cushions. Brands such as Skagerak and Gezzda present themselves in their usual Nordic coolness and inspire just as much as their colourful colleagues from the neighbourhood. Simple shapes, lots of wood or black are used on an even simpler stage. Here, the design speaks for itself and manages quite well without any colourful comments.
I’m always looking out for new trends, true to the motto: «Decorate in a style today everyone will want tomorrow». As I have to take it down a notch at work, I express myself in my own home. It’s where you’ll find curiosities, collectables from faraway places and handmade things side by side. Interior design should always be personal and authentic – just like you are.