Do you want to see some everyday Swedish design that I use daily in my Stockholm apartment? I bet you could imagine that moving to the heart of Scandinavia for a few years, as I have, comes with its temptations.

To be truthful, it is taking every inch of my self-control to not empty my bank account and fill my home with the beautiful things that I’m constantly faced with! That being said, I am slowly adding some key pieces designed in Sweden that I know will stay with me for years to come and remind me of this special time here. Would you like to have a little peek?

1 // Bold Cushions

Scandinavians love bold, graphic prints on their cushions. I have loved Elizabeth Dunker of Fine Little Day’s designs, based in Gothenburg, from day one. I purchased this Lily Pad cushion online recently and I have to admit that I did my calculations wrong and bought an oversized one. I’m so glad that I made this mistake!

I absolutely love this statement cushion on the sofa and it is so comfortable to sit back on and relax. Just so you know, it does come in a regular size.

Actually, there are so many gorgeous things that I have been coveting in the Fine Little Day online shop and I can’t wait to one day visit it in person when I go to Gothenburg. You may have seen that Holly recently visited the store and met with Elizabeth when she was in Sweden.

2 // Candles, Always, in Stylish Holders

The Nordic Light Candleholder by Design House Stockholm gets so much use in our home, especially at this time of year! You may have heard that daylight is minimal in this part of the world during the colder months. Very soon, at the winter solstice, the sun will set at 2:45pm in the afternoon and in the north of Sweden, the day will be in almost complete darkness!

It’s not all bad though because everything gets all lovely and hyggeligt.  You’ve no doubt heard of this Danish term, “Hygge”, well the concept is very much in use all around Scandinavia. One of the ways that they combat, or should I say, “embrace” this darkness, is by lighting candles around the home. As soon as I arrive home in the afternoon after collecting the children from school, I light this candleholder on the windowsill. I’m not alone. When I look out to the other apartments on the street, I see candles flickering through the windows. The Nordic Light Candleholder is a design classic, and it’s one that I’ve admired for years, before finally purchasing it here. I love how the arms can be moved around to form different shapes.

Special mention on the windowsill: Lagom by Niki Brantmark. This is a guide to living a balanced and happy life. “Lagom” means “just right” and is often used to describe the Swedish way. They truly put lifestyle and experiences as a high priority and I have to say, I have not yet met a stressed person here. Niki of My Scandinavian Home captures the meaning perfectly in this little book and gives examples of how you can inject a little of this secret into your life.  

3 //Vintage Swedish Design

Shown here is the Sirocco Safari chair by Arne Norell and the table by Bröderna Miller. I love to include some vintage design pieces in my home, and since moving here, we have discovered the art of online auctions! It’s a great way to grab a design piece at a fraction of the cost. Note that this doesn’t always happen, so you need to put all emotions aside and decide on a maximum price that you will pay. 

What we have are not in the perfect “as new” condition, and there are a few scratches and scuffs, but I like that lived in look; it gives a home a little more character. Here in Sweden, we’ve used two auction houses, Lauritz, who I believe ships internationally and Bukowskis. If this service isn’t available to you, bargains can always be found around the world on ebay.com.  Search under “mid-century Swedish or Scandinavian design” 

Special mention on the table: Let Them Eat Cake plate by House of Rym. This is a lovely brand collaborating with Swedish Designers and Tunisian artisans. 

4 // Clever, Good-Looking Storage

Swedes have interesting ways to store things, especially in the kitchen and office. Granit is my go-to-store here in Sweden for anything practical and stylish. This storage grid is perfect to stow away the latest magazines that I’m reading and great to create a mood board with inspirational images and objects, along with the more practical things. Adding something like this to the wall really pulls the look together. 

Special mention on the desk: Ikea Ypperlig Candle Holder. This is one of the pieces from the fantastic HAY + IKEA collaboration you may have seen here. If you’re after some very affordable, beautifully designed furniture and accessories, you need to check this out. In fact, just today I picked up a few more items from this collection. 

I hope you enjoyed a little look at some everyday Swedish design that I have introduced to my home. Did you spot anything here you’d like for yourself? Do you have any favorite Swedish brands?

(Article and Photography by: Mel Chesneau)