4 new Scandinavian Design Trends from Stockholm Design Week 2023

The Stockholm Design Week + Furniture fair is a reference point for all lovers of Scandinavian design.

 

As a lover of Scandinavian design myself I was very happy to be able to visit the event again this year, after three years from my last visit in February 2020.

I loved walking around Stockholm, to visit showrooms and to explore the locations of the design week. There is always such a relaxed vibe there and interiors have a beautiful aesthetic – by being minimalist but always at the same cosy and welcoming.

I’m sharing 4 new Scandinavian design trends I noticed in this post – you can find more highlights in my Instagram @italianbark and a more in-depth trend report soon on Trendbark ( available only as a subscription here).

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4 Scandinavian Design Trends 2024

from STOCKHOLM DESIGN WEEK+FAIR 2023

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Trend 1

 / Statement pieces \

Scandinavian Design Trends 2024

 

Although Scandinavian design is synonymous with clean and minimalist design, I’ve noticed comparing to my last visit there in 2020 much more creative shapes and decoration this year. Especially in Älvsjö Gärd, the new location for new and experimental design, which to me looked a bit more Dutch than Scandinavian in some points. On the other side – some brands instead are working always on much simpler shapes, but by experimenting with new textures provided for example by wood or by recycled materials.

 

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Trend 2

 / Japanese-style lamps \

Scandinavian Design Trends 2024

 

I was writing about Japandi style back in 2017 as a trend that would have been very strong soon and it’s good to see it’s already here. Probably because Scandinavian design and Japanese one has always had many features in common, so it’s a match that comes quite naturally and without sounding forced. I’ve noticed these especially in the lighting design.

 

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Trend 3

 / Metallic finishes \

Scandinavian Design Trends 2024

 

Compared to the last time I visited Stockholm I’m definitely noticing a much widespread use of metallic finishes. From shelves to tables, but especially in the kitchen design – metallic finishes add a different kind of decoration and mood to the spaces, closer to the 80s kind of strong decoration than to the mid-century modern taste.

 

 

Trend 4

 / Curtain dividers \

Scandinavian Design Trends 2024

 

Another interesting thing I noticed – big use of curtains. Used as room dividers, as decoration, or also in curved compositions. Curtains are great because they provide privacy and they can split different function, without blocking the light and by also adding texture in the space. In some cases, curtains are also a great way to add a colourful element in a more neutral space.

 

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This is just a part of my Stockholm trend report.

To get full insights you can have a look at the premium trend program here.

All images / ITALIANBARK