Next week the annual Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair kicks off, running from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 February. Drawing crowds of approximately forty thousand, the fair will be showcasing product from 700 companies 80 per cent from Scandinavia. For all the lovers of the region’s refined, minimalist flair, it’s certainly not to be missed.

But what exactly is in store this year?

In 2018, Italian design maestro Paola Navone will be the guest of honour. Navone is an architect, product designer and interior designer and will be creating a unique installation at Stockholmsmässan’s entrance hall. Titled Thammada, guests will be treated to a colourful installation that transforms everyday things into something special.

Stand from a previous year of the fair.

Bringing in something new this year is a design bar. Fusing exhibition with hospitality space, the Ratatouille Arena offers a space for conversations, food and meetings. The new addition will be designed by Luca Nichetto, while chef Lina Ahlin from Agrikultur will create the menu.

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Fusing exhibition with hospitality space, the Ratatouille Arena offers a space for conversations, food and meetings. 
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Talks will be taking place by the likes of Paolo Navone, Piet Hein Eek, India Mahdavi, Penda and Assemble. In addition, a trend exhibition is happening, which will be created by Christian Halleröd of Halleroed, the interior designer behind Acne Studios and Byredo stores. Some topics on the bill include real vs. fake, craftsmanship and collaboration.

Other highlights include the Greenhouse space for emerging designers, which will now be housed in a larger area. And an exhibition titled PANORAMA will explore ideas on democratic architecture. Although a much smaller fair than many of the others across Europe, the Stockholm Fair sees many Australians make the journey.

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Although a much smaller fair than many of the others across Europe, the Stockholm Fair sees many Australians make the journey.
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Michele Kearney, director at Interstudio, is one of the Australian contingents that look forward to Stockholm each year.

“It’s a great boutique-sized show, which means you can easily get around and there’s plenty of time to talk to people. It’s just much more relaxed and you’re able to get some discussion going on the different products,” says Kearney.

Font Regular chair by Studio David Thulstrup for Møbel Copenhagen.

Kearney’s pick of things to keep an eye on? The Studio David Thulstrup collection for Møbel Copenhagen that has been wowing European audiences is a must see. As well as newly released pieces by Jonas Ihreborn and Offecct.

For Melissa Walker, co-founder of Fred International, the Stockholm event is something to look forward to. “Stockholm is our favourite city in the world, so the annual Stockholm Furniture Fair is a fantastic excuse to visit. Each year we look forward to seeing the latest from our contemporary Scandinavian brands such as Fogia, Friends & Founders, Rubn Lighting, Made By Hand, Handvärk, By Lassen and Secto Design.

“It’s the best place in the world to see the latest in contemporary Scandinavian design, and every year it just gets better. We love visiting the fair and different showrooms between snow flurries and that famous Stockholm cold. Cold, but magical!” she says.

Fogia’s Bollo armchair is being reinterpreted in a dining chair – Spisolini dining chair designed by Andreas Engesvik.

In terms of the things to look out for this year, Walker is excited to see new releases from Fogia, in particular, the Spisolini dining chair designed by Andreas Engesvik. 

“The Spisolini is the dining chair interpretation of the Bollo Armchair, which has been immensely popular for its unique silhouette. We can’t wait to see this in person,” says Walker.

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“While we love visiting our favourites, it’s a fantastic opportunity to make new discoveries.” – Melissa Walker, Fred International
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“And of course, there will be many surprises too. While we love visiting our favourites, it’s a fantastic opportunity to make new discoveries, so you never know what’s around the corner. Contemporary Scandinavian design is always evolving, and we love sharing our discoveries with the Australian market,” concludes Walker.