Welcome to the first design review of 2024 from Nordic Watchlist. It’s been a very cold start to the new year across Scandinavia – but we bring you some hot offers available in the January sales, plus the latest news in the Scandi home and design world.
Great deals at Skandium
Once known for its great shops in London – that were a source of inspiration for many fans of Nordic design – Skandium is now predominantly an online retailer, but still boasts a fantastic range of products. Currently offering 15% off all furniture & lighting, there are some great bargains to be had at Skandium, if you have any money left after Christmas.
The Nikari furniture range from Woodnotes makes its debut at the store. The wonderfully simple and elegant range features chairs, stools and tables made from beautiful woods, all at the sale discount. You could pick up a String shelving unit – Swedish design classic – or any of the Danish Louis Poulsen lights. And from Finland, the Teema white range of dinnerware is half price, but selling fast.
Discounted Danish lighting at AndLight
Danish lighting specialist AndLight is offering up to 60% on some of its well-known pendants, desk and table lights. We’re big fans of GUBI’s Multi-Lite in brass and also Secto’s pendant lights in walnut, which have become a hugely popular light and symbolise all that is good about Finnish craftmanship.
And to brighten up any home, you could go for &Tradition’s yellow Flowerpot Table Lamp, designed by titan of Danish lighting Verner Panton back in 1968.
IIttala unveils the Taika Sato range
Ceramics and glassware producer Iittala is one the most well-known design companies in Finland, and has just added to its collection with the Taika Sato range. Designed by Klaus Haapaniemi, the range – taking its name for the Finnish word for ‘harvest’ – features exquisitely detailed artwork that is reminiscent of traditional Finnish design and folklore. Similar designs are used across the other Taika tableware ranges. And if you are still looking for a January bargain, Iittala is also offering discounts of up to 50%.
Marimekko teams up with UNIQLO
While Nordic Watchlist’s regular round up is usually focused on furniture, household and lighting design, we couldn’t help but mention a fashion partnership bringing together colourful Finnish textile company Marimekko and clothing retailer UNIQLO.
The limited edition range of clothing and bags featuring trademark Marimekko designs is available now both online and in-store from UNIQLO.
The CH45 Rocking Chair by Hans Wegner
Danish furniture company Carl Hansen & Søn has just re-released the rocking chair, designed by Hans Wegner in 1965. Described as having “a careful balance of poise and elegance with a modern Nordic aesthetic” the chair comes in natural, lacquered and black oak. Very evocative of Shaker furniture, the rocking chair is another example of clean and simple Danish design.
Special edition of pendant light by Sydney Opera House designer
Danish architect and designer Jørn Utzon is most well-known for designing the Sydney Opera House. And to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, &Tradition has released a special edition of Utzon’s pendant light in steel blue.
Originally designed back in 1947, the iconic shape of the light is considered a precursor for the silhouette of the world-famous building.
Updating a classic Swedish easy chair
At the end of last year, Swedish furniture company Swedese unveiled a special edition of Yngve Ekström’s much-loved Lamino chair. Designed by architect Gert Wingårdh and fashion designer Rasmus Wingårdh, the Duality edition is a tribute to Ekström’s 1950s high-back classic, which sees the wool upholstery replaced with leather, in neutral colours.
Alvar Aalto exhibition opens in Rome
And finally, for any readers of Nordic Watchlist that find themselves in Rome over the next few weeks, we would strongly recommend you take time out to visit the new Alvar Aalto exhibition at the MAXXI National Museum of 21st Century Arts. The Human Dimension of Design explores how architecture, art, and design were all interlinked in the thinking of Finland’s most famous architect and designer.
