Treehouses, All-Weather Furniture and Finnish Creative Design

Long days, light nights – midsummer in Scandinavia calls for garden parties and endless days under the sun. As midsummer magic meets wedding season, dress up in light garments and flowy summer dresses, and always have a swimsuit handy for the occasion of a refreshing and romantic midnight swim.

By Åsa H. Aaberge | Press photos

Whatever your summer plans might be, you won’t go wrong with a go-to voluminous dress. The Iro Maxi Dress from the Swedish brand By Malina suits summer occasions from weddings to garden parties or late-night picnics by the sea. Wear it with strappy sandals for an elegant party look or boots to put an edge on the style. A straw hat on top adds a bit of extra cuteness! By Malina, Iro Maxi Dress, €440 Straw hat, €90 www.bymalina.com

A swimsuit that doubles as a top? Yes, please! Swedish label Scampi creates swimwear with a sustainable approach. Combined with a skirt or shorts, their swimsuits can easily double as an ontrend strapless top. Scampi, Acapulco Aqua swimsuit, €174 www.scampi.se

Even if the calendar says June, it can get chilly after that midnight swim and you might want to cosy up in a warm jumper. The Oslo Knit from Danish brand The Garment, in boiled wool, has an elegant boat neck and a boxy silhouette, making it perfect to throw over a summer dress. The Garment, Oslo Knit, €350 www.thegarmentcopenhagen.com

A chic straw bag to fill with summer’s necessities is essential. With baby-blue details and an enduring design, ATP Atelier’s Lunano bag offers both style and function. ATP Atelier, Lunano Baby Blue Raffia Tote, €450 www.atpatelier.com

After a morning dip, slip into a soft bathrobe in organic cotton from Tekla. Lounge in it all day if your summer plans allow for slacking. The fit is unisex and a likely favourite for the whole family. Tekla, Marseille Striped Bathrobe, €179 www.teklafabrics.com

Jump in the cobalt-blue sea in matching cobalt-blue swim shorts. Swedish brand Marda focuses on sustainability and these shorts are crafted from seven upcycled plastic bottles, in a soft, quick-drying material. Plus, for each pair sold, Marda donates a percentage to organisations cleaning up the ocean. Marda, Mid-length Swim Shorts, €130 www.mardaswimwear.com

Let your toes out in these green flip flops by Norwegian eco-friendly flip flop label, Sleepers. They’re made using natural rubber and come in a variety of different summery colours. Sleepers, Men’s Green Flip Flop, €40 www.sleepers.no

This striped cotton shirt is as dapper as it is relaxed, and therefore a great summer staple. Wear it with linen trousers and a blazer for a sharper aura, or pair with sandals and shorts for a more casual approach. Tiger of Sweden, Jacob Shirt, €199 Scove Trousers, €179 www.tigerofsweden.com

That Scandinavian design is synonymous with minimalism, muted colours and functionality is a dead horse, well-flogged. Though these touchpoints continue to define Nordic interior aesthetic, new generations of artists, architects and designers are breaking the mould with bright, absurdist works that eschew convention. Is this nu-nu-Nordic? While the pushback is visible across every design discipline, it’s yet to solidify into anything resembling a tangible movement. But right now, the ceramic and glass industry – one of Scandinavia’s liveliest design realms – is awash with delightfully-curious items. So, tap into the new wave with our pick of the most playful glassware for your home.

By Lena Hunter | Press photos

Created via a glassblowing technique that manipulates multiple layers of coloured dots, HAY’s handmade Splash Platter features a jewel-bright swirling pattern, suspended in a clear glass body. Catching the sun, the plate refracts light into gem-like beams through its detailed surface, while the notes of cobalt and apricot offset the colours of lemons, oranges and limes beautifully – making it an ideal fruit platter, or decorative table centrepiece. €85 www.hay.dk

The Studio Cup came about as a ceramic colour-sample at the NIKO JUNE studio in Copenhagen, but quickly became the preferred coffee cup of the design team. The brutalist aesthetic of the handle and overall squat form opposes every textbook notion of beauty – yet the Studio Cup has a curious charm that makes it immediately endearing. Handcrafted in Denmark, and glazed in a range of stunning paintbox hues, every cup is unique. €50 www.nikojune.com

Swedish artist Ludvig Hyrefelt’s glasswork has a touch of Jeff Koons about it. Take the Gump Collection – a series of bright, turgid glass balloons, designed to slump into corners, or droop fatly off shelving like a Salvador Dali clock. From 19-22 May, he exhibited Gump at Swedish Design Days – a four-day celebration of Nordic talent in Malmö, Sweden, alongside his joyful line of glazed coffee cups. The Glazed Cup embodies the same exuberance and character as Hyrefelt’s other art, and surprising new editions are continuously added. €52.50 www.palette26.com

Glaze Cup. Photo: Southern Sweden Design Days / Daniel Engvall

Studio Cup in Light Blue. Photo: NIKO JUNE Studio Cup in Light Blue. Photo: NIKO JUNE

Splash Platter blue and light pink. Photo: HAY

Recently, Julie Shirani Kausland of Norwegian glassware studio Formbar Glassverksted has been hooked on growing avocado stones – so she designed a custom vase with a flared lip, precisely for that purpose. Whether you have grand designs of nurturing your own avocado tree, or simply want to display summer branches, cuttings or floral bouquets, the Frø vase – available in a range of delicate tones and shapes from tall and narrow, to low and wide – is an eye-pleasing and practical addition to the kitchen windowsill. €46.50 www.formbar.no

Finnish designer Harri Koskinen’s Block Lamp is a modern classic. Since its launch in 1997, the frozen light bulb has scooped a windfall of awards and, in 2000, became part of the New York Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection. Koskinen was inspired to create the Block Lamp during a workshop at the University of Art and Design Helsinki, when students were tasked with designing a wedding gift. “I had this simple form that I wanted to cast in glass and got the idea to ‘wrap’ something into the glass. First, I tried a couple of snaps glasses, but then the same thing happened that always does in my design process: at a subconscious level, I started reducing.” Mini: €115 | Large: €219 www.designhousestockholm.com

Frø. Photo: Line Møllerhaug

Who knew that Gävle, with one of Sweden’s coldest climates and far up north, would be the birthplace of one of the world’s leading producers of outdoor furniture? But then again, it all makes sense: because where sunshine is worth a fortune and rain is a given, things will always be made to withstand and to last. and organic, without compromises or shortcuts – meaning nothing has been rushed, in design nor production.

Inspiration station The general look of Skargaarden products can be described as timeless Scandinavian. Indeed, several of the brand’s bestsellers are popular design classics from the mid-to-late 20th century. But, although the Scandi style is prominent, it serves as a base for the expression of inspiration from other cultures – much like the development of Scandinavian food. It’s a natural approach to staying relevant and interesting in a fast-moving world.

By Emma Rodin | Photos: Skargaarden

Serving form and function in equal measure, Skargaarden designs and produces Scandinavian furniture and accessories fit for outdoor living. The brand’s core audience include decorators, architects, hotels and restaurants, but also private homes. Odds are, you’ve come across a Skargaarden piece somewhere in the world, perhaps while relaxing by the pool at Brummel Hotel in Barcelona, or in the lounge of Hotel Nobis on Mallorca.

Small steps, big wins Speaking of hotels, it was during a stay at a design hotel when Skargaarden founders Jari and Anna Visuri became inspired to launch their own furniture business. “We were both fascinated by the stunning outdoor environment and design pieces, and how these worked in harmony,” explains Jari. “We started off back in 2009 with our own collections, and then gradually started bringing in design classics like Björn Hultén’s H55 sun chair from (you guessed it) 1955, as well as Gunilla Norin’s renowned Viken chair from the ‘80s,” he adds. Indeed, the trajectory of Skargaarden has pointed upwards since launch – measured

Skargaarden collaborates with numerous talented furniture designers who create pieces for the brand. “When briefing these designers, we always ask them to bring us something that they genuinely like themselves, something that they would happily see in their own gardens,” says Jari. “But of course, we’d also like designs that can fill gaps in the market,” he adds.

Parts of a puzzle All Skargaarden products are designed to live outside and made to withstand any kind of weather, while also looking premium enough to be used indoors. Teak wood, stainless steel, galvanised steel and aluminium are all materials hardy enough for outdoor use. When it comes to textiles, only fabrics with a high colour-fastness are used – that is to say, fabrics that won’t fade in the sun and rain. Take the H55 sun-chair, for instance. “It’s so perfect, it’s almost provocative – how so little material can provide so much comfort, and be so beautifully fit for purpose,” says Jari. Other great designs include Bönan, Kryss and Djurö, all bestsellers and transforming outside spaces globally.

Durability and eco talk When it comes to working sustainably, Skargaarden believes that every part of an organisation shares the load. “The main focus for us is durability. Products must last for a long time, ideally across generations,” explains Jari. “On top of this, there needs to be an environmental hook in each part of the process, from materials all the way through to logistics,” he adds.

This leaves Skargaarden with very few compromises or possible short-cuts. None, to be exact. Achieving its design vision, while ensuring products are truly built to last, requires a huge effort – but the resulting product is an investment, rather than a purchase.

The brand is also continuously evaluating the best solution for every product in its range. “Our goal is that all our products will be eco-labelled within the near future. However, to eco-label a product without proof and or evidence is against our sustainability work. To label a product without knowing for sure it makes a difference is simply a solution we never intend to take,” explains Jari.

So, what’s next? 14 years since launching their brand, Jari and Anna have their eyes set on the future – and it’s looking bright. Skargaarden has earned plenty of recognition over the years, and it’s fair to say that the world’s love and respect for the brand is unlikely to diminish. New products will be launched, and more followers will come – all in due time, of course. Because, as you know by now, great design can’t be rushed.

Web: www.skargaarden.com Instagram: @skargaarden

Njordrum Care in Japan. Visualisation by nor3d.

Njordrum creates aesthetic houses with beauty integrated in every part of the process. Their philosophy is simple: bringing nature into each house, focusing on architecture, not size, and a strong relation between interior and exterior. With a Njordrum wooden house you will experience peace of mind, calm and grounding; it is the perfect place to recharge and disconnect.

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Dejan Alankhan / 3D visualisations: nor3D

Starting from just one simple ‘module’, Njordrum opens up to magnificent possibilities when building homes for people across the globe. The concept is quite simple: modular houses designed by architects starting from 48-square-metres. The architecture is based on Scandinavian traditions, light and nature. Njordrum houses are focused on architecture and not size.

“When you have light, space and a strong relation between interior and exterior, the amount of square metres is no longer essential as to whether the house feels big or small. We have gotten so used to living in big houses, but most people do not need all that space. Most people can easily thrive on 48-square-metres,” explains Martin Wienberg, architect and co-owner of Njordrum.

“If we have a lot of space we tend to accumulate a lot of stuff we do not really need. How many of us have drawers and cupboards full of things we never use? So many of us have a tendency to just purchase different items, thinking we cannot possibly live without them. But there comes a time where all these things own you instead of the other way around.”

Ironically, by moving into a smaller house you might feel that you actually have more space because you naturally have to declutter your home. Not only will this clear out your physical space, but you might also feel increased mental clarity. This way, the few things you do have will be things you truly love and that bring you joy.

A naturally grounding home Njordrum was founded by Martin Wienberg, Lars Vejen and Steffen Toft. Wienberg is the main architect, Vejen primarily focuses on design, and Toft oversees project development.

Njordrum Care in Japan. Visualisation by nor3d.

Njordrum basis module visualisation by nor3D.

“It is a huge strength of our company that we all bring different skills to the table. It makes the work process more creative, interesting and inspirational. Furthermore, it means we are wellequipped to handle challenges when they arise,” says Lars Vejen, co-owner of Njordrum.

Wienberg, Vejen and Toft have always been passionate about wooden houses so it only seemed natural that their company should specialise in creating and building beautiful homes made of wood. However, they wanted it to be more than just a house. They wanted to integrate beauty into every part of the process, from the lighting to acoustic ceiling, kitchen and door handles, which have all been designed by Njordrum.

“At Njordrum, we pay attention to every little detail. Our homes should be a stress-reducing environment, where you can destress after a long day at work. Njordrum homes are harmonious, calm and natural,” explains Vejen.

Natural, sustainable and mobile At Njordrum, sustainability and integrating nature into each home is essential. A place to relax, and to us it is only natural that our home is that place,” says Wienberg.

For Njordrum, sustainability is just common sense, and therefore they naturally think sustainability into the entire life-cycle of their houses. Wood is the most sustainable building material. Furthermore Njordrum has chosen to design and place the modules in a point-foundation, which requires far less resources than a traditional foundation.

home where indoor and outdoor spaces melt together, and the outdoor space is as much a part of the home as the interior. Simply using wood as the main material instantly creates a grounding, calming atmosphere.

“Studies show that bringing nature into our homes promotes the ability to learn, and it reduces stress. We all need a “This also means our homes are mobile, meaning that you can move your home to a new location if desired or required. Everything we do has to make sense in the long run as well,” explains Vejen, and continues: “Our houses unite house and nature in an architectural whole. It should be as natural to step outside as inside, and our hope is that our homes inspire people to spend more time outdoors. We hope that by doing so we help revitalise the Nordic self-understanding.”

Allow the stress to melt away in your Njordrum home For Njordrum, it is all about the aesthetics and the attention to detail. All the various building components and products have either been designed by Njordrum or carefully selected to fit concept and context.

“Aesthetics is the sum of the right details: the feeling that things are meant for each other and are part of an intended context in both shape and function. We combine the right materials in the right way to make everything appear in natural balance,” says Wienberg.

This also means that when you invest in a home from Njordrum you do not have to worry about which cupboards and door handles you should choose. Njordrum takes care of everything and guides you through the entire process.

“When you move into a Njordrum home it already has character and charm, and then you add personality to the home when moving in with your personal belongings,” says Vejen.

All you have to do is take a deep breath, let the stress melt away and enjoy your new home which is the perfect balance between nature, design and architecture.

Njordrum designs and builds wooden houses starting from 48 m2.

Web: www.njordrum.com Facebook: Njordrum Denmark Instagram: @njordrum LinkedIn: Njordrum

Njordrum Care in Japan. Visualisation by nor3d.

Woodlands kitchen by Njordrum for JKE. SAIBI bowl by Njordrum for Gato Mikio.

Team portrait. Photo: Dejan Alankhan

Woodlands kitchen by Njordrum for JKE.

Photo: © Vendo LKV

Photo: © Huawei Photo: © Champ

Infinity is an award-winning design agency focused on industrial and strategic design, user experience, branding and marketing. With two decades of experience and clients based in Asia, the United States and Europe, the Turku-based company has grown from strength to strength – while staying true to their values of having the end-user at the centre of all their designs.

By Ndéla Faye

market. “For each project, we use our extensive knowledge. We analyse new possibilities from a design point-of-view, and we clarify the most important element: the direction of the greatest potential for our client,” Ketonen says.

“User-friendliness is the starting point of all our projects. We always focus on what our customers need and desire,” says Niina Ketonen, strategic director at Infinity. With over 20 years in the game, Infinity’s combined experience and proven track-record speak for themselves. “Back in the day, we started from user-centric industrial design, and now we also provide clients with branding, UX/UI, strategy and analysis. Our aim is to help our clients reach and exceed their goals and stand out,” she says. HKScan, Fincap, Vendo LKV, Datalogic and Hitachi, among others.

In the past few years, Infinity have gained significant experience in strategic design and the design of different wearable electronics. The 85 patents the company has generated for their clients so far, and the 25 design awards they have received, all speak to its success. “We are proud to call ourselves wearable design and human ergonomic specialists,” the strategic director states.

Strategic director Niina Ketonen. Photo: © Infinity

Infinity creates products, strategies, services and identities for some of the biggest global brands in technology, retail and the food industry, such as Huawei, What makes Infinity stand out is their level of involvement in each project: turning briefs into entire concepts, based on a thorough analysis of the client’s target

Web: www.infinity.fi Instagram: @infinity.fi LinkedIn: infinity-fi

Henning Rasmussen in front of one of his ovens. Salt curing.

The island of Fanø is home to what many consider to be the best cold-smoked salmon in Denmark. Quite a claim, but undisputed, as this family-run business continues to earn accolades across the country, picking up awards and rave reviews – and their loyal customers clearly agree, too.

By Trine Jensen-Martin | Photos: Fanø Laks

Fanø Laks (meaning salmon from Fanø) started as a retirement dream for Henning Rasmussen, who could not find smoked salmon as tasty as he believed it could be, so decided to make his own.

Henning built two stone ovens in his back garden and began curing and cold-smoking handpicked salmon. The family-owned and run business has gone from strength to strength, with the two ovens turning into ten. “Everyone who works here is a part of the family,” says Anne Müller Rasmussen, Henning’s daughter, co-owner and sales manager. It’s clear that commitment and passion are important to Fanø Laks, both in the process and the products. This is not a nine-to-five job. Everyone in the company is devoted to what they create and so is the ever-expanding base of happy customers, who have been there every step of the way over the past 15 successful years.

Smoked salmon that is ‘just so’ “When Fanø Laks was three years old we won the Børsen Food Award,” explains Anne, with evident pride in her voice. Little wonder, as Børsen’s food editor Ole Troelsø described their salmon as “unbelievably delicious, a perfect balance of flavours and entirely unique”.

As a result, the business grew – expanding almost overnight. “My dad called me and told me that I needed to come home and join the company,” Anne laughs. From then on, the company continued the upward trajectory, regularly winning prizes and awards for their outstanding salmon. They recently scored six out of six stars in a blind tasting published in Denmark’s Berlingske Tidende newspaper, which speaks volumes about the quality of their product.

Every piece of salmon is cut, salted, smoked and hung by hand. No machines are involved and at every stage they check the quality of the meat, the texture, colour and flavour, always allowing time until it is ‘just so’. “Dad always knows when a piece of salmon is ready,” Anne says. This dedication to a labour of love is what ensures the incredible quality of this very special Fanø delicacy.

All is done by hand.

Web: www.fanoe-laks.com Facebook: Fanø Laks Instagram: @fanolaks