Join me at Formland Spring 2025

 Sponsored by Formland, all words are my own

It’s that time of year again, friends – one of the highlights of my winter in the world of interiors: my annual trip to Formland a truly inspiring interior, lifestyle, and design trade show in the Nordics. Located in Herning, Denmark, this Danish trade show is my go-to destination for discovering the latest trends and developments in the industry. It’s where I get an exclusive sneak preview of upcoming collections, catch up with old friends and make new connections in the Scandinavian design scene, and attend some very exciting events, including talks by leading experts.

I also love taking in all the colours, patterns, and even the outfits worn by the Danes – our stylish neighbours certainly know a thing or two about fashion!

Are you part of the interiors world? If so, Formland is taking place from 2–4 February, and tickets are free for international visitors (just saying!). Here’s a glimpse of the highlights awaiting you:

The Exhibitors
From New Nordic design brands to small independent ceramic studios and children's toys, there's something fascinating and new around every corner - part of the reason I am excited to walk around the halls and visit the 262 plus exhibitors lined up for this year's show. 

Hay - F5242

Odd boy ceramics - F5426

Maileg - D3008

Greenhouse Installations
Since this show focuses on spring and summer, it would be remiss not to highlight the rising star of the garden – the greenhouse! This year, there will be not one but three stunning greenhouse installations to explore (located in halls J2, J3, and K). Designed by the GASA Group, each installation will showcase a unique theme, including green rebuilding, air-purifying plants, and creating your own private paradise. I can’t wait to see them all – especially if that adorable pooch makes an appearance too!

Trend Zone
Always a highlight, this year's Trend Zone (Hall D) is centred around the concept 'Living Collage' curated by Studie Flyhelsted. The trend installation celebrate creativity and vibrancy and invites us into a world where the home becomes a creative canvas and every object tells a unique story. 

Trend talks
Copenhagen based interior and food stylist and trend specialist Annette Eckmann, founder of Eckmann Studio will be holding daily trend talks (Hall E). I am already a big fan of Annette's instagram feed where she shares her little black book of the hottest, and often little known places to eat, drink and visit in Copenhagen - often starting her captions with 'I'm a lucky potato, this week I got to visit....' She's fab, so I'm looking forward to hearing what the trend hunter has to say about this season's trends.  

Other highlights include the Circular Concept Area with the theme 'Take-make-waste' which is about the transition into a circular economy, the Creators community and lots of small fun maker events, where you get to try your hand at something crafty to take home with you. Exciting! 

A little reminder that all tickets for international visitors are free - yay! If you're unable to make it and would love to see what's happening at the fair, I'll be visiting on February 2nd and will share my experience and everything I discover in my instagram stories. I hope you'd like to follow along! 

Back tomorrow with my usual home tours, see you then!

Happy Tuesday friends,

Niki

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See you at Inspiring Formland Spring 2024!

Paid partnership with Formland

NEWSFLASH! Those of you who have followed my Scandinavian home for a while will know how much I love to make the bi-annual trip to Formland - the interior and design trade fair in Herning in Denmark. And on February 4th it's time for the Spring 2024 edition!  

Taking place between 4th and 6th February, the fair is a huge source of inspiration. It's where I go to discover the latest Nordic trends (I always tell everyone that if you want to glimpse into the future and foresee the latest trends, you only need to look at the Danes; what they are wearing and how they decorate their homes!). It's also an amazing place to get a sneak peek of the new collections for the coming season. 

This year I'm looking forward to discovering the unique trend zones, participating in inspiring workshops, listening to talks live from the Speak Up stage and meeting all the exhibitors as well as others from the world of interior design! 

Walking around the various stands is a feast for the eyes. But I especially love that you can meet everyone from big name international brands to independent artists - all of whom are equally passionate about what they do and will eagerly take their time to chat to you about the story behind their wares, and show you the latest collections. Some exhibitors also hold cosy and fun events! 

Do you work within the interior and design industry? If so, perhaps I'll meet you there (tickets and more information available here). If it's too far for you to travel, but you'd still love to pay a virtual visit, follow along on my instagram stories where I'll be reporting directly from Formland on Sunday 4th February. 

I'll be back tomorrow with the usual home tours - and I promise this one is especially beautiful to celebrate the end of the week. Vi ses! 

Niki

All the images in this post are from brands who will be exhibiting at the fair; from top: Tell Me More, Ib Laursen, Chic Antique and Oaklings. Although these are all earthy tones - there will also be a riot of colour at the fair too! 

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Will I see you at imm cologne in January 2024?

Paid partnership with imm cologne, thank you for supporting the businesses that make My Scandinavian Home possible

Oh, how happy I am to be returning to Cologne in mid January. The reason? To attend the international furniture and interiors fair imm cologne which will take place 14th - 18th January, 2024! Have you been to imm cologne? This year, the trade fair will be divided into three main segments: pure, home and sleep. 

I'm super excited as it's my go-to destination for inspiration and to discover trends at the start of the year. It's also a great place to meet other interior industry insiders (I'm so looking forward to catching up with the blogger community from all over Europe, interior designers, architects and a very broad range of exhibitors which include everything from up-and-coming start-ups to well established global brands). 

You can see the full list of exhibitors here. In the meantime, here's a small selection of some of the fabulous Scandinavian brands who will be present - some of whom you will likely recognise from My Scandinavian Home: 

Affari - Furninova AB / Hall 10.2, stand L004

Skovby - hall 10.1, stand A004 B005

Essem - hall 4.2, stand A017

Hübsch - hall 3.2, stand A041

BRAFAB - hall 10.2, stand L004

Since there are so many exciting exhibitors, it's well worth planning your visit in advance. And also, keep an eye on the events programme at Studio @Circle Cafe for interesting talks on topics such as 'community creating architecture', 'design that brings people together' and 'community, inclusivity and joyful spaces'. The Circles area also has a bar and lounge area, making it an über comfortable meeting place!

Find more information about imm cologne 2024 and buy your ticket here!

Hopefully see you there! If you are attending, let me know, I'd love to meet up. If not, do keep an eye on my instagram stories as I'll be sharing all the latest interior news live from the event! 

Niki

PS I'll be back tomorrow with my usual Scandi Christmas posts! See you then :) 

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Formland: Where I find Inspiration for Autumn

Paid partnership with Formland, all words are my own. 

Do you have any 'back to work' traditions (except crying at your desk!)? Every year, I kick-off Autumn with a trip to Formland in Denmark, and it really softens the blow! The design fair is a major hub for the Nordic interior industry and my go-to for meeting face to face with brands, discovering the latest design news, listening to interesting talks and getting a ton of colour, pattern and material trend inspiration. 

This year's styling event will focus on colour by Danske Dekoratører - and we all know from danish homes, just how good they are at colour. There'll also be a cleaning training session by sustainable danish brand Humdakin (I might need to take my entire family to this). And you'll also likely find me at the a tasting event involving classic summer drink trends held by Scandic Bar (skål!). 

The trend zone and Greenhouse are also a must! 

If you live nearby, I can highly recommend the trip to Herning between August 20 - 22 (tickets are available here).  Let me know if you'll be there and perhaps we can meet over a coffee! 

If not, I'll be reporting directly from the fair in my Instagram stories next Tuesday so you can pay a virtual visit through my lens!

Niki

PS back tomorrow with a very exciting home tour! 

Photography courtesy of Formland exhibitors: Marley bed linen by Night & Day, Hubsch and Shangies by Stilov.

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Come and Discover the Nordic Market at Formland this August!

Paid collaboration with Formland. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands, services and events that I love and think you will too! 

Hello Scandi design-lovers, today I'm reaching out to all design and interior industry professionals (I know there's a big community here!) with some exciting news!

Between August 18 - 21 2022, Formland - the Nordic design fair in Herning, Denmark - will be opening its doors to showcase the latest news, trends and tendencies within Scandinavian design. Needless to say, it's a perfect opportunity to collect inspiration, do business and network with exhibitors, designers and leading experts!

Interested? Here's the exciting part: international visitors who attend Formland and book three 15 to 30 minute one-to-one meetings with exhibitors will receive a goodie bag, free lunch vouchers as well as a €300 reimbursement per person attending the fair (max. 2 people per company). Read more about the exciting benefits and terms and conditions for international visitors and plan your visit here. 

If you attend, make sure you stop by the 'Speak Up Scene' between 13.00 - 13.30 on Thursday 18th August, when I'll be attending a panel discussion about 'More or less? Maximalism or minimalism? What is the direction on the trend compass?' alongside trend experts Stefan Nilsson and Mads Arlien-Søborg. 

There'll be many other interesting talks and debates throughout the four days - and with eight halls filled with exhibitors (from small start-ups to large well established Nordic businesses) to be discovered, you'll certainly have your days full! 

Find more information about Formland and plan your trip. 

Hopefully see you there! 

Niki

PS I'll be back tomorrow with my usual Scandi interior inspiration - I've got a beautiful apartment to share with you!  

Photography: Tony Broechner / MCH (except top picture - Niki Brantmark). 

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Exciting Design News From Some of My Favourite Italian Brands!

Every April the interior world flocks to Milan for the annual Salon del Mobile. It's arguably one of the biggest interior fairs of the year and one of my favourite events - offering a perfect place to meet other people from the industry and hear all the latest design news. Sadly, this year it was cancelled due to the (whisper it) coronavirus pandemic. So, in honour of the event - 12 of my blogger friends and I have clubbed together in partnership with Design Diffusion to share the latest design news from some of our favourite Italian brands.

Holly of Decor8 will kick-off tomorrow, and I will follow on my own instagram on Tuesday 16th June, sharing the latest news from Cantori, Casalgrande Padana, CRISTINA Rubinetterie, Doima Cucine, Maistri, Minotticucine, Quadro Design and Viva in my stories. You can then follow the instagram 'chain' as we take turns to present the exciting design news.

We hope you'll come and join us for an Italian design fest!

Niki

Picture 1: Macro Grigio granite-effect porcelain stoneware by Casalgrande Padana
Picture 2: Kitchen by Maistri
Picture 3: East Side tap from Cristina Rubinetterie

This post is brought to you in collaboration with Design Diffusion, all words are my own.

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6 Design Companies Working Towards a Sustainable Future – From Ambiente 2020

Paid press trip: 
A few weeks ago I was invited to visit Ambiente - the leading international consumer goods fair in Frankfurt. It's a huge, awe-inspiring fair with such a vast diversity of items that I barely scratched the surface. Even so, it was exciting to discover the latest news and trends from the home decorating world. A couple of factors really shone through - the first was the increase in handmade, artisanal items - which you can read more about here. The second, was how the design world is tackling sustainability - whether in the form of upcycling, recycling or offering entirely new solutions altogether. Here are six companies that stood out:

1. 3DCORK: Based in Alentejo, South of Portugal, 3DCORK produces contemporary cork items which are 100% natural, biodegradable, recyclable and ecological. The collection is a story of love for land and nature - as well as the home!  

2. LPJ Studios: This Bavarian upcycling company founded by renowned designer Hedwig Bouley recycles leftovers from the fashion industry to create fabulous, avant-garde pieces such as handmade rugs, blankets and dog baskets. A part of this rug for example is made from an old sweater! The entire production chain is fair, local and C02 neutral. 

3. OOhh Collection by Lübech Living: Made from 100% recycled materials (primarily paper as well as eco-felt - a fabric made from recycled plastic bags and plastic bottles) the OOhh Collection is the result of a Danish design combined with a Fair Trade project in Sri Lanka. Look out for beautiful pots, vases containers, seasonal decorations and office accessories! 

4. Carpenter Brother & Sister: founded in 2005 in Taiwan, Carpenter Brother & Sister focuses on bringing creative woodwork to the home. The company only works with FSC-certified, sustainable forestry centres to achieve their goal of being an eco-friendly supply chain and create beautiful pieces that benefit both society and nature. 

5. Reisenthel: For over 40 years, Reisenthel bags and carrypacks have stood for modern, innovative design. This year marked the launch of a funky neon yellow and blue collection aimed at kids and made from recycled pet bottles. 

6. retap: Danish hydration company retap offers reusable bottles, carafes and water glasses especially designed for tap water, offering us an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to stay hydrated. The colours are nice too! 

I also spotted countless other brands both big and small, working towards a more sustainable future which was very encouraging. I can't wait to see what's happening at Ambiente 2021! In the meantime, hop on over to the Ambiente blog today where I've written a feature about some of the beautiful handmade pieces I spotted at the fair.

Niki

This article is written as part of a paid press trip to Ambiente 2020. However, all words and pictures are my own. 

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IMM Cologne 2020: 5 German Design Pieces Everyone Should Know About!

Paid press trip
Last Monday I was invited to the International furniture and interiors fair IMM Cologne by the Association of the German Furniture Industry. It's become an annual trip which I look forward to  - and the perfect place to find out about the latest trends, discover new brands, catch up with people from the industry - and of course, pop along to the odd party! One of this year's highlights was a design tour of Germany's leading furniture brands including Rolf Benz, Kettnaker, Interlubke, Raumplus, Freifrau, Tojo, Schönbuch as well as innovative start-up Floating Offices. Five pieces on the tour really caught my eye - and I had to share them with you today!

1. Interlübke - just cube

Winner of The German Design Award 2020, the innovative new just cube allows a variety of configurations so that you can shape your furniture according to your needs. It's unique, 'clean' and highly functional.

What I love most: Let's just say, we have a tough time keeping things in order at home (ahem) and this beauty would help us no end. Did I mention it comes in 24 colour ways too?

2. Tojo parallel bed

This multi award-winning piece of kit designed by Nora Große and Alisha Hauk is genius. It's a bed base made up of six wooden feet which are used to connect the slats - no screws required! And you can make it as narrow or as wide as you like!

What I love most: the winner of several green awards, the bed is made from raw beech wood and is reduced to its absolute minimum. Also, who doesn't want to sleep like a star fish from time to time?!

3. Schönbuch - Simetria cabinets

It's always a treat to meet the designers behind a product and Eva Marguerre and Marcel Besau of Studio Besau-Marguerre were so inspiring! The design duo collaborated with Schönbuch to create the new Simetria cabinets. Contemporary, colourful and playful, the wall-hung cabinets come in 26 different colours and 7 shapes and can be combined in whichever way you like!

What I love most: A storage solution that doubles up as colourful art, what's not to love?!

4. Rolf Benz ADDIT

Gone are the days when a sitting room was reserved for, just well, sitting! These days the sofa is at the heart of everyday life and is used for everything from eating, working, relaxing, gaming, watching Netflix to socialising and sleeping! This was the thinking behind the new award-winning Rolf Benz ADDIT sofa, which is designed to accommodate all of these activities and more. The modular design means it can fit just about any space and be adapted over time - and add-ons such as shelves, trays and storage make it truly versatile. Very cool!

What I love the most: I'm a big fan of lifetime purchases - and this high-quality piece can be adapted to any new situation, making it a great investment and aa more sustainable option.

5. Floating Office

Anyone who lives in a big city will agree - space can be a challenge. And studies have shown our dwellings are getting smaller and smaller. The design world has responded with a load of smart, space-saving solutions - and this has to be one of my latest favourites! Darmstadt start-up Floating Office has created a vertical furniture installation with Nolex. The desk not only looks pretty cool, it can be raised to the ceiling at the press of a button to clear up space when not in use.

What I love most: The desk is surprisingly sturdy  - and completely out of the way when not in use. Genius!

Thank you so much to the Association of the German Furniture Industry, for inviting me to IMM Cologne. I loved the tour, VIP dinner and the exhibition featuring the winning motives from the #Zuhausesein (#beingathome) global photo competition.

Curious to see a little more? View a film of our German design tour here.

Have a great weekend folks!

Niki

This post was brought to you as part of a paid press trip by the Association of the German Furniture Industry, however all words are my own and I only ever work with businesses and brands I love and think you will too.

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Showtime: Come and Join Me At Formland!

Paid partnership:
Why, hello there! Not sure if I've shared a glimpse of my new studio here in Malmö - I moved in at the end of last year and I can't tell you how much I love being here each day. The new year has started with a bang. January means one thing in the design world: showtime! And this year I'll be attending Formland for the first time. Have you heard of Formland? It's one of the Nordic's most important annual interior & design shows and takes place in Herning, Denmark from 30th January to 2nd February 2020.

I'm excited to be taking to the stage on Friday 31st at 13.00 to participate in an 'International Trends' panel with Holly Becker and Trend Stefan. If you have the time, pop along, it's always great to see a friendly face in the crowd! As my first ever visit to the fair, I'm looking forward to checking out the trend zone The Art Of Living, the various stands (it promises to be a real Scandi design love fest with visitors from all over the world!) and listen to the international talks on the Speak Up Stage (I'm particularly curious about Jill Hawkin's talk on 'How do we sell to people who don't want to buy' - see the full schedule here). Sound exciting? Here's a sneak peek from last year:

Looks and sounds exciting, don't you think?!

Find out more about Formland, see this year's schedule and book your tickets here.

Please note that Formland is a closed fair for the design and interior industry and reserved for professionals with registered companies. Students can access the fair on Friday.

Hopefully see you there!

Niki

Photography: 1. Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian Home - Others: Courtesy of Formland. 

This post is brought to you in paid collaboration with Formland. However, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands, services and events that I love and think you will too! 

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For The Love of Rugs: Three Favourite Looks From Domotex 2019

It's amazing what a difference flooring can make to a home - whether you go for tiles, wood, concrete, wall-to-wall carpets (word on the street - or should I say feet - that these are starting to make a come back in Denmark!) - a space can be completely transformed in an instant. Needless to say, choosing what to go for can be so daunting! We definitely don't have enough rugs in our home (for this very reason) and in my mind, rugs / carpets are what make a home ultra snuggly - do you feel the same? This was top of my mind when I visited Domotex - the leading fair for flooring coverings - in Hanover last weekend. The theme was Create N Connect - and there was just so much to see! I couldn't resist a peek around the wood floor and tile halls, but my mind was on the carpets  - and there were three looks that stole my heart!

1. Timeless Contemporary

Located in the quadrangle formed by Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Tisca cultivate super cosy, unique hand-woven rugs. Their skilful weavers fashion treasures out of beautiful, hard-wearing textiles which are designed to last. I'm loving the extra chunk Olbia Campo rug below!

2. Modern Boho
For pretty rugs with warm colours, plenty of pattern. and a bohemian edge, Edelgrund is totally on point! Their stand had a souk like feel, showcasing their tribal carpets made in the homes of weavers in Iran. Each of Edelgrund's patterned kilim rugs are Fair Trade and tell an individual story.

3. Natural Toasty
I spent a disproportionate amount of time eating chocolate with Austrian based company Natur Pur. The small, family-run business creates a range of luxury hand-knotted rugs made from natural undyed wool for an extra toasty feel!

Aren't they beautiful?! Do you have a favourite?

Coral Garden
I'd like also like to do a special shout out to Vanessa Barragäo, who handcrafted the stunning Coral Garden. A notice next to the artwork read: "Global warming and pollution are destroying one of the world's most vital environments, the coral reefs, which are the heart of marine life's bio diversity." Vanessa used recycled materials to create the coral reef (which fades out from a healthy reef to the left and dying reef to the left) to raise awareness of up cycling and environmentally conscious production. Beautiful and so important!

My Tribe!
And last but not least: my tribe! It was so fun catching up and taking part in two panel discussions with my favourite blogger gang including (from left to right below) The Ruggist, Happy Interior, Monster Circus, Decor8 (the creative behind the stand seen in the first image), Camilla Bellini, Vosgesparis,  Passion Shake, (Me!), and Trend Stefan seen here on the stand of Jaipur Rugs. And a special thanks to Lars Rogall from Domotex for inviting us!

//Image credits (from top to bottom):
Taken by me, designed by Decor8, Stylizimo, Tisca, Edelgrund, Natur Pur, Lars Rogall / Domotex

//This post is brought to you in collaboration with Domotex. As always, all words are my own and I only ever work with brands, companies and events which I love.  

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