His iconic work includes the "Concrete" chair, a revolutionary piece that combines material brutality with formal elegance. This chair, designed in 1981, marked a turning point in his career and cemented his reputation as a pioneer of contemporary design.
Bohlin is also known for his contributions to interior architecture and art installations. His projects often reflect an experimental approach and a deep respect for materials and craftsmanship. In addition to his work as a designer, Bohlin has taught and inspired many young creatives around the world.
Verner Panton
Verner Panton (1926-1998) was an iconic Danish designer known for his revolutionary approach to interior design and furniture. A graduate of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, he began his career in Arne Jacobsen's studio before launching his own studio.
Panton is known for his bold, avant-garde designs, often characterized by organic shapes, bold colors, and innovative materials. His famous Panton Chair, introduced in 1967, remains a symbol of modern design. Panton also explored textile design and lighting, creating immersive, psychedelic environments that redefined the concept of interior space.
Yngve Ekström
Yngve Ekström (1913-1988) was a prominent Swedish furniture designer, architect and sculptor, and one of the founders of the company Swedese. He is best known for his iconic chair "Lamino", which was launched in 1956 and quickly became a classic of Scandinavian design. Ekström's design philosophy is characterized by simplicity, functionality and a deep respect for materials and craftsmanship. His work has received international recognition and continues to inspire new generations of designers. Ekström was a master at creating timeless and elegant furniture that combines aesthetics with comfort.
Alvar Aalto
Aalto’s design philosophy was characterized by a humanistic approach, emphasizing the comfort and well-being of the user. He rejected the cold, rigid geometries of much of modernist design in favor of softer, organic forms that reflected the natural world. This philosophy is vividly embodied in his "Tank Chair" (Model 400), one of his most iconic pieces of furniture.
Bruno Mathsson
Bruno Mathsson (1907–1988) was a Swedish furniture designer and architect, internationally renowned for his innovative and ergonomic designs. He was born in Värnamo, Småland, into a family where his father was a skilled carpenter. It was in the workshop where he grew up that Bruno developed his interest in craftsmanship and design.
Carl Malmsten
Master of Swedish Furniture Design and Craftsmanship
Carl Malmsten (1888–1972) was one of Sweden's most prominent and influential furniture and interior designers. He is renowned for his deep commitment to traditional craftsmanship, his timeless furniture designs, and his dedication to creating harmonious and functional environments. Malmsten’s work and philosophy have left a significant mark on Swedish design and continue to inspire generations of designers and craftsmen.
Charlotte Perriand
Charlotte Perriand (1903–1999) was a French architect and designer who played a central role in shaping modern design in the 20th century. Her work was characterized by an innovative blend of functionality, aesthetics, and social engagement.
Sture Johannesson
Sture Johannesson (1935–2018) was a groundbreaking Swedish artist and graphic designer, known for his work in psychedelic art and his central role in the Swedish underground movement of the 1960s and 70s. Born in Malmö, Johannesson quickly made a name for himself by challenging societal conventions and norms with his controversial and often provocative works. His posters and artworks combined the aesthetics of pop art with political and social messages, often using psychedelic patterns and colors to express his critique of the establishment.
Erik Höglund
Erik Höglund (1932–1998) was a prominent Swedish artist and glass designer, known for his groundbreaking work in the glass industry and his unique artistic style that challenged traditional norms. Born in Karlskrona, Höglund developed an early interest in art, leading him to study at Konstfack in Stockholm. As a young artist, he was hired by Boda Glassworks in Småland, where he revolutionized Swedish glass art with his innovative and sometimes controversial works.
Virgil Abloh
Virgil Abloh (1980–2021) was one of the most influential designers of the early 21st century. With a background in architecture and engineering, Abloh brought a unique perspective to fashion, founding the successful brand Off-White and later becoming the artistic director for Louis Vuitton Men’s. Beyond fashion, Abloh also ventured into furniture and home decor design. His collaboration with IKEA, which resulted in the highly acclaimed "MARKERAD" collection, exemplified his ability to transform everyday items into artistic and culturally significant objects. Abloh also designed furniture for other manufacturers, consistently blending function with provocation. He challenged traditional design conventions, creating pieces that were both practical and conceptually inspired. His work reflected a deep understanding of how design could bridge various cultural expressions, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape both the fashion and design worlds.
Bodil Kjær
Bodil Kjæris a Danish architect and designer who left a lasting mark on the world of design, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Her minimalist and functional style was a precursor to modern Scandinavian design, with a focus on simplicity, quality, and sustainability. Kjær is perhaps best known for her iconic furniture, especially the "Executive Desk," which has been featured in several James Bond films. In addition to furniture design, Kjær is also admired for her glass art, particularly the elegant "Kryssvasen" (Cross Vase). This vase features a clean and geometric form, reflecting her design philosophy of simplicity and functionality. The cross-shaped design creates a delicate yet harmonious pattern of intersecting lines, giving the vase a timeless quality. It showcases Kjær's ability to bring beauty and balance into everyday objects.
Le Corbusier
Le Corbusier, born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, was a Swiss-French architect, urban planner, and designer, considered one of the most influential figures in modern architecture and design. His work, spanning from the early 20th century until his death in 1965, shaped much of the modernist movement. Le Corbusier championed functionality and simplicity, utilizing concrete as a key material in his groundbreaking designs. His philosophy of buildings as "machines for living" reflected his vision to improve people's lives through rational and standardized design. In addition to his architectural contributions, Le Corbusier was also a furniture designer, often collaborating with Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret. Together, they created iconic pieces such as the LC2 armchair and the famous LC4 chaise longue, where minimalist form meets sophisticated functionality. These furniture pieces, made with tubular steel and leather, have become symbols of modernist design, embodying the seamless integration of form and function. Le Corbusier also explored glass art, incorporating stained glass into many of his architectural works. His most renowned use of colored glass is found in the chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Haut in Ronchamp, where vivid stained glass windows create a dramatic interplay of light, enhancing the spiritual experience. His ability to combine architecture, furniture design, and glass art showcases his broad artistic vision and lasting influence on contemporary design.