Swedish design: coming to terms with Svenskt Tenn

April 4, 2012

in Living in Sweden,Shopping in Stockholm,Stockholm,Swedish design,what to see in Stockholm

Svenskt tenn textiles A promotional photo from Svenskt Tenn that I received via email yesterday.

When I first moved to Stockholm, I went to a Swedish couple’s house for dinner. In showing me around their home, Anna was very proud to tell me that the pillows on her couch were made with a Josef Frank pattern from Svenskt Tenn. As I looked at them, all I could think was: oh my, I have no idea who Josef Frank is, but those are hideous. Garish. Horrible. I would never want them in my house.

Now seven years later, I look at those very same (and expensive) fabrics and think: aren’t those nice? Maybe I should get some pillows. While I haven’t succumbed to buying anything there yet, I do realize how much my tastes have changed. I am not sure how this happened. Perhaps I’ve just grown so used to the prints because they are so much part of life here?

I do love the Scandinavian design aesthetic and am particularly a fan of Danish furniture and clothing design. For a bit of inspiration, check out Emma’s Design Blog. She does a beautiful job of showcasing all the new interior looks in Scandinavia.

{ 1 trackback }

An inside peek: Stockholm Christmas decorating | 59 North
December 4, 2013 at 21:53

{ 2 comments }

1 Marilyn April 5, 2012 at 13:40

Sandra, it’s interesting to see that you see the patterns differently now. Even after 29 years here, I still think…hideous…garish…NEVER in my home…
Perhaps in a few more years I’ll learn to appreciate them.
I do LOVE Danish designs and furniture tho!

2 Sandra April 5, 2012 at 14:29

Ha! I love it Marilyn. And while my feelings have changed, I still don’t have the patterns in my house!I just think about them!

Comments on this entry are closed.

Previous post:

Next post: