25 years of new Swedish contemporary

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25 years of new Swedish contemporary
25 years of new Swedish contemporary
25 years of new Swedish contemporary
1990                       Snow storage series,        Forminord company          Soap bubbles carpet,         2003                        Brio game in white,
Galleri ASPLUND opens      Thomas Sandell & Jonas      and the rights for Snow    Maria Kaaris                Tangent carpet, Kristina     special edition
at Nybrogatan 34,          Bohlin for Forminord        production                 Florence candle holder,     Råström                      Exhibition; Claesson
Stockholm                  Exhibition; Carouschka      ASPLUND starts to          Ola Rune                    Alligator carpet, Kristina   Koivisto Rune
Panik cabinet, Thomas      Streijffert                 produce Snow series,       Mug, Helena Bodin           Råström                      Exhibition; Swedish
Sandell                    Exhibition; Helmut          Jonas Bohlin and           Twist carpet, Filipe        Sandra table, Thomas         Home in Milan
Opening exhibition;        Newton                      Thomas Sandell             Alarcao                     Sandell
Jonas Bohlin and                                       ASPLUND starts to          Project Bigsnake,           Cookie tray, Stina           2007
Thomas Sandell             1995                        produce Skeleton           presented at Harrods        Sandwall                     Ecco Bunny carpet,
                           ASPLUND moves to a          hanger, Thomas             Exhibition with Swecode;    Button carpet, Mårten        Thomas Eriksson
1991                       larger space around the     Eriksson                   Living in Sweden in New     Claesson                     Saturn cabinet, Thomas
CD shelf, Thomas           corner to Sibyllegatan 31   ASPLUND starts to          York                        Dalahorse puzzle,            Eriksson
Sandell                    JS table and bench          produce Lucia candle                                   Michael Asplund              Vass wall cabinet,
Crux blanket, Pia Wallén   serie, Jan Schedin          sticks, Thomas Sandell     2001                                                     Claesson Koivisto Rune
Weddingstool, Thomas       O-carpet, Mats              Convex / Concave           ASPLUND Store re-            2004                        Plow carpet, Mats
Sandell                    Borgström                   carpet, Pia Wallén (94)    designed by Claesson        ASPLUND- A Stockholm         Theselius
Exhibition; Sculptures     Lucia candlesticks,         Krickan carpet, Kristina   Koivisto Rune               opens in Tokyo and           Exhibition; Thomas
Oscar Reutersvärd          Thomas Sandell for          Råström                    Arc tables, Claesson        Fukoka, Japan                Eriksson
                           Cappellini                  Chriss Cross carpet,       Koivisto Rune               Ile carpets, Piero Lissoni
1992                       TS sofatable, Thomas        Michael Sodeau             Stella candelabra, Stina    Miss Dottie carpet,          2008
Air bench, Thomas          Sandell                     Golden Section carpet,     Sandwall                    Thomas Sandell               Vass storage series,
Sandell                    Swecode Exhibit Volvo,      Eero Koivisto              JL carpet, Jonas Lindvall   Totone carpets, Claesson     Claesson Koivisto Rune
TS chair, Thomas           Kungsträdgården             Exhibition; Ole Palsby     Folded carpet, Harri        Koivisto Rune                Lotus carpet, Broberg &
Sandell                    First time exhibiting       Før øje og hånd            Koskinen                    Exhibition; Jasper           Ridderstråle
Slippers, Pia Wallén       in Milan at Salone del      Exhibition with Swecode;   Exhibition; Harri           Morrisson                    Free book shelf, Thomas
Key cabinet, Thomas        Mobile                      Living in Sweden in        Koskinen                    Exhibition with Living       Eriksson
Sandell                                                Milan                      Milky Way, Led light        Divani in Milan Ile          Mr Dottie carpet,
Skeleton hanger,           1996                                                   carpet by Eero Koivitsto    Carpets                      Thomas Sandell
Thomas Eriksson for        TE pouf, Thomas             1999                       Helene sofa, Helene
Cappellini                 Eriksson                    Ruggles, carpets, Lloyd    Tiedemann                   2005                         2009
                           Lutan mirror, Thomas        Schwan                                                 Rand storage series,         Kilt cabinet walnut
1993                       Eriksson                    X5 carpet, James Irvine    2002                        Claesson Koivisto Rune       edition, Claesson
TS table, Thomas           TE Bookstand, Thomas        Trace carpet, Ola Rune     Unit storage series,        Code baskets, Ola            Koivisto Rune
Sandell                    Eriksson                    Plutos eye’s carpet,       Claesson Koivisto Rune      Wihlborg                     Kilt carpet, Claesson
TS mirror, Thomas          Swecode exhibits first      Stefano Giovannoni         L-storage series,           L2 storage series,           Koivisto Rune
Sandell                    time in Milan               Exhibition; David Mellor   Johannes Norrlander         Johannes Norlander           Press magazine,
Exhibition; Carpets, KG                                Exhibition; James Irvine   Knot carpet, Alfredo        ThomSan sofa table,          Claesson Koivisto Rune
Nilsson                    1997                        Via Montenapoleone         Häberli                     Thomas Sandell               Exhibition at
                           Carpet on carpet, Jonas                                Sahara carpet, Sonja        Exhibition; Thomas           designgalleriet; Tokyo
1994                       Bohlin                      2000                       Larsson                     Sandell Outdoor Air          Takushi carpets,
Carpets, Carouschka        Maze carpet, Tom Dixon      Cheeese carpet, Anki       Loop carpet, Kristina                                    Claesson Koivisto Rune
Streijffert                Cool carpet, Pia Wallén     Gneib                      Råström                     2006
Crux carpet, Pia Wallén    Towel table, Helene         Lines carpet, Alfredo      Handle it carpet, Miquel    Bermuda table, Thomas        2010
Dot carpet, Pia Wallén     Tiedemann                   Häberli                    Vieira Baptista             Eriksson                     Fish carpet, Thomas
HT sofa, Helene            Swecode exhibition;         Air carpet, Thomas         Wood texture carpet,        Beach carpet, Maria          Sandell
Tiedemann                  Frysrum Tom Dixon and       Sandell                    Japser Morrison &           Håård                        Pebbles carpet, Thomas
HT table, Helene           Beckmans                    Egg carpet, Bigert &       Andreas Brandolini          L2 bookshelf, Johannnes      Sandell
Tiedemann                                              Bergström                  Square carpet, Mia          Norrlander                   Lapp carpet, Thomas
Skålbordet table,          1998                        Marc carpet, Marc          Cullin                      New Cool blanket, Pia        Sandell
Thomas Sandell             ASPLUND buys                Newson                     Net carpet, Nina Jobs       Wallén                       Flag carpet, Thomas
25 years of new Swedish contemporary
ASPLUND 25                             Once a small gallery, exhibiting furniture as objects of fine art, Asplund is an
                                                              internationally acclaimed design establishment, which has contributed significantly
                       NEW SWEDISH                            to the idea of contemporary Swedish design. Asplund’s furniture collection, created
                       CONTEMPORARY                           in collaboration with renowned designers, can be found in homes, offices and public
                                                              spaces globally.
                         Over the years, Asplund’s signature style ‘Friendly Minimalism’ has shown the world that Swedish minimalism can be
                       warm and elegant. Today, Asplund is challenging consumerism through aesthetically sustainable design. By using durable
                       materials, which age with beauty, and through a lasting expression unaffected by trends, Asplund works to create design
                       classics that can be passed on for generations.
                         Asplund believes that the secret to longevity lies in simplicity. However, simplicity is all but simple: “Small details are more
                       important in simple minimalist design, because you see every line. Unless every inch is perfect, it is not good enough,” says
                       Sandra Adrian Asplund, Creative Director. To ensure a perfect result, while observing ethical and environmentally friendly
                       production processes, the Asplund furniture is produced in Sweden.
                         Asplund’s stage is the Asplund Store at Sibyllegatan 31. Here, Asplund showcases its collection, together with carefully
                       selected items from up-and-coming designers and esteemed international brands – a contemporary exhibit with an
                       international twist.

                       Welcome to 25 years of new Swedish contemporary design.

Members of our
dynamic team of
designers.

L-R (standing):
Thomas Sandell, Per
Söderberg, Jessica
Signell Knutsson,
Thomas Asplund,
Ola Rune, Anya
Sebton, Pia Wallén

L-R (seated):
Mats Broberg, Johan
Ridderstråle, Sandra
Adrian Asplund,
Michael Asplund,
Emma Olbers,
Thomas Eriksson

Image by Patrik
Engström, published
in Residence
Magazine 2014-02
25 years of new Swedish contemporary
FURNITURE AS                          Michael and Thomas Asplund founded Asplund Gallery to exhibit furniture as objects      Michael and Thomas
                                                                                                                              Asplund when it all
                                      of fine art, and vice versa. Michael, originally an art dealer, had long contemplated   started.

OBJECTS OF ART                        combining art and design within a business venture. In 1990, Thomas Asplund left his    The Asplund Gallery

1990-1994                             job as banker to team up with his brother. With their unconventional backgrounds, the
                                                                                                                              at Nybrogatan image
                                                                                                                              by Björn Sjödén
                                                                                                                              (scanned)
                                      duo brought fresh ideas to the Industry. Seeing furniture as objects of art was a new   published in FORM
                                      way of thinking that quickly caught on.                                                 magazine 1990.

  The Asplund brothers asked Jonas Bohlin to design the original Asplund Gallery, situated on Nybrogatan 34 in Stockholm.     Ticket carpet*
                                                                                                                              by Carouschka
With its concrete floors and white washed walls, it was the quintessence of scandinavian light. The gallery soon became       Streijffert

a stage for contemporary Swedish design. Exhibits featured work by the likes of Jonas Bohlin, John Kandell and Thomas         *No longer in
Sandell.                                                                                                                      production

  The Asplund brothers began to develop their own line of furniture and design pieces, under the name Edition Asplund.
Among the first items released was a CD rack and a stool, both designed by Thomas Sandell. The stool, released under the
name Wedding Stool, was originally created as a wedding gift for Jonas Bohlin and his bride.
  By the end of 1995, Asplund had outgrown its original site and moved to larger premises. A showroom, three times the
size, was chosen on Sibyllegatan 31.

                                                     3.2
25 years of new Swedish contemporary
TS chair by Thomas
Sandell. Originally
designed for the
canteen at the
Museum of Modern
Art in Stockholm

Panic cabinet by
Thomas Sandell

Felt slippers by Pia
Wallén

Wedding stools* by
Thomas Sandell
25 years of new Swedish contemporary
REDEFINING                             Sandra Adrian Asplund, Creative Director, and later spouse of Thomas Asplund,               This page:
                                                                                                                                   HT sofa* by Helene
                                       joined the team in 1995. Her mission was to head the Asplund Collection, which was          Tiedemann, Cushion

SCANDINAVIAN                           becoming a significant part of the Asplund brand.
                                                                                                                                   Crux by Pia Wallén

DESIGN                                    Asplund’s style became known as ‘Friendly Minimalism’. It was a warmer and more
                                                                                                                                   TE foldable pouf* by
                                                                                                                                   Thomas Ericsson

                                       elegant version of the iconic minimalist Scandinavian style that had a strong emphasis
1995-1999                              on functionality, and was characterised by clean simple lines. This contemporary
                                                                                                                                   Krickan carpet by
                                                                                                                                   Kristina Råstrom

Scandinavian style served as a welcome antithesis to the lavish eighties. Under the joint-venture name SWECODE, short for          Towel table* by
                                                                                                                                   Helene Tiedemann
Swedish Contemporary Design, the Asplund Collection was exhibited at furniture fairs in Stockholm, Cologne and Milan,
                                                                                                                                   Opposite page:
together with BOX, CBI, David Design and Forminord. The idea was that together as a group, they could market Swedish               O Carpet by Mats
design globally in a more powerful way.                                                                                            Borgström

  Suddenly, all eyes were on Scandinavia. Wallpaper magazine, among others, proclaimed that Sweden was best in the world           *No longer in
                                                                                                                                   production
at design. “I will never forget when I picked up a fresh copy of Abitare, the most influential design magazine at the time, at a
newsstand in Paris, and a pouf designed by Thomas Eriksson for Asplund, was the first product featured in the magazine’s
Milano review. It was big,” says Thomas Asplund.

  4.1                                    4.2                                     4.3
25 years of new Swedish contemporary
25 years of new Swedish contemporary
This page from left:
      The 90’s were festive times. “We were a part of        Maze carpet by Tom
      the popular Living in Sweden lifestyle exhibition,     Dixon

      hosted by Stockholm New (Britton & Britton).           X5 carpet by James
                                                             Irvine
      They held extravagant parties following the
                                                             Île carpet by Piero
      exhibition, in cities like New York and Milan.         Lissoni
      Everyone was there, and the parties were the           Marc carpet by Marc
      talk of the town for months, in fact, people still     Newson

      talk about them,” says Michael Asplund.                Lines carpet by
                                                             Alfredo Häberli
         “James Irvine, a key player in the European
      design community, invited us to join an                Chriss Cross carpet
                                                             by Michael Sodeau
      international clique of designers, who would
                                                             Opposite page:
      meet up regularly, under casual circumstances,         Convex carpet by Pia
                                                             Wallén,
      and talk about the good things in life – like          TS chair by Thomas
      design – at Bar Basso in Milan. It’s still the place   Sandell,
                                                             Sandra table by
      to be seen during the Milan Design Week,” says         Thomas Sandell,
                                                             Snow glass cabinet
      Sandra Adrian Asplund.                                 by Jonas Bohlin &
                                                             Thomas Sandell,
         “Eight of us – Stefano Giovannoni, James            Lucia candle sticks
      Irvine, Jasper Morrison, Mark Newson, Uluc             by Thomas Sandell,
                                                             Code basket by Ola
      Telmen, Peter Hallén, Sandra, and I – took             Wihlborg,
                                                             Cookie tray by Stina
      an inspirational trip to Casa Malaparte, Capri.        Sandwall

      The trip resulted in a fun, but rather evocative,
      design project under the name of Big Snake,
      which was exhibited at Harrods in London in the
      late 90’s,” says Thomas Asplund.

3.2
25 years of new Swedish contemporary
1.1 large + left bleed
25 years of new Swedish contemporary
THOMAS SANDELL                     Thomas Sandell is one             This page:
                                                                     Wedding stools* by
                                   of Sweden’s leading               Thomas Sandell

                                   architects and designers.         Snow cabinet by
                                                                     Jonas Bohlin &
                                   In 1995, Thomas Sandell           Thomas Sandell

founded Sandellsandberg together with Ulf Sandberg & Joakim          Lucia candle sticks
Uebel. Thomas’ signature style is modern, international and          by Thomas Sandell

elegant, with a Nordic touch.                                        TS mirror* by
                                                                     Thomas Sandell

                                                                     Opposite page:
THOUGHTS ON SNOW                                                     Air bench* sketch by
                                                                     Thomas Sandell

What inspired your design?                                           Lapp carpet sketch
                                                                     by Thomas Sandell
– Initially, we wanted to create a piece of storage furniture
                                                                     Miss Dottie carpet by
with distinct handles. This idea evolved into a smooth               Thomas Sandell
cabinet, with sinuous empty spaces for handles, based on the         *No longer in
curvature of the hand.                                               production

In what sort of context does the design work best?
– It fits in anywhere. I’ve seen it in cottages in the archipelago
and in a castle in the Swedish province of Sörmland.

From where do you draw your creative inspiration?
– New impressions.
“I think that the
bench Air is
the most
clever piece of
furniture that I
have designed.
It is light as air
and easy to
move around,
yet extremely
strong due to
its re-enforced
joints and holey
construction,”
says Thomas
Sandell
PIA WALLÉN                            Pia Wallén made             This page:
                                                                  Crux carpet by Pia
                                      an international            Wallén

                                      breakthrough in the early   Felt slippers by Pia
                                                                  Wallén
                                      90’s with her own brand.
                                                                  Slippers* on a
Bold minimalistic objects, created in her signature material      Convex carpet by Pia
felt, became instant classics. Inspired by traditional Swedish    Wallén

folk craft techniques and patterns, Pia Wallén’s designs          Crux blankets* by
                                                                  Pia Wallén
also have a strong contemporary edge. This combination of
                                                                  Opposite page:
tradition and modernity has remained Pia Wallén’s trademark.      Dot carpet by Pia
Her collections include accessories, jewellery and interior       Wallén

objects.                                                          *No longer in
                                                                  production by
                                                                  Asplund

THOUGHTS ON CONVEX/CONCAVE CARPET

What inspired your design?
– I spent a couple of years testing the possibilities and
limitations of the tuft technique for carpet design and relief
patterns. Convex/Concave, conceived in 1994, is the result.

In what sort of context does the design work best?
– It is beautiful against the naked skin.

From where do you draw your creative inspiration?
– Passion in a personal contemporary context.
A DESIGN                               By the 2000’s, Asplund’s exhibitions and design collaborations included work by           This page:
                                                                                                                                 Vass cabinet in the
                                       renowned international designers, such as Tom Dixon, David Mellor, Piero Lissoni, Ole     making.The utmost

ESTABLISHMENT                          Palsby, Jasper Morrisson, James Irvine and Marc Newson, alongside contemporary
                                                                                                                                 attention is paid to
                                                                                                                                 all details.

2000-2009                              Swedes.                                                                                   Lacquered pieces
                                                                                                                                 waiting to dry.
                                         The Asplund store, which is now a hybrid between a gallery, a shop and a living room,
where you can have a steaming espresso while devouring the latest within contemporary design, is considered a global             Detail of Vass Desk

design attraction. Here, the Asplund Collection is mixed with items from up-and-coming designers and esteemed brands             Finishing the details
                                                                                                                                 while waiting for
such as B&B Italia, Cappellini, Flos, Living Divani and Artemide.                                                                another layer of
                                                                                                                                 lacquer, which is to
  The Asplund Collection has grown substantially and is selling around the world through a network of dealers. The trend         be applied by hand.
among furniture brands is to outsource production abroad, but Asplund is determined to keep most manufacturing within            Opposite page
Sweden. Michael Asplund explains: “We produce all our furniture in Sweden, as well as a large proportion of our accessories.     Detail of Arc table*
                                                                                                                                 by Claesson Koivisto
This way we benefit the Swedish furniture industry, while observing ethical and environmentally friendly production              Rune,
                                                                                                                                 Asplund Edition
processes. Our rugs are made in India, mostly because there is no corresponding carpet production available in Sweden
today.”                                                                                                                          “We wanted to
                                                                                                                                 make the perfect
  In 2006, during Milan Design Week, Asplund curated the exhibition Swedish Home, a large venture featuring numerous             table for Wegner’s
Swedish brands, such as David Design, Arkitekthus, Nola, Electrolux and Orrefors.                                                wishbone chairs,
                                                                                                                                 which are our
                                                                                                                                 favourite. The
                                                                                                                                 idea was to
                                                                                                                                 challenge the
                                                                                                                                 impression of a
                                                                                                                                 rather chunky
                                                                                                                                 material like
                                                                                                                                 wood. The top
                                                                                                                                 looks impossibly
                                                                                                                                 thin when looking
                                                                                                                                 at it from above,
                                                                                                                                 and rigid and
                                                                                                                                 solid when seen
                                                                                                                                 from the side. It
                                                                                                                                 took a long time
                                                                                                                                 to develop the
                                                                                                                                 perfect angle in
                                                                                                                                 the factory,” says
                                                                                                                                 Eero Koivisto.

                                                                                                                                 Snow cabinets
                                                                                                                                 by Jonas Bohlin and
                                                                                                                                 Thomas Sandell
MADE IN SWEDEN                                       This page:
                                                     Beach carpet by
                                                     Maria Håård,
                                                     Press magazine
Almost all of Asplund’s furniture is made to         stand by Claesson
                                                     Koivisto Rune
order in factories in Tibro and Skillingaryd in
                                                     Opposite page:
Sweden, where several steps of the production        Vass cabinet by
processes are done by hand. Asplund is               Claesson Koivisto
                                                     Rune,
deeply engaged in the processes, from the            Lucia candle sticks
                                                     by Thomas Sandell
sketches to the finished products, and often
customises items to meet individual clients’
needs and preferences. “By producing our
furniture in Sweden we benefit the Swedish
furniture industry, while observing ethical and
environmentally friendly production processes,”
says Michael Asplund.
   Only carefully selected, preferably natural,
durable materials are used: “Natural materials
often require a bit of love and care, but in
return, they age beautifully and last a lifetime,”
says Sandra Asplund.
Thomas Eriksson is an
THOMAS ERIKSSON                        internationally recognised
                                                                    This page:
                                                                    Bermuda desk by
                                                                    Thomas Eriksson

                                       architect and furniture      Skeleton hanger*
                                                                    by Thomas Eriksson
                                       designer. Thomas runs
his own architectural office, Thomas Eriksson Architects, and       Echo bunny carpet
                                                                    by Thomas Eriksson
is one of the owners of Stockholm Design Lab. Thomas’
                                                                    Saturn cabinet* by
signature style is distinct and smart.                              Thomas Eriksson,
                                                                    special edition

                                                                    Lutan leaning mirror
THOUGHTS ON BERMUDA                                                 by Thomas Eriksson

                                                                    Free book shelf* by
What inspired your design?                                          Thomas Eriksson

– Good friends of mine, who work in the fashion industry,           Opposite page:
                                                                    Bermuda Mega table
asked me if I could design a large dining table for their very      by Thomas Eriksson,
beautiful and elaborate home. I imagined a distinct table that      Tati console
                                                                    by Broberg &
many people could sit around comfortably. The inspiration for       Ridderstråle,
                                                                    Kub mini vitrines
the triangular base of the table was the Bermuda Triangle.          by Eva Lilja
                                                                    Löwenhielm,
                                                                    North table by
In what sort of context does the design work best?                  Jessica Signell
                                                                    Knutsson,
– It’s just right for a dinner party, or for a large meeting.       Mini Flag carpet by
                                                                    Thomas Sandell

                                                                    *No longer in
From where do you draw your creative inspiration?                   production
– Peoples’ needs inspire me, as does my own urge to
innovate, and to work from simple, honest ideas.
HANDMADE CARPETS
1.1   1.2
            For 15 years, Asplund’s carpets have been
            made by hand, in a small family-owned factory
            in India. It is a factory that cares deeply for its
            employees and their families. Here, wool is spun
            into yarn, dyed in a boiling pot, and then tufted,
            knotted or woven into beautiful carpets, using
            the finest techniques. “Throughout the years,
            the factory has delivered an unprecedented
            quality,” says Michael Asplund.
               Asplund’s carpets are made of materials like
            fine silk and high quality New Zealand Wool,
            which is rich in natural fats that give the carpets
            a natural lustre while also providing good
2.1         protection against stains.

3.1
Opposite page :
Carpet on carpet
by Jonas Bohlin

Star woven carpet
by Emma Olbers

Soft Minimum by
Michael Asplund

Images from the
factory:
Cutting the pile;
Tufting and brushing
tools; Dyed fine wool
yarn hanging outside
to dry.
This page:
Maze carpet
by Tom Dixon

Asplund Platinum
Carpets are
our finest hand
knotted rugs,
made of 75% fine
wool and 25%
silk. There are
1280 tight knots
in a square dm 2.
It takes 3 weavers
and about 8-10
weeks to tie a
carpet of about
4 m 2.
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Twice, hand-tufted
carpet of two
different qualities,
by Jessica Signell
Knutsson

This page:
Fleur Platinum
carpet, a hand-
knotted carpet in
wool and silk with
a pattern cut by
hand, by Broberg &
Ridderstråle.

“When designing
this carpet,
we went to the
flower market
and bought all
our favourite
flowers. We then
climbed up a
ladder and tossed
out flower petals
randomly over
a white carpet
sized rectangle
we had made on
the floor of our
studio. Then we
took a photo of it.
We did this over
and over for three
days, until we
had the perfect
pattern,” says
Mats Broberg.
CLAESSON                              Claesson Koivisto Rune      From where do you draw your creative inspiration?             This page:
                                                                                                                                Trace carpet by
                                      is a Swedish architect-     – In product design, we are constantly inspired by our work   Claesson Koivisto

KOIVISTO                              ural partnership, founded   as architects. So, we ask ourselves, how will this piece of
                                                                                                                                Rune

RUNE                                  in Stockholm, in 1995,      furniture work in different rooms?
                                                                                                                                Arc table by
                                                                                                                                Claesson Koivisto
                                                                                                                                Rune,
                                      by Mårten Claesson,                                                                       Asplund Edition
Eero Koivisto and Ola Rune. It started as an architectural                                                                      Kilt Light cabinet
firm, but has since become an internationally acclaimed,                                                                        by Claesson Koivisto
                                                                                                                                Rune
multi-disciplinary office with an equal emphasis on both
                                                                                                                                Tokyo Takushi
architecture and design.                                                                                                        carpet* by Claesson
                                                                                                                                Koivisto Rune

THOUGHTS ON RAND/VASS/KILT                                                                                                      Unit cabinet* by
                                                                                                                                Claesson Koivisto
                                                                                                                                Rune
What inspired your design?                                                                                                      Grace candle sticks
– The idea was to design a family of three storage units as an                                                                  by Claesson Koivisto
                                                                                                                                Rune
architectural unity. The units have irregular patterns of lines
                                                                                                                                Opposite page:
cut into the doors and drawer fronts. Some lines correspond                                                                     Rand storage by
                                                                                                                                Claesson Koivisto
to real divisions, and some do not. In this way, the actual                                                                     Rune
divisions between the doors are hidden within the pattern.                                                                      Vass cabinet by
                                                                                                                                Claesson Koivisto
                                                                                                                                Rune
In what sort of context does the design work best?
                                                                                                                                Kilt series, Kilt
– Versatility is the core of the concept, so the design will                                                                    Carpet, Zoo tables
enhance any room, either alone or in combination.                                                                               by Claesson Koivisto
                                                                                                                                Rune

                                                                                                                                *No longer in
                                                                                                                                production
EXPANDING                                2010 marked the beginning of a new era, and Asplund was on the lookout for new          This page:
                                                                                                                                 Kitchen Land by
                                         energy, influences, materials and techniques.                                           Johannes Norlander

HORIZONS                                   Asplund looked to nature as a key source: “What I love about natural materials is     Kub display boxes by

2010-2015                                that they are alive and change gracefully over time,” says Sandra Adrian Asplund.
                                                                                                                                 Eva Lilja Löwenhielm

                                                                                                                                 Funk wall cabinet
                                         By combining contrasting natural materials like stone, metal and glass in new and       by Per Söderberg,
interesting ways, successful furniture collections like Tati and Frame were born.                                                Mini Flag carpet by
                                                                                                                                 Thomas Sandell
  Asplund also explored cultural sources. In 2010, Asplund held the in-store exhibition A Turkish Love Affair featuring Kilim
                                                                                                                                 Opposite page:
carpets inspired by both Turkish and Swedish traditions. By mixing old techniques with modern patterns, Asplund developed        Tati table by Broberg
                                                                                                                                 & Ridderstråle,
a fresh, contemporary style.                                                                                                     Kub marble display
  Personalisation was on the rise, and people were searching for ways to make their homes more personal and authentic.           box by Eva Lilja
                                                                                                                                 Löwenhielm,
Personal items were to be showcased, not hidden away in cupboards. Asplund and Eva Lilja Löwenhielm’s answer was Kub,            Lucia candle sticks
                                                                                                                                 by Thomas Sandell
a mini vitrine for exhibiting special items in a sleek, elegant way. Other Asplund products that were created with this notion
were the Luc storage series and the Besson cabinets.
  Asplund experienced substantial growth in their Interior design and contract departments and, increasingly clients were
asking how to make homes, offices or public spaces, more homey and personal.
  In 2014, Asplund launched its two first kitchen series, Land, designed by Johannes Norlander and Plain, designed by Stina
Sandwall. The Asplund trio Sandra, Thomas and Michael are all avid cooks, so a natural step was to create a kitchen brand
of their own. “We wanted to create a kitchen for people who love to cook and that could meet our own demands regarding
quality, function and aesthetics,” says Sandra Adrian Asplund. Asplund’s kitchens are manufactured in Sweden, on demand.
1.1 large + left bleed
A TURKISH LOVE AFFAIR                               This page
                                                    Funkis wall cabinet
                                                    by Per Söderberg,
                                                    Mini Flag kelim
In 2010, Asplund held the in-store exhibition       carpet by Thomas
                                                    Sandell
A Turkish Love Affair, featuring finely knotted
wool and silk rugs and Kilims, woven in a           East tray tables,
                                                    by Jessica Signell
Turkish style, designed by Thomas Sandell and       Knutsson

Claesson Koivisto Rune.                             Opposite page:
                                                    Carpets By Thomas
  Thomas Sandell’s designs were based on            Sandell for “A
aquarelle drawings and depicted modern              Turkish Love Affair”
                                                    exhibit:
patterns inspired by both Turkish and Swedish       Flag hand knotted
                                                    carpet,
traditions. By mixing old techniques with           Pebbles hand
                                                    knotted carpet,
modern patterns, and vice versa, Thomas             Mini Flag hand
developed a fresh, contemporary style. “While       woven kelim
                                                    carpets ,
strolling through the Bazaars of Istanbul, I came   Fish hand knotted
                                                    carpet
across Turkish Kilims with patterns that were
strikingly similar to traditional Swedish motifs.
This inspired me in my design,” says Thomas
Sandell.
  Jessica Signell-Knutsson’s East, a series of
small tables inspired by eastern tray tables, was
also exhibited.

                                                    ”The idea was to
                                                    make a traditional
                                                    Eastern tray table
                                                    contemporary,
                                                    by adjusting its
                                                    proportions and
                                                    functions to suit a
                                                    modern life”
Image by unknown
talent. We are
looking for you.

                   1.1 large + left bleed
BROBERG &                             Broberg & Ridderstråle      From where do you draw your creative inspiration?           This page:
                                                                                                                              Lotus carpet
                                      are “creative               – You should always be open to new ideas, impressions and   by Broberg &

RIDDERSTRÅLE                          collaborators” at Broberg   inspiration, because you never know when you are going to
                                                                                                                              Ridderstråle

                                                                                                                              Besson cabinet
                                      & Ridderstråle Design       find them.                                                  by Broberg &
                                                                                                                              Ridderstråle
& Architecture, a Stockholm based architecture and design
practice. They strive to add emotional value to their designs,                                                                Fleur carpet Rose
                                                                                                                              by Broberg &
which communicate with users through symbols. They draw                                                                       Ridderstråle

inspiration from everyday life and often combine a rational                                                                   Luc cabinets with
                                                                                                                              marble and glass
approach with a bit of wit.                                                                                                   tops, by Broberg &
                                                                                                                              Ridderstråle

THOUGHTS ON TATI                                                                                                              Opposite page:
                                                                                                                              Johan Ridderstråle
                                                                                                                              & Mats Broberg with
What inspired your design?                                                                                                    their Tati collection.
                                                                                                                              Winners of the
– We started sketching a set of tables that would create a                                                                    ”Furniture of the
                                                                                                                              Year” award. Tati
beautiful silhouette when assembled. Curved metal frames,                                                                     mirror, coat rack,
                                                                                                                              console and side
which hold up tabletops made of contrasting materials, are                                                                    tables.
                                                                                                                              Image by Kristian
what enable this. The set of tables eventually evolved into a                                                                 Pohl, published in
full furniture series, which now includes dining tables, coffee                                                               Sköna hem 12/02.

tables, desks, mirrors and even large coat-hanger units.

In what sort of context does the design work best?
– There is a Tati for every environment and requirement.
Aesthetically, Tati would be just as beautiful in a turn of the
century flat as in a contemporary environment.
1.1 50%        1.2 50%

NB. No bleed   NB. No bleed
This page:
Tati desk by Broberg
& Ridderstråle,
Me Mirror by Mattias
Hahn

Tati coat rack,
by Broberg &
Ridderstråle,
Tracks carpet
by Helene Backlund

Opposite page:
Tati console
by Broberg &
Ridderstråle,
Kub by Eva Lilja
                       1.1   1.2
Löwenhielm,
Mini Flag kelim
carpet by Thomas
Sandell,
Fish Cushion by
Thomas Sandell
The two contrasting materials, and the quality, are what set
ANYA SEBTON                           Since graduating from
                                                                 the Frame table apart. Today, Frame – first manufactured in
                                                                                                                                This page:
                                                                                                                                Frame Low cabinet
                                      Beckmans College of                                                                       by Anya Sebton &

EVA LILJA-                            Design in the 90’s,        2012 – has evolved into a full furniture series.
                                                                                                                                Eva Lilja Löwenhielm

LÖWENHIELM                            Anya Sebton has been
                                                                                                                                Kub glass display by
                                                                                                                                Eva Lilja Löwenhielm

                                      a sought-after designer,   In what sort of context does the design work best?             Frame Cabinet
known for her artistic and functional approach to furniture      – Frame is a functional series, created to work in any         by Anya Sebton &
                                                                                                                                Eva Lilja Löwenhielm
design. Her designs offer unexpected details and a unique        environment, home or public place. Our belief is that
                                                                                                                                Frame cabinet
graphic expression.                                              furniture of good design can fit in well, anywhere.            and Frame Semi
                                                                                                                                cabinet by Anya
  Eva Lilja Löwenhielm runs a multidisciplinary design studio                                                                   Sebton & Eva Lilja
in Stockholm, which focuses on product design, residential       From where do you draw your creative inspiration?              Löwenhielm,
                                                                                                                                Fleur carpet Bluebell
and commercial interiors and store concepts. Eva’s pieces        – Years as designers have filled us with impressions and       by Broberg &
                                                                                                                                Ridderstråle
are true to a minimalism “très scandinave” with light            inspiration. These, together with a stimulating conversation
colors – if any – clean lines and natural materials.             with a producer, can create and bring to life an innovative    Opposite page:
                                                                                                                                Frame table by Anya
                                                                 design of real beauty and quality.                             Sebton & Eva Lilja
                                                                                                                                Löwenhielm,
THOUGHTS ON FRAME                                                                                                               File cabinet by
                                                                                                                                Jessica Signell
                                                                                                                                Knutsson,
What inspired your design?                                                                                                      Mini Flag tufted
                                                                                                                                carpet by Thomas
– Frame came about through an intense, creative dialogue                                                                        Sandell

with Sandra Adrian Asplund. Our mission was to create a
table with clean lines, which would fit perfectly within any
environment. Using contrasting materials was key: One type
of material was used to create the table’s inner parts, and
another was used for the table’s exterior.
This page:
Tati table by Broberg
& Ridderstråle,
Grid carpet by
Jessica Signell
Knutsson

Tati square tables
by Broberg &
Ridderstråle,
Star carpet by Emma
Olbers

Opposite page:
C-carpet by Anya
Sebton & Eva Lilja
Löwenhielm,
Zoo table by
Claesson Koivisto
Rune
1.1   1.2
1.1 large + left bleed
This page:
Fleur carpet
Eucalyptus
by Broberg &
Ridderstråle,
Pile cabinet by
Jessica Signell
Knutsson

Opposite page:
Kilt and Kilt open by
Claesson Koivisto
Rune,
Fleur carpet
by Broberg &
Ridderstråle
This page:
Besson cabinet
by Broberg &
Ridderstråle,
Soft Minimum carpet
by Michael Asplund,
Mini Light tray lamp
by Daniel Rybakken
& Andreas Engesvik,
Lucia candle sticks
by Thomas Sandell

Opposite page:
Luc cabinet
by Broberg &
Ridderstråle.
Fleur carpet
Eucalyptus
by Broberg &
Ridderstråle,
Stella candelabra
by Stina Sandwall

Point carpet by
Sandra Adrian
Asplund,
Vass cabinet by
Claesson Koivisto
Rune,
Mini Light tray lamp
by Daniel Rybakken
& Andreas Engesvik,
Lucia candel stick in
copper by Thomas
Sandell
THANK YOU FOR OUR       Christina Britton          SPECIAL THANKS TO                                 Code basket by
                                                                                                     Ola Wihlborg
FIRST 25 YEARS          Claes Britton              OUR FANTASTIC
                        Stefan Ytterborn           ASPLUND TEAM                 Sibyllegatan 31
John & Ulla Kandell     Björn Sandell                                           114 42 Stockholm
Robert & Kristian       Beban Nord                 Peter Eriksson with staff    Sweden
Samuelsson              Ann Morsing                Jonas Niklasson with staff
Thomas Sandell          Christian Springfeldt      Raj & Adhiraj Dutt with      Contact
Thomas Eriksson         Uluc Thelmen               staff.                       +46 8 662 52 84
Mats Borgström          Marcel Sigel                                            info@asplund.org
Helene Tiedemann        Stefano Giovannoni         ASPLUND agents and           store@asplund.org
Oscar Reutersvärd       Marc Newson                retailers.
Jonas Bohlin            Miguel Viera Baptista                                   Please visit
Sven Lund               Daniel Rybakken            And off course our dear      www.asplund.org
Källemo                 Stina Sandwall             co-workers at ASPLUND
James Irvine            Torbjørn Andersen          throughout theese years.     #asplund25
Jan Schedin             Mattias Stenberg                                        Instagram:
Arne Gustafsson         Jessica Signell Knutsson   PHOTOGRAPHERS                @asplundstore
Tom Dixon               Mats Theselius                                          @asplundcollection
Louise Billgert         Oscar Fuentes              Louise Billgert
Ole Palsby              Per Söderberg              Patrik Engström              Facebook:
Kristina Råström        Espen Voll                 Karl Andersson               @galleriasplund
David Mellor            Piero Lissoni              Björn Sjödén
Corin Mellor            Andreas Engesvik           Rodolphe Foucher
Baertling Stiftelsen    Nils Nova                  Kristian Pohl
Carouschka Streiffert   Matilda Lindblom           Knut Koivisto
Helena Bodin            Johannes Norlander         Per Mäkitalo
Pia Wallén              Nils Tunebjer
Bror Wickström          Christope Dolhem           PRODUCTION TEAM
KG Nilsson              Lars Lundkvist
Mårten Claesson         Hanna Nova Beatrice        Jonas Lyckstedt
Ola Wihlborg            Yasunori Hoki              Ramiro Oblitas
Ola Rune                Lotta Agaton               Sarah Fridlizius
Alfredo Häberli         Susanne Helgesson          Sandra Adrian Asplund
Lloyd Schwan            Hedvig Hedqvist            Victor Ohlsson
Harri Koskinen          Lotta Lewenhaupt           Madeleine Gillgren
Eero Koivisto           Rebecca Tarchys
Jasper Morrison         Cia Wedin                  Printed by Ineko
Andreas Brandolini      Li Pamp                    © Asplund. All rights
Felipe Alarcao          Sonja Larsson              reserved.
Eva Lilja Löwenhielm    Bigert & Bergström
Anya Sebton             Jonas Lindwall
Mats Broberg            Anki Gneib
Johan Ridderstråle      Mia Cullin
Michael Sodeau          Maria Kariis
Helene Backlund
Mathias Hahn
Maria Håård
Niclas Hoflin
Emma Olbers
Maurizio Stoccetto
Rooftop carpet Thomas        Cards table, Torbjörn      ASPLUND Kitchen Land,         2007                        Design Yearbook
Sandell                      Andersson & Espen Voll     Johannes Norlander            Bermuda table, Red Dot
Rand and Rand vertical       Fish fabric, Thomas                                      Design Award                1993
carpets, Claesson            Sandell                                                                              Air bench, Excellent
Koivisto Rune                Exhibition; Nils Nova at                                 2006                        Swedish Design
Kilt, Kilt Light and Kilt    ABSOLUT Attelier                                         Code basket, Red Dot
open storage series,                                                                  Design Award
Claesson Koivisto Rune       2013                       AWARDS
East tables, Jessica         Proust bookshelf,                                        2000
Signell Knutsson             Broberg & Ridderstråle     2015                          Arc table, Excellent
Funk 2010 series, Per        File cabinet, Jessica      Besson series,                Swedish Design
Söderberg                    Signell Knutsson           Nominated to Årets            Pluto’s Eyes carpet, The
Exhibition; A turkish love   Me mirror, Mathias Hahn    möbel, Nya Rum                International Design
affair                       Swoon candle holders,      Star carpet, nominated        Yearbook
                             Marcel Sigel               to Interior Detail of the
2011                         Twice carpet, Jessica      Year, Rum Hemma               1999
Tati console, side tables,   Signell Knutsson                                         Golden Section carpet,
sofa tables, Broberg &       Mini flag tufted carpet,   2014                          The International Design
Ridderstråle                 Thomas Sandell             File cabinet, Best            Yearbook
KUB small vitrine            C-carpet, Anya             bedroom furniture of          O-carpet, The
cabinet, Eva Lilja           Sebton and Eva Lilja       the Year, Elle Decoration     International Design
Löwenhielm                   Löwenhielm                 Sweden                        Yearbook
West side tables, Jessica                                                             Chriss Cross carpet, The
Signell Knutsson             2014                       2013                          International Design
North table, Jessica         Fleur carpet, Broberg &    Tati dining table round,      Yearbook
Signell Knutsson             Ridderstråle               Kitchen product of the        X5 carpet, The
Zoo tables, Claesson         Besson storage series,     Year, Elle Decoration         International Design
Koivisto Rune                Broberg & Ridderstråle     Sweden Light Tray lamp,       Yearbook
Frame cabinet, Anya          Star carpet, Emma          Lamp of the Year, Elle        Ruggles carpets, The
Sebton and Eva Lilja         Olbers                     Decoration Sweden             International Design
Löwenhielm                   Nati Tati side table,      Frame cabinet, Storage        Yearbook
Brev small storage,          Broberg & Ridderstråle     of the Year, Plaza Interiör   Dot carpet, The
Emma Olbers                  Pile cabinet, Jessica                                    International Design
                             Signell Knutsson           2012                          Yearbook
2012                         Freckles carpet, Matilda   Cards table, Table of the     Crux carpet, The
Luc cabinet, Broberg &       Lindblom                   year, Residence               International Design
Ridderstråle                 Point carpets, Sandra      Luc cabinet, Storage of       Yearbook
Light tray lamp, Andreas     Adrian Asplund             the Year, Plaza Deco          Maze carpet, The
Engesvik & Daniel            Grace candle stick,        Tati series, Furniture of     International Design
Rybakken                     Claesson Koivisto Rune     the year, Sköna hem           Yearbook
Tati dining table, coat      Ava carpet, Anya           Tati tables, Best Side
rack, mirror, Broberg &      Sebton and Eva Lilja       tables, Wallpaper             1998
Ridderstråle                 Löwenhielm                                               Krickan carpet, The
Frame Table, Anya            Soft minimum, Michael      2008                          International Design
Sebton and Eva Lilja         Asplund                    Bermuda table,                Yearbook
Löwenhielm                   Grid, Jessica Signell      Furniture of the Year,        Carpet on Carpet, The
Tracks, Moon walk,           Knutsson                   Elle Decoration Sweden        International Design
Ziggy walk and Groove        ASPLUND Kitchen            Vass cabinets, Storage        Yearbook
carpets, Helene              launches                   series of the Year,           Carouschka Striffert
Backlund                                                Residence                     carpet, The International
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