Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to say goodbye to one of our oldest and dearest friends: IKEA.
It’s not that we don’t love the Scandi style stalwart. We appreciate its style-for-less mentality, its clever storage solutions, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from successfully assembling its flat-packed furniture.
But with time, tastes and budget evolve, and one day you may find yourself yearning for something beyond the blue and yellow. When that time comes, we suggest mixing your IKEA addiction with one of these grownup purveyors of Scandinavian design.
In this IKEA alternative story…
A2
A2 kicked off in 2008 in Småland, Sweden with a bold declaration: “Our vision is to be a new, young and brave brand that dares to realise interesting and a bit different objects.” Head designer and engineer Sara Larsson has successfully lived up to that mission with a range of products that are functional but fresh. Think timeless lines and practical designs mixed with funky details and pops of bright colour.
Ferm Living
Copenhagen-based Ferm Living has been going strong since 2006. The brand’s designs are distinctive and confident, with a touch of mid-century charm. Though many of its products adhere to the soothing neutral colour schemes you’re used to seeing in Scandinavian interiors, Ferm Living also delivers a side of sass with occasional graphic prints (in case your couch is aching for a cushion covered in flamingoes).
Finnish Design Shop
From Sweden and Denmark we move to Finland, and the aptly named Finnish Design Shop. The webstore stocks a handpicked collection of items from both well-established brands and emerging designers to bring you a curated, cross-generational selection of Scandi style. What the lengthy list of available brands has in common is high-quality, innovative design, and of course, proud Finnish origins.
RELATED: IKEA Officially Rejects Kanye West’s Offer To Collaborate
Huset
Huset takes its name from the word for “house” in Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian. The company offers a thoughtful collection of clean, clever, and contemporary products for modern living from a blend of iconic and up-and-coming designers. Huset is truly a one-stop shop – you could outfit your entire house from floor to ceiling with its wares (which, come to think of it, may have been the inspiration for that name…).
Normann Copenhagen
Back to Denmark for Normann Copenhagen. Established in 1999 by Jan Andersen and Poul Madsen, the Normann Copenhagen brand encompasses a wide and continuously growing collection of furniture, lighting, textiles, and home accessories. The products are sold in more than 80 countries throughout the world and have collected more than 50 design awards along the way. They don’t come cheap, but the higher price tags are an investment in quality.
Scandinavian Design Center
A simple name with a simple mission. Scandinavian Design Center is an immense resource of home décor from contemporary designers and all-time favourites, including Brita Sweden, Marimekko, Muuto, String furniture, Klippans Yllefabrik, and the SCD’s very own house brand, Nordic Nest. The company offers worldwide express shipping so new furniture, lighting, and accessories are never out of reach.
Scandinavian Designs
Scandinavian Designs is a family business 52 years in the making. Each item is curated by a team with a deep appreciation for modern design and quality craftsmanship, with the aim to tailor the timeless traditions of Scandinavian design to each customer’s individual style. Outfit your living room, bedroom, dining room, office, and outdoor space online or in one of their brick and mortar stores.