5 Trends from Stockholm Design Week, highlighted by Designer Svetlana Vakhtina
In 2025, more than 300 exhibitors participated in the event, showcasing their work across various locations in Stockholm. Svetlana managed to visit many of the pavilions, see iconic pieces, explore new designs, and observe how Scandinavian designers skillfully blend trends. Here’s a firsthand account of what caught her attention.
Scandinavian design holds a special place in my heart—it was my first introduction to the world of design.Being from St. Petersburg, a city with a northern climate, I feel a deep connection to Swedish nature and aesthetics.
Now, living in Europe, I easily integrate Scandinavian furniture, lighting, and decor into my projects. They are perfect for both private interiors and investment properties, so I was especially eager to experience the latest trends at Stockholm Design Week with my own eyes
Now, living in Europe, I easily integrate Scandinavian furniture, lighting, and decor into my projects. They are perfect for both private interiors and investment properties, so I was especially eager to experience the latest trends at Stockholm Design Week with my own eyes
About the Exhibition:
Name: Stockholm Design Week
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Dates: February 3–9, 2025
Name: Stockholm Design Week
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Dates: February 3–9, 2025
A Thoughtful Approach to Design’s Impact on the World around us
Let’s start with some global issues discussed at the exhibition.
– First, there is the crisis of production and global logistics in design. According to guest speaker and designer Faye Toogood, the current system—where materials are sourced in one region, shipped to another for production, and then distributed worldwide—is becoming economically and environmentally unsustainable. At Stockholm Design Week, this was reflected in the growing trend of local production, recycling, and the search for new sustainable materials.
– Secondly, one of the key themes of the exhibition was artificial intelligence and its impact on design—a different kind of crisis that challenges the role of the designer. Traditionally, design has been about solving problems, but today, with advanced technology, do we really need countless new objects—like yet another chair? While AI can surpass humans in generating forms, the key value designers must preserve is human emotion and unique vision. This highlights the importance of an emotional and conceptual approach rather than simply producing new objects.
– First, there is the crisis of production and global logistics in design. According to guest speaker and designer Faye Toogood, the current system—where materials are sourced in one region, shipped to another for production, and then distributed worldwide—is becoming economically and environmentally unsustainable. At Stockholm Design Week, this was reflected in the growing trend of local production, recycling, and the search for new sustainable materials.
– Secondly, one of the key themes of the exhibition was artificial intelligence and its impact on design—a different kind of crisis that challenges the role of the designer. Traditionally, design has been about solving problems, but today, with advanced technology, do we really need countless new objects—like yet another chair? While AI can surpass humans in generating forms, the key value designers must preserve is human emotion and unique vision. This highlights the importance of an emotional and conceptual approach rather than simply producing new objects.
5 Trends
Walking through the pavilions, I noticed five key trends in interior and product design:
1. Color Palette: Expressive and Warm
Color is making a strong comeback in interiors, and the trending shades align with the wider fashion color trends:
– Terracotta tones – warm, earthy, and cozy.
– Indigo and deep blue – rich and expressive.
– Soft grassy green – natural and calming.
These colors appear in upholstery, decorative details, trims, and furniture frames.
1. Color Palette: Expressive and Warm
Color is making a strong comeback in interiors, and the trending shades align with the wider fashion color trends:
– Terracotta tones – warm, earthy, and cozy.
– Indigo and deep blue – rich and expressive.
– Soft grassy green – natural and calming.
These colors appear in upholstery, decorative details, trims, and furniture frames.
2. Ergonomics and Adaptability: Comfort First
Furniture is designed to adapt to human needs:
– Chairs with rounded backrests – support posture and enhance seating comfort.
– Mobile chairs with wheels and built-in tables – ideal for hybrid work and study setups. These designs are also suitable for people with ADHD, offering greater freedom of movement.
– “Hugging” shapes in armchairs and sofas – soft, rounded silhouettes that promote relaxation.
