Shoparound: Scandinavian design is not all about clean lines and white tones: zebra striped chairs, oversized poppy print fabric and swirly lime green rugs are some of the Scandinavian delights on offer at Nordic Living in Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Leading the way in creating this splash of colour is Finnish textile company Marimekko with its magic formula of bold colours and exuberant designs. Nordic Designs stocks some of its most popular, including the famous poppy pattern. New this season is the poppy fabric in a bold lime green. The whole range of Marimekko fabrics and bed linen are available to order through the shop.
"Marimekko has hundreds of different designs of fabric. The most popular are bright big patterns that really stand out, but it does have more discreet fabrics that are not so screamingly bright. It's for people who are not afraid of playing with colour in their home," says Leila Ahmedova from Nordic Design.
Fabric costs €39 per metre, double duvet covers, 139 and pillowcases 19.
Nordic Living also stocks furniture from Finnish company Artek, most of which were designed by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto during 1930s and 1950s.
Predominantly in natural colours and clean lines, there are a few exceptions, including the fabulous solid birch steam-bend leg chair with zebra print upholstery, price €1,639. Many people wondering whether the chair is "too modern" for their home are suprised to find the chair and zebra print are 70 years old, Ahmedova said.
For something out of the ordinary, check out the signature tea trolley from Artek. A classic design from the 1930s, it comes with white a tiled top and basket. Price €1,265.
Aside from its classic design, the big attraction of Artek furniture is its size. Relatively compact, it fits beautifully in small houses, mews homes, apartments or light-filled extensions.
Other Scandinavian designs available at Nordic Living include rugs from Finnish Hanna Korvela, furniture from Swedish company David Design and home accessories from Tonfisk Design, owned by Irish man Brian Keaney and Tony Alfström from Finland.
Nordic Living, 57 Main Street, Blackrock, Co Dublin Tel 01-2886680
