Images from Skona Hem.

The designer and owner Kerstin Olby certainly knows what she is doing. A former student at the prestigious Carl Malmsten school of design (now the Carl Malmsten Centre for Wood Technology & Design at Linköping University), all her furniture is well thought out and masterfully designed. Kerstin started the actual company in the 80′s and has won many prestigious industry awards. All pieces are hand made in Sweden with local, natural materials (there are many customer choices). Kerstin’s timeless quality pieces are represented at Swedish embassies and consulates worldwide as well as the residence of the Swedish prime minister.

This tall cabinet on wheels is now on my wish list. This one in a light gray shade – and I would start weeping for joy every time I passed it in my house!

To see the entire collection, click here.

My alert friend Kiki A. (yes, I know 5 gals with that name!) who owns Swedish Heirlooms in Seattle, called me about some fun royal news.

Oscar Magnuson, the son of Princess Christina of Sweden, who is a successful industry designer, has launched his first furniture collection together with EM, a leading furniture chain in the Nordic countries. The collection will hit all EM stores in August (only in Sweden and Åland). Each piece is numbered.

In a news article for the Swedish interior design magazine Hus & Hem Oscar Magnuson says that he “feels cooped up” in most regular arm chairs and was looking for a design that was more open and inviting. That is how the Sydney chair came about. The chair comes in several different colors.

Mr. Magnuson says that his goal was a collection that was classic with a contemporary feel. He states that Josef Frank has been a great source of inspiration. The fabrics were chosen in direct contrast to the classic lines. Since Oscar Magnuson is very interested in fashion,  the colors were picked straight from the catwalk.

I find the Sydney sofa very attractive. I hope to sit in it when I go back to Sweden in June. (And I will then be able to give you a better report on quality and comfort). The wooden legs are really beautiful.

Mr. Magnuson says that he found the actual development process incredibly fascinating and educational. Working together with leading Swedish furniture makers he was very hands on, down to the smallest screw.

The next launch will include a cabinet and a table.

I like what I have seen so far. Don’t be shy! What do you think?

The designer behind “Sign” is the young and talented Sanna Lindström.

I love the red color (it comes in 8 standard colors) and the actual look. This stackable book shelf is made of oak and birch. It is designed to also work as a a room divider. Sign comes in sections and can be built in several different combinations.

I can also see myself liking this version – especially in white. Simple, functional and very good looking.