When it comes to interior design, the contrast between Scandinavian and French styles is often seen as a study in opposites. However, beneath the surface, these two design traditions share a surprising amount of common ground. At their core, both embrace a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, quality, and the enduring appeal of timeless design. This shared value system is what makes the opening of Scandinavian design house Veermakers' first permanent showroom in Paris' Marais district so intriguing.
Veermakers, founded in 2017 by Louise Liljencrantz, specializes in made-to-order furniture, lighting, and objects that embody the brand's commitment to authenticity and timelessness. Each piece is meticulously crafted by master cabinetmakers and skilled artisans in Veermakers' workshops in Stockholm and Fiskars, Finland, using exceptional materials. This dedication to craftsmanship and quality is a key aspect of Veermakers' identity, and it's a value that resonates deeply with the Parisian audience.
As Liljencrantz explains, "Paris has always been incredibly inspiring to me—there is such a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, culture, and timeless design, which feels very aligned with Veermakers." This alignment of values is what makes the showroom's opening in Paris a natural progression rather than a mere expansion strategy.
The new showroom is an immersive experience, combining furniture, architecture, and art in a space that feels like a hybrid between a gallery and a private residence. Open by appointment, it presents the entire Veermakers universe for the first time, alongside rotating exhibitions and new product launches. This unique approach to showcasing furniture is a deliberate choice by Liljencrantz, who believes that furniture is best understood and experienced in a real-life setting.
"We never wanted to create a traditional showroom," she says. "The idea was to design a place that feels lived in: a calm backdrop that allows the pieces to speak without competing for attention." This approach extends to the showroom's location in the Marais, an area known for its unique blend of history and creativity. "The area has a unique balance of history and creativity—it feels authentic and constantly evolving, with galleries, ateliers, and independent fashion houses sitting alongside centuries-old architecture. That combination makes it a very inspiring place to be," Liljencrantz adds.
Among the signature Veermakers designs on display are the SSU coffee table in solid walnut, the MAR dining table with its mirror-like, high-gloss finish, the SKS side table in hand-carved mahogany, and the Strict bar stool. The showroom also introduces several new pieces, including the Yoshino wall lamp, the Hoovs side table, and Set, the brand's first upholstered dining chair. Other recent additions to the collection include the Reed library table and Pin console, as well as lighting and objects that complete the Veermakers universe.
A bespoke kitchen and built-in sofa add to the showroom's seamless, lived-in feel, while an exhibition of oil-on-canvas interpretations of the Swedish archipelago by Swedish artist LG Lundberg further enhances the sense of intimacy and dialogue between art and design. Liljencrantz's admiration for Lundberg's work is evident, noting the quiet depth and compatibility of his paintings with the Veermakers furniture and the desired atmosphere.
"I've admired LG Lundberg's work for a long time. There is a quiet depth to his paintings that feels very compatible with our furniture and the atmosphere we wanted to create—an evolving space where art and design exist in dialogue. He felt like the perfect artist to begin that story," she says. All artworks are available for purchase, and the exhibition will remain on view throughout the season.
The presence of Lundberg's pieces in the Parisian space brings a distinctly Scandinavian element to the interior, perhaps serving as an ode to the beautiful fusion of two design traditions. As Liljencrantz puts it, "I've always been drawn to the meeting point between the two. Combining Scandinavian clarity with the warmth, richness, and effortless elegance that French interiors do so well." This fusion of styles is a testament to the shared values and appreciation for craftsmanship that unite these seemingly disparate design traditions.
The opening of Veermakers' showroom in Paris' Marais district is more than just an expansion of a Scandinavian brand into a new market. It's a celebration of the shared values and aesthetic sensibilities that connect two design traditions, offering a unique and immersive experience that showcases the best of both worlds.
