Terms such as "hygge" or "lagom", Danish and Swedish respectively, evoke that the secret of the good life lies in enjoying everyday moments: a family meal in the kitchen, a night snuggled up on the sofa or an infusion in the garden to enjoy the first rays of the sun. That is why they surround themselves with beautiful things but without artifice and of high quality, designed to provide comfort and a sense of well-being.
Scandinavian design speaks in whispers, it does not need to shout to attract attention because it is governed by essential values: functionality, honesty, craftsmanship. In other words, if it's complicated, it doesn't reflect true Scandinavian design. Bolia, the Danish firm that has just opened its first showroom in Spain in Barcelona, fully adheres to this lifestyle with its proposal for designer artisan furniture.
As soon as you cross its door, chords of lavender, geranium flower, sandalwood, white amber, stone musk welcome you. Fresh but enveloping aromas like caresses of linen and cotton... And a palette of natural woods and soft, earthy colors on tables, seats, the bedroom and the bathroom, which radiate warmth and a luxurious touch. The idea is to make you feel at home, in a spring about to explode.
Faced with the mass production of firms such as the Swedish Ikea, Bolia's creations are in the range of exclusivity and are designed to last for years. The firm endorses the philosophy that we should all be more aware of the choices we make and the footprint we leave behind. All its furniture is produced on demand and is fully customizable from a wide, but always harmonious, proposal of finishes. They do not have stocks, except in the case of accessories.
Bolia started as an online company in 2000 and already has physical stores in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, France, Luxembourg and now in Barcelona. Lars Lyse, CEO of the Danish firm, explains that they have chosen the Catalan capital because "it is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe." He adds: "We are not a traditional design company, but a large family made up of more than 800 creative souls who love to challenge the status quo and explore new ways of living, working and designing. And all with the idea of changing for the better: for ourselves, for others and for the planet where we live".
For the firm, in addition to its own creative team, more than 60 international designers work, including the Spanish MUT Design and Ramos Bassols, who share a passion for the new Scandinavian design.
Bolia works in a personalized way with each client and its establishments function as showrooms where products and finishes can be tested. The sample book of large fabrics and leather pieces is appreciated to check in situ how the different upholsteries will look on the sofas or chairs. Bouclé textured fabrics, New Zealand wool, linen, velour, velvet or upholstery created from recycled materials... All are free of harmful chemicals and some of them bear the EU environmental label.
Of course, and how could it be otherwise, the woods -oak, walnut and ash- are certified by FSC® to guarantee good forest management and good working conditions for workers, as well as to ensure biodiversity .
In this universe of about 500 m2, the star piece, the brand's bestseller, is the Cosima sofa, designed by the German studio Kaschkasch. It is characterized by its soul of soft feathers and down and its lounge aesthetic with armrests and low backrests that invite you to relax.
Another of the pieces that attracts attention is the Cord sideboard, by Hertel, also German.
Also ingenious is the butterfly mechanism that allows the Ronya dining table (from Italian Studio Nooi) to be extended with two simple movements. And the sculptural Latch coffee tables, by young Singaporean design duo Dazingfeelsgood, make a style statement in any living space, with beauty that lies in its irregularities.
And in line with the idea of enjoying the home from all angles, the Danish firm also has bed and table linen, tableware and sober kitchen accessories and even a corner dedicated to relaxation products. These include yoga mats and cushions, gels and bathroom accessories or air fresheners that bring the landscape and aromas of Denmark into any interior.
