London Celebrates the Exuberant Midcentury Designs of Josef Frank
Take a peek at the designer’s textiles and wallpapers for Swedish modern design firm Svenskt Tenn
When we think of Swedish design we usually visualize a pared-down, functional Scandinavian look with minimal fuss and color. So where do Josef Frank’s wonderfully bright and indulgent textiles and wallpapers fit into the mix? The Austrian-born architect and designer made a name for himself as Swedish firm Svenskt Tenn’s most iconic designer, and his work is being celebrated at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum through May 7. Here’s a look at 10 rooms that embrace his bold use of pattern in different ways.
A botanical view. In this restful bedroom, the bedspread and shade are in Frank’s luscious Hawai fabric, a pattern that invites you to get lost in its twisted stems, elaborate blooms and intricate butterflies.
Contrasted with white walls. Before Ericson met Frank, her style was functional and utilitarian. In fact, according to Svenskt Tenn’s biography of her, Ericson’s apartment had a muted color scheme and minimalist furnishings. Frank’s designs inspired her to introduce more pattern and texture into both her home and store.
The room seen here illustrates how Frank’s designs work perfectly with white walls. He thought pattern should be used to break up and add interest to white surfaces. The Roman shade replicates the square edges of the picture frames and brings in a welcome element of pattern.
10 Reasons to Embrace White Walls
The room seen here illustrates how Frank’s designs work perfectly with white walls. He thought pattern should be used to break up and add interest to white surfaces. The Roman shade replicates the square edges of the picture frames and brings in a welcome element of pattern.
10 Reasons to Embrace White Walls
Softening hard edges. Frank was a modernist, but he rebelled against some elements of the movement. Whereas later modernists such as Le Corbusier embraced standardized and uniform design, Frank’s textiles were anything but.
Here, a sleek kitchen is given a softer twist with a backsplash made is glass-laminated fabric in Frank’s Brazil pattern.
Here, a sleek kitchen is given a softer twist with a backsplash made is glass-laminated fabric in Frank’s Brazil pattern.
Embracing workmanship. Frank’s work was greatly influenced by the early origins of modernism. William Morris’ Arts and Crafts movement had promoted a return to handcrafted, quality items over mass-produced goods. This is the philosophy that inspired Scandinavian designers as well, who responded with beautifully crafted furniture that we still value today.
Here, an elegant red-framed chair upholstered in Frank’s Gröna Fågler (Green Birds) fabric looks stunning against the white backdrop.
Here, an elegant red-framed chair upholstered in Frank’s Gröna Fågler (Green Birds) fabric looks stunning against the white backdrop.
Taking a cue from nature. Just as Morris was inspired by nature, so was Frank. Most of his patterns are full of flora and fauna and feature bright hues on a contrasting background.
Here, his Celotocaulis fabric is a great choice for the window seat. The Asian flowers in the design blend in with the greenery outside, allowing the two spaces to merge into one.
Here, his Celotocaulis fabric is a great choice for the window seat. The Asian flowers in the design blend in with the greenery outside, allowing the two spaces to merge into one.
Choosing comfort. Frank’s designs celebrate comfort. Curved edges, color and pattern can make home life more enjoyable, which is all part of the Scandinavian design ethic that seeks to create beautiful things that make life better.
In this living room, a neutral sofa is given a boost of color with pillows covered in Frank’s Vegetable Tree fabric.
In this living room, a neutral sofa is given a boost of color with pillows covered in Frank’s Vegetable Tree fabric.
Work with what you love. Ever wonder where to start when designing a room? How about following Frank’s “accidentism” philosophy? Simply choose what you love and the rest will fit in around it. In 1958, Frank wrote in Form magazine that “a home does not need to be planned down to the smallest detail or contrived; it should be an amalgamation of the things that the owner loves and feels at home with.”
Combine styles. In this eclectic living space, cool blue furniture is teamed with bold patterned pillows.
Add just enough. This Swedish kitchen combines Scandi minimalism with Frank’s bold Vårklockor pattern. Its use on a single wall is just enough to liven up the room without being overwhelming.
More: Beyond ‘Hygge’: How to Enjoy Scandinavian Style at Home
More: Beyond ‘Hygge’: How to Enjoy Scandinavian Style at Home
We often think of plain surfaces as more calming than pattern, but Frank thought the opposite. He believed that pattern forced people to slow down in order to take it all in, whereas monochromatic surfaces were finished with too quickly. The bold room seen here incorporates that idea perfectly. Nearly every surface is full of pattern and color, offering plenty of opportunity to sit and ponder the design.