Review: The Red Thread: Nordic Design by Oak Publishing
Get lost in the pages of a good book—it’s the soul of any room.
Nordic design’s embrace of intelligent design and comfort has captivated everyone from top architects to the internet’s hoi polloi. This broad regional area, which includes Norway, Demark, Sweden and Finland, is celebrated in this stylish new volume. It celebrates both the democratic, yet intensely personal and site-specific ways they have created objects to improve daily life and social interaction – not merely dazzle with ornamentation, cost or clichés of aspirational living.
The title is the English equivalent of the Swedish expression den röda tråden, which also means ‘the heart of the matter’ or ‘the connecting substance of an idea’, and it’s what connects the volume’s 200 regional objects, which are presented in three sections. Each section speaks of lighting, accessories, furnishings, textiles and fashion items that improve life, spaces and relationships. Amongst works from known designers such as Alvar Aalto, Verner Panton and Georg Jensen, notable pieces include the Rewrite desk by GamFratesi for Ligne Roset and the Harp chair by Jørgen Høvelskov for Koch Design.
Charming and sincere, this lovely volume presents a vision of life that design-lovers, architects and anyone seeking peace will enjoy.
by Oak Publishing
Phaidon
The Latest
Maison Aimée Opens Its New Flagship Showroom
The Dubai-based design house opens its new showroom at the Kia building in Al Quoz.
Crafting Heritage: David and Nicolas on Abu Dhabi’s Equestrian Spaces
Inside the philosophy, collaboration, and vision behind the Equestrian Library and Saddle Workshop.
Contemporary Sensibilities, Historical Context
Mario Tsai takes us behind the making of his iconic piece – the Pagoda
Nebras Aljoaib Unveils a Passage Between Light and Stone
Between raw stone and responsive light, Riyadh steps into a space shaped by memory and momentum.
Reviving Heritage
Qasr Bin Kadsa in Baljurashi, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia will be restored and reimagined as a boutique heritage hotel
Alserkal x Design Miami: A Cultural Bridge for Collectible Design
Alserkal and Design Miami announce one of a kind collaboration.
Minotticucine Opens its First Luxury Kitchen Showroom in Dubai
The brand will showcase its novelties at the Purity showroom in Dubai
Where Design Meets Experience
Fady Friberg has created a space that unites more than 70 brands under one roof, fostering community connection while delivering an experience unlike any other
Read ‘The Winner’s Issue’ – Note from the editor
Read the December issue now.
Art Dubai 2026 – What to Expect
The unveils new sections and global collaborations under new Director Dunja Gottweis.
‘One Nation’ Brings Art to Boxpark
A vibrant tribute to Emirati creativity.
In conversation with Karine Obegi and Mauro Nastri
We caught up with Karine Obegi, CEO of OBEGI Home and Mauro Nastri, Global Export Manager of Italian brand Porada, at their collaborative stand in Downtown Design.