Secrets of Scandinavian Design with Staffan & Monique Tollgård

Scandinavian design is synonymous with simplicity, functionality, and a deep connection to nature. Husband and wife duo Staffan & Monique Tollgård, founders of Tollgard Studio, are at the forefront of this global design movement. With almost two decades of experience, the couple has created some of the world’s most iconic interiors, blending form with function to craft spaces that feel both timeless and incredibly personal. Here, they share their insights on Scandinavian design’s enduring appeal, the concept of the "Red Thread," and the philosophy behind their practice.

On the Enduring Appeal of Scandinavian Design:

Scandinavian design is about atmosphere and emotion, not just aesthetics. According to Staffan, the long, harsh winters of Scandinavia played a pivotal role in shaping a style that makes people feel warm, cozy, and connected to their environment. "Scandinavian design is more about creating a feeling of home, a space that offers refuge from the cold and harshness outside," says Staffan. This "homeliness" is key to the appeal of the style, and no matter the climate, the warmth of a Scandinavian-inspired space remains universally desirable.

On the Concept of the ‘Red Thread’:

The idea of the "Red Thread" is a core element of the Tollgårds’ design philosophy. Rooted in Nordic and Asian cultures alike, the red thread symbolises a cohesive, underlying theme that runs through a project. It's the creative DNA that links all aspects of a design, from the architecture and location to the client’s personality and lifestyle needs.

For the Summer House project on the island of Fanø, Denmark, the red thread was all about creating a seamless connection between the indoors and the stunning natural surroundings. By using vernacular materials and focusing on comfortable minimalism, they created a space where the architecture and the environment are intricately linked. "Good design," Staffan says, "is rooted in place and the questions of living it answers."

On Great Scandinavian Style:

To Staffan and Monique, great Scandinavian design is defined by humility, functionalism, and a deep connection to nature. They explain that Scandinavian design emerged as a reaction to post-WWII needs: it was practical, focused on efficiency, and devoid of ego. "The two most important design movements after the war were Scandinavian and Italian," says Staffan. "Where Italian design was bold, striking, and often sensual, Scandinavian design took a quieter, humbler route, prioritising function over form."

On Scandinavia’s Unique Design Culture:

Scandinavian design isn't just about clean lines and minimalism—it’s also about feel. Words like hygge and lagom encapsulate this approach.

• Hygge (a Danish term) evokes the feeling of warmth, coziness, and sensory comfort—think of a hug in a woolly jumper, or the inviting texture of a warm blanket on a cold day.

• Lagom (a Swedish word) is all about balance—the idea of “just right”. For the Tollgårds, this philosophy encourages paring back, avoiding excess, and striving for balance in both design and life.

Together, hygge and lagom form the backbone of Scandinavian design culture, emphasising comfort and moderation in every detail.

On Their Favourite Scandinavian Piece:

The Tollgårds’ favorite piece is the Finn Juhl Chieftain Chair—a design icon that was ahead of its time. Finn Juhl, one of Denmark's most influential designers, was not a traditional cabinet-maker. His architectural background gave him a unique perspective on furniture design, allowing him to challenge conventional notions of form and function. The Chieftain Chair, a sculptural piece designed in the 1940s, remains a stunning example of Scandinavian innovation.

Juhl's design philosophy was bold yet minimalist, a hallmark of Scandinavian style. The Pelican Chair, another of his creations, was met with initial confusion but has since become a beloved symbol of Scandinavian craftsmanship.

The Tollgårds’ perspective on Scandinavian design shows how much more it is than just a look—it’s a lifestyle, a way of being. Their work reflects a profound understanding of space, light, and material, creating interiors that are both beautiful and functional. The key, they say, is connection: to place, to materials, to nature, and to the people who inhabit the spaces.

As the world continues to embrace the simplicity and warmth of Scandinavian design, Staffan and Monique's work remains a testament to how a thoughtful, human-centred approach can create spaces that transcend trends and endure for generations.