Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 17

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Adam" Armchairs for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1950s

About the Item

The “Adam” chair model is from the timeless and iconic Paradise Collection from the Triva Series, which was created in 1958 by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time as a designer at Nordiska Kompaniet. The name is inspired by “Paradiset” – the Swedish name for Eden. These armchairs hold a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines with an air of romance. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist created the gentle, peculiar shape of these armchairs that is only increasing in popularity even today. The fully upholstered body elevates the visual comfort, with a stitch tufted backrest that is festooned with buttons arranged in a hill shape. This subtle form of decoration highlights the shape of the back by mirroring it, while also accentuating the light fabric by giving it extra depth. The stained and tapered wood legs pair perfectly with the organic form of the body. Contrasting the front legs, the back ones are lightly splayed to provide great structural stability. Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and because of her uncompromising attitude, the “Adam” armchairs have become iconic. Thanks to the upholstery’s soft touch that complements the aesthetic of Hörlin-Holmquist’s design, these armchairs are a perfect example of the gentle mid-century modernism Swedish design of the era is beloved for. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in premium Italian fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 30.71 in W x 33.47 in D x 36.61 in H 78 cm W x 85 cm D x 93 cm H About the Designer: Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England. She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project. "I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle, and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in." Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance. Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 36.62 in (93 cm)Width: 30.71 in (78 cm)Depth: 33.47 in (85 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1950s
  • Condition:
    Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in premium Italian fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
  • Seller Location:
    Utrecht, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 202107301stDibs: LU2947338386522
More From This SellerView All
  • Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Little Adam" Armchair, Sweden, 1950s
    By Nordiska Kompaniet, Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
    Located in Utrecht, NL
    The “Little Adam” chair model is from the timeless and iconic Paradise Collection from the Triva Series, which was created in 1958 by Kerstin Hörlin-...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

    Materials

    Fabric, Wood

  • Pair of Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Little Adam" Armchairs, Sweden 1950s
    By Nordiska Kompaniet, Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
    Located in Utrecht, NL
    The “Little Adam” chair model is from the timeless and iconic Paradise Collection from the Triva Series, which was created in 1958 by Kerstin Hörlin-...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

    Materials

    Fabric, Wood

  • Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Lilla Adam" Armchair, Sweden, 1950s
    By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist, Nordiska Kompaniet
    Located in Utrecht, NL
    The “Little Adam” chair model is from the timeless and iconic Paradise Collection from the Triva Series, which was created in 1958 by Kerstin Hörlin-...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

    Materials

    Fabric, Wood

  • Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist “Adam” Pair of Easy Chairs, Sweden, 1950s
    By Nordiska Kompaniet, Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
    Located in Utrecht, NL
    These “Adam” models are from the timeless and iconic Paradise Collection from the Triva Series, which was created in 1958 by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time as a designer at Nordiska Kompaniet. The name is inspired by “Paradiset” – the Swedish name for Eden. This pair holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines with an air of romance. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Hörlin-Holmquist created the peculiar shape of these chairs that is only increasing in popularity. Thanks to her unique vision, these chairs have an unmistakeable backrest that flows down to form the armrests. While the armrests sit low, therefore opening the seats, the chairs still give the impression of hugging the sitter. The upholstered bodies elevate the visual comfort, with stitch tufted backrests that are festooned with orange, symmetrically arranged cross stitches. The upholstery is a premium, light Italian fabric with a soft touch that complements the aesthetic of Hörlin-Holmquist’s design. Similarly, the stained and tapered beech legs pair perfectly with the sculptural and organic form of the bodies. Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, these “Adam” easy chairs have become iconic. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in premium Italian fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 30.71 in W x 33.46 in D x 36.61 in H; Seat Height 16.14 in 78 cm W x 85 cm D x 93 cm H; Seat Height 41 cm About the Designer: Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England. She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project. "I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..." Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

    Materials

    Fabric, Wood

  • "Skrindan" Armchair by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sweden 1960s
    By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
    Located in Utrecht, NL
    The “Skrindan” armchair model was designed in 1963 by iconic Swedish designer, Kerstin Hörlin-Homquist. Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and tha...
    Category

    Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

    Materials

    Velvet, Wood

  • "Skrindan" Armchairs by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for OPE Möbler, Sweden, 1960s
    By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
    Located in Utrecht, NL
    The “Skrindan” armchair model was designed in 1963 by iconic Swedish designer, Kerstin Hörlin-Homquist. Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, she created some of the most famous Swedish models of the era. The unique stained beech frames are a visual delight, with subtle decorative elements that distinguish this pair from other models of the era. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Hörlin-Holmquist created her models with such precision and creativity that still makes them collectible pieces. Thanks to her unique vision, these chairs have unmistakeable backs and sides comprised of symmetrically arranged spindles. As the backs and armrests sit relatively low, the chairs have an open look. The original upholstered, dark green-coloured loose back and seat cushions elevate the visual comfort. The subtle elements of decoration include the tufted buttons on the cushions, the upholstered armrests, and the tapered legs. OPE Möbler, Jönköping produced the furniture designs of some of Scandinavia’s most renowned designers, such as Ib Kofod-Larsen, Ingemar Thillmark, and of course, Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist. These Skrindan armchairs are exemplary of Swedish mid-century quality and design to their cores, uniting functionality with an understated, yet interesting and elegant design. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has some scratches and marks. The chairs have their original velvet upholstery. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 28.93 in W x 33.07 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 16.92 in; Arm height 23.22 in 73.5 cm W x 84 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Arm height 59 cm About the Designer: Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England. She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project. "I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..." Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture...
    Category

    Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

    Materials

    Fabric, Wood

You May Also Like
  • Stora Kraal by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1950s
    By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
    Located in Göteborg, SE
    This is an unusual model called Stora Kraal and is designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for Nordiska Kompaniet. The armchair is woven in rattan with a black metal base held together...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

    Materials

    Metal

  • Kerstin Hörlin-Holmqvist "Stora Eva" Armchair by Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden 1950s
    By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
    Located in Stockholm, SE
    Very rare mid century armchair model "Stora Eva" by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmqvist from the "Triva" series produced by Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition with a l...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

    Materials

    Velvet, Beech

  • Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Curved Sofa for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1958
    By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist, Nordiska Kompaniet
    Located in Paris, FR
    Beautiful "Paradiset" sofa designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist in 1958 and manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet for the Triva collection. Triva was developed by Elias Svedberg and hi...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

    Materials

    Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Upholstery, Beech

  • Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist Paradise Sofa Nordiska Kompaniet, 1958
    By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist, Nordiska Kompaniet
    Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
    Stunning paradise sofa designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1958. This sofa has very nice typical for that time organic shapes, and curved organic legs...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats

    Materials

    Upholstery, Beech

  • Pair of Kerstin Horlin Holmquist Stora Eva Chairs, new Mohair, 1950s, Sweden
    By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist, Nordiska Kompaniet
    Located in London, GB
    A pair of Kerstin Horlin Holmquist Stora Eva chairs, newly upholstered in premium pure mohair fabric, designed in 1958 and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) as part of the Triva s...
    Category

    Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

    Materials

    Fabric, Wood

  • 1950's Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist ''Lilla Eva'' Armchair
    By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
    Located in Madrid, ES
    Lilla Eva” armchair by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for Nordiska Kompaniet in beech and upholstery. Belonging to “Paradise” series for the Project Triva by NK. ...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

    Materials

    Beech

Recently Viewed

View All