Press release London, November 2016

A Swede in Paris: when Scandinavian style meets Parisian chic The design team at Bemz make over a charming Parisian apartment situated in the fashionable Le Marais district

High-resolution images, lifestyle and cut-out: Click here or copy the link goo.gl/XvJpqd

November 22, 2016 – Paris, known for its elegance, architecture and vibrant atmosphere, was the setting for the Bemz design-team’s latest venture. Being a Stockholm based company Bemz, known for custom-designed covers for Ikea sofas and chairs, infused Scandinavian touches throughout the traditional Parisian flat located in the heart of the Marais area, without conflicting with the style of its Haussmannian roots. Bemz press alert – A Swede in Paris – November 22, 2016 �1

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Situated in the fourth arrondissement close to Paris’s “Hôtel de Ville” city hall and popular BHV department store, the apartment combined 19th century details, such as ornate marbled fire places, ceiling roses and wrought iron works, with a stunning chevron parquet floor and clean functional design. It was a space where austere black painted metal materials, seen in the light fixtures and furniture legs, were offset by layers of textured textiles and details, creating a lived-in look that stayed true to the style of the building. “The mix of material and textiles is key in introducing Scandinavian design to this beautiful Parisian space,” says Lisbeth Johnson Toivonen, Bemz Product Manager and Creative Director. The living room delivers a veritable smorgasbord of Scandinavian detailing from the beautifully textured sofa and armchair covers by Swedish-based Bemz, made of 100% recycled materials and mirroring the chevron pattern of the floor, to the contemporary side table in on-trend rose by Danish Ferm Living, and the quintessential vase and candle holders, firm favourites from Finnish Iittala. “The combined use of a variety of textiles throughout the home, from sumptuous linens to textured recycled cottons along with organic patterns ensured a sense of warmth and depth, achieving a desired lived-in feeling.” A cow hide rug from Swedish flat-pack giant, Ikea, adds another layer of texture and interest.

“We wanted to introduce a colour into the predominantly neutral palette and natural materials and were drawn to the rose quartz pink which is very popular right now, both in fashion and interiors. As it was featured in the art deco print hung on the living-room wall, it was a logical note from which to work. By dotting elements of this hue throughout the apartment, we created a theme that held the look together,” advises Katarina Wiklund, Bemz in-house designer. “The greens found throughout the flat both in textile details as well as plants are a reflection of the Scandinavian love of nature, and offer the space a soft, deconstructed look as well as a sense of cohesion.”

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Throughout the home, from the small side tables to the lightweight floor lamps, the Bemz design team focused on furniture that was easily moved around allowing for flexible living solutions. This sense of functionality and style is perfectly illustrated in the spare room where a unique and stylish daybed becomes the focal point, created from a pile of mattresses decked out in an array of stunning colours thanks to the array of Bemz mattress covers. Not only can this accommodate a number of overnight guests but it provides a wonderful retreat from the bustle of busy city lives.

Partnering modern graphic details with classic Scandinavian simplicity and Parisian touches signals sophistication and luxury without opulence. Find out more about the products used in these images in the details below. All available across the entire range of covers for IKEA furniture, curtains, cushions and bedroom accessories at Bemz.com.

Take the full tour here.

Ends

For more information, fabric samples or to borrow covers, please contact: Christina Bhachu, christie@bemz.com, +44 796 621 6363

Customer service from the UK: 0800-048 84 04 (Toll Free) Bemz press alert – A Swede in Paris – November 22, 2016 �4

High resolution images from the Bemz image bank available here.

Notes to Editors: Caption information for images:

Bemz cover for the Söderhamn section sofa in Brinken Herringbone Jet Black/Sand Beige from the Respect collection, £299. Bemz cover for the Mellby armchairs in Brunna Melange Sand Beige from the Respect collection, £159 each. Bemz cushion covers in Tegnér Melange Rose, £25 each. Other details: Sofa and armchair legs by Pretty Peg. Small table by NK Home. Candle holders and vase by Iittala. Cowhide rug by Ikea. Vintage throw and prints designers own.

LEFT: Bemz cover for the Söderhamn section sofa in Brinken Herringbone Jet Black/Sand Beige, £299. Bemz cushion cover in Rose Tegnér Melange, £25. Other details: Wall light and print, designer’s own.RIGHT: Bemz cover for the Karlanda bench in Brunna Melange Silver Grey, £119. Bemz cushion covers in Brunna Melange Jet Black and Brunna Melange Silver Grey, £25 each. Bemz fabric per metre in Brera Lino Ivy and Verdigris by Designers Guild, £89/metre. Bemz tab top curtains in Brera Lino Graphite by Designers Guild, £209. Other details: Reindeer skin from Norrgavel. Vase by Posh Living. Vintage ceramics.

LEFT: Bemz straight bed skirt in Brunna Melange Sand Beige, £129. Bemz bedspread in Brera Lino Ivy by Designers Guild, £299. Bemz cover for the Abelvär headboard in Brunna Melange Sand Beige, £149. Bemz cushion covers in Brunna Melange Sand Beige and Jet Black, and Brinken Herringbone Jet Black/Sand Beige, £25 each. Bemz tab top curtains in Brera Lino Graphite by Designers Guild, £209. Other details: Ceiling light, designer’s own. Vintage print. RIGHT: Bemz Loose Fit Urban style medium skirt cover for the Nils armchair in Brera Lino Noir by Designers Guild, £119. Other details: Green sheepskin rug from Norrgavel.

Bemz bedspread in Brera Lino Marine by Designers Guild, £299. Bemz Loose Fit Urban style bedspread in Rosendal Pure Washed Linen Medium Grey, £289. Bemz cushion covers in Betula Zinc Grey, £25 each. Bemz curtains in Brera Fino Cloud by Designers Guild, £99. Other details: Blanket from Louisiana Copenhagen. Light from Asplund. Velvet cushion from Nordiska Galleriet. vase from posh Living. Tray and ceramics from Ferm Living.

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LEFT: Bemz cover for the Nils footstool in Dusty Rose Hounds Tooth (discontinued). Bemz curtains in Big Waves Aqua/White by Littlephant, £119. Other details: Rug from BoConcept. Bunting from Lagerhouse. Boxes from House Doctor chez La Maison d’Anna G. Poster from Moderna Museet. Vintage candleholders, toys and small writing desk. RIGHT: Bemz daybed cover in Tegnér Melange Teal Blue, £119. Bemz straight bedskirt in Mineral Blue Panama Cotton, £85. Bemz mattress covers in Dusty Rose Hounds Tooth (discontinued) and Saga Forest Multi/Black in Littlephant, £219. Bemz Artist Series cushion covers in Yellow Fiskis, Pink Fiskis, £45 each. Bemz cushion covers in Stockholm Stripe Jet Black, £19, Big Waves Aqua/White by Littlephant, £45. Other details: Small table from BcomWood. Rug from BoConcept. Cup by Designers Guild. Floor lamp by BoConcept.

About Bemz

Bemz is a Swedish design company that produces custom-made covers for IKEA furniture and other home textile products. The company was founded in 2005 by Lesley Pennington. The Bemz brand philosophy is deeply rooted in Scandinavian design history. Bemz fabrics are specially selected for their high quality, natural materials and all Bemz textiles are machine washable. With a business idea based on extending the life of IKEA furniture, Bemz environmental commitment is significant. Furthermore, Bemz eliminates overproduction by only manufacturing what customers have ordered and all production takes place in Europe, its biggest market. In December 2009, Bemz opened a store at Odengatan 22, in Stockholm - a shop and showroom in one.More facts and figures on Bemz here.Customer service from the UK: 0800-048 84 04 (Toll Free)

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