Ola Wihlborg is an industrial and product designer from Sweden.
He took his first steps towards his career as a designer at Beckmans College of Design in Stockholm, Sweden, where he studied furniture and product design. After graduating in 2004, he began working as a freelance designer.
“That there is only one race it is the human race.”
Angelica Dass
He runs his studio at Älmhult, southern Sweden. He works with a number of clients all over the world. He designs everything from furniture and lighting to decorative products and kitchen utensils.
Creations for iKea
KIVIK Three-seat sofa, Hillared anthracite – IKEA
KIVIK Three-seat sofa, Hillared anthracite. Cuddle up in the soft comfort of KIVIK sofa. The generous size, low armrests and memory foam that adapts to the contours of your body invites to many hours of naps, socialising and relaxation.
KIVIK 3-seat sofa, with chaise longue/Orrsta light grey – IKEA
KIVIK 3-seat sofa, with chaise longue/Orrsta light grey. Cuddle up in the soft comfort of KIVIK sofa. The generous size, low armrests and memory foam that adapts to the contours of your body invites to many hours of naps, socialising and relaxation.
PLATSA Open shelving unit, white – Add to cart – IKEA
PLATSA Open shelving unit, white. Open shelving for many purposes – as a bookshelf, clothes storage or why not as a display case for your favourite things. Use it on its own or combined with other parts in the PLATSA series. Explore the full product details here
Get this season’s look and feel with velvet
Centuries ago, velvet was produced as a high-end fabric using silk fibres. Now, you don’t need royal status to own it. The cotton-velvet blend that IKEA uses is more affordable (and sustainable), so it’s easier than ever to collect small pieces, such as cushions, and update furniture you already have.
Recognition
He has received many awards and grants, including the Red Dot Design Award and the Ikea Scholarship. Furthermore, Wihlborg has participated in numerous national and international exhibitions, such as “Stars” Galerie Pascale, Design Bienalen St. Etiene, Swedish Design in Tokyo, 100% Design London and Möbelmässan Stockholm. Among those who have commissioned Wihlborg’s work are Ikea, Asplund, Playsam and Collection Pascale.
Sources
OLA WIHLBORG. https://www.olawihlborg.se/about.
Recommended Reading
Swedish Contemporary Design
Åhrén, U. (2008). Modern Swedish Design: Three Founding Texts. United Kingdom: Museum of Modern Art.
Brantmark, N. (2017). The Scandinavian Home: Interiors Inspired by Light. United Kingdom: Ryland Peters & Small.
Eleish, R., Van Breems, E. (2013). Reflections on Swedish Interiors. Norway: Gibbs Smith, Publisher.
Englund, M., Schmidt, C. (2017). Scandinavian Modern. United Kingdom: Ryland Peters & Small.
Ericson, E., Colletti, J., Tenn, S. (2017). Swedish Modern. United Kingdom: WW Norton.
Helgeson, S., Nyberg, K. (2002). Swedish design: the best in Swedish design today. London: Mitchell Beazley.
MacIssac, H., Bolander, L. (2010). Lars Bolander’s Scandinavian Design. United States: Harry N. Abrams.
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