Winter trends with Skandium’s buyer Lucio Longoni

Skandium is not just one of London’s foremost design shops, it’s also a stockist of our Beni Ouarain rugs. These pieces are obviously Moroccan, but they’ve also long had a connection to Scandinavia after some of the greatest modernist designers hailing from there, including Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen, used them in their iconic Mid Century buildings.

In a nod to this history and in celebration of our partnership with Skandium, we asked buyer Lucio Longoni to share his tips on the interiors trends that will carry us through this winter and beyond. Or in other words, we wanted to know how Lucio does cosy creatively. Here’s what he told us about the key colours, textures and even scents in the current Skandium collection and how to use them around the home – especially now that the entertaining season is in full swing.

Can you sum up what says cosy Winter living to you ?

“Cosy living for me is all about the senses. Tactile and fluffy soft rugs – Emily’s House London Beni’s – with a mixture of textured cushions and throws is a great starting point. Ambient lighting gives the perfect atmosphere, whilst lighting woody scented candles, such as those by Skandinavisk, and doing home baking is how I like to unwind in the winter months.”

How do you think Emily’s House London rugs fit with the Skandium aesthetic?

“The Beni Ouarain rugs sit perfectly with Skandium’s commitment to offering the best of classic Scandinavian design. Although they’re not from the Nordic countries, there has been this strong link between the rugs and modernist architects and designers such as Alvar Aalto, Le Corbusier, Charles and Ray Eames, Frank Lloyd Wright, Marcel Breuer and Arne Jacobsen. All of whom used to have these rugs in their buildings or homes.”

What key colour palettes are in the current / new Skandium collections and how do you decide on them?

“The current colours of the season are a balancing act of current trends, such as fern green and rich blue, with classic Scandinavian design. From Marimekko’s bold stripes and prints to the pastels of Muuto combined with timeless stainless steel at Georg Jensen and classic china from Royal Copenhagen.”

 Is there a particular palette that you love right now personally / for winter in your own home?

“The colour of the moment for me is blue, I’m loving rich, deep tones mixed with touches of brass.”

What are your tips for making a Christmas table look festive and gorgeous?

“The perfect Christmas table for me is all about height and layers. Starting with flowers and foliage as centerpieces, followed by elegant candles and cotton, linen and metallic details – try Ferm Living cotton napkins and napkin rings, Georg Jensen candlesticks and Iittala Serving platters.”

How do you celebrate Christmas?

“I usually spend Christmas in the USA as that’s where most of my family is. We have an unusual mix of British, Italian and American food but it always tastes fantastic. Christmas for me is all about food!”

What’s on your Christmas wish list?

“Too many things! But if I have to narrow it down to three…a Max Bill Quartz watch by Junghans, black Mismo shopper and Stilleben x Skandinavisk candle, which is exclusive to Skandium.”

Visit Skandium for more ideas