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The Edit with Arvid Nilsson

Designer Arvid brings a thoughtful and instinctive approach to outdoor living. Where form, material and nature come together to create spaces that feel calm, considered and easy to exist in.

ABOUT ARVID

Arvid is a Stockholm-based designer originally from Västervik. He started out in skate culture which led him into graphic design and later into furniture, interiors, architecture and art. His work is often rooted in curiosity and exploration. Alongside city life, he returns to Talltopp – a self-designed cabin in the forest – where many of his ideas take shape. He shares his work and surroundings on Instagram @arvid.n_.

When you design a piece of furniture, where do you begin? Function, material, or form?

I start with form and aesthetics. It has to look right. Function follows that, and material defines the expression. Outdoors, I go for something more raw, where function and form meet naturally.

What defines a great outdoor space for you?

Nature. You want to feel connected to it. To see and experience it. If you can’t, furniture and textiles need to create that feeling. Comfort matters, but never at the expense of aesthetics. It’s about balance.

How do you want people to feel when they sit on your terrace?

Calm. Nothing distracting or unnecessary. Everything should feel intentional and easy to exist in.

As a designer, what role do textiles play in your work?

A big one. They can completely change a piece of furniture. Often they’re the final element that brings everything together. That’s usually when a piece feels finished.

What’s a good place to start if you want to build something yourself?

Start with where you live – the space, the period, the context. That gives you a foundation. From there, sketch, build, experiment. Use leftover or reclaimed materials if you can. It doesn’t need to be perfect. A bit of rawness often makes it better.