#ÄLSKAPLÅT: Metal treasures that span generations

Centred on Swedish design and values, interior brand #ÄLSKAPLÅT brings a breath of fresh air to the interior design scene. With a wide range of figurines and silhouettes cut from sheet metal, these products are not only synonymous with durability, but add personality and originality to any space they live in. And it all started with some dull, empty windows.

#ÄLSKAPLÅT exists because of a series of coincidences, at least if you ask owners Anne Johansson and Anna Giss. Going under the nickname ‘the girls of Småland’, the pair share a great love for their home region, but the rest of the story is indeed made up by happy accidents.

Back when Giss was heading up the financial department of a company producing sheet metal products, she noticed the lack of living plants in her surroundings – a situation not helped by an old office building with south-facing windows that invited the sun to fry anything green. “It was a situation which asked for finesse and care, something the men in the business frankly could not provide. And that’s when the idea of sheet metal flowers came to mind. We could make them ourselves on site, they would survive without anyone watering them for months, and they would add some warmth to our lifeless-looking windows,” explains Giss. As it just so happened, it was also around this time that the two ladies got introduced. Conveniently, Johansson was working as a design teacher at the time, and soon, a business partnership between the two was born.

A match made in heaven

Today, #ÄLSKAPLÅT offers a range of popular products with plenty of versatility and different usage areas. On top of the classic plants and flowers launched at the get-go, the collection includes everything from garden decorations to allergy-friendly animals and seasonal must-haves that never go out of style. Thanks to the durable characteristics of the sheet metal, the products are ideal as gifts and can be passed on down the line, without losing their quality. The rigidness of sheet metal also lends itself to detail-rich designs and the lacquer works both indoors and outdoors. In other words, it combines creativity and practicality, just like the two business owners.

“We always joke about being each other’s opposites,” Johansson tells us. “One of us is a classic finance person with structure at the core, and the other is a true-born artist with a creative mindset. But that’s what makes us the perfect team. Plus, we have a joint passion for Swedish design and local handicraft and production, and to share this, not only within Sweden’s borders, but in the rest of the world,” she adds.

The new collection is inspired by Astrid Lindgren’s beloved characters.

The local aspect is crucial. Since the start, it has been the duo’s mission to show that a local production really works. It brings a sense of pride that flows through every part of the business, from the products themselves to the values of the founders. It also brings the prices down, giving customers great value for their money with every purchase.

Owners Anne Johansson and Anna Giss.

And what about the creative process? Well, speedy is a good word to use. Because with a small team, decisions are quick and lead times are short, which makes for a smooth process from sketch to finished product. What is more, #ÄLSKAPLÅT also takes custom orders for businesses who may be looking for employee gifts or tailored office decorations.

Turning sheet metal into art.

Celebrating a Swedish legacy

Aside from its home-grown collections, the brand has recently launched a special series featuring beloved writer Astrid Lindgren’s most popular characters. Think Pippi Longstocking, Madicken and Emil in Lönneberga – all part of some of Sweden’s most magical stories.

“We’re so proud and honoured to be given the chance to produce these figures, especially as Astrid grew up in Småland and took lots of inspiration from these surroundings. We hope that with these silhouettes, we can help celebrate Astrid’s magical world, but also share it with new generations – in a way that marries something classic with timeless beauty,” says Giss.

Web: www.alskaplat.se
Facebook: Älskaplåt
Instagram: @alskaplat.smaland

To shop #ÄLSKAPLÅT, visit the store in Nässjö or one of the 150 retailers around Sweden. And keep an eye out for future launches into the US, Norway, Germany and Benelux markets.

Use code SCANMAGAZINE for 15 per cent off the regular price when you shop online. The offer is valid until 31 August across the whole range.