Carl Malmsten was born in Stockholm in 1888 and was an important player in the Swedish 20th-century classicism, also called Swedish grace, during his professional years.
Malmsten was actually best known as an interior designer and furniture manufacturer, but he was also the designer behind several beautiful designs. The classic pattern Fågel Blå was produced for the Home Exhibition in 1917 at Liljevach's Art Museum and was actually one of his first patterns. Fågel Blå (meaning Blue Bird) is also available as a wallpaper, printed on the over-100-year-old machine at Lim & Handtryck's factory. The pattern shows the stylistic birds and flowers in two colors. The wallpapers are available in several different color combinations.
Among the neat and elegant furniture he designed, the little chair Lilla Åland is a clear example.
Carl Malmsten was also a fearless and reputable debater. One of the issues that upset him was the entry of functionalism into Swedish homes and its sparse style ideals.
