our story

funkis is a Scandinavian design store with a unique collection of Swedish & Scandinavian lifestyle products, perfectly blended with locally made designs. We have a strong emphasis on sustainability, funkis own collection, proudly produced in Sweden and Australia. We try to make sure we select products that have been made with care, not just for the quality but also to protect our planet. We feel proud that we have for more than 25 years supported and promoted original authentic Scandinavian Design.

funkis meaning 

The word Funkis is an abbreviation of the Swedish word “functionalism” and refers to a modernist design concept that emerged after the first World War. It was a pivotal moment in Scandinavian history that saw the perception on everything from architecture and town planning, to furniture and fashion. Funkis architecture aimed to provide modern accessible designs for the people rather than just for the elite. The 1930 Stockholm Exhibition is often cited as the major turning point and breakthrough for Functionalism in Sweden, shifting the country's architectural landscape away from classical styles

In the 90’s our first store Möbler, imported Swedish antiques to Australia (hopefully you are one of the lucky one’s that ended up with a piece of Swedish history!). This was getting increasingly difficult as competition grew with London and New York dealers. The world had discovered the functionalist furniture treasures of Scandinavia and we felt it was now time to move on. We realised that some of the pieces we had bought at auctions were designs still in production, and established that ordering from the producer would be ideal and so, funkis was born.

funkis opened its first store in 1996 in Bondi Beach and quickly became a favourite for Sydney stylists and savvy shoppers. Thanks to all the support from editorial magazines over the years, funkis grew and we opened several stores around Australia. The collection was mainly Swedish Design such as Bruno Mathsson, Bla Station and Kinnasand but quickly incorporated other Scandinavian designs such as Iris Hantverk, Marimekko, Le Klint and Arabia funkis lighting and fabrics, the Strand store inspired us to further expand, into fashion. In 1998 we launched our online store to spread our love for Scandinavian design further around Australia. We have now consolidated all our stores into being a purely online store. 

Our Cafe Köket was part of our Paddington store and is now permanently closed.