In conversation

Annica Eklund of Bolon

Transform your space with floors that tell your story

The right flooring can truly be the finishing touch that brings an entire space together, transforming it from ordinary to exceptional. Swedish design house and manufacturer Bolon knows this well, focusing on flooring as a crucial element in crafting a complete and compelling environment. Flooring is not just about the material underfoot; it’s about setting the mood, making a statement and embodying a brand’s essence.

Annica Eklund, one of the sisters who has grown up with Bolon, shares her insights on the significance of quality flooring and her vision for the offices of the future.

Photography by Bolon

“Our first major move was to infuse a strong sense of design and brand thinking into the very fabric of the company culture.”

Annica, you and your sister Marie took over the company in 2003. What has been the most significant step you’ve taken to evolve Bolon and make it relevant for the future?

Taking over Bolon was a pivotal moment for us. Initially, it was a traditional weaving company founded by our parents, with no real emphasis on design. Our first major move was to infuse a strong sense of design and brand thinking into the very fabric of the company culture. Transforming a brand from its traditional roots to an internationally recognised design brand was challenging and required a few years to shift the prevailing mindset within the company. We often reflect on our journey as a transition from a traditional factory to an international design brand, driven by our high ambitions and grand visions.

“With our flooring solutions, there’s the opportunity to create a specific ambience, enhancing the DNA of a company.”

How can the choice of floor design make an impact on a workplace?

Most of our waking hours are spent at the workplace, so the floor makes a big difference. With our flooring solutions, there’s the opportunity to create a specific ambience, enhancing the DNA of a company.

The floor’s surface contributes significantly to the overall impression, and choosing the right floor can result in vastly different experiences – whether you’re aiming for a stylish, harmonious, or vibrant expression. Our floors essentially amplify the total impression you wish to convey to employees and clients.

“Look at hotel lobbies and cafes – these are the places where we work and meet today.”

What are your thoughts on the future of the workplace?

The future workplace exists in the intersection between work and home environments. It’s all about making people feel comfortable. Workspaces are also becoming more cramped and mobile, which elevates the importance of common areas for the future.

Look at hotel lobbies and cafes – these are the places where we work and meet today. That’s why we focus so much on aspects like durability, lifespan and sustainability in our products. For instance, reusability is crucial for us – we aim to offer the possibility of taking our floors to the next workplace when moving.

“Photography is my personal space for inspiration and energy …”

Aside from your role as Chief Creative Officer at Bolon, you have a career as a photographer. Why is it important for you to express yourself through photography?

As a business leader, a lot of oneself is given to others. Photography is my personal space for inspiration and energy, where I can boost myself and channel my creativity.

I photograph for Bolon and other brands to gain valuable insights into visual communication. The way you want to be perceived is almost always communicated through images, which is why it’s important for me to continue photographing, for both myself and Bolon.

“I find that they become very strong in their expression.”

What do Bolon and Escandi have in common?

I personally find Emma and Emma’s style beautiful, harmonious and modern. That’s why Bolon feels like a great complement to Escandi’s interiors. I find that they become very strong in their expression. Additionally, it’s always pleasant to work with talented and inspiring individuals like the team at Escandi.

Are you looking to elevate your space with sustainable and stylish flooring options? Reach out to Escandi at info@escandi.se to explore a range of Bolon flooring solutions that blend perfectly with Escandi’s approach to modern, harmonious interiors.