By Susan Kelly
Photography by Amy Li.
Think Scandinavian style and visions of light-filled spaces and banks of pale bleached-wood cabinetry likely come to mind. If so, a visit to the Sköna Design showroom holds a few surprises. Among the hundreds of fine custom cabinetry options are not only classic “Scandi” design examples but also imaginative variations on the theme. Like cabinets rendered in rich walnut or dark-stained oak, for instance, perhaps rift-cut for textural interest, perfect for playing against dramatic black leather-finish countertops.
“We live by the Scandinavian design philosophy of keeping it simple, beautiful and supremely functional,” says Simon Rettie, sales manager at the Toronto company. “At the same time, Sköna Design provides thoughtful and innovative design solutions that reimagine this classic style in custom cabinetry built to last.”
Since 2001, Sköna Design—named for a Swedish word meaning beautiful and comforting—has designed and manufactured premium quality custom cabinetry for kitchens, bathrooms and closets. Fusing timeless beauty and function, Scandinavian design remains perennially popular. And though the style is ever evolving, one thing remains constant: Cabinetry is key, as this minimalist style requires keeping all clutter behind closed doors.
The company’s savvy and experienced team of in-house designers takes inspiration from the traditional theme of natural materials and timeless style while incorporating contemporary trends. For instance, now that fluted accents are a hot ticket, you’ll see many kitchen islands and range hoods in addition to cabinetry adorned with the stylish curved grooves, a chic way to add texture. Multipurpose islands are in high demand, too. “And things like butler’s pantries or appliance garages are ideal for reducing clutter,” Rettie says.
Sköna began in northern Europe, where a cabinetmaker on the way to a customer’s house to repair recently installed cabinetry was caught in a severe snowstorm. Stranded on the roadside awaiting rescue, it came to him that there must be a better way. The Sköna philosophy was born: to construct beautiful cabinetry that can stand the test of time without requiring future service calls.
Today, the company handles every aspect of producing its exquisite cabinetry, from preliminary design to custom crafting to white-glove service from the in-house installation team. Production facilities are integrated with a 6,000-square-foot showroom on Ronald Avenue in the heart of Toronto’s Design District. “At Sköna, nothing is outsourced, which drastically reduces the wait time to receive your cabinets,” Rettie says.
Custom-fitted by hand for each project, the vast selection of fine cabinetry comes with a wide selection of finishes, hardware and accessories. Sköna sources only the best materials, mainly in Europe, where standards, Rettie explains, are more stringent than in North America when it comes to things like sustainability and non-toxic and low-VOC materials. Cabinets are crafted using precision machinery from Germany incorporating digital technology; you’ll never see a visible screw or pinhole.
Meticulous attention to detail extends to the interior of every product. Utensil and cutlery organizers, for instance, are custom-designed to fit both the drawer and the client’s needs. Waterproof technology is built in to fend off potential plumbing or flooding damage. Everything—down to the various ingenious mechanisms for doors, drawers and pullout features such as the garbage or recycling bin—is of the highest quality. “In a nutshell, we source the best of everything to incorporate in our cabinetry,” he says.
New for 2025, Sköna has launched two collections to complement its high-end custom line. For the bathroom, the design team has created a selection of semi-custom vanity cabinets that include the sink, countertop and pulls in four distinct modern Scandinavian designs. For the kitchen, there also is a budget-friendly line, neät from Sköna Design. It offers the same elegance and craftsmanship in a more limited colour palette and selection of some options.
The company welcomes dealer inquiries, and it is expanding its presence across Canada. In addition to Toronto, there is now a showroom in Clarksburg, in the Georgian Bay area of Ontario, and a third location recently opened in Vancouver. Even with rapid growth, remaining true to the founding philosophy is paramount. “Our Scandinavian design philosophy drives everything we do from start to finish on every project,” Rettie says. “We want people to love living with our cabinetry for many years to come. So every cabinet reflects Sköna Design’s core values: innovation, sophistication, functionality and timeless beauty.”