If we’ve learnt anything from the past couple of years, it’s that change is born in the most unusual of places. It could be a Swedish schoolgirl sitting outside a parliament. Or a magazine editor taking a stand on Photoshop.

In design, it came in the form of a beetle. A small but mighty challenger to the mid-century icons that had ruled our imagination for decades. With its plush velvet upholstery, it spoke to a new desire for softness, while gently expanding the contours of what a contemporary Scandinavian aesthetic could be. A modern style with an old soul, here’s all the ways to style it at home…

It’s not a bar without a Beetle to match. It’s soft and sinuous shells provide a cosy alternative to the classic counter stool, lending just the right amount of Art Deco elegance. The key here lies in contrasting piping — a striking detail that helps emphasise it’s svelte silhouette. And yes, bonus points are awarded to anyone who can match the piping to the counter. 

This year, designers GamFratesi announced that Beetle was going home. Swapping the plush world of interiors for something more soothing. Much like it’s namesake, the new alfresco version promises to tread lightly upon the Earth, with every element crafted from 100% recyclable materials. We recommend pairing them with an equally sculptural patio table. This striking stone number from Desalto. Or else else a cool Nordic companion from Cane-Line.

Loving what you do is easier when you have a beautiful space to get down to business. The Beetle Meeting collection was designed to bridge the gap between frumpy office styles and chairs that jeopardise your posture. Available with a wide variety of bases, it’s hardworking shells promise to flex and adapt to the minutiae of your body during the working day — a supportive and stylish solution for all your home office requirements.  

Every icon needs an ally. A ride or die that sees them through the good times and the bad. Bat is that somebody. A stylish Scandi dining chair that can be interspersed with Beetles to create beautiful mix and match combos. Its wingspan is slightly more generous than it’s counterpart, distilling the comfort of an armchair into a more compact and versatile format.

It doesn’t matter how many times we scour the globe. We’ve yet to find a shape so low-slung or welcoming as the Beetle Lounge. Top hoteliers tend to agree, which is why you’ll often find its sculptural silhouette adorning elegant lobbies and foyers. For a slightly more maximalist flourish, try upholstering it in a statement fabric. Or pairing it with an antique brass as per the image below.