Welcome Home: The Story Behind the Nordic Cabin
November 4, 2025
When we first took part in Downtown Design back in 2018, our stand was a deconstructed cabin – a playful concept that hinted at the idea of home through its exposed structure and layers. It was the beginning of a thought that stayed with me ever since: that I wanted to convey that feeling of home to our clients, not just sell floors to them.
This year, that thought became reality. The Nordic Cabin isn’t just a stand. It’s a story. It’s inspired by the cabins scattered across Sweden, where people retreat to slow down, breathe and reconnect with nature. I wanted to bring that feeling here to Dubai, a space to pause, notice your surroundings and feel grounded.
Building a Cabin with Heart and Sustainability
Working with Rabah Saeid and her team at Styled Habitat, we built a cabin that feels lived-in and real. The structure itself carries stories — some of the planks on the exterior show signs of use because they were repurposed from previous installations. For us, that’s what sustainability truly means: respecting the material, giving it a new story and designing with care, not waste. The cabin was also built in a modular way, so it can be disassembled and rebuilt. Next stop, Downtown Design Riyadh in February. And who knows, maybe one day it will become someone’s playhouse?
Earlier this summer, I travelled to Sweden with Rabah. We visited the Kährs factory in Nybro, surrounded by the forests where our floors begin their life. Standing there among the trees, you really feel how connected everything is — from the way the trees are harvested, to how each plank is crafted. That experience shaped everything about this cabin: the craftsmanship, the calm and the honest materials that define our brand.
A Calm Space Amid the Fair
From the early beginnings, we wanted the space to feel like a pause. A small piece of calm in the middle of this busy fair. That moment when you step inside, breathe and feel instantly at home. Everything here, from the textures and the light to the natural scent of the wood, is designed to bring that feeling to life. Because flooring isn’t just about how it looks. It’s about how a space feels.
Inspired by Swedish Forests and Allemansrätten
Nature sits at the heart of this story. In Sweden, it’s a way of life. People grow up surrounded by forests and lakes, and a wonderful principle called Allemansrätten — the right to roam. It means anyone can walk through any forest or swim in any lake, as long as it’s done respectfully. That respect for the natural world shapes everything we do, from how we source wood to how we think about design. The Nordic Cabin is our way of sharing that connection by inviting visitors to notice the textures, smells, and warmth of real wood, even in the middle of Dubai.
Cabin Interior Filled with Warmth and Character
The interior of the cabin is clad in Urban Brown from our Beyond Retro collection, the same floor we have in our showroom. It’s one of my favourites — rich in character and warmth, shifting in tone as the light changes. We wanted visitors to feel the same atmosphere we enjoy every day back home in our Nordic Living showroom, just in a more intimate setting.
And through the cabin window, you’ll see a glimpse of where it all begins, a forest in Småland, filmed during our summer trip. Over 70% of Sweden is covered by forest, and for every tree harvested, at least two new ones are planted. It’s a powerful reminder that every plank of flooring starts with something living, something real. The forest is always changing, the light, the colours, the feeling, and that’s what continues to inspire us.
Full Circle: From Concept to Reality
Building this cabin has been a full-circle moment for us — from that deconstructed concept in 2018, to a real cabin here at Downtown Design, and even a permanent one in our showroom. Each one tells the same story: that home is not just a place, but a feeling.
So when you step inside the Nordic Cabin, take a moment. Breathe. Feel the texture under your feet, the scent of the wood, the warmth of the open fireplace. You’re home.
Warm Regards,
Pauline Madani
Founder & Managing Director Nordic Homeworx
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nordic Cabin at Downtown Design Dubai?
▼The Nordic Cabin is a fully built exhibition stand at Downtown Design Dubai. It’s designed to give visitors a sense of home, combining warm, natural materials with immersive design inspired by Swedish cabins. The space encourages people to pause, breathe, and reconnect with their surroundings.
What inspired the design of the Nordic Cabin?
▼The design is inspired by cabins in Sweden, where people retreat from everyday life to slow down, enjoy nature, and feel grounded. The goal was to bring that sense of calm, natural beauty, and comfort to visitors in the heart of Dubai.
Is the flooring used in the cabin suitable for homes?
▼Absolutely. Urban Brown and similar collections are designed for both exhibition spaces and residential interiors, providing durability, warmth, and timeless style.
How durable is the Urban Brown flooring?
▼Urban Brown is highly durable, designed to withstand foot traffic while maintaining its natural textures and tones for long-lasting beauty.
What is unique about the cabin’s construction?
▼The cabin is modular and sustainable, allowing it to be disassembled and rebuilt for future exhibitions. Some planks on the exterior were repurposed from previous installations, giving the structure a story while reflecting Nordic Homeworx’s commitment to responsible design.
How does Nordic Homeworx ensure sustainability in its flooring?
▼Nordic Homeworx uses responsibly sourced wood, repurposes materials, and follows environmentally conscious practices. Every plank is treated with care, combining sustainability with high-quality craftsmanship.
Can flooring be combined with other materials for unique designs?
▼Yes. Wood floors pair beautifully with stone, metal, and textiles, creating layered textures and visually interesting interiors, just like in the cabin.
How do wood floors enhance interior design?
▼Wood floors add warmth, texture, and character to any space, creating a welcoming and grounded atmosphere. They also provide versatility in design, complementing a variety of furniture, colours, and interior styles, while bringing a natural, timeless element into the home.
How is Swedish wood flooring produced and what makes Kährs special?
▼Swedish wood flooring from Kährs is known for its quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Each plank starts in carefully managed forests, where trees are responsibly harvested. At the Kährs factory, the wood undergoes precise milling, drying, and finishing processes to preserve its natural character and durability. This attention to detail ensures floors are not only beautiful but also long-lasting, eco-friendly, and crafted to bring the warmth and authenticity of Swedish forests into any space.
Can Kährs flooring be used in different types of interiors?
▼Yes, Kährs flooring is versatile and suitable for a wide range of interiors. Its natural tones and textures complement modern, minimalist, and classic designs, bringing warmth, elegance, and a connection to nature into any space.
