Emma Vo Gårdh is a Stockholm based artist, designer and interior architect with a passion for colour and design

​”I am interested in how colour, art and design can contribute to and enhance various ambiances in a room. I am especially focused on how interior architecture and design can have an effect on our health and well-being,” Emma Vo Gårdh reveals. “With inspiration from nature, the sky, the infinity of space, music and the world I create colourful abstract paintings, interiors and health promoting spatial designs.” See more of her work at www.vogardh.com

Tell us about your background and how did you get started in art and design?

My journey into art and design has been a long and evolving one. As a child, I was always drawn to creative pursuits—painting, drawing, and crafting were my favourite pastimes. During my teenage years, photography became my greatest passion, which led me to pursue the media programme with a focus on photography in secondary school. After graduating, I spent several years living abroad, exploring different cultures and experiences. During this time, I completed a foundation year in art, media, and design at London Metropolitan University’s Sir John Cass School of Art. It was there that I truly discovered my love for abstract art, shapes, and colours—a turning point that shaped my creative identity.

Upon returning to Sweden about a decade ago, I found myself facing an emotionally challenging period. In search of healing, I turned to creativity, experimenting with various types of paint as a way to process my emotions. Painting and creating abstract art became my refuge—an escape from reality that allowed me to express feelings I struggled to put into words. It became my therapy, helping me regain a sense of wholeness and rediscover myself through colour and form.

What inspired you to focus on interior architecture and design?

Pursuing a career as an artist and making a sustainable living from it can be quite challenging. To navigate this, I enrolled in a course focused on building a business as an artist. It was there, thanks to an inspiring teacher, that I had a pivotal realization—my approach to painting and the way I present my work have always been inherently spatial. This insight sparked my interest in spatial design and interior architecture, setting me on a new creative path about six years ago.

Motivated by this newfound passion, I decided to further my studies and enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree in design. It was during this time that I truly found my calling—designing furniture and interior spaces that promote health and well-being. Initially, I was so focused on my art that I hadn’t even considered interior architecture and design, but looking back, it feels like a natural evolution of my creativity. Today, I’m deeply passionate about creating health-promoting spaces that enhance people’s lives and designing furniture that evokes emotion and joy. Seeing how my work can positively impact individuals and their environments is incredibly fulfilling—and a constant source of inspiration in itself.

How do you incorporate your passion for colour into your work?

Colour is at the heart of everything I do, and I consciously choose it over neutrals like white or grey whenever possible. That doesn’t mean every room is overflowing with bold hues—it’s often about finding the right balance. You can create a colourful yet elegant and minimalistic space depending on the shades and tones you use. While I do love bold colours, sometimes a few carefully chosen colourful objects or details are enough to bring a space to life, adding depth and interest. I also make it a point to paint the walls and ceilings in shades that set the tone for the space. Paint is such an accessible and transformative tool - it’s an easy yet powerful way to completely redefine or enhance a room. Whether the colours are subtle or bold, they have the ability to evoke emotion and infuse life into any environment.

Can you share some of the key influences that have shaped your artistic style and your mission to promote health and well-being through design?

Having a mother with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), health and the creation of health-promoting spaces have always been deeply personal to me. A key turning point in my journey was reading a study by architect Roger Ulrich, which demonstrated the impact of nature and healthcare room design on patient recovery. The study revealed that patients with a view of nature recover faster than those facing a brick wall. I found it fascinating that the design of a space could have such a profound influence on health, and it baffled me that many hospitals and healthcare centres don’t seem to prioritise this. This research sparked my passion for designing spaces that promote well-being and support healing.

When it comes to the key influences behind my artistic style, it’s more nuanced. My inspiration comes from many sources, including music, nature, architecture and design. That said, there are a few figures who have had a significant impact on my work. Salvador Dalí, with his surrealistic and floating shapes and objects, has always fascinated me. Antoni Gaudí, particularly his work on Casa Batlló, inspires me with his bold use of organic forms, vibrant colours, and imaginative designs. Their ability to blend art, emotion, and functionality has shaped how I approach my own creations.

Can you describe a project that you are particularly proud of and why?

Aside from the home I’ve created for my family, one project I’m particularly proud of is my Master’s Thesis, Gynovation. This interior concept was designed for a gynaecology centre in Stockholm, Sweden, with the aim of reimagining the traditional interior design of such clinics. The objective was to create a fresh and innovative approach that enhances patient well-being and transforms the perception of healthcare environments.

Using a thoughtful combination of colour, material, and form, Gynovation creates a more welcoming and comfortable space for both patients and staff. The design includes specialised chairs for women in pain, a partition wall to ensure privacy, a ceiling lamp that doubles as a calming distraction during exams, and a carefully curated palette of colours to foster a sense of safety and calm. This holistic approach combines approved materials with unique furniture and objects, adding vibrancy and functionality to the space. I’m incredibly proud of how the project turned out and the conversations it sparked about the need for more thoughtful and colourful designs in healthcare facilities. I hope Gynovation inspires others to rethink and improve healthcare spaces, making them more supportive and human-centred. At the very least, I’m thrilled that it has started a conversation about how design can enhance the healthcare experience.

How do you stay inspired and motivated in your work?

I stay inspired and motivated by surrounding myself with colour and objects that bring me joy. My environment plays a huge role in fuelling my creativity—it’s almost like a constant reminder of why I do what I do. I also make an effort to connect with other creatives, whether through meet-ups, collaborations, or simply sharing ideas. Attending exhibitions, exploring the work of other designers, and immersing myself in various forms of artistic expression help me stay curious and open-minded. Inspiration often comes from unexpected places, so I try to expose myself to as many creative outlets as possible—music, photography, architecture, and nature. It’s this mix of personal space and external engagement that keeps me motivated and fuels my passion for creating.

How do you balance functionality and aesthetics in your designs?

This is always an interesting subject and one I love exploring. I enjoy playing with the boundaries between design and art, often questioning: what is design, and what is art? Can design be art? When I design furniture or spaces, I strive to create pieces that could also be appreciated as art. That said, functionality is equally important. A space or object must serve its purpose and be usable. Balancing these two aspects is an ongoing process for me—finding that sweet spot where form and function coexist harmoniously. I must admit, I often lean towards prioritising aesthetics, as long as the design remains functional on a practical level. For me, it’s about creating something that not only works but also sparks emotion, curiosity, and joy.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists and designers?

My advice to aspiring artists and designers is to stay true to your vision while remaining open to growth and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to take risks, make mistakes, and push the boundaries of your creativity— it’s often in those moments that the most interesting ideas emerge. Surround yourself with inspiration, whether it’s through other creatives, art, nature, or life experiences, and always be curious. Seek out opportunities to learn, whether by taking courses, collaborating with others, or simply observing the world around you.

It’s also important to understand that the creative journey isn’t always linear. There may be moments of doubt or times when progress feels slow, but perseverance and passion are key. Trust the process, and allow yourself to evolve as both an artist and a person. Finally, remember to take care of yourself. Art and design require a lot of emotional energy, so make space for rest, reflection, and things that bring you joy outside of your creative practice.

Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?

I’m currently on maternity leave while also exploring new job opportunities. That said, I can’t imagine stepping away from creativity entirely, even during this time. Just before I gave birth, I felt inspired to start painting again. Normally, I use colour and shapes to explore emotions, colour combinations, and compositions—tools I often draw upon when creating spatial designs.

This time, however, I wanted to capture the unique and transformative experience of pregnancy. These paintings became a way for me to document and express this special moment in my life. The response has been incredibly positive, which has encouraged me to develop a series of abstract pregnancy paintings. My hope is to eventually expand this series into an exhibition that celebrates this deeply personal journey.