It’s that time of year when details of new-season interiors collections start to emerge, so I’ll be featuring a few of my favourites over the coming weeks. First up is Danish brand Menu, with a combination of earthy neutrals, tactile materials and warm, autumnal hues that’s sure to inspire.
The collection encompasses several new furniture items, the most notable for me being the ‘Zet’ modular storage system. Created by German studio Kaschkasch Cologne, it’s easily assembled and dismantled, allowing it to be relocated, reconfigured or extended as needed. It’s based on just two components – wooden U-shaped shelves in natural oak, dark-stained oak or black oak, and a metal frame with diagonal Z-struts in either black or ivory. There are also optional back panels in off-white, taupe or brick red, which can be used to emphasise whatever objects you want to display, plus a tilted shelf for magazines and books. It’s the kind of versatile, long-lasting design that I love, and I’m sure it will prove useful in all sorts of different settings.
Also making its debut is the ‘Eclipse’ desk by British designer Fred Rigby, whose first in-house collection appeared in my ‘new finds’ round-up earlier this month. Carved from solid dark-oiled oak, its sweeping curves take their cue from the passage of celestial bodies across the sky. It forms a distinctive silhouette that works in the middle of a room or pushed up against a wall, and there’s a lid that lifts up to reveal hidden storage in the metal column leg beneath. The ‘Ready’ chair, meanwhile, is the creation of Denmark-based Matias Møllenbach and Nick Rasmussen. It has a cantilevered seat and backrest that look as if they’re suspended in the air, and comes in natural or red-stained oak. Cleverly, it can be upholstered with a panel that simply screws on to the frame and is therefore very easy to change.
Alongside the larger pieces is a brand-new range of soft furnishings developed in collaboration with textile expert Marie-Louise Rosholm and Danish designers Mathias Mentze and Alexander Ottenstein. Called ‘Cocoon’, it features cushions and throws produced in Europe from soft Italian wool and Lithuanian linen. Silk strands are woven or stitched into some of the designs to add subtle detail, and the polyester cushion pads are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. What’s more, the use of single materials means the different elements can be disassembled and reused at the end of their lifespan.
In addition to the above launches, a few existing Menu series have been extended with further options. Among them are a low wooden-based side table for Danielle Siggurud’s ‘Androgyne’ table range (the original is taller and made from powder-coated steel), and loose-covered versions of Norm Architects’ minimalist ‘Offset’ sofa and armchair. I particularly like the latter, which not only add a casual, relaxed elegance to the designs but also increase their longevity, as the covers can be washed and replaced as needed.
Finally, it’s worth taking a moment to admire the stunning location house used for Menu’s press images. I always enjoy seeing how contemporary furniture can be integrated into old buildings, and this is a fantastic example. The contrast between the clean-lined pieces and the ornate period architecture is beautiful, and the colour palette works perfectly with the panelled beige walls, parquet floor and warm natural light.
All photography via Menu
Love the throws!
Aren’t they gorgeous? The subtle lines are beautiful