New design finds | May 2024

As promised, it’s time for my regular round-up of minimalist design finds and interesting product launches, back after an impromptu break. Reaching my radar this month are revived Scandinavian classics, a beautiful and very versatile modular sofa series, gorgeous new paint collections, and a just-launched New Zealand furniture brand with a stunning mix of form and function. Read on for details…

A sculptural sofa and coffee table from Fredericia

I’m kicking things off with Fredericia, which has unveiled two additions to its collection of classic and contemporary pieces. The first is the modular ‘Nami’ sofa, created by late British designer Damian Williamson (1974-2024). Named after the Japanese word for ‘wave’, it pays homage to its predecessor, the ‘Konami’ sofa, launched by Fredericia in 2019. This new iteration eliminates the legs, resulting in an expression that’s flowing yet at the same time grounded and relaxed. Its gentle curves and discreet stitching contribute to a seamless look that’s appealing from every angle, with end and spacer modules allowing for an array of different arrangements. It’s available in a wide choice of upholstery fabrics, with prices starting at €4,967 / £4,252 for a two-seater configuration.

The second addition is the ‘JG’ coffee table by Jørgen Gammelgaard (1938-1991). The Danish post-modern designer spent over a decade perfecting the minimalist brushed-aluminium and glass piece before its original launch in 1973, and it’s now going back into production for the first time in more than 40 years. The absence of the traditional four legs means it establishes an anchored presence, while the transparent glass highlights the interesting curves and cut-out details of the base. The result is a juxtaposition of the airy and the solid which changes according to the angle from which it’s viewed. It measures 98cm in diameter and is priced at €2,500 / £2,217.

Minimalist tables from newly launched brand Vertone

Next up is Vertone – a new furniture brand from New Zealand blogger and interior style Michelle Halford and photographer and graphic designer Kirsty Dawn. The pair were brought together by a shared appreciation for understated interiors, sensory elements and natural materials, and their debut collection, ‘Aperture’, encompasses a versatile low-level table and a compact side table. Inspired by architectural lines, Japanese woodworking and a desire to simplify and refine, the two pieces blend structural solidity and an airy lightness, with interplaying planes offering multiple surfaces for arranging and displaying objects. The tables are crafted to order and come in a choice of natural or smoked oak, with prices starting at NZ$1,410.00. They’re currently shippable to New Zealand and Australia only, but international delivery is set to follow soon.

Curated paint palettes from Blēo Collective

Named after the Old English word for ‘colour’, Blēo Collective is an innovative new Copenhagen-based paint brand that works with designers, architects and artists to develop distinctive palettes that reflect each’s signature style, inspirations and experiences. The first collection has 15 offerings by the likes of Muller Van Severen, David Thulstrup, Barber Osgerby and Inga Sempé, each encompassing 10-24 hues that can be used independently or mixed and matched for a layered look. Standouts for me include the calming ‘Whitescale’ from John Pawson, the delicate ‘Demi Ton’ from Ronan Bouroullec, the earthy ‘Returning to Nature’ from Norm Architects and the serene ‘Island’ from Cecilie Manz (shown in order below), but there really is something for everyone, whether you prefer neutrals or bold, vibrant colours. The paint is water-based and non-toxic, with low VOCs and minimalist recyclable packaging, and there’s a choice of matt, ultra-matt, gloss and high-gloss finishes. Prices start at €19 / £16 for a sample pack and €70 / £60 for a 2L tin.

New colours – and a new bio-based paint formula – from Atelier Ellis

Sticking with paint, my all-time favourite paint maker, Atelier Ellis, has launched a new collection called ‘The Garden Party’. Consisting of 12 gorgeous hues, it celebrates feminine energy, flora and the beauty of still life. Among the versatile and liveable colours are deep greens inspired by blooming plants, the hazy blue of a summer sky, delicate pinks reminiscent of faded silk tea dresses and the last autumn flowers, and a family of five fresh yet calming whites. They’re available online now, and will also be on show at Atelier Ellis’ Bath townhouse until October.

Atelier Ellis has also updated its paint composition, elevating its ‘True Matt’ emulsion to a bio-based formula with a natural, renewable binder and 95% of ingredients sourced in the UK. The result is breathable, washable and clean-smelling, with virtually no VOCs. What’s more, it’s suitable for lime and gypsum plaster and safe for all rooms, including kitchens, bathrooms and children’s spaces.

Beautiful new additions from Fritz Hansen

I’ve already covered Fritz Hansen‘s latest range of minimalist outdoor furniture, but the Danish brand has added several new pieces for the interior, too. The first is the ‘Utzon’ stool by acclaimed Danish architect and designer of the Sydney Opera House Jørn Utzon (1918-2008). Originally created as a prototype in 1950, it’s crafted from beech with brass detailing and is currently the only piece of his furniture in production. The cluster of slightly flattened wooden spheres that sprout from the base to form the seat reference Utzon’s love of nature and its repetitive shapes, giving the stool a sculptural yet playful look. It’s deceptively functional and comfortable to sit on, despite its decorative appearance.

Also launching this spring are table and floor lamps for the existing ‘Clam’ series. Created by designer Isabel Ahm and cabinetmaker Signe Lund, the original pendant light was inspired by sea shells and was chosen as the winning project on Danish national TV competition Denmark’s Next Classic. The new additions to the family have the same softly curved opal-glass shades and sit on elegant brass stems, fusing tradition and modernity to create a graceful and versatile statement.

The three pieces are all available now, with the stool and table lamp each priced at €1,099 / £1,099 and the floor lamp at €1,749 / £1,649.

All photography courtesy of the respective brands above