I’m a bit late with this month’s round-up of design finds, as I took last week off work to unwind and finish decorating our bedroom. I can’t wait to share photos of the completed space soon, but in the meantime I have details of some gorgeous product launches for you. So, read on for beautiful chairs and ceramics, stylish outdoor furniture, innovative modular shelving, and affordable new options to help you customise standard IKEA kitchen cabinets…
Sculptural ceramics from Louise Roe
I’m starting with Copenhagen-based designer Louise Roe, who has extended her collection of sculptural ceramics with several new additions. One is the asymmetric ‘Pirout’ vase, which was created to bring energy to quiet spaces and is described by Louise as ‘standing still but dancing’. Its swirling shape is absolutely stunning, and it comes in two colours – raw white and sanded grey – and two different sizes. Also new are ceramic interpretations of the popular ‘Balloon’ series of bowls and vases, the glass versions of which have featured in several home tours here over the years. Finished with a slightly rough glaze, they come in a contemporary matte grey that showcases the shadows cast by the voluminous shapes, and to me they’re even more beautiful than the originals. All the new pieces will be available soon, with prices ranging from €108 to €376.
The ‘Lodge’ chair series from VIPP
Next up is Danish brand VIPP, originally known for its pedal bins and steel home accessories. Over the past couple of years it has gradually been building a small but considered range of furniture and the latest addition to it is the ‘Lodge’ chair series. First created for the Vipp Lodge (soon to join the company’s collection of bookable accommodation), it consists of a dining chair, a lounge chair and a footstool. All have a padded clam-shell shape that’s moulded to support and embrace the body, together with conical legs in light or dark-stained oak. I love the soft curves and the crisp join between the legs and the seat – the kind of small detail that makes a design truly special; what’s more, the lounge chair comes with the option of a neck rest for maximum comfort. The series will be available in Europe later this month and in the USA from May, with a wide range of upholstery options to choose from. Prices start at €739 / $950 for the dining chair, €1,949 / $2,450 for the lounge chair and €869 / $1,100 for the footstool.
Cost-effective kitchen fronts from HUSK
There’s now an array of different companies offering fronts to help you transform standard IKEA kitchen cabinets, but one of my favourites is HUSK. Based here in Bristol, it supplied the doors for my own kitchen makeover and has just added two new options to its range. The first is a textured collection made from furniture-grade recycled wood and finished with a white oil; the second is a selection of moisture-resistant MDF fronts that are primed and ready for you to paint at home. Both offer a cost-effective way to create a bespoke and very stylish kitchen, and the MDF option can even be prepared specifically for Bauwerk mineral paint if you want an on-trend lime-washed look. Like HUSK’s existing laminated and plywood fronts, they can be made to fit either IKEA’s ‘METOD’ system or cabinets from Howdens, and international shipping is available. HUSK also has a variety of worktops, sinks, taps and handles to choose from, and you can find costed examples for different kitchen sizes here.
Minimalist garden furniture from Bolia
With alfresco summer living beckoning, many people are on the hunt for stylish outdoor furniture and accessories – and Bolia’s collection is one of the most appealing I’ve seen to date. First launched last year, it now encompasses seating, textiles, lighting and planters, all with a minimalist aesthetic and very durable materials. The ‘Orlando’ modular sofa (available in dark grey, light grey or beige) looks perfect for relaxing in comfort and can be adapted to suit all sorts of spaces, while the quick-drying ‘Calm’ pouf can be used as a footstool, side table or additional seating. There’s also an elegant lounger called ‘Sling’, which combines a tubular frame with sleek, clean-lined cushions; the tactile jute and cotton ‘Conwy’ outdoor rug; and a selection of outdoor cushions in muted, nature-inspired colours. Most ingenious, though, is the ‘Donut’ portable lamp, which can be strung from branches or hooks and which lasts up to 24 hours between charges. The collection is available online and via stores now.
Modular wall shelves from Moebe
Finally, Danish design company Moebe has launched a wall-mounted version of its popular modular shelving system. Like the freestanding units, it’s based around wedges that let you secure the shelves at any height and can be built as tall or as wide as you want. It’s ideal for narrow spaces and, as individual components are sold separately, you can create all sorts of different colour combinations and configurations. The metal side bars are available in black and white, while the wooden shelves come in black, white and oak; there’s also a selection of pre-determined ‘sets’ to choose from. What’s more, the bars can be fixed to the wall at both ends or positioned on the floor at the bottom, and everything can be rearranged or extended with ease as your needs change. The system is available online now, with individual parts starting at €31 and sets at €344.
All images via the respective brands
Leave a Reply