It’s time for my regular round-up of interesting design finds and new product launches – my first of 2022! And I have some real gems to share with you this month, including a minimalist stackable chair, a modular sofa system, a gorgeous ceramics collaboration and new twists on two classic lamp designs. Just read on for details…
The ‘Margin’ collection from New Works
I’m starting with the gorgeous ‘Margin’ lighting series from New Works, which I briefly mentioned last year and which is now available to buy. Designed by John Asbury, it’s a modern interpretation of the classic luminaire and consists of tiered concentric shades made from textured fabric. The intersecting circles gently diffuse the light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and they’re offset beautifully by linear black-steel rods. I love the minimalist look and the way the shades’ proportions lend a real sense of volume and presence – they make a statement without overwhelming whatever space they’re in. The collection encompasses a floor lamp, a table lamp and three sizes of pendant, with prices ranging from €459 to €979.
Modular seating from Noo.ma
Next up is Noo.ma – a Polish studio whose understated, multifunctional pieces I often use in client room designs. It’s recently launched its first-ever seating series, and it’s just as versatile as the rest of its rapidly growing collection. Called ‘Toom’, the new range encompasses an armchair, an ottoman and various sizes of sofa, all of which can be used on their own or combined in numerous different configurations. They mix a black steel frame with simple, rectangular cushions, and come in a choice of black, grey, beige or ochre upholstery; what’s more, there are optional add-on side tables that can be fixed directly to the structure. I can see them fitting brilliantly into homes and workspaces big or small, and I’m always a fan of furniture that can adapt to changing needs rather than having to be replaced. The range is available via Noo.ma’s website now, with prices starting at €799.
New twists on classic lamps from &Tradition
Verner Panton’s iconic ‘Flowerpot’ lamp first debuted in 1968 but for some reason the wall-lamp version never made it into production. That’s about to change thanks to &Tradition, which has collaborated with the Panton family to put the missing member of the ‘Flowerpot’ series on sale from later this month. Available in the varied colours used across the range, it will be known as the ‘Flowerpot VP8’ and will offer a new way to integrate Panton’s gently playful design into the home.
It’s not the only lighting news from &Tradition, as the brand is marking the 120th birthday of visionary architect Arne Jacobsen with two anniversary editions of his ‘Bellevue’ floor lamp, created in 1929 and one of the pieces that signalled the dawn of Danish minimalism. The special finishes – white with bronzed brass and ‘Stone Grey’ with bronzed brass – have the same blend of elegance and function as the original, and highlight the lamp’s graceful simplicity. There’s also a brand-new lighting launch in the form of a portable table lamp by Matteo Fogale. Named ‘Caret’ after the V-shaped grapheme used in proofreading and typography to indicate that additional material needs to be inserted into the text, it was conceived to slot between books on your shelf or on the table between two people. The shape was inspired by the lamps found in public libraries and is made entirely from lacquered steel, with a choice between ‘Silk Grey’ and ‘Dark Burgundy’ finishes.
A minimalist chair from All Matters
Stockholm-based studio All Matters was founded last year with a mission to combine a Scandinavian mindset with a sustainable, holistic approach to design. The latest addition to its small but beautiful collection of pared-back, carefully considered pieces is ‘PINNE 04’ – a stackable chair crafted from oak. Inspired by the ‘Orkesterstolen’, a classic Swedish chair created by Sven Markelius in the 1940s, it’s been stripped back to its basic elements and has a refined, almost Japanese-influenced profile. The asymmetric top adds an interesting feature, as well as acting as a convenient hook for bags and coats when the chair is used in public settings. It will be available from early spring, with a bar-stool version following soon afterwards.
Handmade tableware by Kana x Caro
Last but not least is a new collaboration from Somerset-based concept store Caro and ceramicist Ana Kerin of Kana London. Called ‘WINTER-LAND’, it follows on from their two previous projects – ‘LAND’, which celebrated the mossy greens of the English landscape, and ‘SUMMER-LAND’, which evoked the earthy browns, sunny yellows and sunset pinks of late summer. This time around they’ve taken inspiration from the stormy skies and misty greys of the winter months, which appear across textural stoneware forms in broad, expressive strokes. There are mugs, plates, bowls and more, all handmade and hand-painted yet also durable enough for everyday use. The collection is available to buy online and in Caro’s Bruton shop now, with prices ranging from £12 for a pinch pot to £165 for a large serving bowl.
All photography courtesy of the respective brands and makers named above
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