New finds | July 2018

Happy July everyone! The start of another new month means it’s time for my regular round-up of design and lifestyle news, and I have plenty of exciting things to share with you today. So, here are the latest product launches to catch my eye, along with details of a few other interesting bits and bobs…

The ‘Nordic Light’ series by Beatrice Felicki

First up is German artist Beatrice Felicki, whose minimalist, monochrome drawings have been on my radar for a while. She takes most of her inspiration from the natural world and has just launched a new series called ‘Nordic Light’, which explores the ever-changing light of Scandinavia. It consists of nine original artworks, all drawn in black pastel on acid-free paper and signed, dated and titled on the back. They’re priced at €46 each (unframed) and available for international shipping.

A new collaboration from Reform and Christina Meyer Bengtsson

Copenhagen-based Reform, which makes customised fronts for standard IKEA cabinets, cupboards and sideboards, has teamed up with designer Christina Meyer Bengtsson to create a striking kitchen range called ‘Chelsea’. Inspired by the Art Deco movement, it features unexpected colour and material combinations, with grey, mauve, black and brass elements that can be mixed and matched as desired. Commendably, 2% of each sale will go directly to the Melting Pot Foundation, a Brooklyn-based non-profit initiative founded by Meyer Bengtsson’s husband, chef and entrepreneur Claus Meyer, to tackle poverty through culinary training and job creation.

The relaunch of Paul McCobb’s ‘Planner’ series

Danish brand Republic of Fritz Hansen has announced the latest addition to its family of design icons: the marble-topped ‘Planner’ coffee-table series, first created by renowned American designer Paul McCobb back in 1953 and much copied since then. The move means Fritz Hansen will become one of the first companies to present an original McCobb design, and it’s great to see his elegant, timeless pieces coming back into production. The tables will be available in stores from September, with square, rectangular and circular versions and a choice between black or cream marble.

New designs from Normann Copenhagen

Sticking with Denmark, Normann Copenhagen has launched several new products covering furniture, lighting and home accessories. My favourite is Jonas Wagell’s ‘Local’ pendant lamp, which was inspired by the mood of relaxed neighbourhood bars and restaurants and creates an atmospheric pool of light. There’s also a lounge seating series called ‘Hyg’, designed by Simon Legald to embody the concept of ‘hygge’ through cosy, encircling contours, and the ‘Hoop’ coat rack by Canadian MSDS Studio, whose hoop-shaped pegs form hollows that can be used as additional hanging space. All come in a choice of colours and are available from this month.

Flower prints by Emma Lavelle

Last but not least, my lovely friend Emma of travel and lifestyle blog Field & Nest has just started selling limited-edition prints of her flower photography. It’s something I’ve been trying to persuade her to do for a while as her images are truly beautiful: soft and ethereal, with a wonderful sense of light and movement. Prices range from £25 for A4 prints to £45 for A2 versions, all printed on high-quality, off-white paper and hand-numbered on the reverse. You can see more and find out how to order here.

A few other things on my radar…

• Copenhagen-based jewellery brand AYM has released a striking range of rings, earrings and bracelets made from petroleum-free acetate, with loads of colour combinations and shapes to choose from. They kindly sent me a few pieces to try out and I now wear them most days. Prices start from KR150 (€20 / £18)
• I was very excited to hear that H&M Home will be launching its first-ever lighting collection later this year. I’ll share more soon, but in the meantime there’s a sneak peek here…
• Have you ever heard of ‘plantscaping’? No, I hadn’t either, but it turns out it’s the houseplant equivalent of landscape gardening. It’s a new service offered by Bristol-based Tya Shannon of Wild Leaf, who will come to your home or business and create an indoor planting scheme that suits your style, space and budget. It certainly sounds intriguing, and perfect if you want to fill your home with greenery that will thrive rather than wither
• Minimalist ceramicist Tracy Dixon, who I interviewed recently, will be reopening her online shop in the next few weeks. Last time it sold out in less than 48 hours, so keep an eye on her website or sign up to her newsletter for alerts
• Finally, another new magazine find: Flourish, which brings together travel, lifestyle, outdoor living and sustainability. The first issue is available to order now and takes in Japan, Indonesia and the UK, among other places

All photography via the respective brands and artists named above