New finds | July 2021 |

It’s time for my regular round-up of interesting design finds and I have some real gems to share with you this month. There are new options for stylish and cost-effective IKEA hacks, exciting collaborations involving some of my favourite makers and designers, and details of a gorgeous twist on a contemporary Scandinavian classic. Just read on for details…

New covers for customising IKEA sofas

First up is Bemz, which custom-makes covers and legs for standard IKEA sofas. The latest addition to its vast range of fabrics is the ‘Tactile Collection’, which features textural bouclé, teddy and tweed in a beautiful selection of earthy, nature-inspired neutrals and is designed to add an air of timeless elegance to your home. Like the other options, they’re available for IKEA models past and present, enabling you to give your existing sofa a new lease of life or transform a newly bought one into something unique without breaking the bank – in fact I used Bemz covers to update our now-discontinued ‘KARLSTAD’ sofas a few years ago and was really pleased with the results. The ‘Tactile Collection’ is available from the Bemz website now and you can order up to five free swatches to help you make up your mind.

The latest kitchen range from Reform

Sticking with IKEA hacks, there’s also a new range from Reform – one of the pioneers of stylish fronts for customising IKEA kitchen cabinets and a company that I’ve featured here a few times before. Called ‘UNIT’, the latest addition to its collection is the work of up-and-coming Danish studio Aspekt Office and was designed to be timeless, user-friendly and durable. It has a subtle office-like functionality to it, with clean lines and a striking aluminium handle that references Danish cabinetry from the 1950s and 60s. It comes in dark oak veneer, natural oak veneer and five matte paint colours, with a choice between solid oak and grey or white laminate or Silestone for the worktops; what’s more, it can be complemented with a system of lightweight open shelves that provides additional storage and display space. The full ‘UNIT’ range will be available online and via Reform’s international network of showrooms from this week.

Lotta Agaton’s debut furniture and rug collection

Next up is renowned Stockholm-based interior designer Lotta Agaton, who has launched her first-ever collection of rugs and furniture in partnership with Swedish brand Layered. Combining elegant curves with minimalist aesthetics, they reflect Lotta’s signature style and aim to be both comfortable and sophisticated. There are chunky doormats and rugs in hemp and wool, along with a bench, armchair, loveseat and sofa in a choice of bouclé, velvet or linen-like upholstery. All are beautifully pared-back and come in a gorgeous palette of muted, nature-inspired shades such as ‘Bone’, ‘Sand’ and ‘Clay’; they also feature wonderfully soft textures and tactile waves. The full range is available from Layered now, with prices starting at €290 for a doormat, €1,090 for a rug and €980 for furniture.

Beautiful tableware from Kana London x Caro

There’s also an exciting collaboration from Somerset-based concept store Caro and ceramicist Ana Kerin of Kana London. Called ‘SUMMER LAND’, it consists of gorgeous tableware and is a follow-up to their previous ‘LAND’ collection, which featured mossy greens and misty tones inspired by the English countryside. This time around Ana took her cue from the changing colours and shapes of the seasons, splashing earthy browns, sunny yellows and sunset pinks 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 £10 for a pinch pot to £160 for a large serving bowl.

New versions of Skagerak’s iconic ‘Georg’ stool and bench

Last but not least, Skagerak has unveiled new versions of its popular ‘Georg’ stool and bench with unbleached linen cushions and braided straps. Created by Swedish-Danish designer Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm and already contemporary classics, the simple yet striking oak pieces channel East Asian and Nordic influences through their minimalist forms, gently rounded legs and timeless air. The originals, with their charcoal-grey woollen cushions and leather straps, are incredibly beautiful and I can see the latest additions fitting into an even wider range of interiors. I love the way they add a slightly softer, more relaxed twist to the series, and the natural colour of the linen is wonderfully versatile. They’ll be available in stores and online from September, priced at £269 / €309 for the stool and £689 / €789 for the bench.