It’s time for another round-up of my latest finds for simple, relaxed living, and this month’s selection covers everything from statement chairs and affordable art prints to stylish linen loungewear. I hope you find something that appeals…
The ‘Etcetera’ chair by Jan Ekselius for Artilleriet
First up is Swedish brand Artilleriet, which has relaunched 1970s Scandinavian icon the ‘Etcetera’ chair. Created by Jan Ekselius and originally available from 1970 to 1979, the chair is instantly recognisable for its sculptural silhouette and organic curves. Second-hand ones have become much sought-after over the years and regularly spark intense bidding wars at premier auction houses, so it’s great to see the design back in general production.
The new version is made by the original manufacturers, J.O. Carlsson and Forsbergs in the Swedish region of Småland, and consists of an organic-cotton velour cover on a tubular steel frame. It’s sold exclusively via Artilleriet’s webshop and its Gothenburg store (which I visited on my recent trip to the city), and is priced at 22,600 SEK (€1,760) for the full lounge chair, 21,800 SEK (€1,695) for the more compact armchair and 7,400 SEK (€575) for the matching footstool. All three are available in nine different colours, ranging from vibrant ‘canary yellow’ and ‘chilli red’ to more muted shades such as ‘chocolate brown’, ‘cream white’ and ‘sand beige’.
Printable art by Studio Paradissi
Next up is Crete-based architect, interior designer and blogger Eleni of My Paradissi, who has just launched her own Etsy shop selling contemporary printable art. Called Studio Paradissi, it has a beautiful selection of minimalist designs – some created from collages and photo manipulation, others based on abstract drawings and striking geometric shapes. They’re available in a range of sizes and ratios, and can be downloaded and printed within seconds. Prices start from just £6.80, making them an easy and affordable way to grow your art collection; they also work brilliantly as last-minute gifts!
The ‘A01’ writing board by Afteroom for Lintex
There’s wall decoration of a different kind from Stockholm-based studio Afteroom, which has partnered with Swedish office-board company Lintex to create a new take on the analogue writing board. Designed to look like a piece of paper floating in an oak frame, it consists of a geometric shape encased in write-on, wipe-clean glass, with magnetic pins for sticking on notes, sketches and photos. It comes in four sizes and four colour options, and works brilliantly in both home and work environments. I love the idea of using it as an inspiration board for design projects, and I’m already eyeing it up for the wall above my desk!
New additions to Stelton’s ‘Emma’ range
Next is Danish brand Stelton, which has extended its ‘Emma’ range with a new bread box and electric coffee grinder. I’m a big fan of the existing ‘Emma’ kettle, storage jars, vacuum jug and toaster (in fact I have the kettle in my own kitchen), so I’m pleased to see more useful pieces joining the collection. Created by design duo Sebastian Holmbäck and Ulrik Nordentoft, they have the same clean lines and slightly retro look as the rest of the range, with powder-coated steel bodies and beech-wood handles. Both items are on sale from this month and are priced at €89.95 / £74.95 for the bread box (available in grey and light blue) and €59.95 / £49.85 for the grinder (available in grey only).
Relaxed linen loungewear by Caaria
If you want something comfortable to wear while you sip your coffee or linger over breakfast, how about this beautiful linen loungewear from new clothing brand Caaria? Created by Scandinavian designer Ria, it’s timeless and wearable – ideal for lazy days at home. There are trousers, shorts, robes and tops in a range of styles, all made in a small Bulgarian atelier from high-quality natural fabrics. I love the simple silhouettes and muted colours, and the fact the pieces look best when slightly crumpled and so require no ironing whatsoever! Prices range from €75 to €119, with free shipping worldwide.
Minimalist steam-bent wooden pieces by LayerTree
Finally, I was very excited to discover LayerTree – a collection of minimalist wooden homeware made in the Suffolk countryside by husband-and-wife team Myles and Madeleine. Their beautifully simple, functional pieces are created using steam-bending – a low-energy, low-waste process that enables wood to be manipulated into all sorts of graceful shapes – and include mirrors, hooks, coat racks and wall lights. The couple have also just launched a range of striking pendant lights consisting of a steam-bent surround encircling a cable and bulb holder. All the designs have a wonderful honesty to them and were created to encourage a more positive, mindful way of living. Prices range from £10.95 for a single hook to £117 for a pendant light, and most pieces are available in a choice of natural oak, charcoal oak, elm, ash and walnut.
All photography via the respective brands named above
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