New finds | March 2021

Welcome to spring, everyone! I normally love winter, but I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to say hello to longer days, blossom and birdsong as I am this year! Anyway, the start of a new month – and in this case a new season – means it’s time for my regular round-up of minimalist design finds. My latest discoveries include a couple of interesting launches from February’s Stockholm Design Week, which this time around took place largely online, as well as a new lighting collection that showcases soft, organic forms. There are also beautiful wooden pieces and home textiles from two of my favourite UK-based independent brands, so just read on for details…

Carl Hansen & Søn’s first bed in collaboration with DUX

First up is one of my favourite sources of timeless Scandinavian design: Carl Hansen & Søn. It has teamed up with Swedish bed specialist DUX to launch its first-ever bed, which was unveiled during Stockholm Design Week. It’s based on sketches found in the archives of renowned Danish Modern designer Børge Mogensen and features many of his characteristic details, including visible mortise joints, moveable back cushions and cylindrical neck cushions held in place by saddle-leather straps. The solid-oak frame has been designed to be as sturdy as possible and reflects Mogensen’s focus on creating pieces that would last for generations, while the DUX spring-core mattress and topper were specially developed for the project. I particularly love the simple shape and the hand-sewn piping detail, and the cushions look perfect for weekend mornings lounging in bed with coffee and a good book! The bed comes in double, queen and single sizes, and the latter can be coupled together to form a king; there’s also a choice of dark moss-grey, mid grey and sandy beige for the cushions. It will be available from June via selected DUX retailers and Carl Hansen flagship stores worldwide, with prices starting at €5,144 (around £4,025).

The ‘Koku’ table from Fogia and Norm Architects

Also launched in Stockholm was ‘Koku’ – a beautiful new table series created by Copenhagen-based Norm Architects. If it looks familiar, it’s because it appeared in a gorgeous Norm-designed coastal home that I featured last month, so it’s great to see it going into full production with Swedish furniture brand Fogia. Made from solid oak and metal, it was inspired by a trip to the Japanese island of Shikoku to visit the former workshop of American-Japanese architect, designer and craftsman George Nakashima, and echoes his love of sculptural forms and carpentry. The shape plays on balance and proportion, with one side appearing much lighter and more transparent than the other, and the resulting design is elegant yet strong. It will be on sale later in spring, with several sizes and two colourways to choose from, and priced from 6,995 SEK (approximately £595 / €690).

A versatile wooden shelving unit from Brüün

Next up is Brüün – a furniture and homeware design studio based in my own city of Bristol. It was founded by trained cabinetmaker Steve Brüün, who creates minimalist pieces using responsibly sourced timber from well-managed forests in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. Often inspired by his Norwegian heritage, his designs are ideal for anyone who embraces a pared-back lifestyle and range from practical kitchenware to sleek hand-turned vases. The latest, ‘BOK’, is a compact shelving unit / magazine rack made from birch plywood and blackened ash, and its simple yet striking aesthetic instantly caught my eye. It looks incredibly versatile, and I can see it fitting seamlessly into kitchens, home offices, kids’ rooms and more; it’s also a great complement to Steve’s existing pieces, some of which you can see below. ‘BOK’ will be on sale later this month (price to be confirmed), so keep an eye on the Brüün website for info. Note delivery is currently available within the UK only.

A new lighting collection from Nuura

Moving on to lighting, Nuura has just revealed details of a new collection called ‘Rizzatto’. The work of Milan-born Paolo Rizzatto, it marks the Danish brand’s first collaboration with an external designer since its launch in 2018 – and Rizzatto’s first partnership since founding his former company Luceplan in 1978. It pays homage to the classic chandelier and encompasses two pendants and a ceiling light, all with organic shapes formed from mouth-blown glass and brass-coloured anodised aluminium.  The opal finish diffuses the light to create a soft, welcoming glow, while the two pendants also feature contrasting globes of clear optic glass. What’s more, they’re height-adjustable, making them suitable for use in both private homes and public spaces. The collection will be available via Nuura’s website and resellers by July, with prices starting at €409 / £369.

Gorgeous linen cushions and throws from Goscandi

Last but by no means least is UK-based webshop Goscandi, whose range of minimalist Scandinavian-inspired homeware now includes cushions and throws. Designed in house and made in northern Europe from sustainable linen, they mix muted colours with unique, textured weaves. My favourite is ‘Stjärna’, which takes its name from the Swedish word for star and has a stunning black-and-beige pattern; just as beautiful is ‘Koselig’ (Norwegian for cosiness), whose subtle grid-like surface adds an unusual twist to the otherwise-understated design. Cushions start at £34.50 (pad included) and throws at £62.50; you can also order mini samples for £1 – ideal for interior designers presenting to clients, or anyone who wants to double-check their choice before committing!

All photography via the respective brands above