Is it just me, or did April whizz past in the blink of an eye? Anyway, it’s the start of a new month, so it’s time for another round-up of things that have caught my eye over the past few weeks.
There’s been a raft of interesting product launches and design news recently, thanks largely to the huge Salone del Mobile (the world’s largest furniture trade fair), which has just taken place in Milan. Here are some of my favourites – plus scroll down for details of a few events and new openings coming up in May…
The ‘Herit’ chair from Normann Copenhagen
First up is Normann Copenhagen‘s plastic and oak ‘Herit’ (short for ‘heritage’) chair, which was created by Simon Legald to blend traditional Danish craftsmanship with innovative materials and production methods.
Interestingly, the project almost didn’t happen, as the chair’s undulating curves proved impossible to produce with standard plastic molding techniques. The design was therefore consigned to a drawer until Legald discovered a small factory in Northern Italy which could inject foam into the plastic, therefore allowing for large variations in thickness without affecting overall strength. The result is a hard-wearing yet graceful piece in a variety of colours, with clear references to mid-century design, optional armrests and a choice between fabric, plastic and leather seat pads. Prices range from £400 / €445 to £705 / €780.
An innovative new shelving system from Montana
Danish brand Montana has debuted a new shelving system designed by Jakob Wagner to reflect the increasingly nomadic nature of modern life. Called ‘Montana Free’, it’s freestanding, easy to assemble and highly mobile, and it can be adapted to suit different spaces and needs as it’s moved from home to home. There are 12 standard configurations in a choice of four colours, but the options for customisation are endless. You can also add textile-covered panels in eight different colours for a highly personalised look. The system will be available to buy from August.
‘Grönska’ – a new rug collection from Kasthall and Ilse Crawford
Swedish rug and carpet brand Kasthall, which was founded all the way back in 1889, has launched a brand-new collaboration with British designer Ilse Crawford. Called ‘Grönska’, it consists of five different rugs in beautiful shades of green, all inspired by the Swedish landscape around the company’s factory in Kinna, Västergötland.
Crawford explains: “The factory feels very connected to the surrounding fields and farmland, so designing a collection of rugs that reflects such an important part of Kasthall’s identity and history was a natural step. What’s more, in all our work these days, we see a cultural shift towards greener architecture and interiors. We live most of our lives indoors, so a physical connection to nature is important.”
The ‘Enfold’ sideboard from Muuto
Muuto‘s new ‘Enfold’ sideboard instantly caught my eye thanks to its unusual corrugated front. The work of Copenhagen-based designer Thomas Bentzen, it blends industrial elements with a homely appearance, and fuses cold steel with a warmer oak frame. It comes in two versions – one higher with two adjustable shelves, the other lower with one adjustable shelf – and a choice of several muted colours. Unsurprisingly, I’m particularly fond of the grey option!
The ‘N01’ chair and ‘Dogu’ pendant light from Republic of Fritz Hansen
Created by Japanese studio Nendo, Fritz Hansen‘s latest addition is the wooden ‘N01’ chair, which blends Danish and Japanese aesthetics. Designed to embrace natural materials and simple lines, it has a wonderfully pure expression and can be used for anything from dining to working. It also displays an incredible commitment to perfection and quality, as it’s made from 23 separate pieces which are all assembled by hand. The chair comes in natural oak, beech and black-coloured oak, and there’s an optional fabric seat pad in three different colours. Prices start at €611.
Fritz Hansen has also launched a new pendant light called ‘Dogu’ for its Lightyears sub-brand. Designed by Danish ceramicist Michael Geertsen, who’s known for his organic silhouettes, it combines a smooth bone-china shade with a contrasting cord in silver or gold. I love the understated shape, and it looks beautiful on its own or hung in clusters.
New designs from Fredericia
Long-time favourite Fredericia has released details of several new designs from Space Copenhagen. The first is a sculptural collection of coffee tables called ‘Tableau’, which celebrates the beauty of natural wood through circular and rectangular solid-oak tops on matching x-shaped bases. There are also now metal-legged options for the existing ‘Spine’ seating series, and a new ‘Spine’ bench with sweeping curves. Prices start at €562 for a ‘Tableau’ table and €493 for pieces in the ‘Spine’ collection.
A trio of launches from Moebe
Finally, Danish brand Moebe has added three designs to its collection of simple yet innovative furniture and home accessories. I actually had a sneak peek at the Stockholm Furniture Fair back in February, but they’ve now gone on general sale. My favourite is a shelving system which uses wedges to hold the shelves in place, meaning it can be assembled quickly and the shelves positioned at any height. There’s also a coat rack whose pegs slide straight onto the rod and can therefore be moved as needed, plus a tall oval mirror with a clean, minimalist look. Prices start at €545 for the shelving system, €79 for the coat rack and €445 for the mirror.
A few other things on my radar…
- Clerkenwell Design Week is taking place across various London locations from 22nd-24th May. There are all sorts of interesting installations and events, including ‘Design Fields’, which showcases furniture from around the world, and an exhibition of lighting in the former Fabric nightclub. See the full programme here
- Meanwhile Copenhagen is playing host to its annual design festival, 3 Days of Design, from 24th-26th May, with a packed schedule of talks, exhibitions, workshops and open showrooms (plus a handy boat service to whizz you between them!). If you want to know more about it, take a look at this post from fellow blogger Hannah in the House
- Sisterhood Camp, which runs relaxed events and retreats for women, is launching an online summer camp to help you take your career, creativity and wellbeing to the next level. It will encompass inspirational classes, interviews and advice pieces, including a few from yours truly! Enrollment opens on 14th May and you can register your interest here
- Brøchner Hotels, which owns Copenhagen favourites Hotel Danmark and SP34, is adding a brand-new place to its portfolio. Called Hotel Herman K, it’s due to open in the next month and promises five-star luxury with a Scandinavian twist. I hope to bring you a full tour soon…
All photography via the brands named above
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