New finds | May 2021

Somehow May has arrived without me really noticing – maybe because the weather here in the UK still seems to think it’s winter! But anyway, the start of a new month means it’s time for my regular round-up of design finds, and I have some beautiful launches to share with you. So, grab a cuppa, settle back and read on for details of minimalist kitchens, sustainable fabrics, stunning tableware, elegant chairs and a very inspiring paint collection…

The ‘V2’ kitchen from VIPP

I’m starting with VIPP, which has recently unveiled its second kitchen design – a gorgeous combination of dark European oak, reeded glass and finely grained Jura marble. The choice of materials marks a departure from the Danish brand’s ever-popular steel and aluminium ‘V1’ kitchen, but it’s based around the same modular system and can be tailored to suit your needs and space. There’s also a subtle nod to the ‘V1’ in the rounded aluminium profiles, which serve as discreet cabinet and drawer grips, and in the softly moulded silicone interior fittings. There’s a wonderfully organic tactility to the whole thing, and I particularly love the repeated vertical lines in some of the door fronts. The interplay between the rich wood and pale stone also makes for a very striking and sophisticated look. You can find out more about the ‘V2’ and book an appointment with a VIPP kitchen consultant here.

Timeless design from Stelton

Reeded glass also features in ‘Pilastro’ – one of two new collections from Stelton. Designed by Francis Cayouette, it takes its cue from the Art Deco period and consists of drinking glasses, a winer cooler and two sizes of serving bowl, all of which strike a perfect balance between form and function. It’s available to buy now, with prices starting at £22.90 / €27.95.

Stelton’s other new launch is ‘Amphora’ – a pair of thermo jugs created by Sebastian Holmbäck. Named after and inspired by the earthenware pots used by the Ancient Greeks to store oil and wine, they have rounded bodies and distinctive shoulders, with two different versions adapted specifically for coffee and tea. Both come in black, white or peach, with durable matt-plastic exteriors and internal glass inserts which can be replaced if broken. They’re also available now and cost £54.95 / €59.95 each.

A new paint collection from House of Grey x Bauwerk

I’ve long admired the work of London-based interiors studio House of Grey (you can read my interview with founder Louisa Grey here and see inside her beautiful home here), so I was very excited to learn that it’s teamed up with Bauwerk to create a new collection of limewash paint. Called ‘Visual Silence’, it’s ideal for restful, meditative schemes and was designed to provide a deeper connection with the spaces we inhabit, with nine colours sporting evocative names such as ‘Nuture’ (a dark earthy green), ‘Slow’ (a warm, elevating grey) and ‘Intention’ (a moon-like white). They took two years to develop, with the House of Grey and Bauwerk teams working closely together to blend natural bases and pigments, and the resulting hues have beautifully nuanced qualities. What’s more, like all Bauwerk paints, they’re free of chemicals and don’t emit any toxic fumes or VOCs. You can shop the full collection here.

The ‘Violin’ chair from Gubi

Next up is a stunning new dining chair from Gubi. Designed by Danish-Italian duo GamFratesi, it’s called the ‘Violin’ chair in honour of its curves and parallel lines, which evoke the shape and strings of a violin – in fact it was two pencil lines on a sketch which provided the initial spark of inspiration. The aim was to distill the archetypal form of a chair into its purest representation and the result is fresh yet timeless, with a poetic expression and an elegant symmetry. It looks just as beautiful on its own as it does grouped around a table, and the steam-bent construction means it’s very supportive despite its slender silhouette. It’s available in a range of upholstery options, with a choice of oiled walnut, oiled oak or upholstery for the backrest, and is due to hit stores later this month. Prices start at £658.50 / €739.

Sustainable fabrics from Kirkby Design

Finally, UK-based textile brand Kirkby Design has launched a new collection of fabrics woven from 100% PET recycled polyester yarns produced from waste plastic bottles. It’s called ‘Wave’ and was developed in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society, who will receive a percentage of the proceeds from every metre sold. The fabrics come in a contemporary, tonal palette encompassing watery blues, earthy ochres and terracottas, calming greys and restful greens, and feature a soft, textured finish that belies their origins. They’re suitable for drapes, accessories and upholstery, and can themselves be recycled at the end of their lifespan; best of all, each metre prevents about 100 bottles from ending up in landfill or the ocean. You can browse the full collection here.

All photography via the brands above