The start of another month – and in this case, another season – means it’s time for my regular round-up of design news and other interesting bits and bobs. There’s a lot to get through this time around, partly because details of autumn-winter 2018 collections continue to come through thick and fast, and partly because this week’s Maison & Objet trade show in Paris has seen a raft of interesting launches being announced. So grab yourself a cuppa, settle down, and feast your eyes on my latest finds…
New ‘Kubus’ designs from By Lassen
First up is By Lassen, which is adding several new pieces to its iconic ‘Kubus’ family of home accessories: a tealight holder, a miniature version of the ‘Kubus’ bowl, small and large centrepiece bowls, and a slimline vase that’s ideal for lilies and single stems. All were created by the company’s founder, Søren Lassen (grandson of Mogens Lassen, who designed the original ‘Kubus’ candleholder back in 1962), and continue the line’s mix of minimalist square profiles and rounded curves. They’ll be available in stores later this month, with prices ranging from €69 / £62 to €245 / £220.
Clever storage solutions from IKEA
Next is IKEA, which has extended its ‘SAMMANHANG’ range of versatile storage with a raft of new designs. They cover everything from small boxes and domes to slimline shelves and cabinets, and come in a mix of glass, cork and powder-coated metal. I particularly love the angular display boxes, which are a great-value alternative to similar-looking designer pieces and provide a striking way to show off treasured possessions. They’re already on sale and, this being IKEA, prices start at just £2.
Side tables and lighting from MUNK Collective
Up-and-coming Danish brand MUNK Collective, whose founder Hans Peter Munk I interviewed recently, has a trio of eye-catching new pieces. My favourite is Cecilia Xinyu Zhang’s ‘Inverse’ side table, which is made of powder-coated aluminium and comes in three different colours. Its shape changes depending on the angle from which you view it and, cleverly, it can be flipped over and stood on either side. There are also two minimalist lamps: Laura Faurschou’s ‘Pipe’ (available in sandstone and brass or granite and black chrome), which was inspired by old library lamps, and Joa Herrenknecht’s ‘Palo’, which consists of a rounded stick (‘palo’ in Spanish) that can be suspended horizontally over tables and shelves or diagonally from a hook or door.
New designs from Nuura
There’s also new lighting from Nuura, an exciting Danish company which first launched at the Stockholm Furniture Fair back in February. All its collections are inspired by Scandinavian nature and one of my favourites, the raindrop-shaped ‘Anoli’, has been expanded to encompass opal-glass options. They provide slightly more contemporary alternatives to the original clear-glass versions and emit a soft white glow that’s reminiscent of snowy winter landscapes. They’ll be on sale from October, with prices starting at €339 (around £300).
Minimalist wall hooks from Moebe
In more news from Denmark, Moebe has released details of its latest launch: a minimalist wall hook formed from one continuous element. The design reverses the traditional concept of a hook by pointing inwards, creating a streamlined and harmonious shape; there are also two points for hanging different items. It comes in two sizes, with a brass, black or chrome finish, and works brilliantly in hallways, kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. It will be available online soon, though the price has yet to be announced.
Mateus meets Sam Baron meets Yatzer
Last but not least, Swedish ceramics company Mateus has announced a new collaboration with award-winning French designer Sam Baron and Costas Voyatzis of international design portal Yatzer. Created to celebrate the brand’s 25th anniversary, it brings together clean lines and muted, nature-based colours such as sand, ice-blue and rock-grey. It’s a departure from Mateus’ existing collections, which feature lively patterns and vivid colours inspired by founder Theresa Mateus Lundahl’s Portuguese roots, and I love the striking simplicity. There are plates, bowls, a jug and a cup and, like the rest of the Mateus range, every piece is handmade and hand-painted. Prices start from 145 SEK (around €14 / £12.50).
A few other things on my radar…
- Skandinavisk has added a range of scent diffusers to its ‘Escapes’ collection, which already includes candles and perfume oils. I’ve tried each of the three fragrances – HEIA (‘Heathland’), LYSNING (‘Forest Glade’) and ROSENHAVE (‘Rose Garden’) – which evoke different Scandinavian landscapes and smell divine; I also love the minimalist glass vases and understated packaging
- Speaking of fragrance, Somerset-based interiors shop Resident has launched its first-ever scented candle, created in collaboration with The Botanical Candle Co. Called ‘One’, it’s designed to be season-less, with a blend of earthy sandalwood, wood smoke, black pepper and refreshing petitgrain that works all year round. It costs £25 and burns for up to 45 hours
- The London Design Festival is taking place from 15th-23rd September and promises all sorts of interesting events, from pop-up installations and design trails to workshops and talks; it also features full-scale fairs such as Decorex International and Designjunction. You can see the full programme and book tickets here
- Independent interiors and lifestyle publication 91 Magazine is about to send its autumn-winter issue to print, and as always it will be packed with inspiring homes, styling tips, craft projects and interviews. Pre-order a copy here
- Finally, I was delighted to find out I’ve been nominated for ‘Best Interior Lifestyle Blog’ in the Amara Interior Blog Awards. I need your help to get on the shortlist, though, so if you like what I do I’d be over the moon if you could vote for me here. It only takes a moment (I promise!) and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a Leica camera. Thank you!
All photography via the brands named above
Amazing ideas!