New furniture & homeware finds | April 2017

It’s time for another round-up of the new furniture designs and homeware collections that have reached my radar over recent weeks. So, grab a cuppa and feast your eyes on my favourite finds for April…

Jaime Hayon’s ‘Lune’ sofa for Fritz Hansen

I’ve long admired the way Spanish designer Jaime Hayon combines Scandinavian simplicity with a dash of Mediterranean playfulness, and his latest creation – the ‘Lune’ modular sofa series for Republic of Fritz Hansen – is no exception.

‘Lune’ is a Danish word used to express the idea of everything being just right, and it’s an apt name for the range, which blends a minimalist aesthetic with invitingly plump cushion pads, and includes everything from a compact two-seater to a sprawling L-shaped sofa. One of Jaime’s aims was to produce a design which looks as elegant from the side as from the front, and the curvaceous profile, with the arm rising gently from the seat to the backrest, achieves this beautifully. I also love the series’ sculptural appearance – a refreshing change from the boxy shapes normally associated with modular sofa systems.

TAF Architects’ ‘Ambit Rail’ for Muuto

Designed by Stockholm-based TAF Architects as an addition to Muuto’s existing ‘Ambit’ lighting series, the ‘Ambit Rail’ is a contemporary interpretation of traditional billiard-table lamps. Available in black, white and grey, it consists of three aluminium shades mounted on a tube, with all joints and wires hidden and the supporting cords kept as thin as possible to give the illusion that the light is floating in mid-air. It creates a wonderful focal point, and looks particularly striking suspended above dining tables and kitchen islands.

Smart lighting from IKEA 

Further lighting news comes from IKEA, which has just launched its first range of smart lighting. Designed to make often-expensive smart lighting affordable and accessible for everyone, it includes energy-efficient LED bulbs and lighting panels which can be manged via remote control and motion sensor. There’s also an app which allows you to dim the lighting, alter its colour temperature, set timers and create pre-set moods for different times of day – something I’m very keen to investigate following the talk I recently attended on wellbeing in the home, which covered the impact of light on our mood and sleep patterns.

The range sounds incredibly easy to install, as devices come pre-paired and there’s no need to rewire anything; instead, you just replace existing bulbs with a TRÅDFRI smart bulb and voilà. What’s more, prices start at just £15 for a kit with a bulb and remote control.

Space Copenhagen’s ‘Slow Collection’ for Stellar Works

Launched at the recent Salone del Mobile in Milan, Danish design duo Space Copenhagen‘s ‘Slow Collection’ for Stellar Works was inspired by a chair they created for Restaurant 108 in Copenhagen.

The range includes a dining chair, a lounge chair, a side chair, a dining table and a coffee table, all made from walnut and ash with upholstered leather seats. It references mid-century Danish modernism and simple Japanese aesthetics, and was designed to showcase organic, sculptural shapes. Space Copenhagen describe the collection as ‘curious about the future’ while also embracing ‘refined detailing, comfort and craftsmanship’, and add that it ‘celebrates the feel of a slow pace – of leaning back, hanging out and enjoying life.’

Normann Copenhagen’s ‘Bliss’ tea set at Ross & Brown

Finally, Ross & Brown has become the latest UK stockist of Normann Copenhagen‘s ‘Bliss’ tea set, and it’s great to see beautiful Danish design becoming more widely available on home shores.

Created by Italian designer Odo Fioravanti, ‘Bliss’ is a modern take on the traditional porcelain tea service and consists of a teapot, a sugar bowl, a milk jug, a cup and a mug. All combine soft contours with a matte grey or white finish, and I love the playful upturned spout and neat round handles – described by Fioravanti as both ‘sturdy and sweet’ in their expression.

All images via the respective brands named above