Relaxed elegance from Menu

I have another new-season collection to share with you today, this time from Menu. Over the last few years its minimalist aesthetic has gradually evolved in a warmer, more timeless direction, and its latest pieces are no exception. With lots of tactile materials, soft beiges and browns, rich woods and bronzed metals, they’re perfect for creating a relaxed, elegant and cosy environment for these seemingly endless days at home.

New to Menu’s portfolio this year are several additions to the ‘Androgyne’ table series, which was created by architect Danielle Siggerud and showcases bold, sculptural forms. There’s a rectangular dining table in natural or dark-stained oak, plus Emparador marble and Calacatta Viola marble tops for the existing steel-based ‘Androgyne’ side table.

Other launches include wall shelves for the sleek marble ‘Plinth’ collection, designed by Norm Architects and handcrafted in Portugal, and the brand-new ‘Passage’ lounge table and stool from Krøyer-Sætter-Lassen. What I love about all these pieces is their versatility – the shelves work brilliantly on their own or in groups, and can be used as wall-mounted display plinths or side tables; they can even be hung vertically or horizontally. The ‘Passage’ series, meanwhile, is made from solid FSC-certified oak and comes in natural or dark-lacquered finishes. There are three different sizes of lounge table, which again can be used on their own or clustered together in nest-like formations, and the stool doubles as a side table or nightstand; what’s more, they’re stackable for easy storage and come flat-packed to reduce shipping emissions.

Lighting-wise, there’s a new pendant lamp from Afteroom Studio. Called ‘Levitate’ in homage to the way it appears to float in the air, it consists of an aluminium shade with a glass diffuser and striking brass detailing. It’s available in two sizes and three colours (sage green, black and grey), and is designed to emit a soft, ambient glow.

New accessories include the ‘Ribbon’ basket, which combines contemporary materials with traditional influences. The sides are made of precision-crafted steel strips which gently curve over at the top to form a sculptural lip, while the bottom is cushioned with leather and elevated on silicone feet. It comes in ivory or black, and makes a great storage solution for books, magazines, cushions and the like. There are also updates to two existing accessory lines: a ceramic version of the iconic ‘Bottle’ grinder set, which has a beautiful speckled surface in a grey or ivory glaze, plus a bronzed-brass iteration of the portable LED ‘Carrie’ lamp, complete with leather detailing on the handle.

My favourite pieces, though, are amber-glass versions of Theresa Arns’ ‘Échasse’ vase and bowl. I’ve long been a fan of their elegant silhouette and slender stilt-like legs, and the new colourway – inspired by old apothecary bottles and autumn leaves – is a beautiful addition to the existing clear and green-smoked options. Definitely ones to add to my wish-list!

See all the latest additions here. You can shop directly from Menu if you’re based in Denmark or Germany, or via international resellers if you’re elsewhere.

All photography via Menu