Nordic Design Highlights from 3daysofdesign Copenhagen
Three black stools line up outside the odd fellows mansion in Copenhagen at 3daysofdesign
We're back in Copenhagen today to explore some of my highlights from last month's visit to 3daysofdesign. The festival which is open to the public takes place every year, celebrating the best in Nordic design. With so many showrooms full of the most exquisite, minimal design it’s impossible not to feel overwhelmed by it all. In fact, you really need five days in the city to gear yourself up and wind down afterwards! With this, my very first visit to Copenhagen, the stakes were high. I landed the night before, checked into design hotel SP34, and headed out to dinner with friends ahead of a jam-packed day. And just as well I packed decent walking shoes because after a full day of 9am-10:30pm studio visits and meetings, I was done! By Friday mid-afternoon I was already flying back to London with a head full of inspiration. Soothing interiors and calm, muted spaces offset the feeling of chaos as we made our way around the city. Not surprisingly, textured lime and chalk-painted walls provided the backdrop for many collections with shades of light grey and subtle beige proving to be most popular. Darker palettes also came through, presenting a moodier, sophisticated aesthetic such as the New Works showroom. Among the many topics of conversation during the festival, the most common thread throughout was sustainability, mindfulness, and collaboration.
Senses by Louisa Grey & Frama
You just can't come to 3daysofdesign and not see the Frama Studio. Set inside a former 19th Century apothecary, the 'Senses' collaboration between London interior designer Louisa Grey and Frama's founder Niels Strøyer Christophersen takes you on a sensory journey. With influences of Japanese culture, the studio aimed to push back against our busy lifestyles, presenting a remedy for overload with restorative spaces in which to reconnect with nature and our inner selves. You were encouraged to slow your pace as you made your way around. It was impossible not to feel affected by the experience, as you took in the sounds, scents, and textures. Niels and Louisa talked about their common ground with a shared focus on wellbeing and natural, sustainable materials. The beautiful, old bones of the building are left raw and exposed in contrast to Frama's contemporary collection. There is a room for meditation featuring a Japanese Zen garden in miniature with carefully selected quarry stones. Another room explores sound alongside the latest scent from the St Paul's Apothecary collection. Beyond this, a room to bathe and relax with a Japanese wooden bath as its crowning glory. With glimpses of beautifully arranged grasses and a curated selection of Frama's ceramics, this was a place I'd have happily stayed in all day.
Frama Studio | Fredericiagade 57, 1310 Københaven.
Karimoku Case Study at Kinfolk Gallery
I think the word 'Kinfolk' would be enough of a highlight to leave it there, but then I think this new launch absolutely deserves an explanation. The Japanese thread continues with the launch of a new collaborative collection, Karimoku Case Study. This contemporary lifestyle brand unites both Nordic and Japanese design sensibilities. Showcased within the sanctuary of the Kinfolk Gallery, the collection is the result of a partnership between Japanese furniture manufacturers Karimoku and architectural studios Norm Architects and Keiji Ashizawa Design. In short, it was a dream. Inspired by the shrines, temples and gardens of Japan, the interiors were cocooning and warm. You got a sense of the space both in the layout and in the way Norm Architects and Keiji Ashizawa have explored and used negative space within the collection. The large, open rooms had been treated with DetaleCPH lime paint to introduce a quiet texture on which to present the collection. Respective values connected through nature and traditional craft come through in the furniture which is elegant and understated. Woven veneer wall art highlighted those connections and the importance of craft. The gallery was also dressed with pieces from like-minded co-exhibitors including Kvadrat upholstery, Sørensen Leather and floral design boutique Tableau. Keep your eyes peeled for slightly left-field floral design folks, tonal coloured displays are leading on from dried grasses...
*all photography © Monica Grue Steffensen.
Kinfolk | Amagertorv 14, 1160 Københaven.
Form & Refine Launch at Hotel Charlottenborg
Having discovered Form & Refine on Instagram a few months before their official launch (you may have seen their Alcoa vases in my feed) I was excited to see them as part of the Hotel Charlottenborg installation. Set inside the Kunsthal Charlottenborg (not pictured) the halls were turned into a hotel experience using a collective of design brands. Visually New Nordic in style, sustainable practices guide the collection by the use of materials and in supporting the smaller communities that produce them. Form & Refine aims to reduce its C02 footprint whilst celebrating time-honoured materials from around the world. Be it Scandinavian wood or Bolivian wool. With a focus on craft and traditional skills, they employ local workshops to produce their designs. The Alcoa vases (a favourite of mine for their graphic shape and matte surface) are produced in the ancient clay region of Alcobaça in Portugal where I made a visit to a family-owned ceramics factory last summer. I'd put money on the Origin lounge chair becoming a future classic too. Made in Danish ash from the forest of Damsbo, the backrest and seat almost float on its frame. Isn't it beautiful?
The &Tradition Village
Verner Panton's 1968 classic design The Flowerpot lamp, framed in the doorway of the &Tradition gallery at 3daysofdesign.
I've noticed lately how showrooms are evolving into more immersive and relaxed spaces. The new home of &Tradition is a gorgeous example, nestled inside a historic mansion dating back to 1913. Named 'The Village', it encompasses a showroom, gallery space and The Courtyard cafe, an oasis of lush, informal planting in which to meet for lunch or coffee. Visitors can experience new and classic design pieces from the collection at their leisure within 'The Home of a Collector' and take in all the period features of the building. What more could you want?! The 'Novelties' exhibition in the upstairs gallery space showcased the popular classics, including my favourite - the 1968 Flowerpot lamp designed by Verner Panton. A new release, the Elefy chair from Spanish designer Jamie Hayon was also on display, inspired by the large, curved form of the elephant.
&Tradition | Kronprinsessegade 4, 1306 Københaven.
Take me back already! Have my highlights left you feeling a little more zen now? Perhaps it's giving you food for thought with your own home? It definitely has for me - I'll be dipping my hands into lime painting my office in the coming weeks and I'll be working on a 'how to' piece if you fancy trying it for yourself. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for more on The Audo, an incredible residential workspace and restaurant created in collaboration with Menu Design. You. Will. Love.
Outdoor Furniture for a Modern Scandi Garden
It’s true that outdoor furniture has a bit of a reputation for being outdated and plastic-y. A far cry from its indoor cousin, it might be down to the fact that we use it seasonally here in the UK, in between ducking rain showers. But as our gardens are beginning to evolve into outdoor living spaces, brands are catching up. As I'm always so good to you, I’ve put aside our house renovations to pick out five brands with collections that suit a modern Scandi garden. Think clean lines with a crafted feel to compliment contemporary planting, perhaps a gravel garden with black fencing and architectural planting. A space that remains both timeless and a place to spend time in. Furniture made with honest materials. In short, exactly what I’m working towards with my own garden!
Rowen and Wren
What I love about Rowen and Wren is their keen eye for beautifully crafted, simple homewares that sit comfortably in just about any setting. I've honed in on two of their functional, wooden collections which illustrate just that.Made from sustainable teak, the Byron bench bridges the gap between indoors and out. With its smooth, curved back it makes an ideal spot for that morning coffee, perhaps with a cushion on the seat. It's a versatile addition to have at the table too - keep it indoors in the winter and bring it outside with the warmer months.
Drawing on the slatted wood trend, the Harman collection has coastal appeal with its combination of wood and rope. Effortlessly stylish, the table and benches are perfect for impromptu gatherings in the garden and come in oiled grey or black. There's also scope to mix and match your garden set-up with stools and chairs to compliment. I could see myself using the black bench in our hallway during the winter months, so much would it compliment a minimal interior.
Woud
As I recently featured the indoor side of Danish brand Woud's collection, it made sense to explore their outdoor furniture here.Designed by Fasting & Rolff, the Ray collection is a light and modern interpretation of French cafe furniture. Made from aluminium with steel inside the tubes to give it weight, it also comes in a light blue and rose pink (though obviously, I'm more partial to the black and white!) Its minimal curves bring a contemporary feel to any garden and grooves in the seat cast playful shadows underneath. You can also choose to include armrests on the Ray Chair and Bench too which in my eyes makes it a striking and versatile collection for a modern Scandi garden space.
Garden Trading
You can always rely on Garden Trading for classic accessories for the garden. Although I'm familiar with their artisanal planters and tools, this is the first time I've sat up and taken note of their outdoor collection. And there are some real gems. Natural, sustainable materials such as cane and bamboo always look at home in the garden and the organic shape of the Hampstead bench is no exception. Made from woven, all-weather bamboo on a powder coated steel frame it would steal the show in a sunroom or as a focal point in your garden.
Of course, the classic choice for alfresco dining is always the bistro table and chairs and the Rive Droite comes in a selection of colours - I love the clay, of course. And below, the Thurloe chair is a stand-alone design intended to be paired with other furniture. The matt dark grey and sleek armrests give it a contemporary look that also lends itself to a more rustic style.
Skagerak
Marrying quintessential Scandinavian style with contemporary materials, Skagerak's collection of garden furniture is vast. Literally, so many choices and they all compliment each other effortlessly. Freshen up your space with smaller details like the terracotta Edge pots or a By Your Side table. Play with a classic Overlap wooden table with meshed metal Mira chairs. Kick back in the high-backed Between Lines deck chair or seat the whole clan on the Tradition modular sofa. For smaller gardens, courtyards or balconies, the collection also includes foldable tables, stackable stools and Oeko-Tex certified outdoor cushions. I'll take the lot!
Mater
You know how much I love and support Mater in their endeavours to change the landscape of sustainable design. Founded with the environment in mind from the very beginning, this Danish brand focuses on circular design instead of throwing a piece away when it reaches the end of its life. All the components can be separated and recycled if and when the time comes.In what I think is their first foray into outdoor furniture, the Ocean collection reuses 960g of ocean plastic per chair. Although it looks wholly contemporary, the original model was actually designed in 1955 by Danish designer Nanna Ditzel. This updated, eco-conscious version also includes a table made from the same moulded plastic slats with a steel frame. So, not only does the Ocean collection bring long-lasting style into the garden, but it's also doing its bit by cleaning up the ocean. No wonder its winning awards!
New Works Showroom Designed By Lotta Agaton Interiors
Last week I had the unbridled joy of visiting the new New Works showroom as part of the 3daysofdesign festival in Copenhagen. Designed in collaboration with Lotta Agaton Interiors, whose design company have become one of the most revered in Scandinavia, it was everything I hoped it would be. As a brand who describes its collection "at the intersection of old and new. Light and dark. Art and design", the New Works showroom embodies just that.Whilst the brighter, paler shades have become an intrinsic part of the Nordic aesthetic, in recent years, darker palettes have been making their way into interiors. Lovers of dark, earthy shades? This is your time.
Situated in the iconic Frederiksstaden district famous for its complex of rococo architecture, the showroom is a striking example of the contrast between a historic setting and contemporary design. Here, Lotta's team have delivered a soothing and sophisticated home for the New Works collection. Architectural mouldings such as the detailing over the doorways and skirtings have been painted in Salon Drab by Farrow & Ball along with the walls to accentuate the full height of each interconnecting room. As is typical with the moodier spectrum of colours, it's difficult to show the exact shade in these photos as the nuances of light change the tone from room to room. 
Against this backdrop of deep beige, rich brown and oatmeal sit new additions to the collection. Pictured below are the enveloping curves of the Covent sofa by Arde Design Studio and upholstered in Kvadrat. Alongside, the Mass coffee table in walnut and my favourite, the Mass daybed from Hong Kong studio Lim + Lu. Almost blending into the background but for the light is the new Lantern floor lamp, inspired by Chinese rice paper lanterns.In such a tactile space, you can't help but want to touch everything. Honouring the natural materials included within the collection, additional stylings feature crumpled linen curtains from textile brand Astrid and deep piled rugs from Roots Living. 
I'm pretty sure I just heard you fall in love with it. Am I right?For an extra dose of neutral interiors, check out my beige bedroom before and after. Stay tuned for more from Copenhagen!
Photography © Tiffany Grant-Riley
Discovering Honest Danish Design by Woud
When private label furniture consultants Mia and Torben Koed decided to put their 30 years of experience into a new project, they envisaged a collective of new and established designers carrying the Scandinavian tradition into a new era of furniture design. In 2014 that idea became Woud, one of my favourite New Nordic design names I've been following closely since discovering them a few years back.In my mind, Woud embodies a sophisticated and elegant aesthetic reminiscent of the modernist Scandi classics. Designed for everyday use, you can see these "new originals" becoming quintessential 21st-century treasures. With the aim to spark a "love at first sight" reaction, the collection spans beautifully sculptural dining chairs, clever space-saving storage and playful accessories.Under a 45 strong team of international designers, the collection is connected by the shared vision to create functional, livable pieces. Amongst them includes Helsinki based Poiat (a personal favourite when they exhibit at London Design Week) Toronto studio MSDS and Bauhaus University Weimar educated Schmahl+Schnippering.
The piece that kicked off the Woud love affair for me is the Arc coffee table, which also comes in a smaller side addition. Designed by Julie Begtrup and Ditte Vad during a period of time that they lived together. It's delightfully playful, with an element of 'hide and seek' in the sliding table top, enabling you to clear away the clutter at a moment's notice.
We believe timeless design can express personalities, evoke feelings, inspire people and create beautiful homes.
The Tray Shelf can be configured to accommodate taller objects that aren't able to fit on standard shelves. Designed by Berlin-based Hanne Willmann, its delicate and slender form carries a minimalist Japanese aesthetic with its system of oak trays and matte powdered frames.
New pieces from the SS19 collection share elements of on-trend curves without losing the lightweight frames Woud are known for. Take Mika Tolvanen's Naaki sofa for example, with its plump, firm seating and thin legs. The Duo side table designed by Taiwanese born Canadian Chifen Cheng draws inspiration from overlapping circles with an additional glass layer on top.Below, the S.A.C chair (short for stacking armchair) combines the best of Nordic and Japanese design. Made from a combination of metal frame and plywood seat, its simplistic shape means it can be stacked without the veneer ever touching thanks to its curved back. I just love how it visually commands the space its in without taking up too much of it.
Ready for a bit of design geekery? A new and innovative type of plywood called Grada has been used to create the normally difficult to achieve cone shape of the Mono chair (above). Through the process of heat and high pressure, faster, more ecological production methods have opened up what would have traditionally taken several stages of cutting, glueing and pressing to achieve.
I think you'll agree that as far as New Nordic style goes, Woud have found the sweet spot between traditional heritage and future-proof design. I'm excited to see where they take it next...
Photography courtesy of Woud.
[AD] Frequency Collection Designed by Kelly Wearstler for Georg Jensen
[AD - this is a paid partnership with Georg Jensen. Product featured here was loaned for the purpose of this post.]
These first few days of Spring have without a doubt given us all a boost here at home. We've sorted through the clutter of winter and freshened up our tired looking living room. It's been wonderful to watch the quality of light change as shadowy corners disappear and there are moments when sitting in the warm sun in the garden are almost within grasp. Almost. This week, I've had the pleasure of styling a brand new collection from Danish silversmiths Georg Jensen. With over 100 years of design history, the brand continues its signature style of simplistic, organic forms, collaborating with innovative designers who understand its Danish sensibilities.
Frequency Vase
Handcrafted in striking stainless steel, the new Frequency collection is the result of a collaboration with world-renowned American designer Kelly Wearstler. Known for her exploration of colour, pattern and making vintage look contemporary, Kelly's work is so distinctive that you recognise it instantly. This collection is different for its pared-back, minimal feel which fits so well in my home. I've chosen three of six pieces using foliage and blooms from my garden to illustrate their dramatic, sculptural presence. I think the collection beautifully combines Kelly's contemporary Californian style with Georg Jensen's Scandinavian heritage.
Inspired by her home on Malibu beach, the steel waves evoke a sense of fluidity, balance and energy. Each piece changes its appearance according to the nuances of the light. The undulating waves picking up the soft mid-morning sun in the bedroom, bouncing it back onto the walls. Living close to the river here, (though Medway is definitely not L.A!) I can understand why Kelly's work is often informed by nature. Here, I've picked new shoots from a Sarah Bernhardt peony, whose deep red stems unfurl into vibrant green leaves. Aren't they striking?
Frequency Centrepiece
Capturing the collection was no mean feat - the highly polished steel reflects back every surface, which I very much welcome in our dining room which, despite its south-facing aspect gets the least amount of light. I loved creating this ikebana arrangement with the Frequency Centrepiece, using select spring flowers and foliage from my garden. The contrast of the smooth surface of the bowl against the cracked plaster walls added texture to the scene. Its delicate, ribbon-like waves give the surface the appearance of floating. As a versatile design, the Centrepiece could also be used for fruit or to display treasures.
Frequency Hurricane
There is an energy in the silhouettes, a vibrant movement that comes to life through the beautiful folds in the steel. Each design is like a sculptural conductor of this energy.- Designer Kelly Wearstler.
A little premature on my part, but these images speak of warmer days to come. There's a small yard space opposite my kitchen with a little deck made from reclaimed railway sleepers. After 4pm it becomes a real sun trap and you'll often find me here within shouting distance of the back door. A linen towel doubles up as a picnic blanket and there's time to sit and watch the evening to draw in, Hurricane lantern lit and something cool to drink in hand. It's not quite California, but it'll do.
The Frequency Collection is available instore and online at www.georgjensen.com.
Photography and Styling © Tiffany Grant-Riley.
A Very Comfortable Ferm Living Spring Summer 2019
Making an edited selection from the new Ferm Living SS 2019 catalogue was no joke. Seriously. I struggled to keep the number of images down because, as always, the quality of styling is just through-the-roof exquisite. Unusually for me, I'm drawn to the dark wood interiors here - just as I'm slowing working them out of our home.This year founder and creative director Trine Andersen has brought the new collection to life in the homes of seven female creatives. Titled 'Space To Feel Comfortably You', the collection presents each room of a home with the backdrop of an existing interior. Rooms feel natural, lived in and comfortable.Known for their forward-thinking approach to design, the collection promises more abstract forms and a rich colour palette. Tactility remains high on the agenda, mixing textured woven art and textiles with smooth marble and slim metal structures.
Stand-out pieces include the Rico lounge chair and sofa with their sweeping curved shell back in Art Deco style. The bouclé upholstery is made using uneven yarn for a loopy texture. Such an elegant design.As ever, I still have designs on the Haze Vitrine for our dining room...one day. Such a slender piece of storage, perfect for a small corner to store a few essentials.
See? I told you. It was an impossible task to choose. And there's still so much more, especially hearing from the homeowners themselves. It's always fascinating to learn how others use their homes, how different their lives are from our own. For that, I'd recommend spending a little more time reading the catalogue. You're welcome.
All imagery courtesy of Ferm Living, with thanks.
Warm Amber - The New Nordic Take on a 1970s Classic
Not quite mustard yellow or brown and definitely not copper, warm amber home accessories are fast becoming the colour of the moment. Popularised in the 1970s, I've noticed its slow and steady return to the Nordic design scene over the past year.
I’m old enough to remember the retro amber, brown and red patterned carpets (we had one once) and it’s oddly comforting to see these colours making a comeback, although definitely not in the same, garish way they did. This reinterpreted version of warm amber is rather apt given that we’re coming into winter now, nature surrounding us by rich, rustic tones.
How To Work With Warm Amber At Home
I recommend using it as a subtle accent worked in as an accessory. A large vase, glass lamp or throw is just enough to give a hint without going full-on 1970s. This warm shade lends itself beautifully to lighting, as seen in the Louis Poulsen PH 3/2 lamp which comes in a limited edition amber glass shade.
The great thing about amber is its a versatile colour; it stands out against a neutral base and compliments richer, bold colours. The result, of course, will be completely different. I'd style it with seasonal flowers or grasses and perhaps layer a simple throw with similarly toned cushions. I also love to see it paired with brass and marble for a more luxurious feel.
It’s far harder to get amber right in textiles, predominantly because the colour is taken from tree resin and therefore works best with translucent materials. If you can look for a shade in between orange and brown, you might just have it. Warm Nordic’s mid-century inspired lean chair is near enough spot on with its velvet upholstery and H&M Home recently launched its 'Sleek Amber' collection which includes waffle bedspreads and linen cushions. I've put together a cheeky round-up too which is well worth a look if you fancy a dabble.
So tell me, am I way off the mark with amber, or are you warming to it?
| 1 | Orlo table top mirror, Another Brand | 2 | Amber Troll Vase, Menu | 3 | Kasbah Eau De Parfum, 19-69 | 4 | No-Pi-No-Pi stackable vase, New Works | 5 | Marimekko Urna vase | 6 | Anise Patchouli candle, Compagnie de Provence | 7 | Lean back lounge chair, Warm Nordic | 8 | Ewer Champagne glass and brass lamp, MADE.COM | 9 | AYTM amber globe vase | 10 | Cafe au lait collar vase, Cooee |11| Waffled double bedspread and stemmed bowls, H&M Home |12| Limited edition Louis Poulsen PH 3/2 lamp in amber
••stockists correct at time of publication.
[AD] Fredericia Celebrate 60 Years of The Spanish Chair
This is a paid partnership with Fredericia. I first made an acquaintance with this beautiful chair two years ago when I was introduced to Fredericia at the London Design Festival. Inviting me to experience their collection for myself, I was somewhat spoilt for choice. They took one look at me and said "that one - that's the chair for you". It was The Spanish Chair, a modernist classic launched in 1958 by Børge Mogensen.It is a dream to sit in. Despite its upright position, I promise you, it's just perfect for kicking off your shoes and losing yourself in a good read. It creaks as it adjusts to your shifting weight, with arms just right for your mug of coffee, a notepad. It's been staying in our unfinished bedroom and I've had the pure, unadulterated pleasure of styling and living with it for the past few weeks.
Who Are Fredericia?
Named after a small industrial town in Denmark, the Fredericia design house was founded in 1911 operating as a chair factory. During its first twenty years of production, the factory concentrated on upholstery, later becoming the first licenser of Thonet in Scandinavia. Family owned to this day, its humble beginnings and near bankruptcy would see it become a forerunner of Danish Modernism.In 1955, the factory was acquired by CEO and architect Andreas Graversen who brought in close friend and designer Børge Mogensen to turn it around. Over the next twenty years, Mogensen would go on to design a string of Danish modern classics, including his first - the No.1 Sofa whose shape would arguably become the most emulated silhouette for furniture in modern design. His style was described by Graversen as "unpretentious, pure and honest". His ethos was to create pieces that would blend seamlessly into the every day, interested in the functionality and simplicity of it over the short term trend.
Today, Fredericia is home to some of the most revered designers of our time, including Cecilie Manz, Gamfratesi and our very own Jasper Morrison. Building on a proud heritage, Fredericia continues to create the modern originals of tomorrow. Their designs show the high level of craftsmanship, long-lasting integrity and of course, the quintessentially Danish aesthetic for which they're known.
The Spanish Chair
On a journey through Spain, Mogensen noticed a chair with wide arm-rests, a style common in parts influenced by Islamic culture. This sparked an internal based on functionality, a clean aesthetic and unassuming, rustic materials that would ultimately become The Spanish Chair.Manufactured by Fredericia to his exacting standard, the chair's geometric frame ensures greater stability. Whereas flat sawn wood has a tendency to split, the stronger quartersawn oak frame shows the almost straight stripes of grain that run through the wood. Vegetable tanned saddle leather becomes the backrest and seat, a Medieval Spanish methodology of furniture construction that would inspire Mogensen throughout his career. One can just imagine the beautiful patina that would develop in the leather over time. Brass buckles underneath tighten the leather as it softens and the wide armrests are intended to be used as a ledge for a cup or book, doing away with the table and opening up space.
As this year marks the 60th anniversary of The Spanish Chair, Fredericia has produced a limited edition in one of Mogensen's most loved shades sourced from his archive. Olive Green. Undoubtedly a popular colour in Mid-Century design, the chair is a symbol of the longevity and enduring nature of Fredericia's rich design heritage. Available until December 31st 2018.
Photography & styling © Tiffany Grant-Riley
Gorgeous New Nordic Design From Gejst
I thought I'd end the week with a few new design updates from Gejst. The word 'gejst' is Danish for excitement and enthusiasm which is how the Nordic design brand of the same name describes their creative approach. Their multi-functional products inspire the desire to get organised in all of us and the new catalogue is brimming with small space, clever storage solutions.Founded in the Danish town of Odense in 2013, the Gejst collection takes classic elements of Nordic design traditions and reworks them into playful, functional pieces. Designer Michael Rem describes his experience of that process, termed as creating 'the new simple',
“Being a designer means absorbing all of the daily influences that life offers endlessly, and consciously experiencing it. All the sounds, colours, forms and events are mixed together in the subconscious with your personality and emotions, so that all of this can be combined to form something new...
The Flex Rail
If there's one thing the Scandinavians know how to design, it's the shelf. Am I right? There's really nothing new in furniture left to be designed, but there are always new ways to approach them. The magnetic Flex rail is all kinds of brilliant, with interchangeable accessories to customise the way you choose to use it. There are infinite possibilities that fit seamlessly with most home situations, be it kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or workspace. It even comes with a nifty holder for coffee filters. Now that's attention to detail.
Nivo Shelf
Designed by Berlin design studio Böttcher & Kayer, the elegant Nivo shelf is so light in frame, it almost isn't there. With its bright white shelves (it also comes in black), the Nivo has no visible screws and allows the walls behind to breathe space.
Nebl Planter
Inspired by dewdrop tipped grass and the silence of fog covered streets, the Nebl planter diffuses the form of each plant like an abstract painting. Consisting of two parts with a ceramic base and frosted matt glass top, Michael Rem's design makes it hard not to be fascinated by this new way of displaying houseplants.
Accessories for Play
The collection also supports additional accessories with a touch of playfulness. A favourite is the Galet board which comes with three ceramic bowls. Designed to sit flush with the edge of the board to compartmentalise your chopping (so very satisfying) or stack inside one another, they can also be used as storage in other capacities.Happy to have scratched your organisational itch. For details of the collection, including the Sceene shelving unit head to Gejst where you can purchase direct.
Photography courtesy of Gejst.
Mater Earth Gallery Brings Sustainable Danish Design to London
Back in Spring, I made time during Clerkenwell Design Week to visit the new Mater Earth Gallery. I am a huge fan of their soft, organic aesthetic and unwavering dedication to sustainable design. So when I heard they were setting up a new concept store in London all the way from Copenhagen, I had to see it for myself.Part of the new wave of Scandinavian minimalism, Mater was founded in 2006 with ethical and sustainable practices at the core of its design philosophy. Collaborating with an external team of new and established designers, the brand seeks to create timeless pieces rooted in high-quality craftsmanship.
Mater means 'mother' in Latin. The name is the daily reminder of our small contribution to preventing the challenges 'mother earth' faces. Design influences how we as humans live our lives; it shapes values, culture and society. Unfortunately, we are increasingly aware that the choices made during design processes often have environmental consequences. However, as a manufacturer, we have the opportunity to rethink dubious practices and create ethical and sustainable design that minimises adverse social and environmental impacts.- Henrik Marstrand, CEO & Founder.
Mater's rostra of designers speaks like a who's who of design royalty; including Space Copenhagen, Eva Harlou and Pederjessen. Expect to see natural oak, cork and cane running through the collection.The Victorian building has been given a sympathetic update with brushed brass skirting and soft grey walls, blending down to the tiled floor in a similar tone. Inlaid brass edging lifts black and white mosaic tiling while dark green open shelves display a selection of ceramics, artisan teas and Eva Harlou's Double Bottle design.
A daybed to die for - had I the space for it. The Winston, named after Churchill blends classic cane made in a 3rd generation Danish wicker workshop with a contemporary silhouette. The canvas seat is GOTS certified and the oak is FSC certified.
This is a calm space in which to see the collection. I instantly see soothing, tactile shapes when I think of Mater. From smooth Sørensen leather to the cupped oak of the Ray lamp, there are curves in almost everything here, bringing it all back to nature's form.
It's easy to stick a sustainability label on something and assume that's enough proof, but each step of the production process has a knock-on effect. You could say that it would be more sustainable to use the furniture we already have above making more. That said, it's important that designers and manufacturers move forward and claim greater responsibility in the way things are produced. As consumers, we need to educate ourselves in these practices and in turn change the way we consume. And of course, no production process is completely perfect, but better to be meticulous with what you do have control over than to ignore it entirely. The amount of plastic we're now having to find solutions for speaks volumes that old attitudes won't fly anymore.From day one, Mater has taken steps to ensure their practices take responsibility for supporting craftsmen with a fair living wage, good working environments and that their processes don't have a negative impact on the environment. This includes looking at water usage, the disposal of waste product and the social impact. Most of their collection is manufactured with FSC approved wood or mango wood which is a by-product of the mango fruit industry. The trees are felled after they no longer fruit and a new one is then planted in its place. They also use recycled aluminium (as seen in Space Copenhagen's stool) and LED lighting in a bid to make their lighting energy efficient.
If you'd like to find out more about Mater's journey in sustainable design I would urge you to visit the London showroom. Experience the collection for yourself and ask as many questions as you like, the team are lovely.
Visit the Mater Earth Gallery
36 Myddelton Street, Clerkenwell, London.
Additional photography © Tiffany Grant-Riley
STILL By Form Pop-up Restaurant with 26 Grains
During an intense few days covering London Design Week, I find myself cocooned inside a tranquil haven, set amongst the hubbub of DesignJunction. A pop-up restaurant aptly named STILL, the temporary space is a collaborative project led by design consultancy BY FORM and Scandinavian inspired restaurant 26 Grains.Influenced by Danish design and Japanese aesthetics, STILL holds space for quiet contemplation and relaxation in which to refuel on wholesome dishes and refresh your senses. The perfect antidote to sensory overload, the restaurant imbues the essence of Nordic minimalism. From the soothing colour palette and gentle textures to the carefully chosen soundtrack. I do not want to leave.The restaurant showcases current and emerging design brands represented by BY FORM, including the instantly recognisable furniture from &Tradition and textiles by Kvadrat. Elegant Mayor sofas upholstered in dark grey velvet line one wall with Anderssen & Voll Pavillion chairs facing opposite. Choosing pieces with light and airy frames, the overall effect gives STILL a feeling of space, of room to breathe. Along the full height wall of window, Fly chairs sit drenched in sun, throwing out stark shadows across Atkinson & Kirby's brushed oak floor.
Acoustic technology developed by Zilenzio screens the outer shell of the restaurant. The Kyoto screen collection was designed by Note Design Studio and was inspired by the tearooms from the same place. The sound absorbing walls do a great deal to cut out external noise, no mean feat in such a vast tented space.
I was amazed to see plaster used on the walls here. The BY FORM team applied it themselves using KABE Copenhagen, a DIY coloured plaster which enables you to polish it to a fine finish. Again inspired by the Japanese, the KABE plaster provides a restful, raw backdrop for STILL and with 37 colours in the collection it had most of us considering it for our homes too.Simple, wholesome fare by Neals Yard cafe 26 Grains gave depth to the whole Nordic experience. Influenced by her year working in Copenhagen, founder Alex Hely-Hutchinson brings elements of Scandinavian cuisine to her own menu with a specific focus on the exciting ways grains are used within dishes across the board.
And so it was on to the next location, replete, recharged and ready for the next experience...
Photography © Tiffany Grant-Riley
[AD] Minimalist Art By Desenio In Our Edwardian Living Room
This is a paid partnership in collaboration with Desenio. Got a bit of a rare insight into our living room for you today, you know I like to do the before and after features in one hit but I thought I'd be brave and show how it is now. The walls and ceilings in here are in real need of replastering, the floors staining, new mantlepieces. The list is endless. See? I'm already making excuses! But it has beautiful bones so until we arrive at that point I've given the walls a fresh lick of white paint for a crisper look. Wall art is a quick and easy way to update a room without going all out, so I've chosen three new minimalist art prints from Desenio.
There are two places I buy affordable art from when I can't stretch to buy directly from the artist (which to be honest has only happened once!) and Desenio is one of them. When you want to find an unusual piece that can't be found everywhere else, you'd be hard pushed not to find it here. A Swedish company with a passion for Scandinavian design, its ethos is that stylish wall art should be affordable to everyone. Prints start from £2.95 and there's a very useful Inspiration page which, if you're stuck on what to choose and how to hang it, has readily grouped collections you can purchase as a set. Be prepared to fall down a rabbit hole where the choice is concerned though...
To take some of the indecision out of the equation I focused on a subject. I'd always planned to hang a collection of botanical prints in this corner leaving the rest of the walls clear and chose a muted colour palette of grey, beige and deep green. I want to look at quiet, thoughtful art when I'm home, compositions with simple line drawings, photographs capturing movement through leaves, something with space to breathe. The three I've chosen sum that up perfectly, don't you think?Hanging the Grass poster closer to the corner connects them when you're sitting on the sofa opposite. I've seen some thought-provoking examples of art hung in corners or at the edge of a wall together rather than the centre and I think it really works. I've also been wanting to try the Moebe transparent frame for ages; the design is clever in its simplicity and allows you to frame flat laid collections as well as prints whilst being able to see the wall behind. The entire frame is made from four grooved sides that hold the two acrylic glass sheets with the tension of a rubber band from which you hang it.
TOP TIP : A good tip for styling a gallery wall is to use the same type of frame, so your collection has a coherent look regardless of the art you have on display. Desenio offer simple designs in black, white and metal frames - I chose warm oak to counteract the north facing light. I love the soothing, natural effect it has in the room now, having some well-considered art up makes the space feel much warmer.
Now's a good time to find some minimalist art for your walls - there's a 25% discount code* 'curatedisplay' valid on posters between June 5th and June 7th 2018 (*except on frames and on handpicked-/collaboration posters).
Photography & Styling © Tiffany Grant-Riley
5 Home Office Design Tips And HÅG Futu mesh Task Chair Giveaway [AD]
This is a paid partnership in collaboration with Flokk.Take it from someone with ten years working from home under her belt, having a workspace that's both functional and inspiring is so important. Over the years I've tried out a number of not-so-great home office set-ups. I started from a reclining sofa (yep) and dining room table to a corner of the bedroom before having the luxury of a dedicated workspace.Aesthetics, of course, are what make a room but there's little point in having a stylish home office if it doesn't actually work for you. With that in mind, here are my five tips you should consider when you're designing your own space...
1. Choose The Right Chair
Top of the list. The office chair. Having spent years damaging my posture in a variety of static chairs and slumpy sofa cushions I can attest that choosing the right chair is the difference between getting in a focused days work in comfort and spending time in physio. I'll be honest and say that up til now I've categorically avoided office chairs. They've always felt too corporate and imposing for a home environment.When the furniture group Flokk got in touch to ask if I would try their Norwegian office furniture brand HÅG and their HÅG Futu mesh chair, I decided to put it to the test. Based in Røros, an old copper mining town on the UNESCO World Heritage List, HÅG have been manufacturing chairs since 1943. Before the chair arrived I was sold purely on the fact that this is a company that takes their impact on the environment seriously; mapping out and reducing production emissions and using recycled plastics since 1995, earning them the coveted Nordic Ecolabel.
Sit Properly
It's good practice to sit with your knees at a 90-degree angle with your feet on the floor, although HÅG actively encourages you to put your feet on the legs of the chair as you move which have ridged steel grips. Your arms should sit at a 90-degree angle to your desk to stop you from hunching your shoulders.Did you know that your calf muscle acts like a secondary heart in circulating blood back to the heart and comes into play when you actively move your feet? This is why when we're likely to be static for some time - on a long haul flight, for example, it's recommended to do leg exercises to increase your circulation. With this in mind, all HÅG chairs come with Balance® Technology which is totally intuitive, encouraging mobility and engaging your core. The amount the chair moves can be adjusted underneath the seat via three settings so you can opt for more or less as you see fit.The back comes up to shoulder height and combined with the transparent mesh it has a slender, lightweight appearance. My back feels completely supported against the FutuKnit™ mesh, a specially designed 3D knitted fabric which retains its tautness. If I want a gentle recline the seat can also be adjusted underneath.Unnecessary frills have been done away with, focusing on simple adjustable elements found in discrete buttons and small touch levers. The all-important lumbar support slides up and down, locking into place. The arms which are removable slide outwards as well as up and down with adjustable armrests that pivot inwards.The HÅG Futu mesh is a thoughtfully designed piece of Nordic simplicity. Having experienced the difference, I would recommend finding an ergonomic chair that suits your needs.
2. Making Room For A Home Office
Working from home can kick up a variety of distractions if you don't have a dedicated space. I say space because if setting aside a room isn't an option, you can carve out a corner instead. It could be in the dining room, on the landing if it's possible or a corner of the bedroom even which is where I currently work. Choose an area with good quality of light away from tempting distractions like the TV...the fridge.Don't be put off if you don't have room for a free-standing desk, you can utilise the wall space just as well. Put up a sturdy ledge instead or use the inside of a cupboard you can shut away at the end of the day.
3. How Will You Use Your Office?
How you design the space will depend entirely on how you plan to use it. Can you work with a shallow ledge for a laptop or will you need a deeper desk for a computer? Do you need space for dual screens or perhaps accessible storage is a more pressing need? Consider how much time you plan to spend working here and if you'll need to be able to shut it all away at the end of each day, particularly if you're working in a corner of a shared room. Once you've worked out your needs, designing the space and finding the furniture will be an easier process.
4. Plan Your Office Layout
The shape of your space might already dictate your layout but if you've got free rein, I would recommend setting up close to a window in a position you won't get screen glare. Ensure you have enough room to move freely. Do you want to have storage in front or behind you? If floor space is limited then look at wall mounted solutions, otherwise you'll start to feel restricted which in turn will affect your ability to work.Use any available wall space for shelving or cupboards and keep them organised - don't be tempted to fill them with clutter. Keep your everyday essentials within reaching distance - the pot of pens, sticky notes, USB stick. A series of shallow picture ledges can be used to keep notebooks alongside art prints. Find a pinboard or pegboard and create a visual inspiration wall or use it for urgent reminders.Choose the right a task light. If you don't have space for one on your desk, consider a design you can attach to a shelf or directly to the wall, if not slender floor lamp is a great alternative.
5. Show Your Personality
Whilst you want to give your home office a sense of separation from the rest of the house, it's important for it not to feel sterile. You're working from home after all so it needs to be a space you feel at ease in. Bring in a rug to zone your desk space, something that feels good underfoot.Colour is very much a personal choice but I recommend light or neutral shades over anything too dark. Bright colours will start to feel distracting after a while so if you're keen for a shot of colour, keep it to furniture, accessories or art.
Having plants in the home reaches far beyond the botanical trend of the moment, they not only bring life into a space but they clean the air too. Keep a little pot on your desk, like my Pilea, or choose trailing plants to sit on your shelf above. Peperomia and String of Pearls are a great choice and Snake plant and Aloe Vera are ideal air purifiers.
Enter HÅG's Home Office Giveaways
GIVEAWAY ONE - Win a HÅG Futu or Futu mesh task chair in the colour of your choice worth up to £730.For a chance to win, choose your favourite colour and leave a comment below.*GIVEAWAY TWO - HÅG is also running a competition to win a 30,000 euro office makeover."The winner will receive a visit from their expert interior architect who will provide advice on colours and fabrics. They’ll share with you our range of products, discussing what to add to your working environment to make it healthier, happier and more productive.Then all you have to do is sit back and wait for the transformation!"Please see T&Cs for further information.* T&Cs: Entrants must be aged 18+ and a resident of the UK. This giveaway closes on June 6th 2018. This giveaway is for X1 HÅG Futu mesh task chair only. The winner will be drawn using a random number generator and contacted via email by Flokk directly. Your contact details will not be shared with or sold to any third parties.
Photography & Styling © Tiffany Grant-Riley
New by Menu | Minimalist show flat in Shoreditch
There are few things that could dissuade me from spending time in Shoreditch, least of all the new MENU show flat. What better location in London than here, an area with an industrial past, constantly adapting to and welcoming new forms of architecture, social experiences and urban living. A collaborative, multidisciplinary design house, Menu's ethos embodies these surroundings. Think converted warehouse, large, industrial windows, white walls and white painted floors. And then add onto that backdrop, a considered, livable space featuring MENU's New Nordic vision of minimalist design.I ring the bell and I'm welcomed up by Kaspar, the UK representative for the company, who also happens to live here. I'm not jealous. He leads me down a narrow corridor partitioned off by linen curtain on one side, with a small, functional kitchen on the other, before the space opens out into a large, bright living and dining area. The room is zoned into different areas, cleverly defined by a raised platform for reading, featuring the characteristically slender Afteroom bench and grey marble Septembre coffee table, designed by Theresa Arns. At floor level, the black Align day bed and Eave modular sofa set off an area for serious lounging.
A dining table doubles up as a meeting point for both hosting and working, with black Stick shelving a place for books and inspiring pieces, giving a feeling of connected living, work and play from home. Having worked as a freelancer from our various homes these past ten years, it's a fluid way of living that I'm very familiar with.
It is this very synergy of co-living, co-working and co-designing, which inspired us to form a connected space that blurs the line between home, work and hospitality.
London based designer Tim Rundle and creator of the TR Bulb talked us through his innovative LED light, which can be used in conjunction with any screw pendant socket. Easy to install wherever is most convenient, it takes away the need for fiddly electrics and it's dimmable too.
The interconnecting passage between the living area and bedroom isn't just left as a cold, empty space but instead, a kind of snug awaits. The slim-legged Godot sofa and Norm Architects' new brindle-like Offset chair encourage a quiet moment, interspersed with vibrant house plants. Juxtaposing materials - the smooth gloss of glass and marble against warm wood and wool, show how to add texture and interest to a neutral setting.
Additional styling reads like a who's who of contemporary Danish design, including state of the art Bang & Olufsen sound systems, abstract art prints from Atelier CPH and bold, graphic stationery by Notem Studio.
Into the bedroom and I'm greeted by my most coveted piece of Danish design above all others. Yes, I'm committed to that. The Tailor sofa, designed by Rui Alves who, inspired by his grandfather's tailors studio wanted to show the oak framework of the sofa, with a feminine scoop shell seat. Isn't it perfection? Needless to say, it really is comfortable too.
A bedroom for purists, only the very essentials are required here. The marble plinth is an understated bedside table. The stripped back lines of the Norm floor mirror echo the industrial frames of the warehouse windows and the bed sits nonchalantly on the floor in true loft living style.
What makes a very personal showroom experience, MENU has nailed the live-in showroom concept. This is how it should be done. You're left to explore, touch and try at will with no stark lighting or rehearsed tours, aside from the occasional visit from Kaspar's dog Frank, who will invite you to fuss him.
Photography © Tiffany Grant-Riley
Northern's New Nordic Furniture Collection Will Make You Cry
At this time of year, many brands are gearing up to share their 2018 collections, it's an exciting time for design. New Nordic design brand Northern Lighting has just relaunched their brand now known as Northern, to extend their collection to furniture and accessories and it is to die for. Accuse me of oversharing but quite frankly, I don't give a damn.
Northern began its journey some twelve years ago as a collective of creatives, producing a contemporary, minimalist lighting. An integral part of its Norwegian roots, Northern is grounded in New Nordic design, combined with traditional craftsmanship and natural materials. Their pieces are elegant with an air of utilitarian luxury and, having long been a fan of their lighting collection, I knew the wait for their homewares would be worth it.
The bar cart is nothing new in itself, but with the rise in popularity in home entertaining, the cart has seen a revival, with an updated look. Named Loud, this quiet minimalist interpretation in curved, smoked oak features polished laminate doors and steel casters. A multi-functional, everyday conversation piece to do its job quietly in the corner or stand out centre stage.
I'm always happy to see plant pots taken into consideration - there's always room for a stylish plant or two. These Oasis pots designed by Ann Kristin Einarsen were a highlight of mine at LDF 2016 as part of the 100% Norway showcase. The self-watering pots come in two parts so you can mix and match the matt terracotta tops with a glazed base where the water sits in a reservoir.
New to the Northern collective is Scottish designer Kyla McCallum whose precise origami-inspired work has turned heads. I was hardly surprised when she told me at a workshop last year that she was soon to be launching a collection here. Her signature style can be seen in the quilted wool Case cushion. The Fold pendant light is crafted from Kvadrat wool, treated with a lamination process allowing it to stay in position. With a slight tilt, it enables you to direct light to one area whilst dimming the other.
Possibly the desk of my dreams, the Shelter is ticking all the boxes for me. Designed by duo Yonoh, it features a black steel frame with curved mesh back and an oak desktop. Its graphic aesthetic and minimal silhouette streamline the workspace, allowing only for the essentials. Dear Shelter, I love you. Hard.
Arguably, the stand-out piece, in my opinion, is the Oaki chair. Because look at it. It's been cleverly designed in the way of traditional Japanese work working to hide the joins so it appears seamless. Designed by Stina Aas in oak, all four legs rise up to the back of the chair with the back legs leaning outwards. A future design classic, I have no doubt.
Photography courtesy of Northern, with thanks.
Norrgavel | Sustainable Design Rooted In Nature
As it's Friday, I thought we could all do with a soothing introduction to the weekend with a collection of restful Swedish furniture. Trust me, you'll have trouble prizing yourself away from these gorgeous rooms...Founded in the early 90s in Sweden by architect and designer Nirvan Richter, Norrgavel is a design brand built on sustainability. Noticing a lack of high quality, well made furniture, he began to create a name synonymous with timeless, functional design, extolling the virtues of locally sourced wood such as birch, beech and oak. As a reaction to mass-produced furniture, Richter set to designing a collection made from renewable, raw materials that could be reused and passed down through the generations, needing only to be reupholstered should the need arise.What I love about Norrgavel's ethos (aside from the obvious) is the honesty behind the furniture. There is no fuss here. Wood is allowed to behave in exactly the way it should, untreated, or instead painted with an egg oil tempera which allows the grain to breathe over time. It's hardly surprising then that they received the acclaimed Nordic Swan Ecolabel as a mark of the brands commitment to the environment. Not really designed to be statement pieces, rather this furniture should easily blend into existing surroundings and look a part of the home without any effort.
At Norrgavel, we want to create relationships with our customers. Rather than encourage passive consumption, we try to make it easy for customers to be present in the purchasing moment and to have a relationship with the things they choose to surround themselves with – encouraging them, quite simply, to consume less but to give themselves permission to have things of greater quality.Our intention is that a piece of Norrgavel furniture should act as your faithful servant. It should work well and make life simpler. An unobtrusive design that you only notice when using the furniture, but that is then all the more apparent. A chair that really supports the body, a handle designed to help fingers and hands to pull out a drawer. We create our furniture with the intention of it forming a backdrop to life rather than dominating. So we don’t feel that the design has to be amusing or create a sensation.
The Norrgavel collection also extends to home accessories, all of which are organic, including bed linen, rugs and tableware. If sustainable, natural materials are your thing (and they really should be) then take note. So, where to buy? Well, unless you're based in Sweden or Denmark it gets a bit tricky, however, I've done a little digging and you can purchase directly through a mail order. I'll take one of everything...
Photography courtesy of Norrgavel.
New Nordic Dining Spaces With Muuto
Although we're some way off from tackling the renovation of our dining room, it hasn't stopped me from obsessing over the furniture, and the design brand that I always come back to for inspiration is Muuto. If you're new to them, allow me spark a life long love affair (sorry, not sorry!) A name on the lips of mosts lovers of contemporary Scandinavian design, they are the epitome of New Nordic style, developing new materials and production methods to produce fresh and relevant pieces for the home. Some of the biggest creatives of our time collaborate with them, including Anderssen & Voll, Mette Duedahl and Cecille Manz, and in this way find innovative ways to present new minimalist design.
Muuto take their name from the Finnish muutos, meaning 'perspective'.
Ever since we bought the house last summer, I've held it in mind that I wanted to find a comfortable balance between the traditional, original bones of the house and contemporary furniture. We have really beautiful floorboards, so I plan to sand back the 90s orange varnish and re-stain them with a pale wash, almost white but not quite. Might regret that one when I'm knee deep in solvent with kids and and cat trying their best to interrupt, I'll let you know how that one goes. The dining room is rather on the shady side, so the more light I can bounce around, the better - Rob does not do dark colours. I tried for dark green walls, really I did. Perhaps a pale grey instead?So I'm going to be starting from scratch as our current table is a reconditioned vintage piece with a surface so sticky that magazines end up staying if you leave them there too long (the varnish is lifting). I love the shape of the 70/70 table (above) where the frame almost disappears into the room, which means the legs don't become a hinderance with all four of us sitting around it. Ultimately, it needs to be something that stands up to the wear and tear of children so anything with a white surface might be out...
Our current chairs are a black veneer design which were a temporary solution three years ago - it's time for a change. I'm a sucker for the simple qualities of natural wood as seen across their collection in a mix of oak, beech and plywood veneer. Here, the shape is the focus, the colour a bonus. If colour is more your thing though, there's brighter options from soft grey and pink to dusty red and dark green without losing the effect of the grain.
So here's my starting point - using neutral tones and focusing on natural wood, be it in the dining table (this one is in oak, called Split) or in a combination of chairs. I like that there are a couple of designs such as the Visu and Fibre that come with different bases, so that you can switch up the styles for a less matchy-matchy look. I'm still undecided as to whether to choose a single large pendant light or opt for a grouping, but something in black or grey suspended low above the table creates a statement - I'm a particular fan of the 'Unfold', designed by Form Us With Love and made from silicone rubber.
LIGHTING [L to R]: Unfold pendant in black, Grain pendant lamp in grey, Ambit aluminium pendant; TABLE: Split table in oak, PUSH coffee maker, PUSH coffee mugs; CHAIRS [L TO R]: Nerd chair in beech, Visu ash wood grey chair with sled base, black Fiber chair with tube base.
What do you think of my dining room choices? Should I be brave and go for really dark walls? Have Muuto inspired you to refresh your dining space too?
This post is written in collaboration with LOVEThESIGN, the online shopping destination for the best in design, brought to you from Milan.
Photography courtesy of Muuto.
MENU | Minimalist Design SS17 Collection
As far as Scandinavian design goes, MENU is pretty high up on the list for always reinventing simplistic, minimalist furniture through a collaboration of super talented designers. Yes, the SS17 collection is every bit as desirable, if not more now that MENU have included a collection of absolutely beautiful seating demonstrating a less boxy approach to comfortable sofas. Can we just take a minute to talk about the Tailor sofa, please? Created by Portuguese designer Rui Alves who was inspired by his grandfather's favourite tailor shop, drawing on a sense of authenticity, remembering suits handing on wooden hangers and the tailors working over their benches. Every part of this sofa is meant to be seen and admired, from its scooping structure made from oak, the wooden joints and the general flow of the piece. I can't imagine a better piece for our living room now either. Ok, well a girl can dream...
Smaller details include the Glow Hurricane candle holder designed by Norm Architects. Inspired by traditional oil lamps, it casts a soft glow from its opaline glass top which sits on top of a bronzed solid brass base.
Benches continue to make themselves at home in 2017 as really a versatile piece of furniture, so I'm really pleased to see the Meet Bench amongst this collection. It's perfect for two to sit on but also works well as an occasional table - I'd use it in the hallway to keep our unruly shoes under control, although it'd be an equally perfect home for our growing family of plants too.
Spring and summer sees a continuation of minimal luxe style using quality materials, from marble and oak to smoked glass and solid bronze. Practically perfect. Which design speak to you?
All photography courtesy of MENU.
The Lights Are Green For VIPP
They may be better known for their iconic pedal bin or kitchen and bathroom accessories, but always at the forefront of classic minimalist design and after 75 years as a household name, Vipp have launched their first lighting collection. And you need to see it, because - Vipp! I'd been wondering if lighting might be their next move and I'm far from disappointed with the results. Beautiful. The new collection consists of five strong pieces; the floor and table lamp, ceiling pendant, wall lamp and the small wall spot (see below). Take a look and tell me what you think...
Staying true to their industrial roots, these lights are designed with longevity in mind, using longer lasting LED technology, allowing easy replacement of the bulb without having to replace the whole fixture. Nothing is throw-away here. I can see this series becoming another Vipp classic, with their perforated, powder coated aluminium shades which allow a gentle hint of light through around the edges as well as from the source. They're adjustable, flexible, made to last.
[pullquote width="300" float="none"]We make only one kind of each product so you're not going to see a new collection of Vipp lamps next year. For once you have the essence of good light, what more is there to achieve with a lamp?[/pullquote]-Kasper Egelund, CEO HOS Vipp
Photography courtesy of Vipp.
Kovac Family / L25 Lamp Giveaway
I'm back in the land of the living having stepped off my Spanish cloud at the weekend - last week I was away on a design tour, stopping off in Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid. If you've been following on Instagram you'll have had a little taste of what I got up to, but there will be more to come here on the blog over the coming weeks.For now, back to Scandinavian design and the organic shape of this, the L25 Lamp, so named because of the 25 pieces of oak its made from. Isn't it beautiful? Understated and quiet, but with a lot to say. Designed by Stockholm based design studio, Kovac Family, this lamp is locally produced, constructed from FSC sustainable oak and comes flatpacked for you to fold out yourself. You know how much I love design with a conscience and all the more so here as Kovac Family put proceeds from each lamp sale towards their biomimetic light project which aims to find new, eco-friendly solutions to help in designing and producing lighting by emulating nature itself.
And because I knew you'd love it as much as I do, I've teamed up with Kovac Family with an Instagram giveaway. If you'd like to be in with a chance to win your own L25 Lamp in oak, here's what you need to do:• Switch over to Instagram and follow @kovac_family and @curatedisplay.• Find the giveaway post on my feed, leave a comment telling us where you'd like to hang your lamp and tag in a friend you think would like to enter too. Easy.The competition will run from Friday 22nd July and closes August 1st at midnight GMT. Entrants must live within Europe and the winner will be chosen at random by number generator. Good luck! 
I'm also taking over Stylist Magazine's Instagram account today as part of their #FridayFeast series, so do follow along for my take on interiors and a little taste of Spanish design! Photography & Styling © Tiffany Grant-Riley