In the second of my regular ‘On my radar’ posts, I share my latest favourite furniture finds that have popped into my inbox or I’ve discovered while out and about. This week we have Scandinavian moulded plywood chairs, customisable bespoke furniture and inventive solutions for the everyday from the end-of-year student shows…
Soft Edge by Iskos-Berlin for HAY
Soft Edge is a collection of lightweight moulded plywood chairs by Danish design duo Iskos-Berlin. Described by HAY as the next step in the development of moulded plywood techniques, the chairs feature a softly shaped seat and back. Subtly curved edges on the seat and back gently face away from the body, while legs come in a slender steel or a chunkier wooden frame. They’re stackable and light, perfect for cafes and canteens or for space-saving home interiors.
Orlo Mirrors Collection by Another Brand
Orlo is a new range of wall and table mirrors made of solid oak and oak veneer, finished with clear or brightly coloured mirrored panels. It’s by Another Brand, whose designer and creative director Theo Williams used to be the head of design at John Lewis Home and also creative director of Habitat, so you know you’re in good hands here.
The mirrors come in various sizes but can also be adjusted and modified with Another Brand’s bespoke service Built For You. Want it longer, a different colour or just the right size to fit that small space in the hallway? Here you go. The bright petrol blue is great for those with bolder, more colourful tastes, while the natural oak finish gives a light, contemporary look.
New additions from Another Country
From Another Brand to Another Country. UK brand Another Country has added new products to its Series Two and Series Three ranges, as well as a table lamp and floor lamp. The new Desk Two, for example, is made of contrasting white oiled ash and walnut wood with beautiful brass details. Described by founder Paul de Zwart as a ‘grown up’ desk, it features soft close drawers with tray inserts for organising stationery. Yes please. Elsewhere, Another Country has collaborated with menswear designer Oliver Spencer on a three-legged stool with a red detail. And there’s also First Light, a table and floor lamp made of solid brass with a unglazed black, white stoneware or terracotta shade.
Home Appliances by Keren Hu, Royal College of Art
Design students are busy at the moment showing off their latest designs and degree work at the annual summer shows. This week it was the turn of the Royal College of Art, who always put on a great display of clever, inventive products that single out the designers of tomorrow. Keren Hu caught my eye with two home appliances, an electric kettle and a portable cooker. Hu has reinvented the traditional electric kettle – large, noisy, bulky – as an elegant, compact, black piece of design that is pretty enough to be used around the home and not just relegated to the kitchen. The carefully considered shape and neat handle elevates an everyday object to a beautiful ritual.
DesignByThem
‘Bauhaus meets fun – you know, Bauhaus but if the weather was better,’ – that’s how Aussie brand DesignByThem describes their versatile, functional collection of objects. Founded by Sarah Gibson and Nick Karlovasitis in 2007, they aim to bring together the talent of Australian designers in a collection that is a playful balance of fun and function. From stackable stools to colourful coat hooks and minimal magazine racks, their style is clean and neutral, just what I like.
They say: ‘We believe that our products must be innovative but not forced. They must be useful but also be enjoyable. They can have character and stories but require modesty. They must be sensitive to time and to the environment. They must be accessible, appear simple, approachable and not be over designed. They must consider all details, be well made and have value. They must complement each other but be individual.’
So, any designs catch your eye? Can you see any in your own home?
