With the Spring furniture fairs in full swing, from Paris and Cologne to Stockholm, there’s a bounty of new furniture launches to swoon over. Here are some of my favourite designs that have caught my eye recently – all three below display a dedication to craftsmanship and detail, celebrating a material’s natural capabilities and finding beauty in the simple and minimal.
&tradition
Danish company &tradition has released several new furniture designs for Spring, continuing its mission of creating made-to-last design that fuses craft and art. The Catch lounge chair, for example, by Spanish designer Jaime Hayon comprises a high, reclined back and elongated seat in a singular shell supported by a simple metal frame. With its short armrests it has character and humour, a signature of Hayon’s work. It comes in four gorgeous, deep, rich colours – a light mustard yellow, a red wine colour, navy blue and reddish-brown.
Hayon says: ‘A lounge chair should be inviting to look at. In a way, it should be almost irresistible. Meaning you can’t help but sit back, get comfortable and have a chat. That’s what I wanted to achieve. With the added element of the two arms, like a friend, ready to welcome you.’
The elegant Copenhagen pendant designed by Space Copenhagen also catches the eye, with it’s nod to classic mid-century design. Reminiscent of old gas lamps, the pendant comes in darkened brass with a matt opal glass shade that gives a soft, ambient light. Says Peter Bundgaard Rützou, one half of Space Copenhagen: ‘We live in a part of the world where we have long periods with very little light, so it’s in our bones to seek, create and appreciate warm light that glows.’
Northern Lighting
I first discovered Oslo-based Northern Lighting at Stockholm Furniture Fair and fell in love with its functional, everyday lighting. For Spring 2017 it has released five new minimal designs that create atmosphere and ambient light, which its dark, moody shots brilliantly portray. The beautifully crafted ‘Say My Name’ (below) is a glass cloche, made by master glassblowers in Venice, that comes in smoky grey and can be used as a pendant or as a table lamp.
Above (below) is a discreet, minimal design that can be flush-mounted onto a wall or ceiling. Available in two sizes and three colours, the simple, glass form transforms into a glowing disc that casts diffused light.
Circle is another new design, this time created by student Hannakaisa, who is currently completing her final year at the Institute of Design & Fine Arts in Lahti, Finland. She used simple, graphic lines to give the pendant light its circular form and create a contemporary take on the traditional chandelier.
Lifestyle images: Chris Tonnesen
Pinch
At this week’s Maison et Objet fair in Paris, British brand Pinch showed two new designs – a coffee table and upholstered bar stool. Founded by Russell Pinch and Oona Bannon, the brand’s designs show a quiet, elegant aesthetic and a sense of refinement, while its dedication to craft and process celebrates the capabilities of materials. Describing their work as authentic and thoughtful, they show that beauty can be found in simplicity.
Inspired by the restraint and detailing of the iconic Shaker box, the Rodan coffee table (below) combines a turned solid wood top with a thick, sturdy base. The lip is secured with the classic Shaker detail that allows the wood to expand and contract over time.
All images from respective brands
