The best of minimal interior design from designjunction

I know it’s a couple of weeks since London Design Festival, but sometimes it’s good to have a pause before publishing posts about events in order to gain some perspective and simply be able to sift through the massive influx of information, press releases and news. Today I’m putting the focus on designjunction, always my favourite show of the festival for minimal, contemporary interior design.

Spread across three venues on the South Bank, this year designjunction gathered together more than 200 design brands from across the world, along with pop-up shops, cafes and installations. What I like about designjunction is the mix of small independents and established companies; you can find everything from hand-poured, organic candles and bespoke jewellery to sustainable bedding, hand-crafted furniture and contemporary lighting. Here I’ve rounded up seven of my favourite furniture finds from the show – the very best of minimal interior design from designjunction:

1. Resident
Founded in 2011 by Simon James and Scott Bridgens, Resident is a New Zealand-based company that creates timeless, modern furniture and lighting. They value creativity, innovation and refinement in design.

‘We balance the desire for new ideas and progression with an appreciation for simple forms. The result is objects that can harmonise with a room or act as a deliberate contrast,’ they say.

My favourite pieces are the Arcade Sofa by Simon James, a simple modular system made up of interlocking units that can be configured in multiple different ways. Choose from single or corner seats, chaises and ottomans, and narrow or wide arms. The Circus lighting range by Resident Studio has the look of a delicate piece of jewellery – interconnected brass rings with an inset LED light source that can be combined together to create striking hanging pendants. The Offset coffee table by Philippe Malouin is a low, chunky design that has a solid, stable appearance.

digital process: PixSolution

2. Undercover Living
Undercover Living is a new sustainable bed linen brand founded by London-based Miriam Tyrangiel. Undercover’s designs use a revolutionary yarn called TencelTM that is made of botanicals such as eucalyptus, creating a textile that is super soft and lightweight. As well as being eco-friendly and biodegradable, the bedding – made in Portugal – is kind to your skin, breathable and anti-bacterial.

‘I’d spent a lot of time trying to find really good quality bed linen that wasn’t just boring plain white. My background is branding and design so I’m always looking out for products that are aesthetically pleasing and functional. I decided to create a bold, distinctly modern range that would stand out for its clean lines and contrasting colours. Having discovered the eco-friendliness and versatility of Tencel™ and seen its popularity in fashion and interior design, I realised its potential. And the rest is history…,’ says Miriam.

Rather cleverly, each design is reversible, giving you two looks for one. Choose from bold ultramarine blue, charcoal grey, a speckled print or soft peach. Prices start from £40 for two pillowcases, £120 for a duvet cover and £150 for a set.

3. &New
Founded in 2014 by British-Finnish design duo Jo Wilton and Mirka Gröhn, &New is a furniture company that designs and manufacturers modern, playful furniture in small batches in Britain.

‘Distinctly modern with elegant lines, the designs combine an aesthetic of British wit and Nordic simplicity,’ they say. ‘The uses of honest materials that age gracefully and the local manufacturing are central to the brand. All the manufacturing is done in UK in small batches and the furniture has plenty of individual character from the making processes. Less is fun!’

Their stand-out design is the Colour Play Collection. Driven by function and &New’s minimal aesthetic, the range consists of dining tables, benches, stools and cabinets in a rainbow of rich colours. There’s something for everyone, whether you like something softer and all-white, or are looking to make a statement with a bright pop of hue.

4. Erik Jørgensen
I’ve written about Erik Jørgensen before, so it was lovely to see them have a presence in London. A family-owned company, Erik Jørgensen strives to create furniture that lasts, combining classic Danish design icons with new pieces by international designers in its collection.

The Insula collection, designed by duo Ernst & Jensen, has been expanded with three new shelves. Support day an asymmetrical bracket, the organic surface of the rounded shelves almost appears like it is floating. The Insula shelves come in three different sizes, including a tray shelf and a larger version that can be used as a small desk. Pair with the Insula mirror to create a dynamic wall display – ideal for tight hallways and small spaces.

5. Nichba
This one is for all of you planning minimal bathrooms and struggling to find good quality black bathroom accessories. Nichba is a Danish company that creates clever, simple design for the bedroom and bathroom. The brand was founded by entrepreneur Nichlas B. Andersen; during his time as a blacksmith apprentice he would create pieces for his own home, working with steel to combine sturdy functional design and a delicate appearance. Today cuts from the steel plates are still a common thread throughout Nichba’s collection, as is a respect for Danish craftsmanship.

Highlights include the bed frame, shower screen and black metal shelves.

6. ANDlight
Appearing in the UK for the first time at design junction, ANDlight is a Vancouver-based lighting manufacturer that was founded in 2013. They create simple, striking lighting designs, such as the Orbit lamp seen below.

‘ANDlight strives to challenge expectations in lighting with a commitment to progressive, responsible products through the employment of design, modern and innovative production methods and contemporary lighting technologies. The result of this commitment are functional, dynamic and unique fixtures,’ they say.

Inspired by planetary orbits around the sun, Orbit is minimalist light designed by Lukas Peet. A round bulb with an LED light source is encased in a metal frame that can be easily moved around. It comes with a white or black marble base or as a pendant version.

Says Peet, ‘The glowing globe is iconic in lighting. So simple and effective, It of course resembles the original light source – the sun. Orbit is a direct response to this, with its metal cage functionally protecting the glass as well giving it an aesthetical reference point while also referring back to the sun and our own orbit around it.’

7. Norr11
Danish company Norr11 presented the Samurai Lounge Chair, a modern interpretation of mid-century-style hunting chairs and Danish stick chairs. Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl, the chair’s construction is inspired by Japanese simplicity; it’s made from turned oak timber sections with a seat that folds around the frame. Handmade in Denmark, the Samurai is available in the finest Sorensen leather or re-enforced canvas. The chair’s beauty is most visible from the back, where you can appreciate the straps and brass buckles.

All images from respective brands