It’s a new year and there’s a whole host of new minimalist design and furniture launches to swoon over. So here’s my monthly round up of everything that has caught my eye this January – from sculptural vases and curvaceous vessels to graphic Bauhaus-inspired chairs and modular shelving systems. There’s curved forms and U shapes a plenty, as well as muted nature-inspired tones paired with on-trend pastels. I’ll have lots more news next month when I travel to Stockholm for the furniture fair and design week, follow my design travels on Instagram and keep an eye out for a post here too!
New Spring/Summer 2020 collection by Muuto
Much-loved Danish brand Muuto introduces a number of new pieces for 2020 – each a bold new take on Scandinavian design. I love the uplifting feel of these bright images, just the freshness we need as we look ahead to Spring.
Two new designs come from Earnest Studio; the first time the up-and-coming Rotterdam-based design practice, founded by designer Rachel Griffin, has worked with Muuto. The Post wall and floor lamp allows the user to change the position of the lighting units, whether it’s up and down a wall-mounted bracket or a free-standing streamlined base on the floor. Earnest Studio’s porcelain Kink vase, available in sand and light blue, playfully bends a tube shape to create a vessel where one or both holes can be used for flowers.
‘My starting point for the Kink Vase was an exploration of how new forms could be created through the digital manipulation of simple shapes. The graphic and playful appearance of the Kink Vase—combined with its double opening, which suggests a new way to arrange flowers—infuses its surroundings with joy,’ says Griffin.
In addition, Muuto has introduced a more compact version of its Cover armchair and lounge chair, seen below in green. Designed by Thomas Bentzen, the Cover side chair is stackable and features a sculptural curved back in wood veneer. And finally, good news for the environment, Muuto is introducing water-based lacquers that emit fewer VOCs to a range of its existing products.
New Spring/Summer 2020 collection by Kristina Dam Studio
Danish design company Kristina Dam Studio has expanded its collection with several new objects that embraces its Sculptural Minimalism aesthetic.
My favourite piece is the Bauhaus lounge chair. As the name suggests, its streamlined, curved form pays homage to the famous Bauhaus art school and design movement. Made of weather resistant powder-coated steel, it’s available in black or beige and can be used indoors or outside.
The new Dual vases also caught my eye – they’re made of thick glass and come in three earthy colours – as did the Apothecary vases that take inspiration from porcelain jars often found in pharmacies.
Old favourites have new looks. The Curved side table now comes in beige or an industrial-look stainless steel, while two new colours have been introduced for the characterful Curved pouf; a pitch black and rich ochre called cognac. There’s also a playful Curved bench, an elongated version of the side table with cubby holes for magazines and books.
All images courtesy Kristina Dam
Kuru Collection by Philippe Malouin for Iittala
Finnish brand Iittala has launched a new collection of objects by British-Canadian designer Philippe Malouin. Initially inspired by the tranquility of nature, the name Kuru comes from the Finnish word for gorge; a narrow valley between hills or mountains.
Available in a rich, tonal colour palette of dark green, seville orange, beige and light grey, the collection comprises three casted, handmade ceramic bowls, a smaller glass bowls and a mouth-blown glass vase. I particularly like the frosted moss green glass that looks like a piece of nature has been frozen in time.
Says Malouin: ‘The French word ‘vide-poche’ refers to a bowl kept near the front door where you can empty your pockets into when coming home. Kuru pieces serve that exact purpose. The bowls allow you to neatly organise the personal belongings while displaying them in an interesting way. I wanted to design a collection that helps people create centres of gravity in their homes and provides a place for precious objects and memories, regardless of the size of their living space.’
The new collection is sold exclusively in the UK at SCP stores.
Images courtesy Iittala and SCP
New minimalist shelving system by Mleko Living
Kraków-based design studio Mleko Living has unveiled a new shelving system. Available in white, grey, black, as well as two natural wood veneers, the Mleko Shelving System is a lightweight storage solution with a minimalist, utilitarian look.
The Mleko Shelving System comes flat packed and can be easily assembled without any tools – two types of shelves are simply screwed into a powder coated frame. Due to its modular nature, the shelving system can also be modified or added to over time. There are three leg lengths to choose from to create different arrangements, from small sideboards to whole walls of shelving. At the end of its lifetime, parts can either be replaced or recycled.
Images courtesy Mleko Living
New London-based online store Goscandi with a focus on sustainable, Scandinavian design
Here’s a new name to bookmark: Goscandi is a new London-based online store selling a handpicked collection of modern Scandinavian home accessories and decor – and I think you’re going to love it. There’s a focus on sustainability, quality and function, from the use of eco-friendly organic materials to recycled and biodegradable packaging.
Goscandi offers such a beautiful, considered collection of everyday objects. I’ve got my eye on their sculptural Nib vases, designed by Halina Fritsch for DBKD, a family-owned Swedish brand that makes their products in the Swedish countryside. You’ll also find organic cotton food bags and FSC certified kitchenware by Danish design company ByWirth, Skandinavisk candles and TANGENTGC cosmetics, as well as pure organic cashmere throws in understated colour ways and organic cotton towels by Swedish design company Himla.
The company was founded by interior designer Ana Saprygina, who wanted to offer customers a simple, uncluttered and stress-free shopping experience. Goscandi says: ‘We are interior designers who are spending endless hours searching for the things we love. When we do find them, we share them with you here [goscandi.com]. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we hope you will follow us as we build the perfect collection that reflects the heart of Scandinavian design – simplicity, aesthetics and quality.’
Images courtesy Goscandi
New Spring/Summer 2020 collection by Woud
Danish brand Woud unveiled their new Spring/Summer 2020 collection at IMM Cologne and Maison&Objet in Paris this January. This season there’s an emphasis on the senses, with a collection of objects featuring smooth, curved shapes and harmonious, tranquil colours.
Some of my favourite pieces include the simple Lu pendant by Brussels based design studio Beaverhausen and the lightweight Tree dining table by Elisabeth Hertzfeld, with its sleek metal legs mimicking the form of a branch. Smaller objects include the graphic-inspired Muse table mirror by French designer Laurene Bourgeron, a concrete bookend by Oslo-based Ella Shegai, and a table lamp inspired by an antique oil lamp found at a flea market by Studio Kowalewski.
All images courtesy Woud
