It’s that time of the month – just in the nick of time for my latest ‘On My Radar’ post. Here I’ve rounded up a selection of new product launches and simple furniture finds that have caught my eye in the last month or so. There’s everything from upcycled paint to recycled plastic lights.
Re:mix by Little Greene Paint Company
We all have leftover paint tins gathering dust in our sheds, garages and utility cupboards. If we don’t use it up, often sadly it will end up in landfill or being incinerated. But paint company Little Greene has found another way, leading the way in sustainability with the release of their new collection of upcycled paints. For the past two years, their team of chemists have been working out how they can re-blend returned paint tins and prevent waste.
Reformulated from left over and unwanted paint, the range is estimated to save as much as 60,000 litres of paint from going in the bin each year. Re:mix has been launched with an initial run of 20 colours from Little Greene’s existing colour palette, all available in a matt finish for interior walls and ceilings. My favourite Slaked Lime Mid (as seen in my living room) is in the collection, as is popular neutrals French Grey, Joanna, Clay, Normandy Grey and Sage Green. Even better, the tins are half the price of a standard Little Greene tin. The planet and your wallet will be happier for it.
Available in 2.5l tins priced at £28 each at littlegreene.com/remix. Images courtesy of Little Greene
Introducing Own Brand–Projects
Here’s one to watch – London-based design partnership Own Brand–Projects, who showcased their new collection of stools at Clerkenwell Design Week. Their work spans a variety of scales, from objects and furniture to interiors and exhibition design. Most of their designs are handmade in their own workshop and all materials are responsibly sourced. Own Brand–Projects’ new Flat Bar stools are pair a Douglas fir top with a colourful powder coated steel base for a fresh, fun look.
More details at www.ownbrandprojects.com
Christian Watson + Kirkby Design x Eley Kishimoto
This was one of my favourite discoveries from Clerkenwell Design Week – British designer Christian Watson has teamed up with Kirkby Design and Eley Kishimoto to unveil his first sofa and armchair design. The striking, monochrome Edenvale combines a minimalist metal frame with an abstract black and white pattern by Kirkby & Kishimoto. Each of Watson’s designs starts with a black pen sketch, brought to life here to create a ‘striking silhouette with minimal distractions’. The tactile Quilted Mirage fabric mixes flat wool and raised bouclé to create a wonderfully textured finish. ‘A monochrome palette adds a calm simplicity making a striking artistic statement for the home,’ says Watson.
The new Edenvale collection starts from £3,600, available from www.christian-watson.com. Imagery: Jake Curtis, styling: Sania Pell
Ombonad collection from IKEA
I was browsing the IKEA site the other day and this minimalist range of plates, bowls and glasses instantly caught my eye. Designed by Francis Cayouette, the collection features clean lines and simple, modern shapes. I particularly love the contrast of the tactile matte stoneware with the glossy black glaze. Some of the collection has already sold out online (including the lovely contrast stitched napkins), so you tell it’s popular! Hurry, I don’t think it will stick around.
From £10 for two side plates. Shop the collection at ikea.com here
New Hippo chair by NORR11
Curves are everywhere and show no sign of going out of fashion. The new Hippo chair by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Danish brand NORR11 is a prime example of the bulbous forms that are so hot right now. As the name suggest, the form takes inspiration from the barrel-like hippopotamus. The result is two soft shapes connected by a straight wooden back that comes in either natural, light smoked, dark smoked or black oak.
The Hippo lounge chair is part of Viaduct’s Spring edit. Priced at £1,560, it can be purchased at www.viaduct.co.uk. Image credit: Morten Bentzon
New releases from Hand & Eye
Also at Clerkenwell, British studio Hand & Eye unveiled several new releases. My favourite was the Io wall light, which features a beautiful stone disc made of recycled waste ceramic and glass. Named after one of Jupiter’s moons, each speckled disc is completely unique and comes in three colour ways called Dust, Smoke and Desert.
I can also see their new Melina collection being a popular choice. Available as either a pendant light or wall light in a choice of opal matt or clear matt glass, the dimpled glass shade has an elegant simplicity that would suit all manner of projects. The glass shades can be strung onto a bronze coloured flex to create an animated, jewel-like chandelier that could create a real wow moment over a dining table or in a stairwell.
Available from handandeyestudio.co.uk. All images courtesy of Hand & Eye
Eco plastic lights by Spark & Bell
Similarly, one of my favourite lighting brands Brighton-based Spark & Bell has launched a new collection of eco plastic lights. The founder described to me at Clerkenwell Design Week how they collect plastic waste from their workshop building and their own packaging to refashion into recycled wall lights. I think it just shows how local businesses can come together to solve the problem of plastic waste and create something beautiful at the same time. The resulting wall lights, priced at a very reasonable £159, come in four colour ways (black is my favourite). The marbled finish is reminiscent of stone and adds a luxurious touch to humble plastic.
Available from www.sparkandbell.com. All images courtesy of Spark & Bell
