String, a walk to the dark side

The beginning of the year brings always great excitement for all the news coming from the different brands for their Spring/Summer campaign. Of course, I have my favourite ones to be looking for: they are selected for both the quality and durability of their products and their outstanding ability to communicate and inspire us new way of inhabit the everyday space. Among these it is String new catalogue, again a joined work of long-time favourite Lotta Agaton (style),  Magnus Ingerstedt (AD), Marcus Lawett (photo).

String has always been synonymous of adaptability to space and necessity by the possibility of moving the pieces within the different panels as well as adding new elements to the existing ones. This year, thanks also to the introduction of new shades for both shelves and panels (the115 cm tall floor panels will be available also in black and in grey), a new horizon of combinations is made possible. 

For String 2016 catalogue, a clear statement has been done: it is definitely time to embrace dark and earthy colours at home (have you seen this breathtaking all black styling featuring the new, black stained ash?). 

The light and elegant String system, to me always connected to whiteness, is making now a bold statement by showing how it can actually adapt to any space and style, taking their well known flexibility to a new concept and chapter. 

So, here it is in the Plexy version in an antique vintage bathroom, while the more classic combination in walnut fits perfectly as an entrance console in the masculine scenario. The old industrial look is maintained for the more feminine bedroom where Pocket with oak shelves is used as multi-function element that serve as traditional shelves and, contemporary, as bedside tables.

I would personally put a String in any room, from the kitchen to Bianca's nursery: what about you?

Pictures courtesy of String, with thanks.

Libratone speakers for the stylish home

"Where words fail, music speaks", cannot agree more, especially when you want to create just the perfect atmosphere for a special gathering. 

During our Amsterdam Bloggers Tour, I was introduced to Danish brand Libratone, a company dedicated to bring together high-quality sound, amazing design at an affordable price. Moreover, Libratone speakers are wireless, that means means they don't need to be plugged in - making them very easy to move around in the room according to your need. All their speakers have changeable wool covers to adapt them to different interior styling. 

Recently Libratone also launched their very exciting project 360 Scandinavian, a project where creative Scandinavians - like Christian Juhl or Kristina Kjær - shares their opinions to understand what Scandinavia stands for.

 

All images via Libratone

Kristina Dam | The Danish way

Kristina Dam is a artist and graphic designer based in Copenhagen. Her work aims to visualize the dialectics among art, graphic design and interiors. In Paris, at Maison et Objet 2014, she presented her newest creations: the Botanic Series, a modern and poetic interpretation of the urban jungle trend of the moment created in collaboration with the Danish photographer Tuala Hjarnø.

In her works, tropical plants becomes shy interpreter of a new way of understanding nature in the interior world: they appear not mere adornments of our home but characters of the tale of everyday life, each of them with a different and peculiar personality. Though Monstera (Phylodendron) is still my favourite, I find a Sanseveria has never been so beautiful. And surely some of fellow Urban Jungle Bloggers will agree with me.

I particularly appreciate Kristina Dam's new work I decided to team up with The Poster Club and run a very special giveaway on my Instagram account: one lucky follower will have a chance to win one of the poster in their selection (value 80 euros). It is an amazing opportunity to be among the first ones to get one of these original prints; in fact the prints can be now only pre-ordered. Head to my Instagram profile here to know how to participate.

Airy table by Cecilie Manz for Muuto

Cecilie Manz is one of the leading designers in the Scandinavian scene  furniture, working on both products mainly for the home as well as producing experimental prototypes ( her Lots of Paper stool-sculpture is a true inspiration to me).

Recently, she designed a new coffee table for Danish brand Muuto that will be launched at Maison et Objet 2014 next September. Airy table is conceived as a flexible piece able to adapt to any sort of interior or functions. The name reflects the light appearance of its a metal frame that is welded and soldered very accurately to create a light and skinny silhouette. The polished plywood top, accurately finished, adds the necessary personality to the piece.

 The table comes in four different shapes and colours: black, grey, off-white and oregon pine and expresses its best when the different tables are combined together.

All pictures via MUUTO, with thanks.

Plywood interiors in Melbourne

This project by Clare Cousins Architects exemplifies how conceptual design thinking can transform our way of visualizing a space. In fact, the 75 sq apartment had to be transformed from a one bedroom space to one able to host a growing family. Taking inspiration from traditional Japanese interiors, the architects re-designed the program of the space by opting to minimize the bedroom areas. Two micro rooms were created, with the master bedroom conceived as a cocoon made of plywood. The room is separated only by sliding doors to maximise the living and family spaces. 

Plywood is used extensively throughout the whole apartment helping to enhance the perception of the space as a whole. Moreover, it is the perfect choice to fit the low budget the architects had to work with: the material is affordable and readily available. 

Photographs: Lisbeth Grosmann

Via Archdaily

Our Home #7 | String Pocket love

My love for String System is well documented across the blog since its beginning. The bookshelves have been on my home wish list since I can remember I had one and I was very happy when the RAW String Pocket arrived at home last year. I saw it for the very first time thanks to the images Lotta Agaton published from her collaboration with the Swedish brand and I knew that new version had to be part of our place.

At the moment, the versatile bookshelf is placed in our home studio, just above my place. I love to style it from time to time with small objects and things I find during our walk around, especially with leaves and greenery. The touch of the shelves is very special, warm and almost sensual. Though String pocket has been introduced only in 2005 to provide a smaller and more flexible shelving solution, it has now become a fundamental part of the brand product range.  The kit consists of two panels and three shelves therefore, thanks to its special system, by adding just another kit will allow you to create many different solution, both horizontally and vertically.

As we need some extra storage space, I am considering of adding a FLOOR String System either in the living area or in the kitchen: a pity the raw version is not available for the big ones! I will keep you posted about the choice and would love to know your ideas about your favourite shelving systems!

All pictures © facing north with gracia

Our home #5 | New things in

New shots from home with some of the last things that have just arrived. 

I love the double reflection of the Vase Vase designed by Norm Architects for Menu and I think it is perfect for the white flowers I picked up at the beach last weekend: they are sand daffodils and smell deliciously at night-time. On the background, a long-wished item: the HAY paper designed by All The Way To Paris. It took so much to find out where I could get it and I am happy to share with you that German website Connox has the full range and a very good Scandinavian design selection, too.

To see more picture from our home, click here.

  All pictures © facing north with gracia

WEEKEND SPECIAL | Linn Johansson

Few weeks ago I found the picture on Linn Johansson's black and white home office on Instagram: I immediately like her monochrome home and how could it be otherwise? So I selected for you some picture from her instagram feeds to share with you on the blog, sure you will enjoy as much as I do.  

I like Linn's home because it really feels "real": styled but no to excess, essentially Scandinavian with a personal touch. Among all the ideas, I find the hallways wardrobe wall quite interesting and very functional: the metal structure works very well as a room divider while providing necessary extra space to hang things or It could stand also as an element on its own, like it does here. It is an idea to bare in mind especially for reduces spaces that are always in need of some more storage space.

You can check here and here for more interior inspiration.

SELECTED | Outdoor Collection by Norm Architects

The Finn Collection was born from a collaboration between Design Within Reach and Norm Architects and represent the first outdoor furniture collection signed by the Danish design duo. Made in Indonesia by solid sustainably harvested teak, the collection reflects the sincere, timeless approach that distinguishes Norm Architects' work as well as their extrem care of details. The range includes a chaise, a lounge seat, an ottoman and a sofa that can be combined to create the perfect relaxing space to enjoy the long summer days. The collection is completed by a dining table and chairs.

Via Norm Architects

KOKO KLIM, a refined organic collection for home

The Barcelona-based brand Koko Klim has just renewed its image thanks to the collaboration with Int-sight. 

Respect for nature and well being are at the core of Koko Klim's philosophy - as shown by the care in the selection of their natural materials, always 100% ecologically certified. The textiles are then transformed into an elegant and very curated collection of products for your home: some of the products are entirely handmade according with ancient techniques that give the object a unique value.

I particularly enjoy the new image of the brand: I feel they managed to make visible Koko Klim's special bond with nature and simple living.

following ancient textile traditions, giving the product a unique beauty and value. - See more at: http://www.kokoklim.com/en/about-us#sthash.4oDL9HTL.dpuf

following ancient textile traditions, giving the product a unique beauty and value. - See more at: http://www.kokoklim.com/en/about-us#sthash.4oDL9HTL.dpuf

Photography | Noemi DLP Fotografa
 Via  Int-sight

SELECTED | K desk for kids room

Rafa-kids has just launched their latest design: K desk, an imaginary and playful piece for any children room. There is a great attention to merge function and beauty: no screw or connector can be found outside and every part have been carefully design. I particularly enjoy the round shapes and minimal, almost sketch-like, appearance. Rafa-kids has great selection of furniture for kids: head here to have a look!

Via Rafa-kids blog

SELECTED | TAF for Paper Collective

Paper Collective gathers graphic designers, artists and illustrators to design iconic prints that will also promote great causes and charities. Today I introduce you to Villa Foundation prints by TAF studio. The Swedish office is well renowned for its work for brands like Muuto ( Wood lamp, Up  and E27 lamps and 70/70 table are among their product designs) and is one of the most prominent design offices in Scandinavia. 

For Paper Collective, they designed a villa of 125 sqm, raised above ground level by four stones and represented in two prints, one with the elevation and the other showing the different parts of the building.

I am very intrigued to know more about the concept behind the villa design, a fusion between Magritte and the concept of the stone-wooden pillar structure of the ancient Japanese villas like Katsura.

The benefit from the prints will be donated to  ASF International (Architecture Sans Frontieres).  

 

Photo Joakim Bergström & Paper Collective
Via Taf