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.

Stefan Diez for HAY | An office like a jungle

If I had to imagine my ideal studio, surely it will look very similar to this one: an open space probably with an warehouse past,  filled with light to create the perfect indoor environment to host an urban jungle.

The studio belongs to one of the most interesting German designers, Stefan Diez, based in Munich. His name is well known within the Scandinavian design world for Diez's collaboration with Danish brand HAY for the creation of a new generation of shelving system: the images pictured here actually belongs to HAY catalogue for Diez's New Order.

I find very interesting how HAY decided to make so visible the strong connection between the product and its designer by shooting part of the catalogue in Diez's studio. In a way, it becomes a manifesto of the importance of craft as an essential part of the design process. It also mirrors HAY's desire to reconnect to the glorious innovative craftmanship that made Danish design so famous during the 50's and 60's; also, it is a declaration of Diez's approach to design through an intense work with materials and technology.

However, New Order is a "100% industrial choice, [...], a high-precision product" that speaks our contemporary language: in a digital world where everything is stored online, the traditional office material is disappearing from our shelves, leaving space to display more objects and memories. Therefore, here it is the choice of many brands to re-think the traditional shelving unit; to make it versatile and flexible, able to both divide space and to create it. Just take a look at the image above: the group of two could actually be easily repeated at home, almost like an overlapping scenography populated by our favourite pictures, photographs, objects and curiosities. A wall-less room that could grow in height and length according to the movement of our life. Design has never been so human.

New Order is the shelving system for a new type of space, one that adapts to contemporary life and its needs of flexibility and, at the same time, is also a cocoon inhabited equally by plants and human beings in harmony.

All images © HAY

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

Our Home #3

Today I want to share with you some inspiration from our home. As you probably already know, the bedroom is my most favourite place. I love its all white interior because it gives me lots of tranquillity. Also, it is the perfect background to play around a bit with new ideas and little props, like I did last weekend: inspired by the moodboard workshop took with Gudy Herder last month, I decided to add some twist to our bedroom. A simple metallic paper, some black clips and my last crushes matched perfectly with the Diamond chair by Harry Bertoia. 

Greenery is another important part of my everyday life: I really enjoy to go around Barcelona picking (gently) small leaves and branches to bring home, like the little fern from our Sunday stroll in Collserola, the mountain at the back of Barcelona.

Josefin Hååg's home as pictured in a earlier issue of Residence magazine is always an incredible source of inspiration. And I love this outdoor patio design: a white wall, dark grey gravel and lots of greenery. Check here for more green interior and outdoor ideas.

 

To see more shots from our home, check the link here or go to my Instagram account. 

All picture ©facing north with gracia.

A new Grand Prix for Arne Jacobsen

The collaboration between the Danish master Arne Jacobsen and Republic of Fritz Hansen is well known: the work, that actually started in 1934, had its breakthrough during the Fifties, the decades that people at Fritz Hansen say was entirely dominated by the great architect. The first product was the famous laminated Ant chair, whose technique and separable furniture is still a milestone in the history of Fritz Hansen. Its success lead to the production of the world-wide famous Series 7 chair and many iconic pieces, like the Egg and the Swan designed for Radisson SAS Hotel in Copenhagen.

To celebrate this strong bond, the Danish brand Republic of Fritz Hansen has revisited the classic Grand Prix chair and created a new version of the original piece.

The Grand Prix is a stackable plywood chair presented at the Spring Exhibition of Danish arts and crafts at the Danish Museum of Art & Design in Copenhagen. Originally, the chair was known as the model 3130 but was renamed after Arne Jacobsen won the Grand Prix at the XI. Triennale di Milano in 1957. Its construction and design mostly resembles the Model 3107, which Jacobsen designed 1955, but featured four wooden legs later replaced by the metal undercarriage.

Fritz Hansen has decided to go back to the very roots of the piece and propose the first version of the Grand Prix chair with wooden legs. The chair is now available in oak and walnut with clear lacquer as well as coloured ash in all colours, my favourites being the natural oak finish and the black, white, dark grey versions. 

Arne Jacobsen's works are still among the best example of the finest Scandinavian design for its unique shape and the extreme attention to detail. Surely, this will be another great success in the history of the Danish brand.

 All images via Republic of Fritz Hansen

Salone del Mobile | Brdr. Krüger in Milan

The biggest event in the design world is about to start: next Tuesday, April the 8th, the 2014 edition of the Salone del Mobile will open its doors in Milan. There is always a very special excitment and great expectation around the Milan Design Week and the most difficult part is usually to be able to pick the best companies to visit. 

Anyone passionate for Scandinavian design should not miss to visit Brdr. Krüger booth at the DANISH LIVINGroom at Salone del Mobile International. Brdr. Krüger was founded by brothers Theodor and Ferdinand 125 years ago and, still, it is a family run and owned business completely dedicated to its passion for  high-quality woodcraft. 

Widely known for their production of design classics designed by  Hans Bølling and Nanna Ditzel, Brdr. Krüger will take a new step and present two products during the upcoming Salone del Mobile: the Ferdinand chair designed by Copenhagen-based design studio OEO and the Lune Lamp, by Norwegian designer Sverre Uhnger. The high-quality craftmanship, that the company is famous for, is revealed in the productions of both new products while embrancing modern technology. 

The Lune lamp is a great example of it. Inspired by the wood-turned object (the sphere), it reveals a tactile and welcoming feeling and makes a perfect fit for any home. It is available in three finishings: smoked oak, linseed oil-treated oak and soap-treated oak, the last one being my favourite.

In the Ferdinand chair we find the same great passion and woodcraft ability that charactherized the Lune lamp and Brdr. Krüger production - the famous Wooden Monkey designed by Kay Bojesen is produced by the company since 1992. The piece sculptural appearance, especially of its backrest, is enhanced by the the soaped-oak finish that gives the piece a very domestic and honest touch. 

We could stay in front of two new design icons of  Scandinavian design. So, if you are in Milan next week, take a chance to go and feel these two great pieces. Brdr. Krüger the Danish Livingroom in Hall 10, Stand B03.

All images Brdr. Krüger.

Temporary storage system at home

We needed some temporary extra storage in the bedroom and so we moved the shelving system we made last year. The piece of furniture is actually supposed to lay on the longer side (poor thing!) but it wouldn't fit in the room in that way, so we simply put it the other way around.  The quality is not very good but I like to see some wooden pieces in the room. I think it'll be ok for now.

  

SELECTED | Nendo for BoConcept

Danish brand BoConcept has recently released the new Fusion collection, born from a collaboration with the Japanese studio Nendo, founded in Tokio by Oki Sato in 2002.  

The first encounter between BoConcept CEO Torben Paulin and Oki Sato took place last year during the Stockholm Furniture and Light fair, where the Japanese designer was the guest of honour (Do you remember his breathtaking "Moving mountains" installation?). 

Conceived as a "fusion" of Japanese aesthetics and Danish functionalism, the collection was presented recently at a New York event. Fusion includes a sofa, chair, rug, tables, wall storage system and accessories that merge together BoConcept urban appeal with Nendo's approach able to transform our everyday relation with objects. 

I had the chance to see the sofa at the local BoConcept store in Barcelona and I found it particularly interesting, although the real scope of my visit was to get my hand on the couple of "Bird" sculptures (not available yet): aren't they a perfect mix of Danish craftsmanship work and Nendo's subtle joie de vivre?

  

Interior trends 2014 / Storage systems

One of the main threads at Stockholm Furniture Fair was the new high quality but affordable storage solutions. These systems are all characterized by modularity, variation and adaptability and mirror our society's strong need for flexible solutions and customization.

Menu Stick system is a good example of this. The designer embraces the characteristic "soft minimalism" of the Danish company in the simple but not simplistic details and finishings and creates a system that can be easily expanded at our will or need. 

At the fair, Danish design brand By Lassen presented their flexible storage solution Frame. Originally inspired by a sketch by Mogens Lassen that dates back to 1943, the modules are extremely versatile. They can be used as storage boxes for small objects, stacked together on the floor or hung directly on the wall creating a sort of sculpture. And, as Igor from Happy Interior blog pointed out here, the colour palette is very balanced and well composed for design savvy eyes.

 

I cannot help mentioning the iconic Scandinavian brand String, that presented their new bowl shelf. The bowls, in white ABS plastic and divided in 3 compartments, are waterproof.  They have now become a new favourite for organising small stuff in the kitchen, bathroom or in the office. We also had a chance to see the String Plex that we discovered was designed by the founder only four years after the classic system. The idea was extremely new at the time as the designer used perspex (plexiglass), a material coming from Germany. The only change carried out to the original Plex is that, nowadays, the panels are laser cut.

For more insights from our Stockholm Bloggers Tour, please check here. All pictures by Riikka Kantinkoski / Weekday Carnival