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

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.

Studio Oink for BastisRIKE

As you well know, I particularly appreciate the work of German Studio Oink ( see previous post here) and this time I like it even more. Their latest work is the styling for a new series of products designed by Henrike Schoen of BastisRIKE among which the beautiful black and white graphic blanket stands out amazingly.

BastisRIKE is a Siegburg-based studio dedicated to the creation of stamps, paper products, textiles and other interior products. Handmade philosophy and sustainability is the core of its designs as mirrored in the attention to details and the choice of environmental friendly materials.

To me, the blanket is outstanding. The pattern derives from a postcard Henrike Schoen designed earlier that is called NETZ, meaning network in German. I believe the pattern works even better in such a scale, reminding me of some modern, quirk transposition of the Beni Ourain rugs we see so much lately.

 

I cannot but agree with Wendy of Beeldsteil - where I spotted the blanket yesterday - and say this has definitely entered my winter wishlist.

All images via Studio Oink, 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

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

SELECTED | The best of design from Barcelona

If you have been following the blog, you will remember my earlier post about the first Barcelona Mercado Condal del Diseño, an event created to approach design to the wide public. The Design Market, the first of his genre, took place in the jungle-like location of the Palo Alto foundation in Poblenou, here in Barcelona (check the post here). And I promised you last Monday, here it is the selection of my favourite products.

I have to say I was very impressed by the selection and its international aesthetics: though all the designers here are Spanish and their products made in the country, you will agree with me their story - as a fusion of concept and form - goes beyond the national boundaries. So it is for Branches, a collection of salt&pepper shakers inspired by nature and available in several selected colours (above, hold by Raúl Durà).

Branches is a design by the Valencia-based studio La Mamba for their brand Omelette, whose Mirrors series has been showcased in magazines like RUM, Wallpaper and Case da Abitare or selected by the best design shops, like Lotta Agaton Shop in Stockholm. 

I loved the concept behind Branches, simple and functional, the materials and its natural and pastels tones. I am happy to say the wood&black version is now at home with us.

More Nordic inspiration was to be found in Enola cabinets, created by Javier and Laura, previously an engineer that decided to move to design as a way to express their passion for Scandinavian design and well done, affordable furniture (above, on the left).

Another beautiful encounter was the one I had with Ana Roquero, the designer behind Jomon. Ana felt the worldwide fame of Spanish chefs was not mirrored in the tableware design and decide to work with them to create Jomon. The shape is pure, essential and natural and you will agree with a Japanese atmosphere but, actually, the shape comes directly from the tradition of the Basque countries, where Ana Roquero comes from and home to some of the most outstanding chefs in the international scene (above, on the right).

Would you have been able to resist to this sensual piece? I was not so they came home with me.

But I think ceramics was the medium with the higher presence, from jewellery to natural and geometrical bowls and sculpture. Above, the irresistible necklaces by talented Julieta Alvarez, in the hands of Gudy from Eclectic Trends (later on around Gudy's neck!).  

Check her web to see more pieces, all available for sale.

Another outstanding piece was the sculpture by Paco Orti in the image below. The presentation of his work was outstanding and, in fact, won the prize from the jury.

Last but not least, Aparentment. As soon as I saw the brass mirror on the Carrara marble stand, I knew I had seen this before. In fact, Josep Vila Capdevila was one of the young designer that presented their work in the Greenhouse, during the last Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair (check more here). It was a real pleasure to meet Josep and listen his story and passion for essential design. The mirror was the piece that caught the most my attention but you can see more of Aparentment works here.

I hope you enjoyed the little tour! All images © facing north with gracia

SELECTED | Nominees from Nova Award 2014

The nominees for the Nova Award 2014 - Nordic Designer of the year was been released yesterday: the prize will be given to a young designer that works in the Nordic areas. Therefore, participants were selected for each country: Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland. 

The selection shows a young generation of talented designers that are able to draw inspiration from the outstanding Scandinavian heritage while looking at contemporary challenges and needs.

Among my favourites is Vera & Kyte design studio, founded by Vera K. Kleppe and Åshild Kyte in 2012 in Bergen, Norway. The collaboration and fusion of their approaches are the driving force of their work, strongly influenced by the Nordic landscape and the Scandinavian design tradition. The were selected by the Nova Award 2014 jury for their optimistic approach to design and ability to create attractive pieces that can fit nowadays homes. Here you see Whisky & Water, a duo of glasses defined by elegant yet unexpected lines that combine together to create a sculptural object. The colours reflect the tones of Scandinavian nature. 

 

Nordic landscape is the core inspiration also for Hanna Dalrot and her Textile landscapes series, her graduation project from Beckmans College of Design. 

 

I had the pleasure to meet Hanna while visiting the Stockholm Furniture Fair during our Bloggers Tour last February and like many others I was totally blown by her beautiful work. While checking her website, I discovered a real ability to work with different materials and functions and a strong consistency throughout her all production. I cannot help and agree with the jury that we are in front of a new design star.

Images via Vera & Kyte and Hanna Dalrot.

SELECTED | Formafantasma

Formafanstasma is a design studio based in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, founded by an Italian duo: Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin. After graduating at Design Academy Eindhoven in 2009, they dedicated to explore the relationship between tradition and local culture.

Their new exhibition  'De Natura Fossilium'  at Gallery Libby Sellers in London will close next week, so if you happen to be in the British capital I suggest you to go and have a look at the work of these two talented and artist-designers. The exhibition investigates the culture of lava in Sicily, precisely in Stromboli and the Mount Etna, that Formafantasma duo defines as a mine without miners that excavate itself to expose its very rawness. Through their exhibition, they question the role of tradition and cultural heritage that takes the raw material, lava, to a complete different level of meaning. 

The result is a powerful and poetic collection of unexpected objects, contemporary yet so antique.

 

Via Gallery Libby Sellers

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