Zeitraum in Milan 2013

Zeitraum always hold back a little bit of their News for the Salone Internazionale del Mobile and this year was no exception - a new bed, a new bench and a new light all debuted this week in Milan.

MIUT is a new box-spring bed system by Julia Fellner with a tremendous amount of options. A combination of technology, comfort and quality construction, MIUT is suitable for both domestic and contract environments. The box contains 250 individually wrapped pocket springs per square metre and the height above the floor allows for easy maintenance. 

MIUT Basic is as simple a it sounds - just the box frame and mattress in the fabric or leather of your choice in all the standard sizes you would expect. From there you can get creative - MIUT Comfort adds a tapering headboard to the basic version. MIUT Panel is available in natural oak or the new stain colours and in 2 heights. The geometric grid of the panel determines the positioning of 6 optional storage "boxes" - open boxes, drawers or shelves. These boxes can themselves be in natural oak, stained to match the panel or to alternatively stained to contrast the panel itself.

See? A lot of options to choose from ensuring each MIUT is unique. MIUT will be available in September 2013. 

In the above image, you can see the new NOON 1 SMALL pendant light with black textile cable, conceived as a simple bedside companion to MIUT, but work equally as well over a bistro dining table.

E8 Bench by Mathias Hahn is a companion to the E8 Table launched at IMM Cologne. The table was shown in Milan in its original zinc yellow finish and the new benches are available with a simple oak seat or with a discreet upholstered pad. Available in sizes that correspond with the table, there is a pleasant simplicity to the benches that make them ideal for modern, casual dining.

The smallest version of E8 Table (120 x 70 cms) was also shown - perfect for a home office!

The Zeitraum News 2013 will form the basis of our presentation at Clerkenwell Design Week in May, so make sure you register early to see it for yourself. The new Zeitraum News 2013 brochure is also now available. Just send us a note and we'll send you a copy.

Milan 2013: The Fiera

So we're back from a long week roaming the halls of the Fiera and the cobbled streets of Milan and now we're gathering our thoughts. What did we think of this years design extravaganza? 

Budri Italian marble inlay

Overall, the Fiera itself felt quieter than usual. Perhaps the Euro crisis is finally catching up with the Italian producers, but there seemed to be less bluster, less pizazz than normal and visitor numbers seemed to be down. Of course, this is based solely on the fact it was easier to walk through the aisles without meeting a traffic jam, and not on official figures, so it will be interesting to hear what the organisers have to say. The perceived reduction in visitors made for a more pleasant experience - you could actually stop, look and try the new products on offer.

The colour palette was fresh and light on the whole with zingy bursts of pinks, blues, yellows and the occasional orange on white or pale grey backgrounds. Light woods, brass, copper, marble and gradients appear to be the finishes of the moment. 

Arper stand design architectural plant wall

Eames Hang It All in new colour palette by Hella Jongerius for Vitra

Amidst the ubiquitous names of Urquiola, Bouroullec, Nendo, Starck et al a new name emerged - Sebastian Herkner. Slowly building his name for the last few years, this feels like the year he finally broke through. His Bell table, while not new, was much lusted after and the new Bell lights (both for ClassiCon) struck a fine balance between function and aesthetics. In the city you could find his marble and copper Salute side tables for La Chance. Watch him become a design star. 

Moroso is always a bellwether of the state of design. New designs came from Atelier Oï and their wonderful, fantastical Oasis system, the child-like Dumbo by Tomek Rygalik and a new collection of soft seating and tables called Cradle by Benjamin Hubert. 

Cradle by Benjamin Hubert for Moroso

Oasis by Atelier Oï for Moroso

Dumbo by Tomek Rygalik for Moroso

Claesson Koivisto Rune continue to lead the way for Swedish designers. Their Kelly series for Tacchini (inspired by the US artist Ellsworth Kelly) - pure, vibrant colour and organic shapes coincided with a new Cromatique direction for the brand. Use the large ones in reception, the low ones in a break out area and the relaxed one in a lounge - perfect!

Kelly E and Kelly H by Claesson Koivisto Rune for Tacchini

Galleria bench system in wood, fabric and marble by Pearson Lloyd for Tacchini

Konstantin Grcic's new Traffic system for Magis is both modernist and modern. The intricate exposed frame contain solid blocks of colour.

All in all, a good year for the Salone, not a great year. Let's see what 2014 has to offer.  
  

Örsjö at Euroluce 2013

Euroluce comes but once every 2 years, and Örsjö were back for their 4th time to show the Italians how the Scandinavians do lighting. 

Showcasing the acclaimed new Vinge light by Note Design Studio launched in February, alongside a cross-section of other popular products, the stand showcased the versatility and functionality of the Örsjö collection. PJ wall lights, now with direct connection, the Lean double pendant and the black chrome version of Benjamin Hubert's Crane light all received healthy interest from visitors from as far afield as the USA, Asia and Australia.

Örsjö will return to the Farmiloe Building during Clerkenwell Design Week in May, exhibiting all of the new products. Be sure to visit, but in the meantime, if you would like a copy of the brand new brochure just send us a quick hello.