Stockholm Furniture Fair Highlights

Apart from Mitab and Ӧrsjӧ, which were of course major highlights of the Fair, there were plenty of other new designs vying for your attention.

David Design, originally founded by David Carlson, all but fell off the design scene in recent years, but is back, back, back with new investment and a new Atelier collection. The Shelf Lamp by Andreas Engesvik was a real gem, with squat dimensions that reminded us of the famous Eclisse by Vico Magistretti for Artemide. A naked light bulb on one side and a simple brass disc on the other providing glare protection, it was simplicity itself in concept and use of materials.

There seemed to be a micro-trend for "posh flat pack". Sweden is inexorably linked with flatpack furniture, so it is understandable they should try to elevate it to something desirable, as opposed to a chore. Heritage brand Klong presented the Horizon Collection, new (and some existing) products that can be delivered flat or assembled as the customer requests.  Ania Pauser's Knopp pendant is one of the first pieces designed specifically for the Horizon Collection, with existing products like the Nova chair from Asshoff & Brogård and Signum table from WIS Design also being re-branded part of the collection.  

Gemla was the epitome of the Swedish aesthetic. Vilda was designed by Jonas Bohlin for Restaurant AG and is a traditional bentwood chair in ash and leather seat. Nothing else, apart from a handgrip in soft leather and now with a backrest in leather or a removable leather slip-cover. The Front design superstars designed Collage, a chair and lounge chair based on forms taken from the Gemla archive. Archive tools and processes were also dusted off and combined with contemporary styling to form a....collage. 

Sticking with Gemla for a moment, it was a very pleasant surprise to see Jonas Bohlin's Kvist light in striking cobalt blue. Apparently they were hand-painted by the man himself especially for the occasion.

Photo courtesy of Holloway's of Ludlow

Asplund appear to be on a roll at the moment. Fresh from their win at the 2012 Wallpaper Design Awards for the Tati side tables, they presented the Luc series of cabinets by Broberg & Ridderstrӓle. Different formats in simple wooden finishes with transparent glass tops and a splash of colour on the legs. Daniel Rybakken's mesmerising lights which we first spotted back in April last year at Spazio Rosanna Orlandi are also now available from Asplund.

Colour was a major trend at this years show. Acid yellows and oranges mixed with pale sorbet colours, especially pink. Candy pink was everywhere, especially in combination with soft greys. If you remember the 80's, you'll know exactly what we mean. The other trend was for gloss finishes. Pink and glossy appears to be the future, for now at least. 

Montana

L-R: Stolab, Swedese, String

In the young designer area, Greenhouse, Carlsten Thostrup presented Reel Cabinet and Tie Desk. They say the devil is in the detail and in this instance, it was all about the detail. The sliding doors on Reel moved on large wheels, like a barn door and Tie was held closed by leather lacing wound around two large paper buttons. 

Norwegian based Thomas Jenkins of Studio Jenk presented "All Other Things Being Equal", a series of candlesticks in brass, aluminium and titanium. Each one weighs precisely 200g, but as each metal has a different density, the resulting candlesticks are different sizes.

In Cologne we spotted Domestica by Studio Formafantasma, and just weeks later in Stockholm Bjarke Frederiksen presented the Nordic Nomad Chair. Something in the air perhaps? 

Finally, in our whistle stop tour of the Fair, we were taken with the work of Kristine Five Melvær. Her Light Jars allow you to display your mini treasures, almost like a lab specimen, in beautifully crafted glass. A contemporary form of display cabinets. 

Plaza Magazine obviously agreed, as they awarded Kristine their young designers prize. We're pretty sure we'll see these Light Jars on a stand in the main Fair next year.

The 2012 Mitab Collection is here

2012 is our first full year representing Mitab and it is a delight to kick things off with such a strong collection. Six new products from 5 designers, all with that Mitab edge, shows their commitment to supporting young talent.

Jonas Wagell continues his collaboration with Mitab with a brand new sofa system and new forms for the Montmartre series.

Cumulus is a new sofa for lobbies and restaurants that combines the practical requirements of a contract environment with the more generous and inviting appearance of a domestic sofa. Wagell's distinctive and playful aesthetics (literally) take the edge off the strictures of public area seating. Single, two seater and corner units can be combined in a variety of formats and an extensive selection of fabrics to ensure your Cumulus is as unique as the cloud that gave it it's name. Cirrus pillows optional!   

Jonas also find time to add some new pieces to the Montmartre family. Montmartre Bar keeps the familiar splayed leg and rounded foot of the original table but extends it to a barstool. The turned wooden seat and the beautifully considered footrest make Montmartre Bar extremely comfortable. The corresponding table comes with coat and bag hooks for peace of mind and added comfort.  

You can also have a low stool at 46h cms which would work perfectly with the original Montmartre table.

Joel Karlsson has worked with Mitab for several years now and is fond of archetypes. Simple, unfussy silhouettes that do exactly what it says on the tin. Shadow storage units are a first for Mitab. The Shadow table is perfect for meeting rooms, so it makes sense the storage should come from the same family. In two sizes and available in any colour you like, Shadow will fit seamlessly into any meeting room.

In 2009 Daniel Svahn designed the Mitab stand for the Stockholm Fair via the Stand On Your Own program and in 2012 he was back with his first product designed for Mitab. Quiet Riot clearly references a barricade, a brutal yet effective and functional piece of design. Available in 2 formats, portrait and landscape, with 4 fabric panels per side, Quiet Riot acts as both a room divider and notice board.

Office 4 Ideas, aka o4i are a multidisciplinary design studio based in Stockholm. Risto is their first collaboration with Mitab. The objective for the project was to create a slimline, refined and ultimately comfortable stacking chair for meeting and restaurant environments. There are no visible fixings, allowing for incredibly efficient stacking. A mesh back with upholstered seat and optional removable upholstery are all contained within a small footprint making Risto perfect for modern business. 

Raster is new concept in acoustic panelling. Designed by Asshoff & Brogård and inspired by modern architecture, Raster is a flexible panel in rock wool and recycled aluminium. The perforations in the aluminium are made with CNC and over time standard patterns will be added to the range.

Mitab stand, photo courtesy of Architonic

Mitab will join Ӧrsjӧ and Mitab at Clerkenwell Design Week in May. Don't forget to register for your chance to see the new products in the flesh. 

Ӧrsjӧ collection 2012

The Stockholm Furniture and Northern Light Fairs have just finished and the immediate vox pop response to the new Ӧrsjӧ collection has been amazing. New products from new designers and new family members to compliment popular pieces made for an interesting display, with something for everyone.

Jonas Wagell is definitely a name to watch. With products for Mitab, Muuto, his own collection for Hello Industry and now Ӧrsjӧ, he is one of the fastest rising names in the Scandinavian design scene.

Wagell often takes the extremes of nature or industry as his inspiration. In the case of Studio he chose the latter, turning a photographer's studio light into a consumer product. Over-sized shades and reflectors are combined with more refined details like the solid steel handle and the polished reflectors. His first light for Ӧrsjӧ, Studio was presented both as a table light and a floor light. 

Jenny Bӓck has added a stunning new pendant to the ever popular Lean family, so now all bases are covered - ceiling, wall, table and floor. In keeping with the retro lines of Lean, the double shade pendant adds a new material; thin steel suspension cables tied together with delicate brass clasps. The familiar blend of materials (textile cable, brass, powder-coated steel) is still visible, just in a new form. Graceful in white, yet bold and graphic in black Lean continues to display Ӧrsjӧ's knack of creating lighting with real character.

Baklava by Claesson Koivisto Rune, originally designed for Nobis Hotel, is now available in pendant and wall versions, and both versions are available in two sizes. Talking points when used individually, when used in clusters Baklava is truly stunning.

Crane by Benjamin Hubert was presented in a new gloss yellow finish. Perforated metal, bright colours and gloss were all trends at the show and Crane encapsulated all 3 in one super slim task light. Functional, but never boring.

The new products will reach stores later in the Spring and will all be on display at Clerkenwell Design Week in May. Watch this space for further details.......

Ӧrsjӧ at the Northern Light Fair

Mitab at the Stockholm Furniture Fair

IMM Cologne Highlights

The prevailing trends at this years IMM were natural materials like wood, leather and marble and pale grey/brown background colours accented by a pop of fluorescent yellow or pastel and jewel tones.

Left: Müller Mӧbel, Centre and Right: Schonbuch

Mellow Daybed by Formstelle for Zeitraum

Das Haus by Doshi Levien was an update on the Ideal House concept and showcased their taste for the eclectic and colourful. A house crammed with design and arranged around a courtyard, classics by Alvar Aalto and Nelson sat alongside their own designs for Moroso, Authentics and Cappellini as well as pieces from e15 and Flos. You could also find some religious icons and family photos pinned to the walls. 

It was certainly more engaging than the surprisingly lacklustre Patricia Urquiola A&W Designer of the Year show in the city centre. Of more interest was Patricia's decision to pass the baton, via the Mentor Award to young British designer du jour Benjamin Hubert. He is certainly making a name for himself in the international design world.

The Ineke Hans Collection was shown in the Pure Village area. Simple rough wooden planks, almost as if they had been recycled from pallets were fixed to precision metal joints and painted in candy colours to provide a cheerful and almost childlike alternative to the slick designs elsewhere.

 

Studio Kepenic attracted some blog attention even before the fair, with a post appearing on the influential Dailytonic for their new Plug&Play series. A simple idea of how to make flat-pack furniture less of a chore, Plug&Play comes with 2 sets of beautifully turned wooden legs - a main set and a second extension set which enables you to turn your coffee table into a dining table with ease.

  
Finally, a mention to Richard Lampert who revitalised their classic Hirche lounge chair from 1953 (shown below in the outdoor version) and showed it alongside Dish's Island by Alexander Seifried.

So, as the door closes on IMM Cologne for another year, we're keeping our luggage close to hand. Next stop Stockholm!

IMM Cologne - D3 Design Talents

D3 Design Talents returned to IMM Cologne to give young designers, mostly recent graduates, a chance to be seen alongside (and potentially be seen by) the established brands. This years talent came from across Europe and even Canada. The UK was represented by both Magnus Pettersen and International, a design studio formed by Northumbria University graduates Marc Bell and Robin Grasby. International presented Apollo, a modular lighting system designed to be modified by the user. The 4 profiles (available in solid and perforated anodised aluminium) can be arranged around a standard screw cap lamp holder. Apollo was awarded 3rd place in the Interior Innovation/D3 contest. 

Staying with all things light, Canadian Lukas Peet showed Spotlight in 3 different sizes. Suspended by their electrical cord which wrapped around and squeezed the lights, forming a waist, Spotlight illuminates both the floor and the ceiling. 

  
Miya Kondo presented Composition Light, a series of leaning light objects, which create and frame a space. Placing them at different angles casts different forms of light and shade.

Second Prize in the Interior Innovation Award went to Listen to Your Hands by Lee Sanghyeok, a puzzle for grown-ups. A desk in walnut, the top is stacked with cubes of different volumes. Each one is a drawer and as you close one drawer, another opens. Which one it will be is anyone's guess! Using the lightest of touch will close all of the drawers, as if to say sometimes delicacy is needed and sometimes if you want to achieve something a little effort is required.


Listen to your hands from Sanghyeok Lee on Vimeo.


Studio Formafantasma, based in The Netherlands are arguably the rising stars of the design world. Indeed, they have been anointed by Paola Antonelli and Alice Rawsthorn as one of the 20 designers who "will influence design in the next decade". They presented Domestica, a low chair cum survival pack. Inspired by Gerla baskets, traditionally used by farmers to carry harvested crops, Domestica could potentially be a portable home but its new function is left undefined for the user to decide.

Martin Solem showed Daddy Longlegs, winner as the Blueprint Best New Product award at 100% Design London in September. Simple, elegant, entirely functional and a pop of colour, it won't be long before you see these in a restaurant or bar near you.  

Also notable was Lamp by Sebastian Goldschmidtbӧing, a bowl and rod in copper. The light sources is enclosed by a transparent diffuser while the rod invites attention. It almost begs to be touched. 

In fact, too many of the entries were worthy of a mention to describe them all here, so we have compiled them into an album over on our Facebook page.

Zeitraum News 2012

Barely 2 weeks into the new year and IMM Cologne opened its doors to the international design trade. The first major fair on the design calendar, IMM Cologne is the launchpad for Zeitraum's new products.

The 2012 Zeitraum collection encapsulates many of the trends visible at the show - quality, traditional materials left unadorned to allow their beauty to shine through and simple grey backgrounds offset with a flash of bright jewel colours.

The successful relationship with designers Formstelle continues apace with Turntable - a traditionally turned wooden table hiding a steel base which allows large diameter tops. Reminiscent of salon tea tables, Turntable is both elegant and statuesque, instantly adding a sense of gravitas to any room. Smaller scale Turntables are also available as side and coffee tables.

Organic has always been a word associated with Zeitraum and never has it been more appropriate than when describing the new Kontur family of tables. A central pillar is supported by a twin-layered amorphous base, reminiscent of a map's contour lines. The pillar supports a solid wooden top, which again can be organic, square or round and will be available as coffee, cafe and high bar tables. 

The amoprhous detail continues through to Twist Stone. Designed by Formstelle as an extension to the popular the Twist family, Twist Stone juxtaposes the sharp angles of the base with a curvaceous top.

 

A graduate project by Stephan Schmid, Strip combines beautiful materials in a charmingly lo-fi extending table. When packed away, twin tops lie above above each other on brass runners, with the lower one easily pulled out to give a little extra space when required. When extended, both tops sit in the top rails making Strip the perfect option for the occasional entertainer.

Plaisir seeks to make life a little easier, acting both as a side table and a tray. Carry your guests drinks and remove the empties with ease, simply by lifting the tray off the wooden frame. Formstelle have designed two versions of Plaisir - Plaisir 1 is tall and slim, topped with a shallow wooden bowl while the lower, wider Plaisir 2 has an aluminium tray with soft-touch powder coating and polished aluminium edge. Apart from being a pleasant sensation, the soft touch coating is also non-slip.  

A new version of the Noon lighting family made a welcome appearance. In keeping with the family's strong graphic lines, Noon 3 is available in 2 sizes, making it ideal for smaller cafe tables as well as larger dining tables.

The Morph family has been extended and tweaked, with the addition of Morph Pouf to make your experience of Morph Lounge even more relaxing. Morph and Morph Bar also featured on the stand in their new fully upholstered formats. The emphasis was on flexibility, with two complimentary fabrics (or fabric and leather) on the same chair and contrast stitching now a standard option.
 

We've been promised another couple of new products in Milan, but they are still top secret, so you'll just have to wait for April. Our lips are sealed.

Zeitraum at IMM Cologne