Floor Show: A group of imaginatively-disruptive young designers are pulling the rug out from under the carpet industry
Insight Magazine
Springtime reveals a fresh take on design classics
01 STOWAWAYS
Known for boiling objects down to their essential shapes, Philippe Malouin has launched a family of ceramic and glass vessels for Finnish homeware specialists Iittala. The Kuru series, named after the Finnish word for “gorge,” references sculptural geometric voids that draw the eye while holding everyday knickknacks. And thanks to the muted colours and varied glazed finishes, the Kuru pieces are easily displayed together. From US$55. iittala.com
02 THE ARTIST’S WAY
To celebrate the 150th birthday of Henri Matisse, Maison Matisse, a boutique founded by the fourth generation of the artist’s family, commissioned several renowned international designers to create limited-edition objets d’art. This teeming ocean-inspired vase from Spanish designer Jaime Hayon — a visual artist in his own right — is a tribute to Matisse’s colour-rich yet serene 1940 canvas, Interior with an Etruscan Vase. Price upon request. maisonmatisse.com
03 LIGHT TOUCH
Prism wallpaper from Calico was inspired by refracted sunshine dancing on the wall. After experimenting with various prismatic forms, the brand’s in-house design team produced a spectrum of colours that they then photographed and combined into alluring collages of dappled light. There are five ambient “colourways” to choose from in the series, each imbuing its own mood — and lightness — into a space. US$28 a square foot. calicowallpaper.com
04 ZEN IS NOW
For design collective E-ggs, inspiration for the delightfully hued Tani bench came via Japan. The minimalist varnished-ash seat dips inwards, preferring an inviting perch that is ideal for entryways. Available in three widths, the Tani is complemented by cushions in an array of hard-wearing fabrics. Best of all, its powder-coated still frame stands up to wet boots. From €950. schoenbuch.com
05 C’EST BON
Serbian-born fashion and furniture designer Ana Kraš’s Bonbon lampshade collection for Danish brand HAY takes inspiration from her exquisite line drawings and uses an original weaving technique to hand-wrap strands of fuzzy coloured yarn around spot-welded steel frames. The pendants — in yellow mélange and in earth tones — cast a warm, appealingly retro glow. From US$495. hay.dk
06 TOP BRASS
Michael Anastassiades, known for devising heavenly lightning, is behind the Pillar Bedroom Group, a tasteful three-piece collection for Herman Miller, comprised of a four-poster bed (king or queen), a five-drawer tall dresser and a six-drawer low dresser. Defined by brass knobs and cylindrical legs, the pieces are at once timeless, simple and practical — spot on for modern sleeping quarters. Bed, from $5,620; dressers, from $4,120. hermanmiller.com
07 SWEETER THAN CANDY
Originally conceived for Club Unseen, an imaginary cocktail bar staged for Italian brand Tacchini, the Pastilles collection by the all- women design team Studiopepe features an armchair, coffee table and ottoman in a choice of fabric or leather paired with gleaming aluminum bases. Round and compact, the studio’s take on a classic cocktail chair delivers coziness in an irresistible candy-coloured shell. Prices upon request. tacchini.it
08 DOWN TIME
From award-winning Chinese design duo Neri& Hu comes the Society tableware collection, which rewards conversation and consciously slowing down. Launched by Paola C., the series includes a fruit bowl, vase, carafe, candle holders and a tea set (with a walnut tray), all in globular blown-glass shapes with brass details. Nostalgic and whimsical, it will have everyone talking at the table. From €72. paolac.com
By Sara Cunningham *This article originally appeared in INSIGHT: The Art of Living | Spring 2020
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