August is here already, so it’s time for my regular round-up of design news, product launches and other things that have caught my eye. This month there are some beautiful pieces from Denmark, Norway, Finland and the UK, as well as links to inspiration for travels, summer drinks and more – just scroll down for details.
On a side note, I’ll be taking a short holiday from blogging next week as I’m heading off on a minibreak for my birthday and I’m determined not to do any work for a few days! I’ll be back later in the month, so see you then.
New additions at Skagerak
I’m starting with Danish brand Skagerak, which has announced the launch of its first-ever cabinet, named ‘Jut’. It was developed in collaboration with Oslo-based British designer Thomas Jenkins, who placed the legs at the very outer corners in order to create negative space and enhance the interplay of light and shadow around the piece. It’s made of oiled oak, with discreet brass handles and a choice between oak or black marble for the top, and will be available from September. Prices start at €1,999 (around £1,780).
Skagerak is also extending its popular ‘Edge’ ceramic series with bowls in two sizes and matching salad servers. Created by Danish studio Stilleben, the ‘Edge’ range blends Nordic minimalism with influences from traditional Mediterranean pottery, with a mixture of matte and glazed stoneware in shades of ochre and burnt red. It already encompasses plant pots, tableware and a wine cooler, and the new pieces will make perfect additions. They’ll also be available from September, with prices ranging from €42 (£38) to €99 (£88).
‘Airisto’ by Studio Joanna Laajisto for Made by Choice
Next up is a new furniture series from Helsinki-based Studio Joanna Laajisto. Originally developed for Villa Airisto, a B&B in Finland’s beautiful Turku Archipelago, it’s produced by Made by Choice and consists of versatile pieces in natural and stained-black ash. They can be used as side tables, coffee tables, nightstands, stools and benches, and combine a beautifully simple aesthetic with striking asymmetry. They’ll be available to buy next month, with prices starting at £370, but you can pre-order now from Finnish Design Shop.
A new modular sofa from Broste Copenhagen
Danish homeware brand Broste Copenhagen first started adding larger furniture pieces to its range last year, and its latest launch instantly caught my attention. Called ‘Lake’, it’s a modular seating series consisting of an armchair (£734.50), a chaise-longue (£989) and a pouffe (£451.50), which can be used individually or joined together in all sorts of different combinations. The hard-wearing corduroy upholstery is available in two colours, ‘magnet’ (dark grey) and ‘dove’ (light grey), which work brilliantly paired together or on their own. I particularly like the low-slung, clean-lined shapes and the slightly rounded corners, which look made for sprawling out in comfort.
Multifunctional furniture from KlipKlap
A fairly recent discovery for me, KlipKlap is based in the Danish city of Aarhus and makes multifunctional furniture that’s designed to last for years to come. Its newest pieces are the ‘KK Lounge Chair’ and matching pouffe, which were created by Charlotte Høncke and reference traditional Danish design. The chair’s curved oak shell embraces the body and screens off the rest of the world, forming an intimate space that’s perfect for relaxation and quiet contemplation; it also means the design looks just as good from the back as the front!
I’m also a big fan of the ‘KK Daybench’, which combines an oak frame with cushions and pillows in a range of fabrics. It can be used in bedrooms, hallways, living rooms and more, and it’s easy to adapt for different functions whenever needed.
Stylish designs from Rose & Grey
One of my favourite interiors brands from closer to home, Rose & Grey, has just released a raft of new designs, and two in particular stood out. The first is a pair of rubberwood dining chairs, available in grey or black and priced at £250. I love the understated aesthetic, which has hints of mid-century Scandinavian design and would look equally good in rustic and contemporary settings. The other is a minimalist black hanging rail, which can be used for clothes, towels and even books and magazines. It costs £125 and makes a great option for compact rooms as it takes up almost no floor space.
A new colourway for Northern’s ‘Acorn’ lamp
Moving onto lighting, I was pleased to see that Norwegian brand Northern is launching its popular ‘Acorn’ pendant lamp in a new matte-black version. Inspired by the hollow shell left when acorns fall from the tree, it was already available in beautiful off-white and grey, but I think the latest option is particularly versatile and lends itself to all sorts of different settings. The darker colour also emphasises the soft contours of the shade, as well as the contrasting ‘stem’ at the top. It’s available already and costs €479 / £430.
A few other things on my radar…
- I was very excited to hear that India and Magnus, the duo behind blog / studio / shop Haarkon, will soon be releasing their first book. Called Glasshouse Greenhouse, it will take readers on a journey through their favourite botanical spaces around the world, and it sounds wonderful. You can pre-order a copy here
- If, like me, your idea of the perfect holiday revolves around lots of good meals, then you’ll love these round-ups of foodie favourites in Edinburgh and food stories from West Sweden by fellow Bristol blogger Kym Grimshaw. Both places are now firmly at the top of my travel wish list…
- And speaking of travel, it’s worth checking out new website Near & Yonder, which has carefully curated guides to some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations (including some written by yours truly!)
- These cocktail recipes, created by Copenhagen bartender Kasper Riewe for Ferm Living, made my mouth water (and you can see my ideas for easy summer drinks here)
- I also love the look of this minimalist floating hotel in London, reviewed by Tiffany of Curate & Display
- Finally, I was pleased to learn that skincare brand REN is launching new packaging made entirely from recycled plastic, including some collected from rivers, seas and lakes. It’s already available for the ‘Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium’ body wash and will be rolled out across the range over the coming months
All photography via the respective brands named above
One of the first interior designs posts that I’ve read in full.. well done 😀 How is it that all the best furniture and home products come from Scandinavia?
Thanks – so glad you like it! The Scandinavians just have good design nailed, don’t they…?!