Outdoor Furniture for a Modern Scandi Garden
It’s true that outdoor furniture has a bit of a reputation for being outdated and plastic-y. A far cry from its indoor cousin, it might be down to the fact that we use it seasonally here in the UK, in between ducking rain showers. But as our gardens are beginning to evolve into outdoor living spaces, brands are catching up. As I'm always so good to you, I’ve put aside our house renovations to pick out five brands with collections that suit a modern Scandi garden. Think clean lines with a crafted feel to compliment contemporary planting, perhaps a gravel garden with black fencing and architectural planting. A space that remains both timeless and a place to spend time in. Furniture made with honest materials. In short, exactly what I’m working towards with my own garden!
Rowen and Wren
What I love about Rowen and Wren is their keen eye for beautifully crafted, simple homewares that sit comfortably in just about any setting. I've honed in on two of their functional, wooden collections which illustrate just that.Made from sustainable teak, the Byron bench bridges the gap between indoors and out. With its smooth, curved back it makes an ideal spot for that morning coffee, perhaps with a cushion on the seat. It's a versatile addition to have at the table too - keep it indoors in the winter and bring it outside with the warmer months.
Drawing on the slatted wood trend, the Harman collection has coastal appeal with its combination of wood and rope. Effortlessly stylish, the table and benches are perfect for impromptu gatherings in the garden and come in oiled grey or black. There's also scope to mix and match your garden set-up with stools and chairs to compliment. I could see myself using the black bench in our hallway during the winter months, so much would it compliment a minimal interior.
Woud
As I recently featured the indoor side of Danish brand Woud's collection, it made sense to explore their outdoor furniture here.Designed by Fasting & Rolff, the Ray collection is a light and modern interpretation of French cafe furniture. Made from aluminium with steel inside the tubes to give it weight, it also comes in a light blue and rose pink (though obviously, I'm more partial to the black and white!) Its minimal curves bring a contemporary feel to any garden and grooves in the seat cast playful shadows underneath. You can also choose to include armrests on the Ray Chair and Bench too which in my eyes makes it a striking and versatile collection for a modern Scandi garden space.
Garden Trading
You can always rely on Garden Trading for classic accessories for the garden. Although I'm familiar with their artisanal planters and tools, this is the first time I've sat up and taken note of their outdoor collection. And there are some real gems. Natural, sustainable materials such as cane and bamboo always look at home in the garden and the organic shape of the Hampstead bench is no exception. Made from woven, all-weather bamboo on a powder coated steel frame it would steal the show in a sunroom or as a focal point in your garden.
Of course, the classic choice for alfresco dining is always the bistro table and chairs and the Rive Droite comes in a selection of colours - I love the clay, of course. And below, the Thurloe chair is a stand-alone design intended to be paired with other furniture. The matt dark grey and sleek armrests give it a contemporary look that also lends itself to a more rustic style.
Skagerak
Marrying quintessential Scandinavian style with contemporary materials, Skagerak's collection of garden furniture is vast. Literally, so many choices and they all compliment each other effortlessly. Freshen up your space with smaller details like the terracotta Edge pots or a By Your Side table. Play with a classic Overlap wooden table with meshed metal Mira chairs. Kick back in the high-backed Between Lines deck chair or seat the whole clan on the Tradition modular sofa. For smaller gardens, courtyards or balconies, the collection also includes foldable tables, stackable stools and Oeko-Tex certified outdoor cushions. I'll take the lot!
Mater
You know how much I love and support Mater in their endeavours to change the landscape of sustainable design. Founded with the environment in mind from the very beginning, this Danish brand focuses on circular design instead of throwing a piece away when it reaches the end of its life. All the components can be separated and recycled if and when the time comes.In what I think is their first foray into outdoor furniture, the Ocean collection reuses 960g of ocean plastic per chair. Although it looks wholly contemporary, the original model was actually designed in 1955 by Danish designer Nanna Ditzel. This updated, eco-conscious version also includes a table made from the same moulded plastic slats with a steel frame. So, not only does the Ocean collection bring long-lasting style into the garden, but it's also doing its bit by cleaning up the ocean. No wonder its winning awards!
New Works Showroom Designed By Lotta Agaton Interiors
Last week I had the unbridled joy of visiting the new New Works showroom as part of the 3daysofdesign festival in Copenhagen. Designed in collaboration with Lotta Agaton Interiors, whose design company have become one of the most revered in Scandinavia, it was everything I hoped it would be. As a brand who describes its collection "at the intersection of old and new. Light and dark. Art and design", the New Works showroom embodies just that.Whilst the brighter, paler shades have become an intrinsic part of the Nordic aesthetic, in recent years, darker palettes have been making their way into interiors. Lovers of dark, earthy shades? This is your time.
Situated in the iconic Frederiksstaden district famous for its complex of rococo architecture, the showroom is a striking example of the contrast between a historic setting and contemporary design. Here, Lotta's team have delivered a soothing and sophisticated home for the New Works collection. Architectural mouldings such as the detailing over the doorways and skirtings have been painted in Salon Drab by Farrow & Ball along with the walls to accentuate the full height of each interconnecting room. As is typical with the moodier spectrum of colours, it's difficult to show the exact shade in these photos as the nuances of light change the tone from room to room. 
Against this backdrop of deep beige, rich brown and oatmeal sit new additions to the collection. Pictured below are the enveloping curves of the Covent sofa by Arde Design Studio and upholstered in Kvadrat. Alongside, the Mass coffee table in walnut and my favourite, the Mass daybed from Hong Kong studio Lim + Lu. Almost blending into the background but for the light is the new Lantern floor lamp, inspired by Chinese rice paper lanterns.In such a tactile space, you can't help but want to touch everything. Honouring the natural materials included within the collection, additional stylings feature crumpled linen curtains from textile brand Astrid and deep piled rugs from Roots Living. 
I'm pretty sure I just heard you fall in love with it. Am I right?For an extra dose of neutral interiors, check out my beige bedroom before and after. Stay tuned for more from Copenhagen!
Photography © Tiffany Grant-Riley
Discovering Honest Danish Design by Woud
When private label furniture consultants Mia and Torben Koed decided to put their 30 years of experience into a new project, they envisaged a collective of new and established designers carrying the Scandinavian tradition into a new era of furniture design. In 2014 that idea became Woud, one of my favourite New Nordic design names I've been following closely since discovering them a few years back.In my mind, Woud embodies a sophisticated and elegant aesthetic reminiscent of the modernist Scandi classics. Designed for everyday use, you can see these "new originals" becoming quintessential 21st-century treasures. With the aim to spark a "love at first sight" reaction, the collection spans beautifully sculptural dining chairs, clever space-saving storage and playful accessories.Under a 45 strong team of international designers, the collection is connected by the shared vision to create functional, livable pieces. Amongst them includes Helsinki based Poiat (a personal favourite when they exhibit at London Design Week) Toronto studio MSDS and Bauhaus University Weimar educated Schmahl+Schnippering.
The piece that kicked off the Woud love affair for me is the Arc coffee table, which also comes in a smaller side addition. Designed by Julie Begtrup and Ditte Vad during a period of time that they lived together. It's delightfully playful, with an element of 'hide and seek' in the sliding table top, enabling you to clear away the clutter at a moment's notice.
We believe timeless design can express personalities, evoke feelings, inspire people and create beautiful homes.
The Tray Shelf can be configured to accommodate taller objects that aren't able to fit on standard shelves. Designed by Berlin-based Hanne Willmann, its delicate and slender form carries a minimalist Japanese aesthetic with its system of oak trays and matte powdered frames.
New pieces from the SS19 collection share elements of on-trend curves without losing the lightweight frames Woud are known for. Take Mika Tolvanen's Naaki sofa for example, with its plump, firm seating and thin legs. The Duo side table designed by Taiwanese born Canadian Chifen Cheng draws inspiration from overlapping circles with an additional glass layer on top.Below, the S.A.C chair (short for stacking armchair) combines the best of Nordic and Japanese design. Made from a combination of metal frame and plywood seat, its simplistic shape means it can be stacked without the veneer ever touching thanks to its curved back. I just love how it visually commands the space its in without taking up too much of it.
Ready for a bit of design geekery? A new and innovative type of plywood called Grada has been used to create the normally difficult to achieve cone shape of the Mono chair (above). Through the process of heat and high pressure, faster, more ecological production methods have opened up what would have traditionally taken several stages of cutting, glueing and pressing to achieve.
I think you'll agree that as far as New Nordic style goes, Woud have found the sweet spot between traditional heritage and future-proof design. I'm excited to see where they take it next...
Photography courtesy of Woud.
[AD] Frequency Collection Designed by Kelly Wearstler for Georg Jensen
[AD - this is a paid partnership with Georg Jensen. Product featured here was loaned for the purpose of this post.]
These first few days of Spring have without a doubt given us all a boost here at home. We've sorted through the clutter of winter and freshened up our tired looking living room. It's been wonderful to watch the quality of light change as shadowy corners disappear and there are moments when sitting in the warm sun in the garden are almost within grasp. Almost. This week, I've had the pleasure of styling a brand new collection from Danish silversmiths Georg Jensen. With over 100 years of design history, the brand continues its signature style of simplistic, organic forms, collaborating with innovative designers who understand its Danish sensibilities.
Frequency Vase
Handcrafted in striking stainless steel, the new Frequency collection is the result of a collaboration with world-renowned American designer Kelly Wearstler. Known for her exploration of colour, pattern and making vintage look contemporary, Kelly's work is so distinctive that you recognise it instantly. This collection is different for its pared-back, minimal feel which fits so well in my home. I've chosen three of six pieces using foliage and blooms from my garden to illustrate their dramatic, sculptural presence. I think the collection beautifully combines Kelly's contemporary Californian style with Georg Jensen's Scandinavian heritage.
Inspired by her home on Malibu beach, the steel waves evoke a sense of fluidity, balance and energy. Each piece changes its appearance according to the nuances of the light. The undulating waves picking up the soft mid-morning sun in the bedroom, bouncing it back onto the walls. Living close to the river here, (though Medway is definitely not L.A!) I can understand why Kelly's work is often informed by nature. Here, I've picked new shoots from a Sarah Bernhardt peony, whose deep red stems unfurl into vibrant green leaves. Aren't they striking?
Frequency Centrepiece
Capturing the collection was no mean feat - the highly polished steel reflects back every surface, which I very much welcome in our dining room which, despite its south-facing aspect gets the least amount of light. I loved creating this ikebana arrangement with the Frequency Centrepiece, using select spring flowers and foliage from my garden. The contrast of the smooth surface of the bowl against the cracked plaster walls added texture to the scene. Its delicate, ribbon-like waves give the surface the appearance of floating. As a versatile design, the Centrepiece could also be used for fruit or to display treasures.
Frequency Hurricane
There is an energy in the silhouettes, a vibrant movement that comes to life through the beautiful folds in the steel. Each design is like a sculptural conductor of this energy.- Designer Kelly Wearstler.
A little premature on my part, but these images speak of warmer days to come. There's a small yard space opposite my kitchen with a little deck made from reclaimed railway sleepers. After 4pm it becomes a real sun trap and you'll often find me here within shouting distance of the back door. A linen towel doubles up as a picnic blanket and there's time to sit and watch the evening to draw in, Hurricane lantern lit and something cool to drink in hand. It's not quite California, but it'll do.
The Frequency Collection is available instore and online at www.georgjensen.com.
Photography and Styling © Tiffany Grant-Riley.
Sera Helsinki Ethical Rugs Empowering Vulnerable Communities
Yet again Instagram has unearthed a beautiful design discovery that I had to share with you, this time in the form of SERA HELSINKI. This ethical rug company is helping to create an inclusive community and lift it out of poverty.Friends Hanna Puharinen and Anna Suoheimo met at Aalto University in 2001 during their six-year Science Masters, sharing a passion for interior design. When Anna moved to Ethiopia with her family in 2010, she witnessed first hand the desperate situations that people with disabilities and single mothers faced, with extreme poverty offering no other option than to turn to begging on the streets. Compelled to make positive changes to the community, the pair set about training and supporting a community of weavers and artisans, empowering them with skills and a fair income.
Taken from the Amharic word for 'work', SERA combines Finnish design sensibilities with traditional Ethiopian hand craftsmanship. The lambswool is locally sourced from farmers in the northern highlands of Ethiopia and the thread made by hand by the women in their families. Without intrusion from chemical processing, the natural colours of the wool allow the weavers to create the soothing tones and textures in the new Saaristo collection, designed by Anna Pirkola. Beginning in 2016 with just 8 weavers has grown into a 100 strong team, most of whom are blind. The intricate designs showcase exquisite artisanal woven wool rugs, cotton towels and leather bags. 
A beautiful focal point for any Scandinavian interior, the rugs are made to order and take approximately 2-3 weeks to produce. I've completely fallen for Sera Helsinki for striving to support and empower the local community in Ethiopia and for translating all that love and skill into a jaw-droppingly beautiful collection of ethical rugs. What a wonderful reminder to have in your home of the positive effects a social enterprise such as this can have. I'd happily have any of these grace the floor in my home one day...wouldn't you?
Photography courtesy of SERA HELSINKI, with thanks.
[AD] WIN A Trip For Two To Copenhagen With Georg Jensen
This is a paid partnership with Georg Jensen.If you're a fan of Scandinavian culture, you'll know that Denmark boasts its fair share of that rich design history with Copenhagen its most famous city for nurturing some of the most revered designs in the world. A household name with over 100 years of silversmithing history, Georg Jensen continue this legacy with classic and contemporary style, making timeless pieces with integrity. I'm very pleased to be working with them throughout the year to share some of their beautiful collections and hopefully bring a sense of their heritage to you.But now - to the competition. Do you want to travel more this year? Let Georg Jensen help to make it happen for you. Simply visit them in store for the chance to win a trip for two to Copenhagen. The winner will receive two return flights, one night stay in a hotel, dinner for two in one of Copenhagen’s most famous restaurants and a private tour of their iconic Georg Jensen Silversmithy.To Enter: Visit one of their London stores, leave your contact details on one of their customer cards and cross your fingers! The winner will be chosen at random in a prize draw on the 28th March 2019. Good luck! Terms and conditions apply.*
*Terms and Conditions.
The competition begins on 13th February 2019 and ends on 28th March 2019. To enter the competition you must be aged 18 or over and be a resident of Great Britain. Employees of Georg Jensen Ltd., its agents, contractors or retailers and anyone else connected with the promotion are not eligible to participate. By entering into this competition, your full name and city of residence may be published at www.georgjensen.com . There will be one winner only. The prize cannot be exchanged for monetary value. The prize must be redeemed in the year 2019. Georg Jensen Ltd. reserves the right to manage the booking of the airline, hotel and restaurant. No purchase is necessary to enter the competition. There is no limit to the number of entries a participant can enter. Georg Jensen Ltd. takes no responsibility for entries which are lost, delayed, misdirected, incomplete or cannot be delivered or entered for any technical or other reason. The competition cannot be entered online. The competition can only be entered in the Georg Jensen Mount Street, Georg Jensen Westfield, Georg Jensen Royal Exchange or Georg Jensen Selfridges store. Georg Jensen Ltd. will notify the winner by email on 29th March 2019. If the winner does not respond within 14 days of being notified, the winner’s prize will be forfeited and Georg Jensen will be entitled to select a new winner. The new winner will then have 14 days to respond once notified or they will also forfeit their price. If a winner rejects the prize, the winner’s prize will be forfeited and Georg Jensen Ltd. will be entitled to select another winner. The winner of this competition is entitled to bring one guest on the trip for two to Copenhagen with them and must obtain the consent of this person before providing their details (such as name, date of birth, passport number, and passport expiry and contact details) to Georg Jensen Ltd. Georg Jensen Ltd. accepts no responsibility for any damage, loss, liabilities, injury or disappointment incurred or suffered by you as a result of you entering the competition, accepting the prize or not being selected as the winner. The decision of Georg Jensen Ltd. in all matters under its control is final and binding. Georg Jensen Ltd. reserve the right at any time to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, the prize draw with or without prior notice due to reasons outside its control. Georg Jensen Ltd. shall not be held liable for any failure to comply with its obligations where the failure is caused by something outside its reasonable control – such circumstances shall include, but not be limited to, weather conditions, fire, flood, hurricane, strike, industrial dispute, war, hostilities, political unrest, riots, civil commotion, inevitable accidents, supervening legislation or any other circumstances amounting to force majeure. Georg Jensen Ltd. reserves the right to award an alternative prize of equal or greater value, should the advertised prize or any part of it become unavailable for any reason. The competition promoter is Georg Jensen Ltd. The competition will be governed by English Law. By participating in the competition you are deemed to have read and understood these terms and conditions and agree to be bound by them. If you breach any of the terms and conditions, you will be automatically disqualified from the competition.
Use of your personal data
By entering into competition, participants give consent to 1) Georg Jensen Ltd.’s collection and processing of their full name, e-mail address and/or phone number and city of residence and 2) to receive an invitation to become a member of My Georg Jensen. The collected personal data will be used for the competition administration purposes and for communication on advantages related to becoming a My Georg Jensen member and will be stored for a period of maximum 30 days after completion of the competition. Personal data of the winner and the guest will be processed for the booking administration purposes and will be deleted 6 months after the completed trip date. Once you have entered the competition, you will be invited to participate in the My Georg Jensen customer club. If you subsequently decide to become a member of My Georg Jensen, the processing of your personal data in relation to this will be subject to our Privacy Policy available at https://www.georgjensen.com/en-gb/privacy-policy and Terms of Membership, found here: https://www.georgjensen.com/en-gb/terms-of-membership. By entering into competition, participants consent to that his / her full name and city of residence can be published at https://www.georgjensen.com/en-gb.The participants can obtain information on Georg Jensen Ltd’s processing of their personal data or withdraw their consent by sending an e-mail to ukcustomerservice@georgjensen.com. ;
Photography: courtesy of Georg Jensen.
A Very Comfortable Ferm Living Spring Summer 2019
Making an edited selection from the new Ferm Living SS 2019 catalogue was no joke. Seriously. I struggled to keep the number of images down because, as always, the quality of styling is just through-the-roof exquisite. Unusually for me, I'm drawn to the dark wood interiors here - just as I'm slowing working them out of our home.This year founder and creative director Trine Andersen has brought the new collection to life in the homes of seven female creatives. Titled 'Space To Feel Comfortably You', the collection presents each room of a home with the backdrop of an existing interior. Rooms feel natural, lived in and comfortable.Known for their forward-thinking approach to design, the collection promises more abstract forms and a rich colour palette. Tactility remains high on the agenda, mixing textured woven art and textiles with smooth marble and slim metal structures.
Stand-out pieces include the Rico lounge chair and sofa with their sweeping curved shell back in Art Deco style. The bouclé upholstery is made using uneven yarn for a loopy texture. Such an elegant design.As ever, I still have designs on the Haze Vitrine for our dining room...one day. Such a slender piece of storage, perfect for a small corner to store a few essentials.
See? I told you. It was an impossible task to choose. And there's still so much more, especially hearing from the homeowners themselves. It's always fascinating to learn how others use their homes, how different their lives are from our own. For that, I'd recommend spending a little more time reading the catalogue. You're welcome.
All imagery courtesy of Ferm Living, with thanks.
Rex Kralj New Variations On A Slovenian Classic
When I think of modernist designers, Niko Kralj isn't the first name that springs to mind. In fact, I knew nothing of him until I discovered Utopiast, an online store specialising in South and Eastern European design. Drawn to the minimalist shape of a plywood chair I was surprised to find that the original design was 60 years old. So who was Niko Kralj?
A true innovator of minimalist design, this architect and industrial designer hailed from Slovenia. In 1952, Kralj made the first steps towards creating the Rex Chair in 1952. This moulded plywood, slatted design would become a familiar piece in post-war Slovenian homes with its light-weight form and ability to fold away. In 1956, The Rex Lounge chair, Rocker and Daybed of the same composition would follow to complete the collection. He would become known for his simplistic forms, finding ways to join the wood using a minimal amount of screws and bolts. During his lifetime, Kralj would go on to make some of the most important contributions to functional, modernist design.Continuing his legacy, Studio Rex Kralj was established in 2011, taking inspiration from Kralj's name in Latin, also Slovenian for 'king'. The studio has since reissued some of his more iconic designs, particularly those that never saw it to production. Among them sits the Mosquito chair, designed in 1953, the Stool CC and my personal favourite - the Shell Lounge. The brand new 'Variations' catalogue is full to the brim with utterly beautiful, minimalist styling, showing the collection in different finishes and colourways.
Working in collaboration with contemporary designers, the studio has brought new variations into the collection, including German fashion designer Lili Radu and her colourful take on the upholstered Shell Lounge. New table designs based on Kralj's original cross section seen in the Stool CC extend the collection. The almost disconnected surface gives the appearance of the floating which adds to the spacious feel of the design. I think my new favourite dining chair is the 4455 (below) with its curved back which comes in a velvet edition too.
So now you know who Niko Kralj is if you didn't already. His work deserves to be shouted from the rooftops, and under the direction of the studio they translate so well into contemporary living, don't you think?
Photography © Marieke Verdenius and concept and styling by Design Studio Nu for Rex Kralj.
New Abstract Art Prints For Your Walls
Hello stranger, I apologise for the radio silence here of late but work has needed all my attention with last-minute shoots and writing pieces for other lovely people. I had plans to have my gift guides up by now, best-laid plans and all. As a type, my father-in-law is cutting sections of ceiling joists out in my office which have rotted thanks to a badly installed shower in the bathroom upstairs. Who said renovating wasn't fun?!Anyway, I digress. I have for your delectation, a selection of brand new abstract art prints. My beady eye is always on the look-out for striking wall art and these absolutely tick the box.
Hot off the press! The prolifically brilliant Coco Lapine has just released the aptly named 'Abstrakt' collection featuring two shapely designs. Each print was made using a collage of handpainted paper cuttings. I love the appearance of texture the patterns give them - a great way to add interest to a monochrome interior.
A personal favourite go-to for prints, The Poster Club has joined forces with world-renowned fashion designer Malene Birger. After 25 years experience in the fashion industry founding the Day Birger and Mikkelsen and Fashion House by Malene Birger brands, she sold her shares in 2014 to focus on new directions. As a passionate artist and collector, she has spent much of her time developing her own creations alongside interiors projects from her studio in Lake Como. Her passion for strong, contemporary forms can be seen across six abstract wall art prints. I love the strong, graphic shapes in these ink drawings, don't you?
These beautiful images were styled by Pernille Vest and shot by photographer Emil Monty Freddie and at the stunning Skagerak showroom in Copenhagen.
[AD] Styling My Home For Winter with NABO
This is a paid partnership in collaboration with NABO.
This time of year, whilst I’m nowhere near ready to mention the Christmas, I do like to acknowledge winter and bring some seasonal touches into our home. It’s all about wanting to feel warm, cosy and cocooned this time of year. Candles aside, what other things can you do to celebrate winter in your home? I’ve teamed up with Danish lifestyle shop Nabo to share some inspiration.
Danish for 'neighbour', NABO was launched by visual artist Christina Thaisen in 2017 from her home, a former jam factory, in London. Hailing from the city of Copenhagen with design in her blood, Christina has created an online shop for beautifully crafted Danish homeware with a personal story.
We don’t follow fashion or the latest trends but source products that are timeless, functional and long-lasting.'Things' cannot create a home. It’s the connection you have to what you surround yourself with that creates a feeling of belonging, of home. Therefore, we think it’s important to tell the story behind the products and brands we stock for you to make that connection and to help create homes that are more meaningful.
Showcasing new designers and functional pieces meant for daily use, Christina often makes journeys back to Copenhagen to add to her carefully curated collection. I've found it almost impossible to choose favourites but I've highlighted some of the most beautiful examples used in my own home.
We always make an effort for slow family breakfasts at the weekend which are usually a mix of pastries, cereal and fruit (the kids love a variety to pick at). The tableware obsessive in me was instantly drawn to ceramist Mette Duedahl's collection of ceramics. The oatmeal and earth tones instantly warm up the table for breakfast alongside my slubby Khadi napkins. Simple touches can make such a difference. I brought home some fiery branches foraged from a morning walk to bring a sense of occasion to the table. The rusty toned leaves and deep red berries really draw out the organic fleckles in the large Tina Marie vase.
If you switch your duvet for a heavier tog come winter, you might like to dry a darker shade of bedding too. Nothing beats freshly laundered sheets for ramping up the cosy factor and the olive green cotton Tekla bedding has added depth of colour in our bedroom. I love how it looks against the beige walls. We've even tried sleeping the Scandinavian way with a set each so we don't have to play tug of war with the covers!
A stand-out piece from NABO’s collection is the striking black bonbonnière pot by Uh La La. A sculptural piece in its own right, it's perfect for stashing nibbles or small pieces of jewellery. This is a piece that would look great styled on a mantlepiece or living room shelves alongside other select treasures.
We've not done a great deal to the living room since moving in, there's seems little point until we begin work next year. It can feel a little cold with its north-facing light but our rubber tree Marvin definitely helps to soften the edges. I've added some spice toned cushions to help warm it up and there are brass candle holders by the fireplace. One thing I've really taken to this year is mobiles for grown-up spaces. I'm seeing them everywhere. Hung above a sideboard or in our case, just behind the sofa, they add visual interest as a piece of sculptural art. When we have candles lit in the evening, the light flickers off the warm brass rings of the Galaxy Globe which are centred by the white marble ball.
My office has had a serious winter sort-out following a busy few months. With tote bags and mounds of press material, decluttering my desk has worked wonders for keeping a clear head - do you find the same? Kicking off the New Year with a fresh diary or journal makes all the difference to your organisational skills too. I don't like using an online diary, although I share one with Rob, I find things go in better if I've written them down. If you're into your stationery like me, you'll appreciate the quality of NOTEM Studio's journals. A solid and reliable piece of paper kit, they're made from Scandinavian paper and covered in woven cloth, of course.
Love what you see? You can enjoy a 20% discount with NABO across the entire collection using CURATEDISPLAY20 when you check out. Valid until 20th December 2018.
Photography & Styling © Tiffany Grant-Riley
Warm Amber - The New Nordic Take on a 1970s Classic
Not quite mustard yellow or brown and definitely not copper, warm amber home accessories are fast becoming the colour of the moment. Popularised in the 1970s, I've noticed its slow and steady return to the Nordic design scene over the past year.
I’m old enough to remember the retro amber, brown and red patterned carpets (we had one once) and it’s oddly comforting to see these colours making a comeback, although definitely not in the same, garish way they did. This reinterpreted version of warm amber is rather apt given that we’re coming into winter now, nature surrounding us by rich, rustic tones.
How To Work With Warm Amber At Home
I recommend using it as a subtle accent worked in as an accessory. A large vase, glass lamp or throw is just enough to give a hint without going full-on 1970s. This warm shade lends itself beautifully to lighting, as seen in the Louis Poulsen PH 3/2 lamp which comes in a limited edition amber glass shade.
The great thing about amber is its a versatile colour; it stands out against a neutral base and compliments richer, bold colours. The result, of course, will be completely different. I'd style it with seasonal flowers or grasses and perhaps layer a simple throw with similarly toned cushions. I also love to see it paired with brass and marble for a more luxurious feel.
It’s far harder to get amber right in textiles, predominantly because the colour is taken from tree resin and therefore works best with translucent materials. If you can look for a shade in between orange and brown, you might just have it. Warm Nordic’s mid-century inspired lean chair is near enough spot on with its velvet upholstery and H&M Home recently launched its 'Sleek Amber' collection which includes waffle bedspreads and linen cushions. I've put together a cheeky round-up too which is well worth a look if you fancy a dabble.
So tell me, am I way off the mark with amber, or are you warming to it?
| 1 | Orlo table top mirror, Another Brand | 2 | Amber Troll Vase, Menu | 3 | Kasbah Eau De Parfum, 19-69 | 4 | No-Pi-No-Pi stackable vase, New Works | 5 | Marimekko Urna vase | 6 | Anise Patchouli candle, Compagnie de Provence | 7 | Lean back lounge chair, Warm Nordic | 8 | Ewer Champagne glass and brass lamp, MADE.COM | 9 | AYTM amber globe vase | 10 | Cafe au lait collar vase, Cooee |11| Waffled double bedspread and stemmed bowls, H&M Home |12| Limited edition Louis Poulsen PH 3/2 lamp in amber
••stockists correct at time of publication.
This Hackney Home Designed by Biasol Has The Blues
I already know what you're going to say. "Not another blue kitchen Tiff! Come on!" Well yes, it is another blue kitchen, but what I particularly love about this Hackney home that I gleefully discovered on The Modern House is that almost every room is cleverly anchored with the blue. No other colour speaks to me the way this particular blue does, so I for one completely understand why the architects chose it for this project.
Those Aussie architects really do have it down. I'm always in awe of what some of the design studios in Australia are coming up with, particularly having great weather and light on their side. So it's interesting to see how Melbourne based studio Biasol tackled this Georgian maisonette and its typically dark interior. As you can see, they did away with the traditional layout, opening it up into a light-filled living space. Original sash windows, timber floors and cast iron radiators connect the building to its past, whilst bright white walls and contemporary furniture connect its residents to modern living. Minimally styled to accentuate the craftsmanship of the architecture, you can truly appreciate the quality of the materials Biasol has chosen to use.
The freestanding island in the kitchen has been elevated with brass legs to allow the space to continue to flow beneath. Marble features heavily across this property with black Grigio Carnico kitchen surfaces and herringbone Carrara in the bathrooms. Accents of brass in the hardware and mixer tap enhance the rich, blue cabinetry, echoing in the living and dining spaces through wall mounted Flos IC lights. I'm completely in love, are you?
See more of those clever blue details in this Hackney home over on The Modern House. And if you've got a bit of cash lying around, it's going for a cool £1m.
Photography © The Modern House.
[AD] Fredericia Celebrate 60 Years of The Spanish Chair
This is a paid partnership with Fredericia. I first made an acquaintance with this beautiful chair two years ago when I was introduced to Fredericia at the London Design Festival. Inviting me to experience their collection for myself, I was somewhat spoilt for choice. They took one look at me and said "that one - that's the chair for you". It was The Spanish Chair, a modernist classic launched in 1958 by Børge Mogensen.It is a dream to sit in. Despite its upright position, I promise you, it's just perfect for kicking off your shoes and losing yourself in a good read. It creaks as it adjusts to your shifting weight, with arms just right for your mug of coffee, a notepad. It's been staying in our unfinished bedroom and I've had the pure, unadulterated pleasure of styling and living with it for the past few weeks.
Who Are Fredericia?
Named after a small industrial town in Denmark, the Fredericia design house was founded in 1911 operating as a chair factory. During its first twenty years of production, the factory concentrated on upholstery, later becoming the first licenser of Thonet in Scandinavia. Family owned to this day, its humble beginnings and near bankruptcy would see it become a forerunner of Danish Modernism.In 1955, the factory was acquired by CEO and architect Andreas Graversen who brought in close friend and designer Børge Mogensen to turn it around. Over the next twenty years, Mogensen would go on to design a string of Danish modern classics, including his first - the No.1 Sofa whose shape would arguably become the most emulated silhouette for furniture in modern design. His style was described by Graversen as "unpretentious, pure and honest". His ethos was to create pieces that would blend seamlessly into the every day, interested in the functionality and simplicity of it over the short term trend.
Today, Fredericia is home to some of the most revered designers of our time, including Cecilie Manz, Gamfratesi and our very own Jasper Morrison. Building on a proud heritage, Fredericia continues to create the modern originals of tomorrow. Their designs show the high level of craftsmanship, long-lasting integrity and of course, the quintessentially Danish aesthetic for which they're known.
The Spanish Chair
On a journey through Spain, Mogensen noticed a chair with wide arm-rests, a style common in parts influenced by Islamic culture. This sparked an internal based on functionality, a clean aesthetic and unassuming, rustic materials that would ultimately become The Spanish Chair.Manufactured by Fredericia to his exacting standard, the chair's geometric frame ensures greater stability. Whereas flat sawn wood has a tendency to split, the stronger quartersawn oak frame shows the almost straight stripes of grain that run through the wood. Vegetable tanned saddle leather becomes the backrest and seat, a Medieval Spanish methodology of furniture construction that would inspire Mogensen throughout his career. One can just imagine the beautiful patina that would develop in the leather over time. Brass buckles underneath tighten the leather as it softens and the wide armrests are intended to be used as a ledge for a cup or book, doing away with the table and opening up space.
As this year marks the 60th anniversary of The Spanish Chair, Fredericia has produced a limited edition in one of Mogensen's most loved shades sourced from his archive. Olive Green. Undoubtedly a popular colour in Mid-Century design, the chair is a symbol of the longevity and enduring nature of Fredericia's rich design heritage. Available until December 31st 2018.
Photography & styling © Tiffany Grant-Riley
Gorgeous New Nordic Design From Gejst
I thought I'd end the week with a few new design updates from Gejst. The word 'gejst' is Danish for excitement and enthusiasm which is how the Nordic design brand of the same name describes their creative approach. Their multi-functional products inspire the desire to get organised in all of us and the new catalogue is brimming with small space, clever storage solutions.Founded in the Danish town of Odense in 2013, the Gejst collection takes classic elements of Nordic design traditions and reworks them into playful, functional pieces. Designer Michael Rem describes his experience of that process, termed as creating 'the new simple',
“Being a designer means absorbing all of the daily influences that life offers endlessly, and consciously experiencing it. All the sounds, colours, forms and events are mixed together in the subconscious with your personality and emotions, so that all of this can be combined to form something new...
The Flex Rail
If there's one thing the Scandinavians know how to design, it's the shelf. Am I right? There's really nothing new in furniture left to be designed, but there are always new ways to approach them. The magnetic Flex rail is all kinds of brilliant, with interchangeable accessories to customise the way you choose to use it. There are infinite possibilities that fit seamlessly with most home situations, be it kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or workspace. It even comes with a nifty holder for coffee filters. Now that's attention to detail.
Nivo Shelf
Designed by Berlin design studio Böttcher & Kayer, the elegant Nivo shelf is so light in frame, it almost isn't there. With its bright white shelves (it also comes in black), the Nivo has no visible screws and allows the walls behind to breathe space.
Nebl Planter
Inspired by dewdrop tipped grass and the silence of fog covered streets, the Nebl planter diffuses the form of each plant like an abstract painting. Consisting of two parts with a ceramic base and frosted matt glass top, Michael Rem's design makes it hard not to be fascinated by this new way of displaying houseplants.
Accessories for Play
The collection also supports additional accessories with a touch of playfulness. A favourite is the Galet board which comes with three ceramic bowls. Designed to sit flush with the edge of the board to compartmentalise your chopping (so very satisfying) or stack inside one another, they can also be used as storage in other capacities.Happy to have scratched your organisational itch. For details of the collection, including the Sceene shelving unit head to Gejst where you can purchase direct.
Photography courtesy of Gejst.
Mater Earth Gallery Brings Sustainable Danish Design to London
Back in Spring, I made time during Clerkenwell Design Week to visit the new Mater Earth Gallery. I am a huge fan of their soft, organic aesthetic and unwavering dedication to sustainable design. So when I heard they were setting up a new concept store in London all the way from Copenhagen, I had to see it for myself.Part of the new wave of Scandinavian minimalism, Mater was founded in 2006 with ethical and sustainable practices at the core of its design philosophy. Collaborating with an external team of new and established designers, the brand seeks to create timeless pieces rooted in high-quality craftsmanship.
Mater means 'mother' in Latin. The name is the daily reminder of our small contribution to preventing the challenges 'mother earth' faces. Design influences how we as humans live our lives; it shapes values, culture and society. Unfortunately, we are increasingly aware that the choices made during design processes often have environmental consequences. However, as a manufacturer, we have the opportunity to rethink dubious practices and create ethical and sustainable design that minimises adverse social and environmental impacts.- Henrik Marstrand, CEO & Founder.
Mater's rostra of designers speaks like a who's who of design royalty; including Space Copenhagen, Eva Harlou and Pederjessen. Expect to see natural oak, cork and cane running through the collection.The Victorian building has been given a sympathetic update with brushed brass skirting and soft grey walls, blending down to the tiled floor in a similar tone. Inlaid brass edging lifts black and white mosaic tiling while dark green open shelves display a selection of ceramics, artisan teas and Eva Harlou's Double Bottle design.
A daybed to die for - had I the space for it. The Winston, named after Churchill blends classic cane made in a 3rd generation Danish wicker workshop with a contemporary silhouette. The canvas seat is GOTS certified and the oak is FSC certified.
This is a calm space in which to see the collection. I instantly see soothing, tactile shapes when I think of Mater. From smooth Sørensen leather to the cupped oak of the Ray lamp, there are curves in almost everything here, bringing it all back to nature's form.
It's easy to stick a sustainability label on something and assume that's enough proof, but each step of the production process has a knock-on effect. You could say that it would be more sustainable to use the furniture we already have above making more. That said, it's important that designers and manufacturers move forward and claim greater responsibility in the way things are produced. As consumers, we need to educate ourselves in these practices and in turn change the way we consume. And of course, no production process is completely perfect, but better to be meticulous with what you do have control over than to ignore it entirely. The amount of plastic we're now having to find solutions for speaks volumes that old attitudes won't fly anymore.From day one, Mater has taken steps to ensure their practices take responsibility for supporting craftsmen with a fair living wage, good working environments and that their processes don't have a negative impact on the environment. This includes looking at water usage, the disposal of waste product and the social impact. Most of their collection is manufactured with FSC approved wood or mango wood which is a by-product of the mango fruit industry. The trees are felled after they no longer fruit and a new one is then planted in its place. They also use recycled aluminium (as seen in Space Copenhagen's stool) and LED lighting in a bid to make their lighting energy efficient.
If you'd like to find out more about Mater's journey in sustainable design I would urge you to visit the London showroom. Experience the collection for yourself and ask as many questions as you like, the team are lovely.
Visit the Mater Earth Gallery
36 Myddelton Street, Clerkenwell, London.
Additional photography © Tiffany Grant-Riley
Laura Slater x The Plant Room LAND at LDF
One of the biggest highlights of my LDF experience this year was the LAND collaboration between textile designer Laura Slater and Zosia Berkieta-Lewis of The Plant Room. My photos really don't do it justice, but it was so beautiful that I have to show you.
Both based in Leeds, these two incredibly talented women came together with the support of a Kickstarter campaign. Bringing Laura’s bold, printed textiles and Zosia’s flair for botanical design, LAND showcased Slater’s new collection of the same name. Set amongst a prairie-style mini garden, the installation doubled up as an interactive experience promoting the restorative nature of plants. Visitors were invited to draw their observations in sketchbooks or to simply sit on custom made benches and drink in the calm.
A common thread running through LDF 2018, slow and restful spaces were an indication of society’s need for tranquillity amongst the pressures of everyday living. As an advocate for the benefits of slow living and the positive effects it can have on our mental health, I was so pleased to see this topic being explored in more depth this year this.
Inspired by a five-week residency at Cove Park, Scotland, Slater spent much of her time there exploring pattern. Her free-form drawings emerged as interpretations of the natural surroundings of the Rosneath Penninsula. The result of this became her LAND screen printed collection which can be seen hanging behind the garden.
Zosia’s own work involves designing botanical installations for various platforms - events, shops, workspaces. Her style is wild, expressive and textural. We talked about our mutual love for grasses and the Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf. If you're not familiar with his work, you must take a look.
When I got home, I was inspired to order more grasses for the garden. And I may have bought some of the black 'Monolith' fabric seen on the benches for our bedroom project too. Because it was just too perfect to pass up.
Photography © Tiffany Grant-Riley
STILL By Form Pop-up Restaurant with 26 Grains
During an intense few days covering London Design Week, I find myself cocooned inside a tranquil haven, set amongst the hubbub of DesignJunction. A pop-up restaurant aptly named STILL, the temporary space is a collaborative project led by design consultancy BY FORM and Scandinavian inspired restaurant 26 Grains.Influenced by Danish design and Japanese aesthetics, STILL holds space for quiet contemplation and relaxation in which to refuel on wholesome dishes and refresh your senses. The perfect antidote to sensory overload, the restaurant imbues the essence of Nordic minimalism. From the soothing colour palette and gentle textures to the carefully chosen soundtrack. I do not want to leave.The restaurant showcases current and emerging design brands represented by BY FORM, including the instantly recognisable furniture from &Tradition and textiles by Kvadrat. Elegant Mayor sofas upholstered in dark grey velvet line one wall with Anderssen & Voll Pavillion chairs facing opposite. Choosing pieces with light and airy frames, the overall effect gives STILL a feeling of space, of room to breathe. Along the full height wall of window, Fly chairs sit drenched in sun, throwing out stark shadows across Atkinson & Kirby's brushed oak floor.
Acoustic technology developed by Zilenzio screens the outer shell of the restaurant. The Kyoto screen collection was designed by Note Design Studio and was inspired by the tearooms from the same place. The sound absorbing walls do a great deal to cut out external noise, no mean feat in such a vast tented space.
I was amazed to see plaster used on the walls here. The BY FORM team applied it themselves using KABE Copenhagen, a DIY coloured plaster which enables you to polish it to a fine finish. Again inspired by the Japanese, the KABE plaster provides a restful, raw backdrop for STILL and with 37 colours in the collection it had most of us considering it for our homes too.Simple, wholesome fare by Neals Yard cafe 26 Grains gave depth to the whole Nordic experience. Influenced by her year working in Copenhagen, founder Alex Hely-Hutchinson brings elements of Scandinavian cuisine to her own menu with a specific focus on the exciting ways grains are used within dishes across the board.
And so it was on to the next location, replete, recharged and ready for the next experience...
Photography © Tiffany Grant-Riley
An Exclusive Tour Of The Made.com Ceramics Factory In Portugal
A mound of clay trimmings from a ceramics factory in Portugal.
The tides are turning in the way that brands, and in turn us as consumers, are waking up to what we buy for our homes. We want to know its provenance - where its materials came from, whose hands have moulded and crafted it and that we in a small way are part of supporting that process positively.A few weeks ago, I hopped on a flight to Lisbon with the MADE.com team to join them on a tour of two of their family-run ceramics factories. A stone's throw from the city, the region has a deeply rooted history in ceramics, dating back to the founding of the monasteries. Generations of families work here, one specialising in decorative items (vases, etc) and the other in tableware. Each with 30 to 40 years of production history, they were specifically chosen by MADE's design team to produce their Noah dinner set and Cactus vase, amongst others. What they don't know about clay and ceramics really isn't worth knowing and what I expected to be a clinical process of machine and uniformity was quite the opposite. Each piece is made by hand and guided through various stages under the watchful eyes of skilled workers.
The Mother Mould
A plaster mould for a set of bowls sits in the workshop at a ceramics factory in Portugal
At the beginning of the process, the factory work in tandem with MADE to design the first mock-up which is taken from technical drawings and moulded from soft plaster. At this stage, the mould can be altered as necessary. Once finalised, the 'mother mould' is created from which the entire collection will stem from.
Pouring And Setting The Slip
Factory worker opens up the moulds to allow the slip to dry out in a ceramics factory in Portugal
Notice those huge vessels up in the rafters? This is where the liquid clay or 'slip' in poured from, using gravity to reduce the air bubbles as it makes its way down into pipes. The clay is locally sourced, chosen for its quality and durability. Anything from 10 to 120 moulds a day are filled with slip, sealed and left to dry for around 20 to 45 minutes before opening them up to dry out. The longer the slip stays in the mould, the thicker the wall of the vase or mug. Plates are made using a different process using solid clay blocks and a pressing machine, all overseen by hand. Up 500 are made each day and I've never seen anything so satisfying to watch!
The Rough With The Smooth
After an initial dry out, any rough edges and imperfections are scraped away with a knife and smoothed with a wet sponge. A second drying out stage to ensure each piece is dry is needed before the first firing in the kiln. What I love so much about the handmade process is that each batch behaves differently depending on the clay mix, the time of year, what the weather happens to be doing. No day is exactly the same and it takes real expertise to understand how to navigate those variations. In winter the drying process is naturally much slower and batches are moved to closer to the kilns to dry, whilst in summer it's much faster.
The Bisque Stage
My favourite part of the whole process - the bisque stage, where the pots have had their first firing in the kiln at a scorching 1,090 degrees. There's something incredibly satisfying, looking at rows of carefully stacked, alabaster white bisque. Before moving onto the glazing stage, every pot is tapped with a stick to listen for any cracks which dull the sound.
The Chemistry Of Glaze
In the past 40 years, both factories have seen trends move from the highly decorative, traditional Portuguese style to the more sculptural shapes and simple block colours we want in our homes today. With the crash of the ceramics industry in the 90s, unable to keep up with mass production from China, they had to modernise to survive. Combining their traditional techniques with contemporary styles and new glazing technologies, they now offer a very bespoke and personal relationship with brands like MADE.
We need to attempt to produce ceramics with the techiniques, knowledge and skills from the past, with what the market demands nowadays.
Nunu, factory owner and son of the founder.
Demand is in the use of textured finishes and unique pigments which are mixed by technicians in the lab or 'kitchen'. MADE will visit once or twice a year to plan new season colour palettes and ideas for unique finishes, with each client having their own exclusive range to avoid crossovers.Pieces are then either sprayed or dipped in glaze, fired in the kiln for 9 to 10 hours then checked and packed ready to be shipped. It's highly likely if you own a MADE vase that it'll have been held under the watchful eye of just one woman with 20 years quality control experience. How's that for a personal touch?Thus concludes my potted tour (ahem) of the MADE ceramics factories. It's been a wonderful experience to see how this industry has been revitalised, bringing the focus on skills and the personal connection to the things we own back onto our doorsteps. I certainly won't look at my Peder vase in the same way again...
Photography © Tiffany Grant-Riley
20 Of The Best Budget To Blow Out Black Wall Lights
I’m popping over the parapet while I still can, as I wade my way through the depths of the end of term summer madness. If you’re in it too, keep going my friend, you’re almost there. And then it's only the next six weeks of holidays to get through...
Aside from the school stuff, I’ve been answering requests on Instagram for a black wall lights source page. You’ll know by now that I think a shot of black instantly improves a room, whether its to add contrast or tone on tone and my 20 Best Black Wall Lights have been chosen for their contemporary designs and minimalist attributes. No dodgy sconces here people. And I happen to be in the market for our bedroom which is almost ready for painting. I need to get as much off the floor as possible. Despite having a fairly spacious room, the way we configure the bed makes it difficult to fit bedside tables on both sides as we end up hitting doors. Hence the need for wall lights and quite possibly small ledges for the important stuff. Or maybe just one central swing arm that we can share? Decisions, decisions...
There’s a good mix of new designs and reissued classics with a Nordic aesthetic and strong, architectural shape. Take the perforated head on the Vipp lamp for example, which defuses light outwards as well as down. And then there's the covetable La Lampe Gras No.214, or indeed any of that series, reproduced by DWC. I live for that lamp. Such elegance. Ugh.
The more compact styles are spot on for nooks and hallways, especially the globe styles. Opal glass has made a huge comeback in recent years as it gives off a warm, diffused ambience. Adjustable arm lamps are better suited for task lighting - for reading in the living room or above the kitchen worktops whilst you're preparing dinner.
You'll also be pleased to know that most of these lamps don't need wiring into the wall (who has time for that?) which makes it easier to move them around as you need to.
Of course, it's not possible to include everything in my top 20, and I've had to veto a few in favour of affordability. I'm just being sensible. Now I just have the task of choosing. Like that's going to be easy...
| 1 | Design Project LED wall light, John Lewis | 2 | Jielde Signal two arm, Clippings | 3 | La Lampe Gras No.214 by DCW, Houseology | 4 | Woud Kuppi, Nest | 5 | Radon by LightyearsDK, SCP | 6 | Matted black wall light, Rockett St George | 7 | Ogilvy swing arm, MADE | 8 | Its About RoMi Glasgow lamp, Naken | 9 | Blush by Northern, The Lollipop Shoppe | 10 | Warren wall lamp by Menu, Really Well Made | 11 | Mater Ray wall light, Cloudberry Living | 12 | Grant, Normann Copenhagen | 13 | Orbit, Dwell | 14 | Wall lamp, Vipp | 15 | Dano smoked globe, John Lewis | 16 | Louis Poulsen Yuh, Clippings | 17 | Hollin, Out There Interiors | 18 | Hübsch wall light, Smallable | 19 | Anglepoise Original 1227 Mini, Heal's | 20 | Muuto Lean lamp, Nunido
** Stockists correct at time of publication.
5 Home Office Design Tips And HÅG Futu mesh Task Chair Giveaway [AD]
This is a paid partnership in collaboration with Flokk.Take it from someone with ten years working from home under her belt, having a workspace that's both functional and inspiring is so important. Over the years I've tried out a number of not-so-great home office set-ups. I started from a reclining sofa (yep) and dining room table to a corner of the bedroom before having the luxury of a dedicated workspace.Aesthetics, of course, are what make a room but there's little point in having a stylish home office if it doesn't actually work for you. With that in mind, here are my five tips you should consider when you're designing your own space...
1. Choose The Right Chair
Top of the list. The office chair. Having spent years damaging my posture in a variety of static chairs and slumpy sofa cushions I can attest that choosing the right chair is the difference between getting in a focused days work in comfort and spending time in physio. I'll be honest and say that up til now I've categorically avoided office chairs. They've always felt too corporate and imposing for a home environment.When the furniture group Flokk got in touch to ask if I would try their Norwegian office furniture brand HÅG and their HÅG Futu mesh chair, I decided to put it to the test. Based in Røros, an old copper mining town on the UNESCO World Heritage List, HÅG have been manufacturing chairs since 1943. Before the chair arrived I was sold purely on the fact that this is a company that takes their impact on the environment seriously; mapping out and reducing production emissions and using recycled plastics since 1995, earning them the coveted Nordic Ecolabel.
Sit Properly
It's good practice to sit with your knees at a 90-degree angle with your feet on the floor, although HÅG actively encourages you to put your feet on the legs of the chair as you move which have ridged steel grips. Your arms should sit at a 90-degree angle to your desk to stop you from hunching your shoulders.Did you know that your calf muscle acts like a secondary heart in circulating blood back to the heart and comes into play when you actively move your feet? This is why when we're likely to be static for some time - on a long haul flight, for example, it's recommended to do leg exercises to increase your circulation. With this in mind, all HÅG chairs come with Balance® Technology which is totally intuitive, encouraging mobility and engaging your core. The amount the chair moves can be adjusted underneath the seat via three settings so you can opt for more or less as you see fit.The back comes up to shoulder height and combined with the transparent mesh it has a slender, lightweight appearance. My back feels completely supported against the FutuKnit™ mesh, a specially designed 3D knitted fabric which retains its tautness. If I want a gentle recline the seat can also be adjusted underneath.Unnecessary frills have been done away with, focusing on simple adjustable elements found in discrete buttons and small touch levers. The all-important lumbar support slides up and down, locking into place. The arms which are removable slide outwards as well as up and down with adjustable armrests that pivot inwards.The HÅG Futu mesh is a thoughtfully designed piece of Nordic simplicity. Having experienced the difference, I would recommend finding an ergonomic chair that suits your needs.
2. Making Room For A Home Office
Working from home can kick up a variety of distractions if you don't have a dedicated space. I say space because if setting aside a room isn't an option, you can carve out a corner instead. It could be in the dining room, on the landing if it's possible or a corner of the bedroom even which is where I currently work. Choose an area with good quality of light away from tempting distractions like the TV...the fridge.Don't be put off if you don't have room for a free-standing desk, you can utilise the wall space just as well. Put up a sturdy ledge instead or use the inside of a cupboard you can shut away at the end of the day.
3. How Will You Use Your Office?
How you design the space will depend entirely on how you plan to use it. Can you work with a shallow ledge for a laptop or will you need a deeper desk for a computer? Do you need space for dual screens or perhaps accessible storage is a more pressing need? Consider how much time you plan to spend working here and if you'll need to be able to shut it all away at the end of each day, particularly if you're working in a corner of a shared room. Once you've worked out your needs, designing the space and finding the furniture will be an easier process.
4. Plan Your Office Layout
The shape of your space might already dictate your layout but if you've got free rein, I would recommend setting up close to a window in a position you won't get screen glare. Ensure you have enough room to move freely. Do you want to have storage in front or behind you? If floor space is limited then look at wall mounted solutions, otherwise you'll start to feel restricted which in turn will affect your ability to work.Use any available wall space for shelving or cupboards and keep them organised - don't be tempted to fill them with clutter. Keep your everyday essentials within reaching distance - the pot of pens, sticky notes, USB stick. A series of shallow picture ledges can be used to keep notebooks alongside art prints. Find a pinboard or pegboard and create a visual inspiration wall or use it for urgent reminders.Choose the right a task light. If you don't have space for one on your desk, consider a design you can attach to a shelf or directly to the wall, if not slender floor lamp is a great alternative.
5. Show Your Personality
Whilst you want to give your home office a sense of separation from the rest of the house, it's important for it not to feel sterile. You're working from home after all so it needs to be a space you feel at ease in. Bring in a rug to zone your desk space, something that feels good underfoot.Colour is very much a personal choice but I recommend light or neutral shades over anything too dark. Bright colours will start to feel distracting after a while so if you're keen for a shot of colour, keep it to furniture, accessories or art.
Having plants in the home reaches far beyond the botanical trend of the moment, they not only bring life into a space but they clean the air too. Keep a little pot on your desk, like my Pilea, or choose trailing plants to sit on your shelf above. Peperomia and String of Pearls are a great choice and Snake plant and Aloe Vera are ideal air purifiers.
Enter HÅG's Home Office Giveaways
GIVEAWAY ONE - Win a HÅG Futu or Futu mesh task chair in the colour of your choice worth up to £730.For a chance to win, choose your favourite colour and leave a comment below.*GIVEAWAY TWO - HÅG is also running a competition to win a 30,000 euro office makeover."The winner will receive a visit from their expert interior architect who will provide advice on colours and fabrics. They’ll share with you our range of products, discussing what to add to your working environment to make it healthier, happier and more productive.Then all you have to do is sit back and wait for the transformation!"Please see T&Cs for further information.* T&Cs: Entrants must be aged 18+ and a resident of the UK. This giveaway closes on June 6th 2018. This giveaway is for X1 HÅG Futu mesh task chair only. The winner will be drawn using a random number generator and contacted via email by Flokk directly. Your contact details will not be shared with or sold to any third parties.