DESIGNRO » small furniture

Wishful thinking with Debbie’s Wijskamp Paper pulp cabinets

Cosmina Dinu — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:49:06 +0000

Paper furnishing is becoming a real technique, experimenting, adding on and expanding. I am almost sure that it is already taught at some universities, or at least some optional complementary classes at Innovation courses. It is a versatile and familiar material and what some would really appreaciate is that it has a natural odour and texture.

The Paper pulp cabinet by Debbie Wijskamp, is a totemic white furniture piece, constructed from various oblong boxes stacked upon one another. Some have drawers, while others are left open to function as shelves. At first glance, they look like they are made from the polystyrene containers used to pack fish, but instead each inch-thick box component has been moulded from paper pulp and assembled using simple box-jointing techniques borrowed from woodwork.

The Paper pulp cabinet was on show at Designhuis, Eindhoven as part of the second annual Talent exhibition during Dutch design week. The works of graduates from 30 European design institutes and universities were showcased from october 17th to october 24th, 2009. I was really taken down because I couldn’t answer the invitation, but surely next year I’ll be there and document the event.

Debbie Wijskamp

Too much creativity will never do wrong on brands like De La Espada

Cosmina Dinu — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:46:30 +0000

All poets have recurent themes, all artists have muses and all bloggers obsessions. Is it my latin origin or the rigorously arranged newsletter that brings me back to De La Espada?!
Oh, Lord, give us rain and economical crisis!…This autumn was incredibly full, don’t you think? I was overwhelmed by so many launches, new projects, lay offs, associations and good intentions. People really switch to positive thinking, not just on paper or negociations manuals. And particularily for Europe, there is a genuine work pleasure revival, turning to craft and doing fewer things and better.
One of the places where I would have loved to be this October is London during the Design Festival. I tried to catch up as much as I could through online means but of course, there’s no comparison with actually being on set.
The Portuguese-British brand De La Espada had some very good interventions during the 8 days dedicated to design. They held a series of three exhibitions in East London:
PROCESS: The Modern Workshop which focused on traditional craft in modern design
PRODUCT: which focused on 18 new products and several classics by four collaborating designers
PHILOSOPHY: Seating for Eating welcomed De La Espada’s newest collaboration, Studioilse

PROCESS: The Modern Workshop exhibition
At Tent London, it was presented a rare, behind-the-scenes look at De La Espada manufacture. The exhibition highlighted the relationship between craft and modern design through the presentation of raw materials, components and products.

PRODUCT exhibition
At the A Foundation in Shoreditch, thre were presented 18 new products designed by Autoban, Leif.designpark, Matthew Hilton and Studioilse. A vast, open plan exhibition space allowed the products to exist in their own area, whilst interacting with one another, highlighting the diversity of the products as well as the common ethos they share. The relaxed environment was enhanced each evening with casual drinks and nibbles.
If I were there, I’d take the following tour: I’d start with Matthew Hilton: Fracture Table
Brando SofaMars Table.
In 2008, De La Espada launched a collaboration with one of Britain’s most highly respected designers, Matthew Hilton. Hilton’s designs are understated, sculptural and meticulously detailed, with many already considered design classics. The Matthew Hilton range is designed by Matthew Hilton, and produced under licence by De La Espada. The complementary expertise of the two firms has ensured a furniture range true to Matthew Hilton’s creative vision, as realised through De La Espada’s material options and expert manufacturing.

Gloves put, tank fueled, wheels rolling, we enter the Autoban.Deco Sofa & Pumpkin Table
Holy Table
Wired King
Nest Lounge
The collaboration between Autoban and De La Espada launched at New York’s ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) in 2007. Autoban is an Istanbul-based architecture, interior design and product design studio, founded by Seyhan Özdemir (architect) and Sefer Çaglar (interior architect) in the historic and bohemian district of Galata in 2003. The products, largely made from natural materials, cross boundaries of time and culture and playfully reinterpret the familiar. A selection of designs from Autoban’s ever-growing product portfolio are supported by De La Espada’s manufacture and understanding of solid wood.

Crossing the ocean, I’d wreck on Leif.designpark’s isle :Tone Cabinet
Lin pod Bench
Tone chair
Tone Chair for kids
Leif.designpark, a Japan-based design studio consisting of Takashi Ueno, Mamoru Naito and Keizaburo Honda, has been designing products in a variety of natural materials, with a specific emphasis on wood since 2006. Leif.designpark holds monozukuri- the art of traditional craftsmanship- in high esteem, and values the warm, playful relationship between a product and the user, as well as the comfort of the space where the two enjoy interaction. Their aesthetic is a result of applying monozukuri to the construction of modern designs to give the products a connection to traditional Japanese culture. Since 2007, De La Espada has manufactured and distributed select designs from their portfolio.

Heels kicking, neck twisting and enter into StudioIlse’s teritory:Low Bench & Stools
Settle &Low Bench
De La Espada recently launched a collaboration with renowned London-based design office, Studioilse. Ilse Crawford, principal of Studioilse is a creative director and designer who crosses the worlds of brand creation, interior architecture and products. She is a figurehead for design as a means for change and revitalisation; with a human approach that is emotional and intelligent. As the licensed manufacturer and distributor for Studioilse products, De La Espada will realise her designs through premium materials and expert craftsmanship.

PHILOSOPHY: Seating for EatingThe London Design Festival marked the beginning of our collaboration with Studioilse. Leila’s Shop in Shoreditch housed an installation of the new Studioilse seating collective, allowing visitors to sit on the products while enjoying a meal. A series of Kitchen Table Talks were held on the premises each evening focusing on the link between growing food and community. Speakers included the founder of Aesop, Dennis Paphitis and Tristram Stuart, author of ‘Waste: Uncovering the Global Food Scandal’. The installation remains until 1 November.

You wish you were there too, I know…

De La Espada
Matthew Hilton
Autoban’s
Leif.designpark’s
StudioIlse’s
London Design Festival

Donna’s Calendar

Cosmina Dinu — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:18:47 +0000

Summer moved on…to the autumn’s enthusiastic popping projects. Designers murmur around their stands, concentrated to receiving their guests.
There are so many things to regain in autumn – reading blogs, doing long-term strategies, financial planning, rethinking your home, dusting, knitting or just prepairing for the winter. Authentic “Joie de travailler”! So, lets start with the beginning. Bags packed and bicycles prepaired for London Design Week and Maison et Objet, both in September.
With so many things happening, wake up earlier to keep up the pace. Let’s start with one of the most active (and one of my favorite) designers: Donna Wilson.

The biannual Parisian design fair Maison & Objet will be taking place from the 4th – 8th September and this year, for the first time, Donna Wilson will be in attendance to launch her 2009 Collection. You will find her and her colourful array of creatures and cushions in Hall 5B Stand T44 – U4 (Stand 17) where she will be exhibiting as part of the British Design Group.

Also not to be missed is Donna’s new range of decorative bone china for SCP as well as her Mabel sofa and Frank Henry and Ernest Pouffes on the SCP stand in Hall 5B Stand T28.
Made at a factory in Stoke on Trent with china clay sourced from St Austell in Cornwall, the collection is produced entirely within the UK. The pieces include a mug, teacup and saucer, jug, side plate and a salad bowl, all of which will feature Donna’s inventive, original and decorative artwork.

From the 19th – 27th September, Donna will be presenting new work in three different locations around London so do drop by and see us at one of the following events:
The Dock
As well as being home to Tom Dixon’s new London showroom, the Canal Building at Portobello Dock is also the venue for an event entitled The Dock that will run from the 21st – 27th September throughout Festival. The Dock will be an exhibition of creative talent curated by Tom Dixon and sponsored by Derwent London. Donna has been chosen to take part and will be there to present a colourful display of cosy accessories including all of her new designs for Autumn 2009. Presenting alongside her will be Thorsten Van Elten, Industrial Facility and Very Good and Proper.
The Dock runs from Monday 21st – Sunday 27th September
5th Floor, Canal Building, Portobello Dock, 344 Ladbroke Grove, London W10

Made in Britain at Liberty
Donna Wilson will be launching new designs at Liberty’s Made In Britain show to be unveiled on the 19th September. The exhibition has been curated by the Telegraph’s Design Editor David Nicholls and Head of Home at Liberty, Michelle Alger to showcase the best in British design. Donna will be showing off a new armchair design for SCP named Eadie and also brand new editions of her Frank, Henry and Ernest pouffes in some striking new colourways and exciting new patterns.
Made in Britain runs from Friday 19th – Saturday 26th September
Liberty House, Regent Street, London W1B 5AH

SCP West
After previewing at Maison & Objet, SCP will host the UK launch of Donna’s new range of decorative bone china.
The china will be on display from Saturday 19th – Sunday 27th September
SCP, Westbourne Grove, 87 – 93 Westbourne Grove, London W2 4UL

In preparation for chilly Autumn nights Donna Wilson has been busy knitting new scarves, blankets and cushions to help keep out the cold.
You may have already seen Donna’s wintery Mountain Peaks cushions which were introduced earlier this year. Now, just in time for Autumn, the alpine design is available as a mini blanket too.
If a mini blanket isn’t quite substantial, you will be pleased to know that Donna is also working on some new larger blankets. Watch out for large Rainy Day , Blah Blah and Wooly Wood blankets which will all be launched in new colourways very soon.

Also new to Donna’s collection this year is the large floor size Garden cushion. Garden is made from 100% lambswool and available in four colourways.

As well as making accessories for your home Donna has also been working on some new knitted wool scarves to keep your neck cosy. Choose from the Fox, Birdie Walk and Skyscraper walk designs!
And,of course, new funny buddies: Rufus, Bertie & Rosie and Pierre.
All of Donna Wilson’s designs are handmade with love and care in the UK from 100% lambswool allowing the end product to be unique and have its very own character.
…Also! I almost forgot to tell you about the new greetings cards! Donna has made a series of cards that show her colourful creatures up to all kinds of antics! The cards are left blank inside so perfect for any occasion and all available to buy online.

Donna Wilson
Maison et Objet
London Design Festival
SCP
The Dock
Liberty

Marina’s home sweet home

Cosmina Dinu — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:15:37 +0000

Sometimes you do not need dozens of confirmations and reassurances that this is it what you want or need. You just feel it from the first glance. Marina Bautier has taken my dearest ideas and put them into life. Some of her qualified projects correspond to my shy, in home trials. And I am happy to have discovered her. I’m not alone…

First encounter: September 2008 at 100% Design London with Fold chair.

Taking little space when folded away, Fold keeps nevertheless the comfort of a standard lounge chair. Its language is voluntary the one of an indoor seat, thanks to the choice of material, the generous proportions and the padded seat. Easily moved around it can also occasionally be used outside.
I spent more than the polite exhibition time with this piece. I kept it in my mind.
This year, in Milan, at Galleria Bonaparte, the lounge folding chair got its name through my admiration of the new pieces Marina came out with: Lap Shelving and Modular seating:

Lap Shelving is a modular storage system that combines a low production cost with a real quality of appearance and use. Laser cut, folded and powder coated metal shelves and storage units integrate themselves within an oak structure. The system enables to create consoles and bookshelves and to join several units without doubling the structure.

The basic element of the flexible seating system is the bridge shaped leg. The repetition of the oak legs creates a regular rhythm that expresses the modularity of the project. The thin padded seats (with or without backrest) invite to a short rest in a hall, a hotel lounge or a library for example. A metal pole with a lampshade is fixed to the armrest. Beyond its functionality, it contributes to define an intimate sphere and introduces a warm domestic code in the rational typology of waiting rooms seating.

Indeed, this was the turning point. I became a fan of Marina Bautier and I forsee her with a beautiful future.
She is a Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College (UK) graduate and in 2002 she set up her own design practice in 2002, back in her home town, Brussels. She works on a wide range of projects, from products to interiors. Developing her own designs for manufacturers, interior projects for private clients, as well as self-initiated projects.
Surfing through her website, I got hooked by a Sewing workshop, every diligent girl’s dream

And by a set for Collection for Idee,a Japanese online shop:
Photo by Koomi Kim
Or by a Bureau:

A Chair & Tabouret:

Or a concrete Gardenslab:

And the list goes on.

Marina Bautier
Idee

See in the box! – new collection from SCP

Cosmina Dinu — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:07:54 +0000

Each of us has their things they like to come back to. A quite and rewording relation, no strings attached, still fulfilling.
This is the way I feel about SCP. Doesn’t matter when I come back, I am always well received.
Today I remeberd how much I liked their latest collection - Boxed Collection back at Salone del Mobile in Milan.

Designers who produced pieces for the collection include:Timorous Beasties, Konstantin Grcic, Alex Hellum, Matthew Hilton, Pearson Lloyd,
Peter Marigold, Michael Marriott, Kay & Stemmer and Donna Wilson. All were given a brief to create products that could be easily packaged and sold at more accessible prices, as well as to design products that were small enough to carry home from the store under individual’s arms.

I will start with my favorites: Donna Wilson and Matthew Hilton (about Matt we’ve discussed previously) They perfectly fit together, don’t you think? One is enough masculine to temper down a colourful enthousiasm, and the other is enough witty to balance a rather formal atmosphere.

One sofa – Mabel, one occasional chair – Lola, three poufs – Ernest, Frank and Henry and pillows and blankies from Donna.
Mabel
Lola
Ernest, Frank and Henry

And one armchair – Berwick, one Mr. sofa – Oscar and two trestles – Compass from Matthew.
Berwick
Oscar
Compass

The other products are just as appealling as these first ones.

Sum shelves by Peter Marigold

Ulrik stool by Alex Hellum

Drysdale sofa and Peggy table by Pearson Lloyd

Chester armchair by Timorous Beasties

Cedric desk and Jeeves coat rack by Kay + Stemmer

Tom Tom and Tam Tam side tables by Konstantin Grcic

SCP