Return to Nature
From art to design, 2021 seems to be levitating towards the theme of nature, as more than ever we are in need of escaping our closed daily spaces, finding solace and peace in the outdoors. This will also be a year to declutter, making way for functionality and comfort.
- ‘Lounge Landscape’, this is the concept Swiss designer Ubald Klug embodies with his Terrazza sofa. Combine multiple units to create the effects of a mountainous valley! Today it is still produced by Swiss company De Sede.
- What do you see, a palm tree or a bat? This is Gae Aulenti’s Pipistrello lamp, designed in 1965, produced today by Martinelli Luce.
- Made to order from a single sheet of solid wood, Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Taliesin chair was inspired by the natural forms of Japanese origami. Today they are still produced by Cassina.
- Can’t have nature without some flowers and plants at home, and what better place to put them than in Anissa Kermiche’s silhouette vases!
Warm Colours
This desire to reconnect with nature has also been reflected in the choice of warm colours and earth tones to evoke a sense of calm and comfort. Trying to recreate a comforting and cosy home environment, with less mass produced furniture and more reworked, artisanal and vintage pieces.
- Of course you can’t have missed the Togo sofa by Michel Ducarot for Ligne Roset.
- Tito Agnoli’s P3 lounge chair for Bonacina -- as seen at Beton Brut Gallery. Find more information on the use of natural fabrics in our History of Caned Furniture article here!
- Jordi Canduas’ Dripping Light, presented for Stockholm Design week 2019, in collaboration with Marset.
Squiggles
Very much connected to this years ‘Return to Nature’ theme, rounded, organic and undulating shapes are everywhere -- from mirrors to candles these organic shapes bring together nature’s influence with some funky vibes.
- It doesn’t get more squiggly than this! Norwegian designer Terje Ekstrom’s chair, 1984.
- Hay and *Lex Pott *twist candles
- Gustaf Westman’s Curvy Mirror
- The sofa that never ends! DS 600 Modular Sofa by Ueli Berger for De Sede.
Memphis Style
Monochromatic homes have taken a backseat this year -- we want color! One of the pioneers of stylised graphic patterns is Ettore Sottsass, founder of the ‘Memphis style’ - a crazy postmodern twist to interior design. Colourful, playful, energetic; the uplifting touch that we all need in our homes.
- Major 70s vibes with ‘Ultrafragola’ mirror by Ettore Sottsass, manufactured by Poltronova.
- Gropius Lamps x La Veste ceiling lamp is the perfect addition to spice up your dinner parties!
- Verner Panton’s 60s world! From the iconic Flowerpot lamps to the Panton chair, his designs are timeless and his psychedelic vision is exactly the type of energy we are looking for in 2021.
Scandinavian Design
This buzzing trend has been following us for a few years now -- and we still love it! Let’s dive into the other must haves from our favourite Scandinavian designers!
- Eero Saarien: Everything. Finnish-American architect and designer who’s collaboration with Knoll in the 1940s and friendship with Charles Eames has left us dreaming since!
- Poul Henningsen: Danish designer who created the *Artichoke lamp *and PH5 in collaboration with lighting-fixtures firm Louis Poulsen in 1958.
- Following this year’s nature trend, Lies-Marie Hoffmann is a contemporary Danish designer who focuses on sustainable design, recycling trees to create beautiful sculptural stools.