Just like back-to-school fever, September is a time of new beginnings when the design world wakes up to show off its best and most innovative creations. I’ve been keeping a close eye on the most recent design festivals over Instagram, watching things unfold and bringing you a round-up of some of my favourite features. From 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen, the brand new Stockholm Creative Edition and London’s very first biophilic design show, Planted, here’s proof that design never sleeps…
3 days of Design, Copenhagen
I can’t believe I missed 3 days of Design for the second time, but such is life. I’ll be back. You can read about my last visit here.
Jotun Paint – An Exhibition of Colour
The Danish paint company Jotun launched their new colour card for 2022 and it is full of optimism. Perhaps the word of the moment, the new range mixes light and airy pastels with deep, muddy and earthy shades. Long time collaborator and stylist Jannicke Kråkvik designed the pop-up exhibition featuring the new colour collection curated by Jotun’s global manager Lisbeth Larsen. Studying the relationship between humans and the way colour affects our mood, collections include ‘Together’, ‘Playful’ and ‘Embrace’. And these contemporary styled interiors from the lookbook show just some of the countless ways Jotun’s paint can be used to lift and transform our homes as we emerge from post lockdown living.
Photo by Jotun Lady.
You might have already seen this post about Jotun colours, as it’s been shared so many times on Pinterest, but if not, this is one of my favourite Jotun launches. If you like neutral colours, this will be right up your street.
Ukurant – Perspectives
It’s rare to see an exhibition curated entirely by current and recently graduated design students at a festival that is very focused on the more established brands, but this is exactly what the new collective Ukurant has done. A former library in Copenhagen sets the scene, showcasing the work of seventeen emerging designers and graduates. The exhibition seeks to show a more liberated approach to design removed from the constraints of creating for mass-production and fast sales. Supported by Muuto, the exhibition features works from students across the globe working in new and innovative materials such as hemp, other production by-products, chalk and beeswax.
Photo by UKURANT
Norr11 – A Softer Future
Here’s one I wish I could’ve visited in person – the Norr11 design studio and showroom. The brand is well known for its fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese influences throughout its collection of lighting and furniture and I love the way they interpret the raw and natural materials they use within their collection. Stand-out designs include the Studio modular sofa, a definite nod to the 70s with its bold, sculptural shape, given a contemporary aesthetic with bouclé wool upholstery.
Photo by NORR11
Stockholm Creative Edition
Dry Studios
You might’ve seen me mention Dry Studios here before and I’m lucky enough to have some of their beautiful treasures in my home. This year, they joined with the brand new annual initiative ‘Stockholm Creative Edition’ which showcases the very best of Swedish design.
Dry Studios opened up their showroom which features a collection of elegant, wabi sabi furniture all produced locally in Stockholm. I love their sympathetic approach to working with a variety of wood, from blackened oak and walnut to bringing out the best in the grain and imperfections that make a piece of furniture so unique.
Photos by DRY STUDIOS
Folkform Studio
Folkform Studio founders Anna Holmquist and Chandra Ahlsell like to challenge the way people approach the more common materials. Where one might turn their nose up at chipboard, synthetic leather or laminates, the duo are challenging the hierarchy of these materials to change our minds.
This exhibition features examples of their Plissé lighting collection designed in collaboration with fashion designer Roland Hjort. Made entirely from a textile shaped with wire, the lamp was inspired by pleating techniques used in the fashion industry.
Photo by Folkform Studio
Subjective Form
Subjective is a new brand exhibiting at Stockholm Creative Editions, founded by Ruben and Sebastian Schildt who own the Oxenstiernan restaurant. The collection of glass and ceramic tableware was initially intended as an exclusive collection for the Östermalm restaurant, but having worked with designer Monica Förster, the expanded range is now in production to buy. This includes mouth-blown jam jars called ‘Babushka’ which stack inside one another, plates, tablecloths and other dining related objects all on show at their exhibition. The collection is simple, with a respect for tradition and sustainability.
Photo by Subjective.
Let’s hope travelling will be a little easier next year!