Top 5 of the best new designs | Guestpost by Nordic Design

Just back from Blogtour London, I am packing again… I will travel to Iceland for Design March and I am so excited about this trip as I have never been to Iceland before! Catherine is the editor of the fabulous blog Nordic Design and the Shop Directory, and I asked her to write a blogpost about her own travels… Tomorrow we will have a little Easter giveaway and see you on Monday with some news about our blogtour and the winners of my two previously giveaway’s! Enjoy Catherine’s finds!





Hello Vosgesparis readers!
Last January I visited Formex in Stockholm, Northmodern in Copenhagen and Maison & Objet in Paris with one goal in mind: To fuel my inspiration for the upcoming year. The trip was reinvigorating, and I came back with hundreds of pictures, business cards, brochures and magazines – So many discoveries!

When Desiree asked me to share some highlights of my latest design pilgrimage on her blog, I was super excited! It was a great opportunity for me to introduce you to my blog, Nordic Design, but also to take some time to gather my thoughts, go through my trip notes, and come up with my top five of the best new designs unveiled/encountered during my recent travels. Here they are, in no particular order.


1. Saxe Folding Chair from by Lassen

To mark its 60th anniversary, by lassen launched its Saxe chair at Maison & Objet 2015. Architect Mogens Lassen originally designed the timeless folding chair back in 1955.

A superb union of function and sleek aesthetic, Saxe is a true Nordic design gem and it is as current and modern as ever. The use of natural materials such oak and leather enhance the chair’s beautiful simplicity.

Saxe is part of by lassen’s Spring-Summer 2015 collection, and will be available from the 1st of April.



2. Cloud Collection by &Tradition 
I really fell for the Cloud seating series designed by Luca Nichetto for Danish brand &Tradition. Consisting of an armchair, two- and three-seater sofas and a pouf, the collection combines Italian comfort and Scandinavian traditions of furniture design. The seats are upholstered with beautiful Kvadrat textiles in black blue, volcano red, desert stone, or ivory white. I love Cloud’s classic and elegant silhouette with its soft, plump feather cushions and narrow steel legs. It looks stylish, cozy and welcoming.

Oh, how I want these sofas in my living room!


3. Skultuna
Renowned Swedish company Skultuna has been making brass and sterling silver objects for over 400 years, and prides itself for creating “tomorrow’s antiques.” With the brass trend in full-blown, the company’s lovely products have recently gained in popularity among the younger crowd.

These stunning leather-lined brass trays are the result of a recent collaboration with Copenhagen-based studio GamFratesi. The collection is called Karui, which, according to the Japanese definition of the word, means light, softness, and ease. It is with this ethos in mind that GamFratesi created the trays, staying true to their experimental approach to materials and techniques.

The trays are available in three sizes and with white, blue or green leather from tannery Tärnsjö

During my trip, I also came across Skultuna’s London Collection by talented jewelry designer Lara Bohinc. She created beautiful candleholders and a bookend made of etched brass with delicate details, reflecting Bohinc’s elegant style. The lovely patterns are inspired partly from travels and nature e.g. highways in Japan, a bird’s light wing strokes and the motions of the planets around the sun.

4. Acoustic Panels by StokkeAustad
I am a big fan of art, and these Patch acoustic panels by StokkeAustad made me think of modernist painters that experimented with shapes and colors.

This is a great example of good design – The designers succeeded at giving something purely functional a breath of fresh air and a new twist, making it also pretty to look at.

The acoustic panels are created with different fabrics from Gudbrandsdalen Uldvarefabrikk, combined with materials such as mirrors, brass and stone. The colorful and stylish panels are framed, just like paintings, enhancing their beauty and uniqueness. What a great, creative idea, don’t you think?

5. done by deer
At Formex, I discovered Danish brand done by deer, which makes super cute mobile, musical toys, bed linen, bibs, nursery pillows, garlands, dinner sets, cutlery, and more. Designer Helene Hjorth (which means ‘deer’ in Danish) makes a great use of colors and fun patterns, and creates original products for trendy kids and their parents.

“Done by Deer is for families who believe life with kids and life with great design is a perfect match. Our design is done for the kids – and their parents. We are deeply rooted in toy-making and strive to combine modern Scandinavian design with features that are fun and playful.”
The wooden swing is a favorite of mine!

Text & Pictures Nordic Design