New + Noted

Today I'm sharing new furniture releases from some of my favourite Danish design brands, along with some local news and a few handy links at the end of the post. Enjoy!

Arkade Chair by Brdr. Krüger

Danish furniture brand Brdr. Krüger is launching a previously unreleased chair by late architect Nanna Ditzel. This new addition to the Brdr. Krüger collection was initially designed in 1983 during a decade-long collaboration between Ditzel and Niels Krüger, 4th generation master craftsman in the Danish heritage company. The joint effort explored the synergy between Ditzel’s vision and Krüger’s expert craftsmanship, much in the spirit of Brdr. Krüger’s core values that still exist today. The Arkade Chair exemplifies Ditzel’s signature of elegant geometries and fondness for soft circular shapes, expressed with recurring arches, hence the name Arkade (the Danish word for Arcade) and a nod to classic architecture.

Keel by Erik Jørgensen

Keel is a new coffee table designed by Lise Vester for Erik Jørgensen. Inspired by a life near the ocean, just like a boat the table features its own keel, providing a beautiful design detail below the tabletop. 

"I was raised in the western part of Denmark, by the beautiful west coast, and nature here has played a significant role in my life. The many sailing and fishing trips with my family on the ocean have inspired me to name the table ‘Keel’, and to design a table that was inspired by elements of a boat”. —Lise Vester

True to Lise Vester's characteristic work, the table is a result of examining the balance between a light and heavy expression, and a curiosity toward finding both strict and organic lines that complement each other.  Available in several finishes included soap treated, oil treated, lacquered, smoked or black painted, this table is truly beautiful!

AJ Trolley by Fritz Hansen

An Arne Jacobsen original designed with elegance and functionality, the AJ Trolley is the latest re-discovery and evolution to spring from the rich depths of the Fritz Hansen archive. Legendary Danish designer Arne Jacobsen designed this elegant trolley for his tea, but it was never produced for the public. Now, more than fifty years later, the design offers endless possibilities and fits seamlessly in a contemporary setting. Used as a bar cart, serving trolley or side table, the mobile table is versatile with a sophisticated, architectural edge. The Fritz Hansen design team considers this piece a hidden gem within Jacobsen’s portfolio.

‘Simply put, this piece will always be stylish,’ says Christian Andresen, Head of Design at Fritz Hansen. ‘It was just waiting to come alive again.’ While the combination of steel and black colored Ash makes this design cool, minimal, and distinctly Danish, the proportions – Jacobsen’s obsession – are perfection. 

Cult NZ Website Relaunch

Cult Design has launched an exciting digital makeover of cultdesign.co.nz. Re-launched yesterday, the new online platform pairs a considered new aesthetic with practical search functionality, housing Cult’s extensive portfolio of designer furniture and lighting brands. Re-imagined by Netherlands-based Australian design studio TOKO, cultdesign.co.nz now allows for the seamless perusal of furniture, lighting and accessories from Cult’s 20 international and local brands. Some of the exciting new features include:

• Visitors can explore a wide range of in-stock and short lead-time product options for time-sensitive projects and quick-ship needs.
• An invigorated Cult News section invites online visitors to explore inspirational content, from product launches and events, to projects and designer profiles.

A Beautiful New Home for Seear-Budd Ross  Last year I interviewed Thomas Seear-Budd and James Ross about their new Wellington-based architectural practice, Seear-budd Ross. They have since moved into their own studio space and kindly sent me some photos to share. While they haven't been able to settle in yet (they moved in only a week prior to lockdown) the space is already reflecting their signature aesthetic, which is inspired by the Japanese style of Wabi-Sabi minimalism. Beautifully composed, it has a rich yet calming atmosphere created through the use of light, geometry and materials.  Photography by Thomas Seear-Budd

Finally, in continuation of TDC's support of local retail and design businesses during this challenging time, here are some useful links and offers:

• Dawson & Co are offering 40% off their Tolv, Natadora & Sketch collections. All beautifully handrafted contemporary furniture with a Nordic influence (for a limited time).
• Auckland Art Fair is holding an online Virtual Art Fair from Thursday 30 April - Sunday 17 May, with more than 30 galleries from New Zealand and Australia displaying works that would have otherwise been seen at the 2020 Auckland Art Fair.
• Paper Plane are offering 10% off all orders until midnight, 19th April, as a small thank you for continuing to support them, and the 80+ small businesses they work with.
• Cult NZ are offering 20% off in-stock lighting collections from brands including Louis Poulsen, Fritz Hansen, &Tradition, HAY, Gubi and more. Offer ends April 22. 
• Sans Ceuticals are gifting a 50ml Baobab Body + Hand Repair Cream (a favourite of mine) with every order this week.