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THE DESIGN CHASER

SSM x Honst | A Sense of Belonging

2.03.2020

Using leather as a natural component in all their products, Swedish studio Smålands Skinnmanufaktur (SSM) design and create beautiful, functional furniture and accessories for the home. With a small and intimate format that allows them to carry this out with both passion and presence, they care deeply for the environment, collaborating with the world’s only environmentally certified tannery — Tärnsjö tannery — with the intention that each piece ages gracefully and becomes more beautiful each day they are used. They also believe their products are brought to life when they become a part of a context, when they take place in someone's life. This has led to some beautiful stories including their most recent, A Sense of Belonging, created in collaboration with production company Honst. 



She observes the surroundings with tender eyes. She walks in the wind, in between carved shapes and through a curtain. Her hair tied up. Her hand sweeps over the weaved seat. Nature surrounds her with a sparsely coloured sky. A natural transparence. This is her space. 

A dedicated woman is passing. Sculptural forms appear everywhere. Everything is work made by hand. Here is room for art and craftsmanship. Here is room to create and here is room for life. 

The air is filled with anticipation. Nothing blocks the scene. Beneath her feet, the ground feels plain. She carries a secret. Lying down, her body stretched out. She is taking her time, slows down, pauses and breathes. Her dreams are realised and a sense of belonging is born. She is home. 

SSM, Smålands Skinnmanufaktur


Production by Honst.se / Art Direction by Hillevi Magnell / Styling by Johanna Pilfalk  / Photography by Judith Kirkhoff & Ellinor Hellberg / Copy by Hillevi Magnell / Model: Judith Foitzik

There is also a beautiful film to accompany the story. 

And in case you missed it, check out SSM's previous story collaboration here. 

Images courtesy of SSM

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My Tips for Viva on Styling with Scent

9.16.2019

Last week I was interviewed by Viva, where I chatted to Ashleigh Cometti about ways of enhancing and complimenting interior styling with scent. From using scent to create a certain mood through to changing scents for different seasons, I also talk about the art of fragrance combining with Jo Malone London and their newest fragrance - the gorgeous Poppy & Barley. 

Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for TDC

A peek inside our ensuite above shows my current favourite Jo Malone London combination, Poppy & Barley and Myrrh & Tonka. Pop over to viva.co.nz to read the full interview. 



This is a sponsored post. I only work with products I love and all opinions are my own. For more information please visit my About Page.

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A Still Life Series from Kinfolk Issue Thirty-One: The Architecture Special

3.11.2019

Over the weekend I started reading the latest issue of Kinfolk. A long-time favourite, I can easily devour it one go, but it's also nice to stretch it out, slowly savouring each article as it unfolds. Visually inspiring (the cover alone can take my breath away) the features are also thought provoking, leaving me with ideas to ponder long after I've finished reading. In issue Thirty-One: The Architecture Special, The Chain Reaction by Aaron Tilley has that effect. A still life series inspired by the Rube Goldberg machine, Aaron's approach is perfectly in fitting with this playful, concept-driven narrative - showing the trail of a flower being watered.

Photography by Aaron Tilley  and Styling by Lisa Jahovic for Kinfolk

Such beautiful tones and textures, I love the little splash of water, earthy palette and natural materials. You can see the full series - where a delicate flower eventually gets watered - in the latest issue of Kinfolk. 


Other articles I'm lingering over include the Home Tour:E-1027 - the French Riviera villa by celebrated Irish architect Eileen Grey, an interview with TRNK co-founder Tariq Dixon, and a peek into the creative world of Noura & Anne, two inspiring architects based in Bahrain. This is definitely a must-read issue! 

Images courtesy of Kinfolk 

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Nouveau Bathroom Collection by Bernhardt-Vella for Ex.t

12.21.2018

Specialising in innovative bathroom furniture, Florence-based design brand Ex.t mixes the international vision of its designers with the Italian expertise in the use of techniques and materials. In 2019, Ex.t will be presenting its Nouveau collection at Maison & Objet in Paris, designed in collaboration with Bernhardt-Vella studio from Milan. Along with this new entry, Ex.t confirms its long lasting partnership with Norm Architects studio and German designer Sebastian Herkner, presenting the Rest Armchair and Ribbon Square washbasin.


The Nouveau collection is designed by Paola Vella and Ellen Bernhardt, talented friends who share a common vision of design based on emotion and poetry. Their first time designing for bathroom interiors, they have used used a creative approach that comes from the home design world. Nouveau includes washbasins, cabinets and mirrors featuring geometric and sinuous lines. Born from a balance of basic and classic shapes such as circles, semi-circles and parallelepipeds, the pieces create a game of volumes in a succession of full and empty spaces. Freely inspired by early twentieth century Art Deco, the collection takes refined suggestions from that era and reworks them with the taste and sensitivity of a contemporary perspective.

Nouveau washbasin is characterised by asymmetrical shapes with bold edges that serve as practical support surfaces. It can be wall mounted or a countertop - supported by a metal structure that elegantly defines its shape. The structure is available in brushed bronze, satin-finish brass or matt black finishes and can be combined with various accessories such as towel rails, wooden drawers, marble or stone storage tops to offer a functional and complete product.

With Nouveau, for the first time Ex.t inserts the colour in a collection of LivingTec washbasins. The first colour proposal is Rosa Cipria, a refined and antique colour.


Norm Architects extend their Rest collection for Ex.t with the Rest Lounge Chair. Inspired by the way Japanese people use to sit on the floor and lean on the surrounding furniture to rest, the small upholstered armchair is low with a wide backrest. Designed to provide regular support for the back when in a sitting position, it alternatively provides a comfortable support for a short rest if standing.

Like the entire Rest line, the small armchair is characterised by a tubular metal structure refined with small brass details. Available in black eco-leather or green velvet (pictured below), the cushion and backseat create a graphic game of circles that overlap when viewed from different angles.


Sebastian Herkner, nominated by Maison & Objet designer of the year 2019, enriches Ribbon collection launched in Milan 2018 with Ribbon Square: a square-shaped wall-mounted washbasin with small dimensions, designed for cosy spaces. Like the oval sink and the bathtub, Ribbon Square is made in LivingTec and finished with a satin steel or brass band, a functional and aesthetic element that inspires the entire collection, giving brightness and preciousness to the product.


Such inspiring new designs, I love how they reimagine the bathroom as dynamic living spaces for contemporary living.  

The new collection will be launching at Maison & Object in 2019. 

For more information on the brand, its designers and products visit www.ex-t.com.


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Deck Update with COAST New Zealand | Part Two

12.19.2018

I'm thrilled to be sharing this latest update of our deck as the final part of this blog series for 2018. In Part One of our collaboration with COAST, I talked about the process I went through for creating our bespoke Beanbags, from choosing the right size and design, through to the fabric selection. Deciding on the Marine Bean XL and Marine Bean Ottoman, I then chose from an extensive range of  Sunbrella Fabric. Wanting a warm beige to compliment our existing decking and black railing/home exterior, the Tresco Linen has given the exact result I was looking for. Not only does it fit beautifully with our new Outdure seating, the colour and texture compliments the interior of our home, providing a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.  


The Beanbags are such a comfy addition to our deck. Designed for indoors and out and easy to move around, I sometimes bring the Ottoman inside at night to pop my feet up on while watching TV! COAST also sell a wide range of throw cushions made from the same marine-grade Sunbrella brand fabric as the Marine Bean. The perfect accessory for both our new Beanbags and seating, we purposely designed the seating with space underneath to store some extra cushions! I popped into the COAST showroom to pick some out and they had a great range of colours on offer. Some of my favourites which are featured here on our deck are Fern, Taupe, Silica Barley and in the small cushions, Hybrid Smoke and Rust. As mentioned in the last deck update, we're also planning on getting some custom squabs made for our Outdure seating with Sunbrella fabric from COAST.

Styling and photography by Michelle Halford for TDC 

As with our indoor living spaces, I love having throws on the deck for added comfort, texture and warmth in the evenings. COAST have a beautiful collection of throws for every season. I featured their Mackenzie Woollen Throw in the last Deck Update, and for today's I've included the Antigua Linen Waffle throw in natural and the Stripe Linen Laguna throw in Mustard. Both lightweight, they are perfect for the warmer months. 

For more information on the COAST products and bespoke services visit coastnewzealand.com.

COAST offer worldwide shipping.


This post was created in collaboration with COAST New Zealand. I only work with products I love and all opinions are my own. For more information please visit my About Page.

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Aesop x Smith & Caughey's

5.24.2018

Aesop currently presents a striking installation in the Queen Street windows of Auckland retailer Smith & Caughey’s—home to the skin care company’s inaugural New Zealand department store counter, opened in December 2017. Unfortunately I couldn't make it to the unveiling last week but it is so stunning that I wanted to share it with you before it finishes in a few days time. 


"An ephemeral presence on Queen St", the installation reimagines several of Aesop’s signature elements—a scientific approach to skin care, distinctive amber glassware, and long-standing passion for literature and design—in a display both unorthodox and beguiling. Passers-by are warmly invited to discover the installation and to stop by the Aesop counter inside. Here, trained consultants will be pleased to demonstrate formulations and to offer personalised skin care recommendations over a restorative cup of tea.


Aesop was established in Melbourne in 1987. Its objective has always been to formulate skin, hair and body care products of the finest quality. Having opened its first signature store in New Zealand, Aesop Newmarket, in 2016, Aesop now hosts customers in three stand-alone stores, in addition to its Smith & Caughey’s counter.

A sincere interest in sophisticated and sustainable design extends to every aspect of Aesop’s workings, predicated on an unequivocal belief that intelligent design improves our lives. And in line with a passionate, long-standing interest in the arts, the company has consistently engaged with and supported the cultural sphere.


So beautiful! The installation will be on show until the 27th of May. 

Images courtesy of Aesop 

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Mahsa | Exclusive to Simon James Design

9.21.2017

When I visited the new Simon James Concept Concept Store in Newmarket, my attention quickly turned to NZ brand Mahsa. Simon James is the exclusive stockist for the label which features stunning garments designed and made in NZ from raw fibres including silk and cotton. With sophisticated tailoring and unique detailing across a palette of black, white and earthy tones, the pieces look right at home hanging in the exquisite new Simon James space alongside the carefully curated offering of homewares. This captivating imagery shot in a modernist Titirangi home built in 1964, showcases Yesterday Modern 2, the new collection designed for SS 2017 and beyond. Featuring light layers that celebrate the timeless Mahsa classics, they have been refreshed in new palettes and fabrics - forever modern.


Dedicated to the women before us who pioneered an alternate route against all odds, who defeated expectation and devoted their lives to adventure — their strength of spirit returns to ignite our own time and time again.

Mahsa Willis previously worked as a film producer for 20 years, as well as working with designer Marilyn Sainty. Her design process is very emotive and instinctual - "I like to build moodboards and contemplate ideas that resonate with how women are feeling, living and dressing. I work with a very small team and produce all of my garments here in Auckland, New Zealand. I'm very interested in creating an edited approach to dressing, which is also autobiographical as I'm designing for myself too. I want less, but what I do have I want to really work for my lifestyle — dynamic and creative. I hope women who wear my clothes feel the same.”



Each piece is a textile dedication to a woman’s tenderness, grace and strength. A gift to our sisters, mothers and daughters as a reminder of what has come before and what lies just ahead.

Such beautiful garments and words, I love everything about this brand. And I'm completely obsessed with the voluminous sleeves and elegant bows! 

Photography by Derek Henderson

Images courtesy of  Simon James Design 

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