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Tuesday 25 September 2012

100 Per Cent Norway, LDF: Mr. Bazaar's Five Favourites

One of my highlights from last week's London Design Festival was being shown around 100% Norway by one of the show's Curators, Henrietta Thompson. Although simple in form, many of the pieces on show were both bold and imaginative at the same time. Having the opportunity to speak with a mix of experienced and up and coming designers was a real treat. Here's my top five favourites designs and what I learned about each from their respective designers:

1. Hallgeir Homstvedt's Tangent vases explores the theme of how a flower pot compliments a tray; there are magnets in the base of each vase, which allows people to experiment with different compositions and combinations, and even visual illusion as the vases appear to be fixed to the tray until moved.

2. The Ola Windsor chairs were designed by Alf Sture to help create an environment of security and warmth, which is why the chair 'wraps' around the body when sat in, and the reasoning behind colourful nature. I love how they paired the vibrant Ola Windsor chairs with the elegant simplicity of their Vang dining table.
3. Despite being displayed at the back of the show, my eye was drawn to Andreas Engesvik's 'bunadspledd' blankets from the outset. I learned that a 'bunad' is the Norwegian national costume for men and women, dating back to 19th century National Romanticism, and there are more than 400 different types in total, each depicting a regional difference. Each 'bunad' consists of a certain number of colours, each distributed in a certain manner. Andreas simplified the patterns to create this range of throws that nod to their original 19th century heritage. Aren't they just fab? A big thumbs up from me!
4. Oscar Narud's Hunter sideboard might be simple in materials but it's certainly a statement piece. The three sliding doors, which draw inspiration from traditional Norwegian architecture, create a graphic look when overlapped, resulting in a colourful lattice effect.
5. I had to include this snap of Victoria Gunzler and Sara Wright Polmar because they were so darn charming and enthusiastic when we chatted about their 'Benkt' bench. Explaining their obsession for details and quality, Victoria stressed her love for nature and craft, whilst Sara looks to add a playful yet elegant edge to their work. They explained that the bench was purposely designed to be a functional, contemporary interpretation of a traditional Scandinavian kitchen bench, which provides comfort during social meals. The duo also designed the accompanying 'Benkt' blanket, which echos the geometric lines of the cushions. For me, this was the standout piece and if my kitchen was big enough(!) I'd incorporate it into the scheme, no questions asked. Tell me, which of these Norwegian designs are inspiring you?

26 comments:

  1. Informative and beautiful post! Thanks so much for sharing this! Sounds like you had an amazing time!

    Love, Jamie Herzlinger

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  2. NICE! WISH I COULD TRAVEL THERE ONE DAY TOO!

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  3. Such an interesting post. You are always getting to do cool things! That benkdt bench is great, I'm sure we'll see it in alot of design magazines. I love the shade of blue.

    :)
    mikky
    www.todaloos.com

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  4. What a fun post! I want to sit in that chair with one of those blankets, and then I would be very happy indeed. :)

    -Lindsey

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  5. I would name your blog the dreamland! While Santa knocks at our door just once per year, you blog is open the whole year – wow!

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  6. Great pieces! I'm totally in love with those turquoise Ola chairs! And the blankets would add such a cozy hit of colour in a room or across the foot of a bed. :)

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  7. Lovely post Will! Beautiful & colourful! I wouldn't expect any less from you! X

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  8. How nice to see Norwegian design on your blog, Will! :) I´m a huge fan of Andreas Engesvik, and his "Bunadspledd" looks gorgeous.
    Another favorite is the Tangent vases from Hallgeir Homstvedt.

    Nina xx

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  9. All great pieces. The arrangement of those vases is fabulous and the blankets are so beautiful.
    Ada

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  10. Those blankets are beautiful. I want!
    Fx

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  11. I'm with you, Will - those blankets are fab!

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  12. I so want one of those blankets.

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  13. The Norwegians are on to something...their use of color is splendid.
    Thanks for making me feel like I toured a little:)
    Anna

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  14. I didn't get to this part of LDF so thanks for this. For me its the blankets that grab my attention, not only are they gorgeous it's distinctly chilly here today and I'd welcome one wrapped around me right now. Thanks Will

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  15. Those blankets are certainly eye catching! I'll take an orange one OR maybe even one of each colour:-). XX

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  16. Why am I not surprised to find that yellow vase at the top? ;-)
    Thanks for the introduction to all that wonderful design. The colourful chairs look really nice and I have to say that I love that bench. In fact, I would keep it in my hallway and use it as a shoe shelf as well. Is that allowed? ;-)

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    1. More than allowed! I actually think that's a great idea as a place to put it. P.S. You know me, a Yellow Fellow! :)

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  17. I like those table configurations with the multi colored chairs, very modern looking.

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  18. whoa, major colour situation. thumbs up

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  19. I need one of those blankets. I love your posts-a feast for the eyes for sure! I see so many things that are really neat-is there ever any info where you might buy something?

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  20. Will, I never got round to that part after Tent so thank you for this.
    Love love love the blankets. Will definitely look out for one in November.

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  21. I love those blankets - they are gorgeous!! Love the shape of the chairs and the colours too!

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  22. How FUN to see :))

    Love from Norway!

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  23. Thanks for sharing your picks from the LDF and love the simple, sleek, and inviting Norway designs. Of course I am crazy about that yellow vase ... such an organic looking master piece and that side board is just so much fun!

    looking forward to your recap Mr!

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  24. I love those chairs; the colours are gorgeous but I also love how they 'wrap around' you! xx

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  25. Thank you for the lovely mention, Will!

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