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Flying the flag for the American design scene, brands such as Lostine, Roll & Hill and the American Design Club have set up shop within East London design store, SCP. Called the Special Relationship, the show also celebrates the brand's new product launches by young American design talents Fort Standard, Bec Brittian and Mark McGinnis. Also be sure to check out the store's newly opened basement floor, which is entirely dedicated to design accessories.
Flying the flag for the American design scene, brands such as Lostine, Roll & Hill and the American Design Club have set up shop within East London design store, SCP. Called the Special Relationship, the show also celebrates the brand's new product launches by young American design talents Fort Standard, Bec Brittian and Mark McGinnis. Also be sure to check out the store's newly opened basement floor, which is entirely dedicated to design accessories.
On the lawn of the Tate Modern museum, architects dRMM have installed a surreal staircase inspired by MC Escher. Overlooking the Thames, the staircase is constructed from a series of giant interlocking staircases made from American Tulipwood and sponsored by the American Hardwood Export Council.
On the lawn of the Tate Modern museum, architects dRMM have installed a surreal staircase inspired by MC Escher. Overlooking the Thames, the staircase is constructed from a series of giant interlocking staircases made from American Tulipwood and sponsored by the American Hardwood Export Council.
Alongside Nagasaka's Resin Collection, British designer Faye Toogood has created an atmospheric installation called 'The Conductor'. The interactive piece is made up of 160 fluorescent bulbs connected up to a switchboard of cast resin switches. Visitors can operate the switches, which each play a different note when flicked on and off, to create their own personal light and audio show within the space.
Alongside Nagasaka's Resin Collection, British designer Faye Toogood has created an atmospheric installation called 'The Conductor'. The interactive piece is made up of 160 fluorescent bulbs connected up to a switchboard of cast resin switches. Visitors can operate the switches, which each play a different note when flicked on and off, to create their own personal light and audio show within the space.
The wares have been expertly styled into a playful display that transforms the store's London showroom into a mecca of Memphis.
The wares have been expertly styled into a playful display that transforms the store's London showroom into a mecca of Memphis.
Continuing the postmodern theme, esteemed London design showroom, Darkroom, is currently hosting a 'So Sottsass season' with a new collection of merchandise inspired by the visionary Italian architect and designer, Ettore Sottsass.
Continuing the postmodern theme, esteemed London design showroom, Darkroom, is currently hosting a 'So Sottsass season' with a new collection of merchandise inspired by the visionary Italian architect and designer, Ettore Sottsass.
Over in St James's Park, the highly anticipated collaboration between London-based designer Sebastian Wrong and Danish design brand HAY is on display inside an ornately decorated Georgian townhouse. The opulent interiors provide the perfect contrast for the collection's sleek and contemporary lines.
Over in St James's Park, the highly anticipated collaboration between London-based designer Sebastian Wrong and Danish design brand HAY is on display inside an ornately decorated Georgian townhouse. The opulent interiors provide the perfect contrast for the collection's sleek and contemporary lines.
Continue through the museum's hallways, where you will be greeted by a hypnotic gateway made up of 5000 paper windmills. The installation is the work of Lebanese designer Najla El Zein, who named the piece 'The And Portal' - a playful airway that draws wind and light into the galleries beyond.
Continue through the museum's hallways, where you will be greeted by a hypnotic gateway made up of 5000 paper windmills. The installation is the work of Lebanese designer Najla El Zein, who named the piece 'The And Portal' - a playful airway that draws wind and light into the galleries beyond.
As in previous years, a series of major installations and events are located at the city's V&A museum in South Kensington including this jaw-dropping chandelier that has been custom-made by Canadian lighting brand, Bocci. Dramatically suspended from the Cupola, which is the highest point of the museum building, the 28.280 by Omer Arbel is a tangled mass of copper pipes and blown glass that hangs above the museum's entrance hall.
As in previous years, a series of major installations and events are located at the city's V&A museum in South Kensington including this jaw-dropping chandelier that has been custom-made by Canadian lighting brand, Bocci. Dramatically suspended from the Cupola, which is the highest point of the museum building, the 28.280 by Omer Arbel is a tangled mass of copper pipes and blown glass that hangs above the museum's entrance hall.
Specially developed by Norwegian designer Inger Steinnes for the café at the Norwegian National gallery, the ceramic components of the Dupla cake stand can be stacked together in different combinations to create unique cake stand compositions.
Specially developed by Norwegian designer Inger Steinnes for the café at the Norwegian National gallery, the ceramic components of the Dupla cake stand can be stacked together in different combinations to create unique cake stand compositions.
London-based designers Lightning and Kinglyface presented a collection of three tables made from a variety of exotic hardwoods, including Zebrawood from West Africa and Tiger Fig from Brazil. Called Zebra, Tiger, and Larch, the table's tops each feature an intricate geometric inlay pattern.
London-based designers Lightning and Kinglyface presented a collection of three tables made from a variety of exotic hardwoods, including Zebrawood from West Africa and Tiger Fig from Brazil. Called Zebra, Tiger, and Larch, the table's tops each feature an intricate geometric inlay pattern.
Brass and Copper In keeping with the fall season, lighting and accessories made from polished brass and copper finishes provided warm accents across London Design Festival's exhibitions and trade shows. Copper is a plentiful natural resource in Chile, which is why Santiago-based design studio Bravo chose to create its beautifully crafted new line of 'Base' storage vessels from Chilean copper and locally-sourced wood.
Brass and Copper In keeping with the fall season, lighting and accessories made from polished brass and copper finishes provided warm accents across London Design Festival's exhibitions and trade shows. Copper is a plentiful natural resource in Chile, which is why Santiago-based design studio Bravo chose to create its beautifully crafted new line of 'Base' storage vessels from Chilean copper and locally-sourced wood.
A thick coat of resin provides a tactile tabletop on one of Japanese architect Jo Nagasaka's new pigmented resin pieces for Brit brand Established & Sons.
A thick coat of resin provides a tactile tabletop on one of Japanese architect Jo Nagasaka's new pigmented resin pieces for Brit brand Established & Sons.
Inspired by Brazilian modernist architecture, the precise lines of Alexander Mulligan's Sol Light are crafted from laser cut and folded brass.
Inspired by Brazilian modernist architecture, the precise lines of Alexander Mulligan's Sol Light are crafted from laser cut and folded brass.
Over at 100% Design, architect Alex Meitlis launched a new sculptural collection of polished brass accessories for silversmiths, Hazorfim.
Over at 100% Design, architect Alex Meitlis launched a new sculptural collection of polished brass accessories for silversmiths, Hazorfim.
At the TENT London exhibition in east London, Dutch Designer David Derksen exhibited a collection of multi-faceted Copper Lights made from etched and folded copper sheets.
At the TENT London exhibition in east London, Dutch Designer David Derksen exhibited a collection of multi-faceted Copper Lights made from etched and folded copper sheets.
Feature Filaments Even though LED has taken center stage in lighting design over the past several years, it was once again the humble incandescent bulb that featured in three new pendant lights launched at the show. An incandescent bulb shines out from within a smoked-grey, hand blown glass shade and conical wire frame on the Hooked Pendant Lamp by London studio Vitamin.
Feature Filaments Even though LED has taken center stage in lighting design over the past several years, it was once again the humble incandescent bulb that featured in three new pendant lights launched at the show. An incandescent bulb shines out from within a smoked-grey, hand blown glass shade and conical wire frame on the Hooked Pendant Lamp by London studio Vitamin.
British brand Buster + Punch showcased a line of beautiful bulbs that replicate the old Edison filaments. Designed to be exposed, the bulbs are available in spiral and teardrop shapes and look particularly good when teamed with Vitamin's lamps (previous slide).
British brand Buster + Punch showcased a line of beautiful bulbs that replicate the old Edison filaments. Designed to be exposed, the bulbs are available in spiral and teardrop shapes and look particularly good when teamed with Vitamin's lamps (previous slide).
Over on the Australian Pavilion at 100% Design, Melbourne-based designer Mark Douglas exhibited a line of two-toned blown glass pendant lamps fitted with incandescent bulbs.
Over on the Australian Pavilion at 100% Design, Melbourne-based designer Mark Douglas exhibited a line of two-toned blown glass pendant lamps fitted with incandescent bulbs.
Decorative Wood Intricate inlays, colorful resins and cleverly cut timbers were spotted on the stands of both established and emerging designers. The Douglas Fir used to make Gavin Coyle's Jac tables is sawn and stacked together in a carefully constructed sequence that transforms the timber's annual growth rings into a decorative feature.
Decorative Wood Intricate inlays, colorful resins and cleverly cut timbers were spotted on the stands of both established and emerging designers. The Douglas Fir used to make Gavin Coyle's Jac tables is sawn and stacked together in a carefully constructed sequence that transforms the timber's annual growth rings into a decorative feature.
Made up of old glass shades sourced through eBay, Studio Jon Male's up-cycled Rebay floor lamps made for an impressive display at TENT London
Made up of old glass shades sourced through eBay, Studio Jon Male's up-cycled Rebay floor lamps made for an impressive display at TENT London
Stylish Stacks Colorful components were stacked together into modern totems to create one-of-a kind lighting, furniture and accessories. German designers Schneid presented the Eikon lamps, turned-ash pendants with interchangeable metal shades that are simply attached with magnets.
Stylish Stacks Colorful components were stacked together into modern totems to create one-of-a kind lighting, furniture and accessories. German designers Schneid presented the Eikon lamps, turned-ash pendants with interchangeable metal shades that are simply attached with magnets.
More of the Memphis-inspired collection of pedestal tables in granite and stainless steel by Vera & Kyte.
More of the Memphis-inspired collection of pedestal tables in granite and stainless steel by Vera & Kyte.
Young Norwegian design studio Vera & Kyte presented a playfully postmodern collection of geometric bookends that combine granite and bold blocks of colorful lacquered steel.
Young Norwegian design studio Vera & Kyte presented a playfully postmodern collection of geometric bookends that combine granite and bold blocks of colorful lacquered steel.
Over at independent trade show designjunction, the bold color combinations of Barcelona-born, London-based Cristian Zuzunaga's Labyrinth blankets caught our eye.
Over at independent trade show designjunction, the bold color combinations of Barcelona-born, London-based Cristian Zuzunaga's Labyrinth blankets caught our eye.
Danish brand HAY delved into Memphis designer Nathalie Du Pasquier's archive to reissue a series of printed cotton textiles as part of its "Wrong for HAY" collection. Shown here is Sebastian Wrong's "Curve" chair upholstered in a blue, green, white, and black pattern called "Ice".
Danish brand HAY delved into Memphis designer Nathalie Du Pasquier's archive to reissue a series of printed cotton textiles as part of its "Wrong for HAY" collection. Shown here is Sebastian Wrong's "Curve" chair upholstered in a blue, green, white, and black pattern called "Ice".
Modern Memphis Loud patterns, geometric shapes and clashing colors brought a postmodern feel to this year's London Design Festival. A Festival highlight, London store Darkroom dedicated its new season collection to the post modern era, with home and fashion accessories inspired by Italian design hero Ettore Sottsass.
Modern Memphis Loud patterns, geometric shapes and clashing colors brought a postmodern feel to this year's London Design Festival. A Festival highlight, London store Darkroom dedicated its new season collection to the post modern era, with home and fashion accessories inspired by Italian design hero Ettore Sottsass.
At the 100% Design trade show in Earls Court, there was a distinctly more commercial feel. Geared towards architects and designers, this year the show was under new management and was divided up into five very well organized sections. Above, the owner of Japanese-inspired YO! Sushi restaurants and Yotel hotel chain, Simon Woodroffe, presents his latest concept, the YO! Home. Promising to transform the way we live, Woodroofe’s 80-square-meter concept is a multi-functional apartment that features a bathroom, an office, a kitchen, two bedrooms, a dining area, and a living room. Although the décor was questionable, the functionality was certainly impressive.
At the 100% Design trade show in Earls Court, there was a distinctly more commercial feel. Geared towards architects and designers, this year the show was under new management and was divided up into five very well organized sections. Above, the owner of Japanese-inspired YO! Sushi restaurants and Yotel hotel chain, Simon Woodroffe, presents his latest concept, the YO! Home. Promising to transform the way we live, Woodroofe’s 80-square-meter concept is a multi-functional apartment that features a bathroom, an office, a kitchen, two bedrooms, a dining area, and a living room. Although the décor was questionable, the functionality was certainly impressive.
This chair was part of an exhibition by The American Hardwood Export Council, British furniture brand Benchmark and the Royal College of Art. RCA students were asked to design a chair using the American Hardwood that explores the entire lifecycle of the product. Marjan van Aubel and James Shaw found a way of incorporating waste shavings into their design by mixing them with bio-resin. When combined together with colored dye, the shavings and the resin formed a strong but lightweight foam which they molded into a chair.
This chair was part of an exhibition by The American Hardwood Export Council, British furniture brand Benchmark and the Royal College of Art. RCA students were asked to design a chair using the American Hardwood that explores the entire lifecycle of the product. Marjan van Aubel and James Shaw found a way of incorporating waste shavings into their design by mixing them with bio-resin. When combined together with colored dye, the shavings and the resin formed a strong but lightweight foam which they molded into a chair.
We spied these clever lights by French designers Drugeot Labo on the 100% France stand. Made out of a hollowed-out pieces of solid oak, the Elagone lamps are fitted with an ultra thin LED strip light that reflects off the warm wood to create a soft glow from within.
We spied these clever lights by French designers Drugeot Labo on the 100% France stand. Made out of a hollowed-out pieces of solid oak, the Elagone lamps are fitted with an ultra thin LED strip light that reflects off the warm wood to create a soft glow from within.
Finally, in West London’s Brompton Design District we saw a great exhibition called Wonder Cabinets of Europe. Curators Livia Lauber and Maria Jeglinska tasked eight designers with decorating the inside of a cabinet with a recent project of theirs. The cabinets served as mini exhibitions in and of themselves that examined the processes and working practices of each designer. Here is Philippe Malouin’s Functional Shapes cabinet, featuring a new series of objects for the home and office made in black polished and unpolished MDF, alongside his material samples and working models.
Finally, in West London’s Brompton Design District we saw a great exhibition called Wonder Cabinets of Europe. Curators Livia Lauber and Maria Jeglinska tasked eight designers with decorating the inside of a cabinet with a recent project of theirs. The cabinets served as mini exhibitions in and of themselves that examined the processes and working practices of each designer. Here is Philippe Malouin’s Functional Shapes cabinet, featuring a new series of objects for the home and office made in black polished and unpolished MDF, alongside his material samples and working models.
This year’s undisputed hotspot was Design Junction. Now in its second year, the event moved into the impressive space at the old Royal Mail Sorting Office in the centre of the city. They also joined forces with the Tramshed, another successful showcase for design, now in its third year. The industrial space provided the perfect backdrop for the event and more than 100 brands were on show across three floors. We loved the America Made Me booth, a celebration of American designers and manufacturers organized by Bernhardt Design; especially these brass and walnut Candlesticks by Lindsey Adelman for MatterMade.
This year’s undisputed hotspot was Design Junction. Now in its second year, the event moved into the impressive space at the old Royal Mail Sorting Office in the centre of the city. They also joined forces with the Tramshed, another successful showcase for design, now in its third year. The industrial space provided the perfect backdrop for the event and more than 100 brands were on show across three floors. We loved the America Made Me booth, a celebration of American designers and manufacturers organized by Bernhardt Design; especially these brass and walnut Candlesticks by Lindsey Adelman for MatterMade.
Those who knew where to find the unassuming entrance to British designer Jasper Morrison’s shop were treated to a lovely little exhibition of tape. Members of the studio assembled an enormous and colorful variety of sticky tape collected from all over the world. The motive behind the exhibition was explained as: “For the purpose of examining the extreme variations and seductive nature of an object type with which we are all familiar.”
Those who knew where to find the unassuming entrance to British designer Jasper Morrison’s shop were treated to a lovely little exhibition of tape. Members of the studio assembled an enormous and colorful variety of sticky tape collected from all over the world. The motive behind the exhibition was explained as: “For the purpose of examining the extreme variations and seductive nature of an object type with which we are all familiar.”
London concept store Darkroom set up a striking selection of products inspired by their interest in the culture and craft of the South African Ndebele tribe. Working in collaboration with London-based designer Camille Walala, the store created a collection of distinctive, tribal-inspired prints that adorn stationery, ceramics, and textiles.
London concept store Darkroom set up a striking selection of products inspired by their interest in the culture and craft of the South African Ndebele tribe. Working in collaboration with London-based designer Camille Walala, the store created a collection of distinctive, tribal-inspired prints that adorn stationery, ceramics, and textiles.
Just around the corner, design store SCP showcased a range of interesting brands as part of their Design Department store. We particularly liked the sculptural display of reissued, mid-century vases by Italian ceramics brand Bitossi.
Just around the corner, design store SCP showcased a range of interesting brands as part of their Design Department store. We particularly liked the sculptural display of reissued, mid-century vases by Italian ceramics brand Bitossi.
There was also a brilliant selection of smaller galleries and in-store events to see in London’s east end. British designer Lee Broom showcased a very atmospheric installation of his new Crystal bulbs in his Shoreditch studio. Cut in Dartford, England, the crystal bulbs were a response to requests from customers who asked that Broom design a smaller more accessible object that they could carry home. The ornate bulbs have been so successful that Broom is currently working on a table version to launch later this year.
There was also a brilliant selection of smaller galleries and in-store events to see in London’s east end. British designer Lee Broom showcased a very atmospheric installation of his new Crystal bulbs in his Shoreditch studio. Cut in Dartford, England, the crystal bulbs were a response to requests from customers who asked that Broom design a smaller more accessible object that they could carry home. The ornate bulbs have been so successful that Broom is currently working on a table version to launch later this year.
Over on the other side of town, 100% Norway exhibited a strong collection of new and old Norweigian design. 2012 marks their ninth year at LDF and their first time in the Dray Walk Gallery space in East London. Our favorite piece was the Hunter cabinet, designed by Oscar Narud, who was also responsible for the exhibition’s immaculate layout. Hunter’s bold design references traditional Norwegian timber-frame architecture.
Over on the other side of town, 100% Norway exhibited a strong collection of new and old Norweigian design. 2012 marks their ninth year at LDF and their first time in the Dray Walk Gallery space in East London. Our favorite piece was the Hunter cabinet, designed by Oscar Narud, who was also responsible for the exhibition’s immaculate layout. Hunter’s bold design references traditional Norwegian timber-frame architecture.

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