New Folk

I'm sure I'm not the only one who noticed recent design trends turning more and more often towards folklore and native craftsmanship traditions. We all begin to honour the beauty of folk patterns, embroidery and handmade lace from all over the world. Traditional craft is a box full of trasure!

New Folk furniture collection designed by Anna Stępkowska is one of the first signs of awakening fascination with polish cultural heritage. Not only the form of individual furniture pieces but also all the decorative elements were inspired by motifs from polish regional craft.

The collection was accompanied by unique art project: a photography series "Borders". Both authors, a photographer Piotr Sikora and an artist Piotr Bondarczyk live and work in New York. And both, of course, are Polish. The idea was conceived by multi-talented Piotr Bondarczyk, a painter, graphic designer, photographer, actor and stylist. The series tell a story about opening Polish society, once closed and homogeneous, now growing from cross-cultural interaction. Beautifully photographed by Piotr Sikora, the intriguing portraits of foreigners in national Polish folk costumes symbolize the unity between the past and the future.

Paola Lenti: texture and colour

Cosy textures and very tasteful colours - it was the first ting I noticed about the furniture and carpets from Italian brand Paola Lenti. The designs are fun and create relaxed, cheerful, summertime atmosphere. All you need is a glass of chilled, colorful drink :)

Architectural restoration by MINIM interior designers

Beautiful interiors in a former cloister were brought to life by Elina Vilá and Agnès Blanch from MINIM interior design studio. The 500 years old building is located in historical part of Barcelona and was restored and partially rebuild by the great Antoni Gaudí in 1901-1904.

The main aim of MINIM studio was to maintain all the original architectural details and designing a functional family apartment within the existing structure. The light, minimalistic style of the interiors, inspired by Scandinavian aesthetics emphasizes the historical atmosphere of the building.

See more adapted buildings here: Adapted church buildings: private residences
and here: Sacrum vs Profanum - church buildings redesigned

via: La Vitrine des Poupées, photos: José Hevia

Ankara Star Collection by Constance Guisset

Star Collection was created for the ground floor of the French Institute of Turkey in Ankara: a beautiful set of lobby furniture designed by Constance Guisset and realized by Turkish craftsmen. The round shapes of tables, stools and stands make the circulation space more comfortable - even the black bars have rounded corners. The elements are meant to be set like changing constellations, allowing different space arrangements. The effect is fun and unpretentious! Ankara Star Collection includes: a stool, a bat stool, a coffee table, a large table, two bars, a welcoming desk, two shelves and five exhibition stands for the library.

And of course: it is hard not to notice splendid Vertigo lamps - also created by talented Constance Guisset. Vertigo is very light and easily loses balance. It seems to be a dreamy object that floats gently in the air. Beautiful graphic shadows create an inviting, intimate space.

via: Contemporist

100% Norway

The design exhibition 100% Norway was presented last week at the London Design Festival 100% Design. Have a look at a few examples selected from a number of fresh Norwegian designs:

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Illusion lamp by Hareide Designmill, manufactured by Northern Lighting



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Twist lamp by Tveit & Tornøe for Northern Lighting



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Leve vase and bowls, designed and manufactured by Wik & Walsøe



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Tunnel mirror by Hallgeir Homstvedt (prototype)



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Nord chairs and table by Knudsen & Hindenes, manufactured by VAD




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Ekstrem chair by Terje Ekstrøm, manufactured by Variér