Connor Renwick: May 2017

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Why Pink is the New Black by BrandsExclusive

A guide to millennial pink, this season’s hottest hue

From the runway, to the fashion it-girl’s insta-feed, millennial pink seems to be everywhere this season. But what exactly is this mystical hue, and how can you incorporate it into your life… stat.

Millenial pink, unlocked

Sometimes referred to as ‘Tumblr Pink’ and ‘Scandi Pink’, Millenial Pink is a super toned down version of the bright barbie pink – as if all the blue elements have been removed. It sits anywhere from a soft blush to a peach-salmon. Now trending in the fashion, beauty and the homewares space, thanks to both fashion designers and celebrities leading the charge.

The hue has been embraced by today’s generation, not simply because it’s très chic, but because of the political statement it makes. In the modern era of gender fluidity, pink is no longer just for girls, and millennial pink embraces this huge cultural shift.

Think pink

The good news is, this is a colour that’s extremely easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. Often paired with a soft ‘serenity’ blue – Pantone’s 2016 Colours of the Year – white or khaki for a chic colour combo.

Start with an accessory first before diving in; bags, jewellery or phone cases make a sassy statement. Our favourite way to add the pretty pastel into your wardrobe? A neutral pink sneaker! A subtle and casual way to inject the seasons latest colour into your wardobe.

Pout it out

Pink lips are also trending, thanks in part to the marketing machine that is Kylie Jenner, and her Lip Kits. A lipstick anywhere between nude and coral will have you pouting pretty. Lips aren’t really your thing? Join in with the rest of the beauty world with the latest craze on peach toned eyeshadows. Warmer colours are a perfect pick to take you from a daytime natural look, to night time peach-toned perfection.

The hue for your home

If you’re not one for a peachy toned wardrobe or blush beauty hues, why not pink up your living space? If you’re a lover of minimal designs and neutral colour palettes, adding subtle touches of pink could be the perfect way to liven up your home. White or neutral bedding? Add in pink toned pillows or a throw to give your bedroom a modern edge. As for your dining area, a peach toned table runner or place mats can turn your space from cold to cool in an instant. Living area looking a little too lived in? Why not invest in some pastel pink pillows, to give your space the millennial edge it’s been craving.

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Roberto Cavalli design and luxury. Available at Palazzo Collezioni Boutique S…

Image sourced via: Roberto Cavalli design and luxury.
Available at Palazzo Collezioni Boutique S…

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The Villa Terminus: A Quiet Balance of History & Modernity

Many hotels we’ve come across for our Destination Design column have some kind of wow factor that really catches your eye, but every now and then a boutique hotel comes along that’s more demure and subtle in its beautiful, modern aesthetic. The Villa Terminus is one of those. Located in Bergen, Norway, this 18-room hotel is a part of the hotel group De Bergenske, a collection of five historic properties in the city that’s known for being different (in a wonderful way) from other hotels. Villa Terminus was recently rejuvenated by Swedish architecture and design firm, Claesson Koivisto Rune, and the results are quintessentially Bergen: contemporary, detail-focused, and quietly alluring.

Claesson Koivisto Rune breathed new life into the building without stripping away its history, which dates back all the way to 1760s when merchant and philanthropist Alexander Kaae originally started on the creation of this property.

The interiors of Villa Terminus were inspired by paintings of 19th century Danish artist Vilhelm Hammershøi who sought the beauty in that clear soft light that so many artists and photographers chase after. Inside, everything from the wall colors to the furniture and fixtures were carefully chosen to emulate that kind of natural beauty in a Hammershøi oil painting.

One of the attractive features of the interiors is that you can’t quickly separate what’s modern and what’s antiquarian. Claesson Koivisto Rune made sure that a seamless balance was achieved to create that kind of muted, Scandinavian aesthetic that we’ve all come to love. For the serious design aficionado, you’ll be able to spot furniture and objects by some of the most world renowned designers including: Erwan and Ronan Bouroullec, David Chipperfield, Antonio Citterio, Ilse Crawford, Andreas Engesvik, Josef Frank, Sir Kenneth Grange, Konstantin Grcic, Jasper Morrison, Patrick Norguet, Russell Pinch, Samuel Wilkinson, and Terence Woodgate – just to name a few. You’ll also find vintage mid-century pieces and art sprinkled throughout the property.

What: The Villa Terminus
Where: Zander Kaaes gate 6a, 5015 Bergen, Norway
How much? Prices start at approximately $269 per night
Highlights: The Villa Terminus is a historic property that’s been rejuvenated into a restful retreat for modern travelers who don’t need extravagant amenities and would rather be surrounded by simple, elegant design.
Design draw: It’ll be easy practice the art of the hygge in this beautifully demure, quintessentially Scandinavian vibe created by Claesson Koivisto Rune. Historic meets contemporary design in a way that’s so well balanced and unassuming that you’ll feel immediately relaxed upon arrival.
Book it: Visit the Villa Terminus

Photos by Åke Eson Lindman.

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WantedDesign 2017 Launch Pad Furniture Winner: Studio Lani

We were proud to be a sponsor of WantedDesign’s Launch Pad this year. The Launch Pad at WantedDesign was full of awesome talent from around the world and the jury (jury, which consisted of Katie Stamaris, Director of Product Development, Design Within Reach; David Trubridge; Jack Schreur, Chief Executive Officer, FLOS USA and myself) had a tough time deciding on the winners. This year, there were two winners: One in furniture/decor and one in lighting.

For furniture/decor, we chose Studio Lani, a Brooklyn-based studio run by Lani Adeoye. After being raised in Nigeria, she landed in NYC by way of Canada, and studied design at Parsons. Her work megs craft and heritage with modern design in multifunctional products, building on her experience both being a globetrotter, and a problem-solving management & IT consultant.

Her Talking Tables collection derive their form and essence from iconic West African musical instruments like the Talking Drum. Hand-welded steel, turned wood and woven leather unite to create these sculptural and elegant pieces. Versatile in nature, the Talking Tables serve as side tables, decorative lighting, storage, and it’s top can be used as a tray. The Talking Tables can be customized in a variety of finishes and colors.

We talked to her a bit about her work:

What influences the forms you’re using in your work?

I’m naturally inclined to create products that have a sculptural appeal whether it’s a concept manifesting into a physical expression or re-imagining an existing form in a different context, it varies depending on the project. For example, the Talking Tables derive their sculptural silhouette from studies of various West African Musical instruments like the Talking Drum (Dundun), which means ‘sweet sound’ in the Yoruba language—due to the Talking Drums ability to mimic the human speech and its original use as a communication tool.

How do you feel that your work fits into the contemporary design and product landscape?

Although I’m inspired by many things and different time periods, there’s still an overarching contemporary sensibility that is conveyed in my work whilst still maintaining the identity of each piece. Having said that, I also subscribe to the notion of pushing the boundaries of what we perceive as contemporary design. As we continue to become more connected as a global community, I believe the perception of what is deemed contemporary design in a global context would expand even more. Meeting people from different parts of the world connect to the Talking Tables at WantedDesign, was a testament to that. Contemporary design is beyond aesthetics, it also reflects the mindset of contemporary society. And more than ever since we demand more from our products, the multifunctional aspect of the Talking Tables respond to this notion. As they are more than just side tables, they can be used as decorative lighting, storage and the tops can be used as trays.

Your work merges craft and design – how do you create a balance between the two and in what ways?

I appreciate both and I truly enjoy being a versatile designer. Some collections would showcase one more than the other depending on the purpose. But I aim to create some form of synergistic relationship between the two when possible. There are strong benefits to working in each realm, and as a designer who consciously seeks to explore new territories, I enjoy exploring and merging both worlds. I was able to do this with the Talking Tables by displaying a variety of pieces, some minimal pieces and some more intricate pieces woven by hand. Each piece spoke to a different audience, because they all work in various settings from minimal to eclectic.

What are you hoping to accomplish with your design work?

As a designer who enjoys the excitement and frustration that comes with creative exploration, I hope my work adds something positive to the global design conversation in some realm. I have a background in management & IT consulting, so I really enjoy the problem solving side of design. So I look forward to collaborating with various design-driven manufacturers to create unique products at various scales. I definitely welcome a creative challenge! I also believe design is a powerful tool, whether its collaborating with artisans on a project or creating a collection that sheds a positive light on an overlooked culture; I believe design can empower communities and positively impact our livelihood.

Now that you’ve won WantedDesign Launch Pad, what do you plan on doing next?

Winning Launch Pad, has definitely been extremely encouraging. I’m really grateful for the incredible response I received and the amazing people I met from around the world. Thanks to all the organizers who created this amazing platform and the various people who helped with this collection. I look forward to leveraging the platform to engage a wider audience, by working with different people within the industry. I also plan on collaborating with different designers to explore intriguing concepts. I plan on continuing to create more collections, driven by personal curiosities; as i’m constantly conceptualizing and sketching various ideas.

Thanks Lani, and best of luck to you! See more at studio-lani.com.

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VOLK Debuts 2017 Collection at ICFF

VOLK Furniture, who we’ve featured here before, debuted four new designs at this year’s ICFF. Aligning with their philosophy of elegant wood furniture with unexpected details, their new pieces are no different. Each object features a simple, elevated shape with a playful mix of materials and finishes.

St. Charles Armchair

St. Charles Desk

This time, the collection goes in a more graphic direction, pairing a circular leather blotter set on the St. Charles Desk, and leather panels on the Pacific Armoire and Pacific Sideboard. VOLK’s touch is extra evident in how the collection has an unexpected calmness, that comes through the light shifts in color, tone, and materiality. Leather, marble, and steel gently give way to oak and brass, while the ash and copper soften the edges of the harder materials.