Umbra’s Mixed Material Must-Haves

ss16_homepage_full_block_jewelry_pillar

With the new season comes new trends and this year we simply cannot get enough of the use of mixed materials. One of our very favourite brands to explore this fashion has been Umbra and their fabulous use of contrast; particularly the combinations of concrete and copper as well as black and walnut – both of which are perfect for infusing style and sophistication into your home.

First up let’s explore their stunning use of copper and concrete to create multi-textured and multi-toned home accessories.

Our first item here is the stunning Tavalo Side Table designed by Jonathan Sabine. With a concrete base and copper plated metal surface and legs, this chic table exudes elegance whilst also being very stable and endurable. The concrete base not only enhances the industrial aesthetic of the table, but it also provides a useful storage space; making this the perfect table for small spaces.

Next up is the exceedingly popular Piatto Wall Clock designed by Moe Takemura. With a copper face and contrasting copper rim, this industrial-styled clock is a fantastic example of the effectiveness of the mixed-material trend. Elegant in design, the clock has engraved numbers which simply add to the wondefully unique design of this clock that is sure to make a fantastic statement in any home.

Our final copper/concrete product is the simple, stylish and practical Trigg Wall Vessel. Also designed by Moe Takemura, this little wall display piece is great for hanging small plants on your wall to add a little texture to your room. The lovely diamond shape of the Trigg seamlessly unites two enduring Umbra trends, the use of mixed-materials and the quirkiness of geometric design.

Now we move onto the sophisticated black/walnut range. This extensive and stylish range has become an icon of Umbra’s current design progression. Here we show you six of our black and walnut products but the range does not stop there; to explore the trend in more depth, click here.

First up is the Pillar Jewellery Organiser by Sung Wook Park. This multi-tiered jewellery and accessories stand with a drawer for extra storage is the ideal way to keep your jewellery safe and untangled. So, as with all Umbra, not only is it super stylish, but also super practical.

Next we have two ever-popular storage solutions: the Hub Ladder and the Flapper Coat Stand. The adjustable Hub ladder transforms the classic ladder into a free-standing storage solution perfect for holding clothes, towels and all sorts of othe accessories. The Flapper Coat Stand meanwhile has 9 that simply flip down when in use allowing you to hold coats, hats and scarves. Echoing the shape and form of a cactus and pine branch, this 9-thorn coat stand also brings a taste of the natural world inside.

Another fantasitc storage solution in the black/walnut Umbra range is the Stowit Jewellery Box.  Another excellent design from Sung Wook Park, the Stowit is sure to make a fantastic gift for any special occasion. Made from wood and metal, the Stowit is perfectly suited to storing all of your jewellery out of view in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Our penultimate item for today is the Rimwood Wall/Mantle Clock. Capable of being used either as a wall clock or as a standing desk clock, this versatile clock has a sleek and minimal aesthetic that makes the most of the sophistication inherent to the black and walnut combination. A great addition to any wall or desk, this clock is suited to almost any interior.

Lastly we have the brand new Axis Multi Photo Frame. This minimalist photo frame is inspired by the shape of a 1970s radio, whilst the walnut wood frame features a metal handle that pivots above and below the frame so that you can stand the frame however you wish. The retro-inspired aesthetic is just another way that Umbra have managed to bring you products that infuse sophisticated style into your home without breaking the bank.

To explore the Umbra brand in more depth, click here and delve into our Umbra Brand Shop. 

 

Orange Is The New Black

With the release of the latest season of Netflix’s popular show, we, along with the show’s cult following, have turned our attention to all things orange. This summer orange is becoming a key colour in interior design, perfect for adding a splash of colour to your contemporary home interior.

Our first orange must-have is the Pumpkin Orange Utensil Pot from LSA. The Utility range from LSA utilises a whole host of bold and vibrant colours, allowing you to hold your utensils, store your bread and cover your cheese in kitchen items that are not only practical but also a great way to add colour to your kitchen. Made from heavy gauge steel with a thick enamel coating and a natural leather handle, this pot is not only aesthetically appealing but also very durable. 

Next on our list is the Goldfish Orange Task Lamp from Wild & Wolf. This functional, matt colour-coated lamp is a fabulously simple way to add a touch of flair and colour to your bedroom, living room or office. This stylish and practical lamp, perfect for sitting under to enjoy a good book, is a must-have for the summer.

Our third item is the ever-popular OH Chair from Umbra. Designed by Karim Rashid, this colourful and quirky chair is not only eye-catching, but is also versatile and durable as its UV resistant coating allows it to be used outside as well as inside. Available in a range of different colours, the OH Chair are a great way to bring colour to your home, whether you have a set of the same colour or dare to be more adventurous and mix and match your favourite summer colours.

Our next orange must-have is the Istra London Wall Clock in Orange. With a hand-polished stainless steel case, this orange faced wall clock creates a fantastic colour contrast allowing you to stylishing inject colour into your home. Combining simplicity and bold colours, this Istra clock, available in a range of different colours, is a striking and contemporary clock ideally suited to modern home interiors.

The penultimate item in this features is the lovely Waffle Stripe Throw from Tweedmill. Woven in North Wales from 100% pure lambswool, this throw not only has a beautiful, bold design, but also is of the highest quality. Uniting bright and bold colours to create a throw that brings flair and colour to you home, the waffle stripe throw is the perfect addition to your home this summer whether you use it to throw over a bed, sofa or chair.

Last but by no means least is this fantastic Finn Crocus Bolster Cushion from Twig. Made from 100% lambswool and filled with duck feathers, this cushion is great for resting your head on after a long day. With a palette of crocus, flame orange, natural and stone, this cushion is an instant mood booster and is ideal for adorning your sofa or bed, especially when used in conjunction with the matching Finn Crocus throw.

Prices:

  1. LSA Utility Utensil Pot – Pumpkin Orange – £32
  2. Wild & Wolf Task Lamp – Goldfish Orange – £59
  3. Umbra OH Chair – Orange – £50
  4. Istra London Wall Clock – Orange – £48
  5. Tweedmill Waffle Stripe Throw – Orange – £49.95
  6. Twig Bolster Cushion – Finn Crocus – £44

 

Wimbledon Whites

With Andy Murray safely through to the quarter finals of Wimbledon 2016 we’re celebrating with a few of our favourite Whites from some of our very favourite brands.

First up is a brand new item from Normann Copenhagen; the stylish Bold Wall Clock. Designed by Jonas Wagell, this contemporary clock is a fantastic way to add minimalist style to your home interior. Using contrasting colours and tones to create a striking and stylish wall clock, Wagell has successfully designed a clock that is sure to make a fantastic addition to any contemporary room interior.

Click here to discover more of our Wimbledon appropriate, all white clocks.

Our second item is the Hub Side Table from Umbra. Designed by Jordan Murphy as part of the Hub collection, this side table is just another illustration of Umbra’s commitment to modern, casual and innovative design. A simple design with clean lines and minimal materials, this table looks great in any home interior and is perfect for standing next to your sofa and holding all your little nick nacks.

Click here to uncover more of our ‘all-white’ furniture.

Third of all we have the classic Alessi Bird Whistle Hob Kettle designed by Michael Graves. This stylish kettle is a true icon of design, even having been featured in the V&A Museum. Featured here is the traditional stove version, but an electric version is also available. The distinctive bird shaped whistle helps gives this kettle a fun and quirky edge.

To explore more of our white kitchen accessories, click here.

Our first item is from Scandinavian brand Stelton and is the little brother to one of their, and one of Denmark’s, most iconic designs; it is the EM77 Vacuum JugDesigned by Erik Magnussen, the EM77 is one of Stelton’s best-selling designs ever. With a rocker stopper and screw cap to allow for easy transportation of liquids, this vacuum jug is not just a pretty face. Available in a range of different colours, the EM77 is perfect for keeping your coffee warm.

To view the other colours available of this iconic piece of design, click here.

Our penultimate item here is the Lora Lamp Shade from Vita Copenhagen. This cleverly designed lamp shade is not only super stylish, but also super versatile as it can be used as a pendant lamp shade or as a table and floor lamp shade when used with one of the Vita Tripods. Its simple and contemporary design mean that this light would suit most modern room settings, making a stunning design statement wherever it is placed.

To view our other stunning white lights, click here.

Last but by no means least we have the truly stunning Marble Wall Clock from one of our all-time favourite brands, Menu. Designed by Norm Architects, the clock face is made from high-quality marble whilst the contrasting hour and minute hands are finished in lacquered brass, adding to the sense of luxury even more. Decorative, uncomplicated and made from natural, honest materials, this clock makes a stunning feature piece in any room.

For a more in depth look at our Menu products, click here and browse around our Menu Brand Shop.

Prices: 

  1. Normann Copenhagen Bold Wall Clock – White – £44.90
  2. Umbra Hub Side Table – White – £100
  3. Alessi Bird Whistle Hob Kettle – White – £99.95
  4. Em77 Vacuum Jug – 0.5L – White – £49.95
  5. Vita Copenhagen Lora Lamp Shade – £55
  6. Menu Marble Wall Clock – White- £219

 

Light It Up

Light up your summer with one (or more!) of our gorgeous ceiling and desk lamps. Bringing you new shades from two of our favourite lighting brands, Vita and Menu, immerse yourself in Scandinavian design and this year’s love for all things grey and metallic.

First of all we have new shades from Danish designers, Vita. Based in Copenhagen, this design company specialises in making affordable, flat-packed lampshades that infuse contemporary elegance into any home interior.

New for the summer is the gorgeous Eos Feather Pendant Shade in Light Grey. Baby sister to the iconic goose feather Eos pendant shade, this light grey alternative is a fantastic way to make a stunning design statement in your bedroom, living room, dining room or hallway; in fact, it will look fantastic wherever you use it!

Our next shade is the Carmina in Misty Grey. Once again this lamp shade is a new colour of an old design, thanks to said old design’s enduring popularity. The Carmina’s contemporary design means that this light would suit pretty much any modern interior. Not only this, but it can be used in a variety of different ways: as a ceiling pendant shade, as a desk lamp or as a floor lamp – it is entirely up to you.

Our final item from Vita is once again in a stylish grey/silver colour, but this time they have combined our two trends: metallics and soft greys. The Silvia Lamp Shade in Steel, much like all Vita lamp shades, can be used in a variety of different ways but you can be sure that no matter how it is used, it will make a fantastic statement piece. With its characteristic triangular, organic shaped blade, the Silvia is a modern classic and the epitome of Scandinavian style.

 

Now, as we step away from Vita and towards another Danish brand, we come to table lights that somehow manage to successfully combine retro thought with contemporary design: ‘modernism reimagined.’

Our first light from Menu is the Norm Stone Table Lamp. Designed with the intention of creating a light that gives off the same soft and cosy glow as candles, the Stone lamp is a super way to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere with its combination of a grey-smoke tinted glass shade on a ceramic base. Functional, minimal, poetic and timeless – the stone table lamp is a fantastic addition to any interior.

A companion light to the incredibly popular JWDA Concrete Lamp, the Metallic Lamp perfectly captures our enduring love for industrial design and the use of metallics. Inspired by the oil lamps of old, this desk lamp has a wonderfully organic and incredibly simple shape. Marrying the delicate and the raw, this beautiful shade emits a soft and cosy light to create a tremendously eye-catching design.

Part of the Tribeca series, our final light, the Reade Table Lamp in Brushed Steel perfectly encompasses what we were talking about earlier, reimagining the old to create the new. Designed by Søren Rose, the Reade Lamp was inspired by the New York City glamour of the 1930s and created by separating and rearranging the parts of old lamps until newer and bolder designs resulted; a wonderful ‘mix and match’ process. Oozing elegance and beautiful vintage style, the Reade Table Lamp (available in a range of different colours) makes a wonderful addition to any home.

 

 

 

Menu Brand Shop

Explore our Menu Brand Shop to discover a world of stylish, Scandinavian design. With everything from outdoor fire buckets to salt and pepper grinders and wine decanters, Menu is sure to have something for you.

Founded in 1976, Menu collaborate with some of the world’s most talented designers to bring you timeless products for your home.

Offering the quality, functionality and style so inherent to Scandinavian design, the Menu Brand Shop is not to be missed.

 

 

Minimalism and Marble: this season’s must-have styles!

This spring there are two styles that are guaranteed to be huge hits in your home:

  1. Minimalism is in!

As always, a great place to look when aiming for a chic and stylish home interior that is minimalistic without being boring, is towards the Scandinavian designers who are renowned for their simple and functional designs.

The first two images shown above are from Danish brand Menu, featuring a range of fabulous home accessories that are sure to make stunning, minimalist additions to your home. For example, you can see the fantastic Afteroom Chair in the first image – the very first piece of furniture ever made by Menu and an icon of Scandinavian design with its incredibly simple, three-legged design. In our second image you can also see the subsequent Afteroom Side Table, specially designed to be used in conjunction with the Afteroom chair. Other gorgeous, minimalist designs from this brand include:

This is to name just a few. To explore the brand in more detail, just click here and ensure your home is up to date with this season’s must have trend.

Another fantastic brand for minimalist-chic, is London-based brand, Wireworks. Their gorgeous bathroom collections made either from high quality solid oak or bamboo are a great way to infuse simple, understated style into your bathroom. With everything from Victorian inspired duckboards, to bathroom caddies and towel rails, Wireworks is sure to have something for you.

To explore what Wireworks can offer you, including their equally stylish kitchen and living room accessories, click here.

2. Marble Accents are a must-have!

First up we have some gorgeous marble products from French brand, ComingB that are great for using as marble accents in the home. The Marble Candleholders for example are a sleek and simple way to add a touch of elegance to your home and are sure to make a stylish statement in your home.

And, yet again, we have some gorgeous marble home accessories from Menu. The Pepe Marble Mirror is a great way to add this season’s style to your bathroom or bedroom, whilst their Marble Wall Clock, one of their older and incredibly popular designs, is an elegant way to satisfy this trend in pretty much any room around the home.

But First, Coffee.

Our coffee maker of choice is the gorgeous and sexy Pulcina Coffee Maker from Alessi. Available in either red or black and in three different sizes, the Pulcina is the result of intense research into the optimal shape for a coffee pot for sublime coffee making. The Pulcina automatically stops filtering at just the right moment to avoid that burnt an dbitter aftertaste, so only the finest qualities of the coffee are preserved to ensure your coffee has a full-bodied aroma.

Pulcina Red 6
Alessi Pulcina Coffee Maker

Whilst we do love the Pulcina, we also have a whole host of fabulous coffee makers now available from Alessi.

  1. First of all we have the incredible Neopolitan Coffee Maker. Guaranteed to make a stunning addition to any coffee loving home, the Neopolitan has had over two hundred working prototypes, but it is only now that this stunning maker has been completed. Combing matter-of-fact industrial style with an air of fragility, this coffee maker is truly amazing.
  2. Next we have the La Conica Coffee Maker. The La Conica was Aldo Rossie’s first mass produced design and an icon of the 1980s with its bold form and powerful metallic finish. With a gorgeous copper base, the La Conica is an incredible gift for coffee lovers everywhere.
  3. Lastly, and slightly more budget friendly, we have the Moka Coffee Maker. Available in three different sizes, the Moka is a successful remake of the first ever Espresso coffee maker and makes a fantastic gift for coffee enthusiasts.

     

 

Whilst we can all agree that Alessi have some truly incredibly coffee makers, they are not the only ones who know how to design gorgeous coffee essentials for coffee enthusiasts. We also love Stelton and their diverse range of coffee makers, that span the last 50 years of design.

  1. First up we have one of our very favourite products, the Theo Filter Coffee Maker. The award winning ‘Theo’ range has launched this coffee maker for all those who love a ‘slow brew’ filter coffee. Made from matt black stoneware, this coffee maker has both a rustic and elegant aesthetic. With a gorgeous bamboo lid, this coffee maker is perfect for those who enjoy an aromatic slow brew.
  2. Next on our list is the EM77 Press Coffee Maker. The little brother of the award winning and iconic EM77 Vacuum Jug range, this press coffee maker is perfect for keeping your coffee warm for a long time and is the perfect companion on a long day.
  3. Last but by no means least, we have the AJ Cylinda Line Press Coffee Maker. First designed by Arne Jacobsen, the grandfather of Scandinavian design, in the 1960s, the AJ Coffee Maker was, at the time, incredibly forward-thinking. This has helped the line to stand the test of time and the Coffee Maker looks as striking now as it did then. Emblematic of Danish minimalism, this Coffee Maker is the perfect addition to your coffee loving home, now and forever.

Spring To Life

As winter turns to spring and spring turns to summer we’re bringing you some of our favourite springtime accessories; old and new.

First up we have this beautiful suspended Birdball Bird House from Green and Blue. Available in both terracotta and white, these little bird houses are inspired by the natural forms of bird nests and are perfect for providing a safe environment and home for small birds as the hole is large enough to allow access of them, but small enough to keep out any predators.

Next we have two brand new products from Garden Trading. First is this set of three Chadlington PlantersWith their wonderfully antique appearance, these planters are ideally suited to bringing a touch of classic and timeless design to your garden. Crafted from galvanised steel, each of these planters is designed to weather gracefully and look stunning when planted up with blooms by a door, entranceway, or on the terrace.

The second Garden Trading item we’re bringing you is their ever-popular Folding Bistro Bench in a brand new Dorset Blue colour. Perfect for bringing a touch of Parisian chic to your garden, the folding bistro bench is the epitome of stylish garden furniture and will look effortlessly elegant in any setting – modern, traditional, urban, country or seaside.

Our fourth item is the brand new Ascot Picnic Rug from Tweedmill. Available in both Navy and Sage Green, the Ascot Picnic Rug is made from 100% lambswool with a waterproof backing, whilst the carrier is made from a gorgeous faux suede. Not only is this picnic rug practical and easily transportable, but it also brings a touch of sophistication and style to your spring/summer picnics.

Our penultimate item is from Twig UK, brand new to Black by Design. This Sulphur Throw is one of Twig’s most popular throws, and it is not difficult to see why. This throw seamlessly unites a striking colour palette of powder blue, yellow, ivory and grey to create a throw that is a lovely blend of both contemporary and traditional tastes. Perfect for throwing over your sofa, or for cuddling up under outside as the nights get longer and the weather warmer.

And last but by no means least, we have an oldie but a goodie; the Blomus Fuoco Tabletop Fire Pit. Ideal for introducing a touch of ambience to your outdoor entertainment, this fabulous table top firepit is the perfect companion to an evening sat outside with friends, talking about anything and everything under the stars.

All Things White & Wonderful

The most colourful thing in the world is black and white, it contains all colours and at the same time excludes all.
– Vikrmn, 10 Alone
All Things White & Wonderful

 

Because what is Black without White?
To create a beautiful and minimalist contrast in your house why not choose something from collection of gorgeous white products to complement our sophisticated and stylish black products.
As the celebs this week dressed to the nines in their ivory hues at the Golden Globes, we’ve put together a little collection of some of our very favourite white items.
To get an even better idea of all the wonderful white items we offer, just click here.

Continue reading