Umbra’s Mixed Material Must-Haves

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.

Tavalo Side Table

Piatto Wall Clock

Trigg Wall Vessel – Large

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.

Stowit Jewellery Box

Rimwood Wall/Mantle Clock

Axis Multi Photo Frame

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.

LSA Utility Utensil Pot – Pumpkin Orange

Wild & Wolf Task Desk Lamp – Goldfish Orange

Umbra OH Chair – Orange

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.

Istra London Wall Clock – Orange

Tweedmill Waffle Stripe Throw – Orange

Twig UK Bolster Cushion – Finn Crocus

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.

Normann Copenhagen Bold Wall Clock – White

Umbra Hub Side Table White

Alessi Bird Whistler Hob Kettle – White

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.

Stelton EM77 0.5L Vacuum Jug – White

Vita Copenhagen Lora Lamp Shade

Menu Marble Wall Clock – White

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 Jug. Designed 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.

 

Eos Feather Lamp Shade – Light Grey

Carmina Lamp Shade – Misty Grey

Silvia Lamp Shade – Steel

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.

 

 

 

Stone Table Lamp

JWDA Metallic Lamp – Mirror Polished Brass

Reade Table Lamp – Brushed Steel

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.

 

 

Back To Black

At Black by Design we firmly believe that Black is the past, present and future. You can be sure it never goes out of style, and just like a little black dress, black home accessories make vital and gorgeous additions to any home. Just take it from Coco Chanel:

Women think of all colours except the absence of colours. I have said that black has it all.