This Dutch Studio Just Built a Room Divider From Old T-Shirts

Dutch design studio Luis Marie has introduced Plissade, an acoustic room divider that is notable for being entirely textile-based and capable of standing independently. This innovative design reimagines traditional textile pleating techniques to create a sculptural and functional partition, which has been shortlisted in the textile design category of the Dezeen Awards 2025. Plissade is constructed with an inner layer of felt derived from post-consumer polyester clothing and an outer layer made from recycled polyester yarns. The studio employed a unique binder- and adhesive-free stiffening process to fold these materials into a robust structural form. This method allows the divider to maintain its shape and stand without requiring additional support or rigid reinforcements, distinguishing it as the "first-ever all-textile room divider." The design features two interlocking textile layers that form a series of hollow, diamond-shaped tubes. These tubes contribute to the structural stability of the partition while also enabling easy disassembly. The studio highlights that this assembly process integrates existing technologies from the fashion and automotive upholstery industries, applying them in a novel context to ensure the product's circularity. By avoiding adhesives and resins, Plissade can be fully disassembled and recycled at the end of its life cycle. Environmental considerations were central to Plissade's development. The outer woven yarn is dyed using digital printing techniques, a process that significantly reduces the consumption of water and chemicals compared to conventional dyeing methods. This approach aligns with the studio's commitment to sustainable design practices. The resulting product is designed to be foldable, modular, and lightweight, making it a versatile acoustic solution suitable for both residential and professional environments. Its portability and ease of storage mean it can be adapted to various spatial needs, offering flexibility in room arrangement and sound management. Luis Marie, based in Rotterdam, specializes in creating products that enhance living environments with color, warmth, and comfort. The studio aims to push the boundaries of production methods, developing pieces that blur the lines between art and functional design. Plissade exemplifies this philosophy by transforming recycled textiles into a visually striking and highly practical room divider. This design contributes to a broader trend of innovative textile applications in interior design, as seen in other recent developments like Newstalgia flooring, which reinterprets 1970s and 80s fabrics, and pleated lighting displays by A-Poc Able Issey Miyake and Atelier Oï. Plissade stands out for its structural integrity derived solely from textiles and its commitment to circular design principles, offering a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing option for dividing spaces. #TextileDesign #RoomDivider #RecycledMaterials #AcousticSolutions #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #PleatingTechnique #CircularEconomy #RotterdamDesign

French architect Clarisse Merlet, through her studio FabBRICK, is demonstrating the significant potential of recycling textile waste into viable construction materials. Originating from a school project, Merlet's initiative addresses the substantial pollution generated by the construction and fashion industries. The fashion industry alone contributes millions of tons of textile waste annually in Europe, with a considerable portion remaining uncollected. FabBRICK aims to transform this discarded textile into insulating, structural, and aesthetic building bricks, which can then be used to create furniture or partition walls. The development process involved extensive experimentation to refine the technique. Initially, discarded textiles are sorted by color, responding to customer preferences as FabBRICK avoids dyeing its bricks, instead deriving color from the source materials. The textile is then shredded into fibers of varying lengths (7mm, 20mm, or 40mm) depending on the project's requirements. A crucial element of the process is the proprietary, 100% ecological binding agent, developed with an engineer, which transforms the textile fibers into a clay-like consistency. This binding agent was specifically formulated to be rot-proof and mold-resistant, overcoming a significant challenge in using organic waste for construction. The mixture of fibers and glue is carefully weighed to ensure consistent density before being manually loaded into a patented machine. This machine compresses the mixture into brick form over approximately 30 minutes. The bricks then undergo a natural drying process in ambient air for 10 to 15 days. Once cured, these bricks exhibit impressive characteristics, including mechanical resistance comparable to concrete blocks, good acoustic and thermal insulation properties, and satisfactory fire resistance. While they possess good water resistance, indoor use is currently recommended. FabBRICK's business model emphasizes local production, with all ingredients and machinery sourced locally in France. This commitment to proximity is a core value, aiming to foster local manufacturing and reduce environmental impact. Despite its local focus, the studio has a global vision, recognizing the ubiquitous nature of fast fashion waste. The long-term plan involves automating the production process to increase recycling capacity and replicating the FabBRICK Factory model first within France and then internationally. This expansion strategy seeks to establish local production units globally, situated close to sources of textile waste, thereby promoting sustainable construction practices worldwide. #SustainableDesign #InnovativeMaterials #TextileRecycling #EcoFriendlyConstruction #CircularEconomy #ArchitecturalInnovation #LocalProduction #FabBRICK

The Reborn Furniture Project, developed by Korean designers Younghyun Kim and Dasom Lee, addresses the growing problem of textile waste by transforming old clothes into conceptual furniture. This initiative highlights both the environmental impact of discarded garments and the potential for innovative product creation through upcycling. The project features a collection of metal chairs with upholstered elements crafted from previously used items such as puffa jackets and leather bags. These handcrafted upholstery pieces are then attached to stainless steel frames, which Kim and Lee manually bend into distinct, ribbon-like shapes. The inspiration for these frame shapes is drawn directly from the construction process of the upholstered components. One of the key design principles of the Reborn Furniture Project is the modularity of its components. All chairs are engineered so that the upholstered sections can be detached from the metal frames. This separation is achieved through the use of leather zippers, straps, and buckles, many of which are repurposed from the original garments and discarded bags. For instance, buttons, zippers, buckles, and fasteners integrated into the furniture are directly sourced from the old clothes and accessories, showcasing a thoughtful approach to material reuse and design. Kim and Lee’s work draws attention to a significant environmental issue: the vast amount of textile waste generated globally. Despite widespread efforts to promote recycling, a substantial portion of recyclable textiles still ends up in landfills. Reports from fashion retailers like H&M indicate that only a quarter of the 95% of textiles that could be recycled actually are. This project serves as a compelling illustration of how overlooked materials, such as end-of-life fabrics, can be given a second life. The use of discarded textiles for upholstering furniture is an emerging trend that the Reborn Furniture Project exemplifies, demonstrating a creative and practical application within the circular economy. The designers’ methodology involves simple, handcrafted techniques to reinterpret consumer waste streams, transforming them into functional and aesthetically engaging furniture pieces. The project underscores the importance of sustainable design practices and the potential for designers to contribute to a more circular economy. By consciously repurposing materials that would otherwise be discarded, Younghyun Kim and Dasom Lee offer a tangible solution to textile waste while simultaneously challenging conventional notions of furniture design. Their work encourages a re-evaluation of material value and promotes the idea that beauty and functionality can be derived from existing resources. #FurnitureDesign #InnovativeMaterials #SustainableDesign #Upcycling #TextileWaste #CircularEconomy #HandcraftedFurniture

Space dividers are versatile tools that can enhance functionality and aesthetics in both compact and expansive living areas. They offer an effective method for delineating distinct zones within a room and introducing privacy when needed. Beyond their practical utility, modern space dividers also serve as significant design elements, contributing to a room's overall visual appeal. Mia Cullin, a designer based in Sweden, created the 'Ro room divider', which exemplifies adaptability through its combination of geometric shapes and a painted aluminum structure. Cullin's design philosophy emphasizes storytelling and personality, rooted in traditional craftsmanship. The Ro divider is customizable, offering various wood and leather options, allowing users to adjust its openness or closure according to their preferences. Another innovative solution is molo's 'Softwall', which redefines the concept of a space divider. Constructed from paper, the Softwall is easily reconfigurable, making it suitable for diverse applications, from serving as a presentation backdrop to establishing intimate settings. This product from the Vancouver-based studio, led by Stephanie Forsythe and Todd MacAllen, utilizes kraft paper, presenting a sustainable alternative for spatial organization that is both efficient and visually appealing. The 'Mirage' by Inter faces Studio offers a quick way to transform a space. This product blurs the lines between textile and furniture, comprising two tubes and textile strips. Its simple mechanism allows for effortless opening and closing, providing intimacy in shared environments while also introducing a playful element through its intuitive design. Crafting Plastics and Office MMK collaborated to create 'BreaZea', a scent-infused, 3D-printed room divider. Developed for Salone del Mobile, BreaZea utilizes Nuatan bioplastics derived from cornstarch and sugar. This innovative material emits a sweet, pleasant aroma when heated, demonstrating a novel approach to bioplastic application and adding a unique sensory dimension to space division. Finally, Dutch Invertuals designed a 'Room Divider' that is characterized by its simplicity, functionality, and visual appeal. Ideal for both private and public spaces, this divider features a high-quality finish, ensuring seamless integration into various environments. The Netherlands-based company focused on color and material selection, offering the divider in four distinct shapes: The Circle, The Oval, The Crescent, and The Diamond. These examples highlight how contemporary space dividers transcend mere practicality, becoming integral parts of interior design that define spaces, offer privacy, and serve as aesthetic focal points. #FurnitureDesign #InteriorDesign #SpaceDividers #InnovativeMaterials #SustainableDesign #3DPrinting #FlexibleLiving #ModernDesign #ResidentialDesign

Nathalie Van der Massen has unveiled REN, a limited-edition collection of room dividers that seamlessly merge design, art, and architecture. The collection, consisting of one four-panel divider and two two-panel dividers, is characterized by its use of natural materials and intricate weaving techniques, drawing inspiration from Belgian textile heritage. The designs are crafted to offer both privacy and transparency, adapting to various architectural contexts and aesthetic preferences. The genesis of the REN collection stems from Van der Massen's experience with requests for custom textiles in her architectural projects. This led her to develop a foundational framework that could integrate bespoke textile designs in a scalable and versatile manner. The creative process involves a blend of manual and digital techniques to produce the fabric wefts. A key aspect of her methodology is the selective removal of threads to achieve deliberate areas of transparency within the woven patterns. Furthermore, the designer manipulates the tightness of the weaves, introducing subtle variations in translucency and light interaction across the panels. The collection features three distinct designs: SAN, SAI, and DAN. The SAN room divider is a four-panel piece crafted from walnut wood. Its extended length allows for an alternative use as a headboard. The textile elements are woven directly around and within the wooden frame, making the wood an integral part of the design rather than merely a structural border. This approach blurs the line between furniture and textile art, highlighting the material's inherent qualities. SAI and DAN are both two-panel room dividers, each presenting a unique interpretation of the wood frame's visibility and interaction with the woven elements. SAI exhibits a sense of movement and lightness, with its paper weave dynamically interacting with the frame. This design allows for a greater flow of light, contributing to an airy and rhythmic aesthetic. In contrast, DAN adopts a more minimalist and conventional room divider appearance, emphasizing simplicity and clean lines. This design is characterized by its ability to absorb light through its fabric, creating a more defined and enclosed space. Each room divider within the REN collection possesses distinct characteristics that influence how it interacts with light and space. SAI's design promotes light transmission, while DAN's fabric composition absorbs light. The SAN four-panel divider combines both these properties, offering a versatile solution for different lighting environments. Despite their individual differences, all three designs share the common goal of providing both artistic appeal and practical functionality, enhancing the aesthetic and utility of any interior space. The collection is available in a limited edition of eight pieces for each design. #RoomDividers #NathalieVanderMassen #HomeFurnishings #TextileDesign #InteriorDesign #BelgianDesign #LimitedEdition #ArchitecturalTextiles #Materiality

Dezeen Showroom has unveiled 14 new products this week, featuring a diverse range of furniture, lighting, and finishes for both commercial and residential projects. Among the highlights is the "Technicolour" textile collection by graphic designer Peter Saville for Danish brand Kvadrat. This collection draws inspiration from the colorful sprays used by farmers to mark sheep, translating this rustic aesthetic into a series of vibrant handwoven and robot-tufted rugs with color spots, iridescent curtains, and upholstery made from British sheep's wool. Saville describes the collection as bringing "the industry of the land, in raw form, into the living environment," likening it to "rural graffiti." Other notable product additions include the "Mouro" lamp, designed by Patricia Perez for Case Furniture. This portable and rechargeable table lamp, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, features a disc-shaped LED light that rotates 360 degrees, enclosed within a rectangular frame that doubles as a handle. Rainlight's "Phlox" collection for Okamura offers a comprehensive range of seating and tables, including conference chairs, lounge chairs, high stools, and five table shapes. The collection, characterized by its gently undulating silhouettes, is inspired by the petals of the night-blooming phlox flower. For storage solutions, Bruno Rainaldi's "Ptolomeo" bookshelf for Opinion Ciatti is designed to emulate the appearance of books stacked in high piles while providing structural stability. Named after the founder of the Library of Alexandria, this stainless steel shelf is available in black, white, or Corten effect lacquered finishes. Dedar introduces two new textile collections: "The Art of Jacquard" and a "Textile wall covering collection." The Jacquard collection features ultra-thin yarns woven directly into the fabric to create rich patterns, including tropical bird motifs, nature-inspired designs, bold graphics, and abstract floral landscapes. The wall covering collection, inspired by grand tapestries, includes four patterns, such as screen-printed illustrations on linen and classic weaves of jute and linen, aimed at creating a cozy atmosphere. The "Hymn" lamp by Hiroto Yoshizoe for Ambientec is another portable and durable lighting option for indoor and outdoor settings. It employs two magnets to create constant oscillations, producing a flickering effect reminiscent of a candle flame. GamFratesi's "Beetle Chair," available through Suite NY, has been re-released with four new upholstery options in neutral shades, alongside black or brass leg finishes. John Pawson's "Frame" dining table for Nikari, originally designed for his own farmhouse, is a minimalist piece made from responsibly sourced ash or oak wood with a natural oil finish, boasting a lifespan of over 100 years. Alegre Design's "Talent" desk for Actiu is a versatile, mobile, and height-adjustable workstation designed for educational and training environments, featuring a dry-erase worktop that functions as a whiteboard when folded. Finishes also see new additions with CDUK's expanded "Corian Solid Surface" range, now available in a broader spectrum of neutral and warm colors. This material is lauded for its hygienic, durable, abrasion-resistant, and fade-proof qualities, making it suitable for both commercial and residential applications. Forbo Flooring Systems introduces "Marmoleum Linear," a carbon-neutral, plant-based linoleum flooring made from linseed oil, waste wood flour, and jute, designed to mimic wood with irregular grey and neutral stripes. ADEX presents the "Habitat" tile collection, a sustainable ceramic option for interior walls made with 55 percent white-body ceramics for enhanced durability. Lastly, Decocer's "Crag" tiles offer a family of porcelain tiles that replicate the look of stone and weathered steel, suitable for indoor and outdoor walls and floors, characterized by an industrial aesthetic and textured matte finish. #ProductLaunch #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #TextileDesign #LightingDesign #SustainableMaterials #DesignInnovation #HomeDecor #WorkplaceSolutions

Laurence Leenaert, the founder of the whimsical brand LRNCE, encountered a challenge in her new studio located in the Sidi Ghanem neighborhood of Marrakech. Despite its generous size and abundant natural light—a rarity in Moroccan architecture—the studio lacked sufficient wall space to properly display her handcrafted blankets and rugs. This presented a significant obstacle for an artist whose work involves textiles and a need for effective presentation. Instead of viewing this as a limitation, Leenaert conceived an innovative solution to both display her creations and maximize the utility of her open-plan workspace. Her ingenious approach involved installing metal hooks around the perimeter of the ceiling and extending into the central area of the studio. These custom-made, round black metal hooks were designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, allowing for the simple and clean showcasing of her tapestries. The use of textiles to fill the room also imparted a sense of warmth and coziness, enhancing the overall ambiance of the studio. This method not only addressed the display problem but also offered a flexible system, crucial for an artist who frequently transitions between different creative projects, such as clothing collections and ceramic painting. The system's flexibility is a key advantage. It enables Leenaert to easily move and rearrange her work, a necessary feature for photographing pieces before listing them on her website. For individuals residing in open-plan living spaces, this method offers a clever and practical alternative to conventional room dividers. Unlike solid partitions, a suspended divider keeps the floor clear, contributing to an impression of greater space and openness. It also serves as an opportunity for decorative expression, allowing occupants to showcase cherished fabrics, artwork, or even greenery, such as macramé planters, at varying heights. Leenaert's specific design involved running wood poles between the metal hooks. These poles provide a structure from which she can drape her woven items or hang an assortment of macramé planters. The custom nature of the black metal hooks ensures they integrate seamlessly with the studio's aesthetic, while the functionality they provide is paramount for her workflow. The concept can be easily adapted by others who wish to implement a similar display or room division strategy, requiring only a creative item to be showcased. This approach not only solves a practical problem but also adds a unique and personalized element to an interior space. #RoomDivider #CreativeSolutions #StudioDesign #TextileDisplay #OpenPlanLiving #InteriorDesign #DIYHomeDecor #MarrakechStudio

The project "Knowing the Ropes," initiated by designers Brynhildur Pálsdóttir, Þuriður Rós Sigurþórsdóttir, and Theresa Himmer, delves into the ubiquitous nature and varied applications of rope, challenging conventional perceptions of this utilitarian material. This artistic endeavor explores the cultural and structural significance of rope within a Scandinavian context, specifically focusing on its dual existence in interior design and maritime industries. The designers utilize two historical production facilities, Hampiðjan in Reykjavík, Iceland, and Aarhus Possementfabrik in Denmark, both established in the early 20th century and employing similar machinery. These facilities represent the divergent paths of rope production: one for marine use and the other for interior textiles. The core of the project lies in highlighting the unexpected aesthetic and functional intersections that arise when examining a material with such diverse applications. The genesis of "Knowing the Ropes" dates back to 2017. Over time, the project evolved from its initial conceptualization into a comprehensive body of work, culminating in a publication and an exhibition featuring objects and video installations. The initial exhibition was held at the Reykjavík Art Museum in 2021, showcasing the designers' innovative interpretations and creations. The artists further developed their project by presenting an evolved version at the Hallwyl Museum in Stockholm. This particular venue, a meticulously preserved Victorian home from the turn of the 20th century, provided a unique juxtaposition for the contemporary design pieces. The museum's ornate and traditional environment offered a striking contrast to the modern and unconventional objects crafted from rope, creating an unexpectedly modern aesthetic within a historical setting. The exhibition features a range of objects that reimagine the use of rope in everyday items and art installations. These pieces include floor lamps with rope-wrapped bodies and exposed light bulbs, demonstrating how rope can be integrated into lighting design to create a distinctive texture and form. Pedestals made entirely from rope showcase the material's structural capabilities and its potential as a sculptural element. A standing round mirror, framed and supported by intricate rope work, highlights the material's versatility in creating decorative and functional home furnishings. A modern three-legged table also utilizes rope in its construction, presenting it as a primary material rather than a mere accent. Additionally, arch-shaped shelving units, crafted with rope netting, illustrate innovative approaches to storage and display. Through these creations, Pálsdóttir, Sigurþórsdóttir, and Himmer prompt viewers to reconsider the inherent qualities of rope and its potential for artistic and design expression. The project not only celebrates the craftsmanship and heritage associated with rope making but also pushes the boundaries of how textiles can be perceived and utilized in contemporary design. The juxtaposition of modern designs with a historic setting further emphasizes the timeless appeal and adaptability of this fundamental material, inviting a deeper appreciation for the overlooked elements of our material world. #TextileArt #RopeDesign #ScandinavianDesign #MaterialExploration #ContemporaryArt #ExhibitionDesign #InteriorFurnishings #DesignInnovation

Andrea Ruggiero's Soundsticks are innovative noise-reducing space dividers designed for Swedish furniture manufacturer Offecct. These products offer a free-standing alternative to traditional acoustic panels, addressing the challenge of reducing ambient noise in various environments. The design concept for Soundsticks was initially inspired by everyday paperboard mailing tubes, with early prototypes utilizing leftover paperboard tubes from upholstery fabric rolls. However, this initial approach faced challenges due to the weight of the tubes, their limited sound absorption capabilities, and inconsistent availability of the material in sufficient quantities for high-volume production. To overcome these limitations, the design evolved away from using actual paperboard tubes. Ruggiero and Offecct explored various alternative solutions and materials, ultimately deciding on acoustic felt. The final Soundsticks are constructed from sound-absorbing acoustic felt, which is molded into a tube shape and then covered with fabric. This acoustic felt is itself a sustainable material, made from a blend of shredded textile off-cuts and shredded PET derived from recycled water bottles, highlighting a commitment to upcycling and circular design principles. Independent testing by the Swedish acoustic authority Akustikverkstan has certified the Soundsticks' effectiveness in reducing ambient noise, underscoring their functional performance. The exterior fabric covers of the Soundsticks are also made from recycled materials, specifically leftover upholstery fabrics collected during Offecct's furniture production processes. This results in a varied palette of four colors—reds, greens, blues, and greys—which were identified as the most common upholstery colors used by the company through an internal audit. Further enhancing their sustainability, the end caps of the Soundsticks are crafted from recycled aluminum, sourced from drink cans. These end caps are designed to be entirely reusable and recyclable, and the overall construction of the Soundsticks requires no glue for assembly. This glue-free design facilitates complete recovery and recycling of the components, making Soundsticks a truly circular product. The space dividers are available in linear, radial, and clustered configurations. The linear and radial versions can be suspended from extruded aluminum tracks, allowing for flexible arrangement to create defined "rooms within rooms" within larger spaces. This project emerged from Offecct's desire to expand beyond its existing line of Soundwave acoustic tiles, with a specific focus on developing free-standing acoustic solutions that are not attached to walls. Soundsticks have been recognized for their innovative design and sustainability, being shortlisted for the Dezeen Awards 2020 in the workplace design category. The product represents a significant step forward in combining effective acoustic solutions with eco-conscious manufacturing practices. #AcousticProducts #SpaceDividers #RecycledTextiles #UpcyclingDesign #CircularEconomy #WorkplaceDesign #SustainableMaterials #AndreaRuggiero #Offecct #DezeenAwards

The article highlights Heather Chontos's collaboration with Layered, focusing on a new rug collection that translates her abstract paintings into hand-tufted rugs. The collection aims to capture the depth, color, and shape of Chontos's artwork, making her vibrant and expressive pieces accessible as functional home decor. These rugs are presented as a unique way to bring art into interior spaces, offering both visual appeal and tactile quality through their hand-tufted construction. Following this, the article introduces Clé's refreshed Architect's Palette tile collection. Clé has updated this classic collection by introducing a silkier matte glaze and expanding the available color palette. This refresh aims to provide designers and homeowners with more sophisticated and versatile options for tiling projects, emphasizing an earthy touch that enhances the collection's aesthetic and functional appeal for various architectural and interior applications. The ORA Lamp Series by Dana Harel, from White Dirt Studio, is also featured, showcasing sculptural lighting crafted from gypsum cement, muslin, and brass. These lamps are noted for their unique forms and the way they play with light and shadow, adding an artistic element to any room. The design combines diverse materials to create visually compelling and structurally interesting lighting fixtures. Fireclay Tile's new customizable bath fittings collection marks the company's expansion beyond surface materials. This new venture allows for personalized bath designs, giving customers more control over the aesthetics of their bathrooms. The collection emphasizes customization, enabling a cohesive and unique look when paired with Fireclay's extensive tile offerings. Molteni&C's Milan showroom and its top products are explored, conceived as the home of an astute collector. The showroom acts as a curated space displaying a range of high-end furniture and decor that reflects a sophisticated and eclectic taste. This segment offers a glimpse into the brand's design philosophy and product highlights. Visionnaire's new Italian-luxe showroom in London's Design District is also presented, inviting readers to explore its opulent offerings. The showroom is designed to exhibit Visionnaire's luxurious furniture and home accessories, providing a destination for high-end interior design inspiration and purchases. Lawson-Fenning's NoHo shop in New York, designed by Josh Grene, is highlighted for its glowing terra-cotta hues. The shop's design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, showcasing the brand's furniture and decor in a distinctive setting that emphasizes natural tones and materials. Ege and Snøhetta's collaboration on a carpet collection, Matter, is introduced, which reimagines flooring with generative flatweaves. This partnership combines innovative design with functional materiality, offering floor coverings that are both aesthetically engaging and practical for various commercial and residential applications. Finally, the article mentions several other product highlights, including an array of seating designs for a fall refresh, Carole Baijing’s understated furniture collection for Geiger, Slalom’s sustainable acoustic panels made with FSC-certified wood and recycled materials, Rop van Mierlo’s bold and shaggy rug series for CC-Tapis, Hem and Kusheda Mensah’s playful ottoman collaboration, Jiang Qiong Er’s poetic bamboo collection for Roche Bobois, Kevin Walz’s colorful collaboration with Ralph Pucci, Kriskadecor and Rafa Ortega’s nature-inspired Khronos collection with acoustic properties, and Jill Malek’s pastel glass mural panels inspired by natural phenomena. #InteriorDesign #ProductLaunch #HomeDecor #TileDesign #LightingDesign #FurnitureCollection #Showroom #TextileArt #AcousticPanels

Laurence Leenaert, the founder of the brand LRNCE, encountered a common challenge in her new studio in Marrakech: a lack of sufficient wall space to display her handcrafted textiles. Her studio, located in the Sidi Ghanem neighborhood, is unusually large and features numerous windows, a rarity in Moroccan architecture which often limits natural light. Despite the aesthetic appeal of the space, the absence of ample display surfaces for her blankets and rugs posed a practical problem for her business, which relies on showcasing these items. Leenaert's innovative solution involved installing metal hooks around the perimeter of the ceiling and also centrally within the workspace. These custom-made, black-painted round hooks support wood poles, over which she drapes her woven items. Additionally, macramé planters are hung at varying heights from these poles, further enhancing the display and adding a touch of natural greenery. This method not only effectively addresses the display challenge but also contributes to the studio's aesthetic by creating a warm and inviting atmosphere through the abundant use of textiles. Beyond its utility for showcasing products, this setup offers significant flexibility for an artist like Leenaert, who frequently transitions between designing clothing collections and painting ceramics. The movable nature of the display allows her to easily rearrange her work and photograph pieces for her website, optimizing her workflow. For individuals living in open-plan residential spaces, this approach serves as a creative and practical alternative to traditional room dividers. By suspending items from the ceiling, the floor space remains clear, which helps to create an illusion of greater roominess. This method also presents an opportunity to personalize a space by displaying favored fabrics or plants in an unconventional manner. Leenaert's design choice highlights the versatility and adaptability of using overhead structures for decorative and functional purposes. Her solution is not only visually appealing but also a highly efficient use of vertical space, a concept that can be replicated in various settings to address similar display or spatial division needs. The ease of implementing such a system makes it an attractive DIY project for those seeking to enhance their living or working environments with a unique and functional design element. #DIY #RoomDivider #InteriorDesign #CreativeSolutions #TextileDisplay #MarrakechStudio #HomeDecor #SpaceOptimization

The article introduces SHIFT, an innovative and flexible shelving system developed through a collaboration between Benjamin Hubert’s LAYER design studio and Really, a company specializing in materials made from upcycled textiles. This shelving system, produced for the textile manufacturer Kvadrat, transforms from a flat acoustic wall panel into a functional display shelf, making it suitable for various dynamic environments such as retail spaces, exhibitions, or temporary installations where display needs frequently change. At the core of SHIFT's design is its commitment to sustainability, utilizing Really’s Solid Textile Board. This material is ingeniously crafted from waste textiles sourced from the fashion and textile industries, embodying a circular economy approach by repurposing materials that would otherwise contribute to landfills. The material itself is a testament to innovation, as it is solid yet can be manipulated to achieve flexible properties through precise machining. One of the most remarkable features of the SHIFT system is its construction which entirely eschews traditional hardware. Instead of fasteners, grooves are precisely machined into the Solid Textile Board, allowing the material to bend and move in a manner akin to fabric. This unique manufacturing process enables the panels to transition seamlessly between states. The shelf brackets are designed with miter kerfs, facilitating their rotation outwards to provide robust support for the shelves. When the shelves are not required for display, they fold back into a flat configuration against the wall, held in place by magnets. In this flat state, the system serves a dual purpose as an acoustic wall panel, effectively dampening sound within the surrounding space, thereby enhancing the environmental quality of the interior. The development of SHIFT was a meticulous process, requiring over six months of dedicated effort and the creation of ten prototypes to perfect its functionality and aesthetic. This extensive research and development phase underscores the complexity and innovative nature of the final product, which aims to be a timeless piece of furniture made from a highly sustainable and recycled material. The system's design considers both practical utility and environmental responsibility. SHIFT is available in a variety of colors, each derived from the type of recycled textile used in its production. These color options include blue, made from recycled denim; white, originating from recycled hospital bed sheets; and additional choices in yellow and grey. These color variations, coupled with the availability of different sizes and configurations, offer versatility to suit diverse interior design schemes and functional requirements. This flexible and eco-conscious shelving system represents a significant step forward in sustainable design, demonstrating how waste materials can be transformed into aesthetically pleasing and highly practical interior solutions. #FlexibleShelfSystem #UpcycledTextiles #SustainableDesign #ModularFurniture #AcousticPanel #MaterialInnovation #RetailDisplay #InteriorDesign #EcoFriendly

This article explores a variety of room divider ideas, presenting them as a practical alternative to entirely open-plan living spaces. It emphasizes that room dividers offer numerous clever and inspiring ways to optimize a living area's functionality and aesthetic. The core concept revolves around creating a 'broken plan' layout, which represents a middle ground between completely open spaces and traditional, separated rooms. Room dividers can be implemented through various means, including screens, partitions, and the strategic placement of furniture or bookshelves. The article highlights that beyond their functional utility, room dividers can introduce elements like color, pattern, texture, and dimension into a room. They can be used purely for decorative purposes, to create an illusion of privacy, or to enhance the perception of space in smaller rooms. One suggestion is to design integrated partitions, as demonstrated by Simon Tcherniak of Neville Johnson. He advocates for utilizing unused vertical space with features like extra-tall bookcases, possibly with a ladder, or open/hidden shelves for display or storage. Another approach involves the use of classic steel frames, which offer a visually appealing way to connect rooms while maintaining a sense of separation. Chris Eaton from Stiff + Trevillion notes that glazing systems can bring natural light into areas lacking windows and can be designed with varying pane sizes and integrated doorways or casement windows. Movable screens are also discussed as a flexible option for creating cozy, confined spaces within larger rooms, as suggested by Paolo Moschino of Nicholas Haslam, who appreciates their ability to conceal and reveal spaces gradually. Decorative glazing is presented as a subtle way to zone off areas. Extending a glass partition just a short distance into a room can effectively break the open-plan flow. An example from Maddux Creative showcases a steel frame with geometric glazed panels, incorporating different types of glass (colored, fluted) and suggesting coordinating flooring to emphasize the divider's role. For brightening dim spaces, steel-framed doors are recommended, especially Crittall glazing, which allows light to flow while maintaining warmth and creating quiet zones. Investing in sliding panels offers versatility, enabling residents to close off areas when needed without compromising the room's appearance when open. The article features a London apartment with floor-to-ceiling sliding panels clad in parquet, which seamlessly integrate into the space. The panels can also conceal recessed pockets for displaying art. For larger rooms, integrating a glazed partition with a gap in the middle can effectively create two distinct zones while allowing free movement between them. An example illustrates using this for an entertainment center, complete with a blackout screen for cinematic experiences. Beyond structural elements, the article suggests using furniture to define zones, particularly in open-plan living rooms where permanent dividers may not be suitable. High-backed seating and ceiling-high bookcases are cited as effective tools for this. Lastly, hanging drapes or sheer curtains can divide a large bedroom, adding privacy, color, texture, and dimension without permanent structural changes. The article concludes by presenting central heating options, such as positioning a freestanding woodburning stove, as a way to connect different zones while adding warmth and a design feature. #RoomDividers #InteriorDesign #SpacePlanning #BrokenPlanLiving #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalFeatures #GlazingSystems #FurnitureArrangement

The increasing prevalence of hybrid working has led to a greater need for multifunctional living spaces. Homes now serve as integrated environments for work, dining, relaxation, recreation, and sleep. For individuals residing in smaller homes, this often means spending a significant amount of time within a single room. Room dividers offer a practical, stylish, and adaptable solution to this challenge by allowing for the effective partitioning of space. Room dividers can be utilized to establish distinct zones within a room. For example, they can create a serene sanctuary around a bed, define a separate dressing area, or carve out a dedicated workspace in a kitchen, minimizing distractions during important calls. The market offers a wide array of styles to accommodate diverse tastes and interior aesthetics, ranging from vintage-inspired and bohemian rattan designs to more minimalist and contemporary options. The article highlights nine specific room divider options available for purchase, each possessing unique design characteristics and functional benefits. These include a Maisons du Monde tropical print room divider, which uses a three-panel canvas with a print that creates a sense of depth and transports the viewer to a jungle setting. Another option is the Wayfair Alina three-panel room divider, characterized by simple white wooden struts that lend a timeless, summery aesthetic, reminiscent of a beach house. Ikea offers a white and black room divider with a wooden frame that is both practical and visually appealing, allowing for space division while still permitting light to pass through. For those who prefer natural materials, the Sklum bamboo screen provides an organic touch. Murando's decorative room divider features a painterly leaf print on canvas, offering an understated yet eye-catching design. An Etsy four-panel folding wooden room divider with a pegboard display stands out for its dual functionality, serving as a divider and a display unit for jewelry, accessories, and other small items. Ikea's handmade rattan room divider caters to the growing popularity of rattan interiors, exuding modern-retro charm. Sklum also offers a bamboo and canvas screen, providing a relaxed method for partitioning space. Finally, the Maisons du Monde openwork pine screen with a foliage motif features intricate openwork that can enhance even compact areas. These various options demonstrate how room dividers can effectively address the spatial challenges of smaller homes and hybrid work arrangements by creating functional and aesthetically pleasing divisions within a single room. #RoomDividers #SmallSpaces #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #HybridWorking #SpaceSolutions #HomeAccessories #DesignTrends #Furniture

This monthly series, "In Our Carts," highlights a curated selection of new product launches and collaborations in the home and lifestyle sphere. The June 2024 edition features a range of items, from bedding and rugs to furniture, lighting, and kitchenware, all chosen for their design and functionality. One of the notable collaborations is between Danish home brand Tekla and Artek, which resulted in a new line of bedding. This collection includes duvets and shams in three colors, adorned with Finnish architect Aino Aalto’s Kirsikankukka pattern, inspired by a Japanese scarf. The collaboration also marks Tekla's first venture into kids' bedding. Cold Picnic, known for its printed rugs, has expanded its offerings with a new collection of richly hued, solid-color rugs. These nature-inspired designs, such as Grass Green, Roasted Tomato, Sky Blue, and Pear, are crafted from 100% New Zealand wool, providing a luxurious feel underfoot. Dusen Dusen has introduced three new vibrant and graphic throw pillow designs: Daisy, Hourglass, and Ricrac. These pillows come in bold colors like sunflower yellow, denim blue, and Kelly green, adding a playful touch to home decor. CB2 has launched new alabaster sconces designed by Australian studio VUUE. These hand-carved alabaster globes are available in two sizes, 6 and 10 inches, and offer a blend of old-world glamour with a modern sensibility, suitable for various interior and exterior settings. Fashion designer Carly Cushnie has collaborated with Lulu and Georgia on her first furniture collection. This 11-piece line showcases a mix of materials, including cane, wood, bouclé, fringe, and velvet. Standout pieces include the warm-toned Yucca sofa and the burl-wood Sabal console table, offering extensive mix-and-match possibilities. Opinel has released a cleverly designed grilling set that emphasizes simplicity and utility. The stainless steel tongs are extra-long with notched tips and a curved edge for effective gripping. A unique feature is the folding knife that ingeniously transforms into a spatula handle, complete with a Virobloc locking ring. The knife handle also integrates a bottle opener, enhancing its functionality for outdoor cooking. R+D Lab has partnered with Mexican chef Elena Reygadas and Fenn Apartamento to create the Rosetta collection of glassware. This collection features three new glass shapes—Acqua, Sour, and Martini—inspired by ancient vessels discovered in Pompeii. While named for specific drinks, these versatile glasses are suggested for various beverages, such as white wine in the water cups and cordials in the stemmed glasses. Finally, Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen continues to expand his collection with Zara Home. The latest additions emphasize natural materials like wood, concrete, and solid brass, featuring pieces such as a daybed, a library system, and organically shaped concrete side tables. Dark brown is a prominent color throughout this new iteration of the collection, reflecting a sophisticated aesthetic. Baggu has also collaborated with Collina Strada on a line of limited-edition prints for its reusable bags, picnic blankets, and towels. A new highlight from this collaboration is the Horse Bag, a mini zippered pony-shaped bag, and the Boxer Plaid print on the Small Cloud carry-on, combining playful design with practical application. #ProductLaunches #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #TextileDesign #Furniture #Lighting #Kitchenware #DesignCollaborations #NewArrivals

Designers are increasingly drawing inspiration from English interiors, and tapestries are emerging as a prominent antique item in stylish spaces. These textiles are being embraced to introduce warmth and character into modern interiors, moving away from formal perceptions to appear cozy and confident. Whitney Romanoff of Meet West notes that tapestries instantly add mystery, romance, and softness, captivating with their historical craftsmanship and visual narratives. This trend signifies a shift towards cultivating atmosphere, reminiscent of English country houses where layered textures, mixed patterns, and a lived-in feel are valued over excessive polish. Modern applications of tapestries emphasize rich, moody aesthetics, often featuring velvets, fringe, and pastoral scenes that contribute texture and depth, creating an intimate, cocooning effect in living spaces and bedrooms. The renewed appeal of tapestries aligns with a broader desire for personalized rather than impeccably polished rooms. Designer Sarah Stacey highlights that tapestries are classic, versatile, and can function as wall art, a means to conceal televisions, or even as material for pillows and upholstery. She notes their ability to read as almost neutral despite intricate designs due to their non-repeating patterns. The growing appreciation for handmade items in an increasingly AI-driven world also contributes to the timing of this trend. For individuals seeking impactful decor without committing to extensive gallery walls or large paintings, a tapestry offers an accessible solution to complete a large wall. Designers recommend specific strategies for styling tapestries. Crystal Sinclair appreciates the texture antique tapestries bring, using them to introduce a sense of history and balance to modern environments. She advocates for pairing them with contemporary furniture to avoid a heavy or theatrical feel, emphasizing that the textile's age becomes an asset when contrasted with clean-lined pieces. Sinclair advises homeowners to be bold with their choices, suggesting that a tapestry should be a room's focal point. Both Stacey and Chiara de Rege agree on the importance of scale, encouraging oversized pieces that can extend almost wall-to-wall or behind furniture, making the layering appear intentional and allowing the tapestry to define the space. Achieving a current aesthetic with tapestries hinges on contrast. Designers stress the importance of combining them with modern furniture, streamlined shapes, or unconventional materials. De Rege particularly enjoys the dynamic tension created by juxtaposing very old tapestries with contemporary elements like steel consoles or modern seating, describing the effect as both grand and subtly satirical. The objective is not to replicate historical period rooms but to use the tapestry as a grounding element, allowing the rest of the decor to feel fresh and contemporary. When sourcing, designers overwhelmingly favor vintage pieces for their unique character and inherent narrative. Sinclair emphasizes the challenge and reward of finding suitable vintage tapestries, while Stacey often searches auctions, flea markets, and online marketplaces. De Rege encourages selecting pieces whose stories resonate with the client and project. In an era where warmth, personality, and thoughtful design are highly valued, tapestries provide a unique blend of intimacy, layering, and groundedness, offering a sense of escapism that aligns with current design sensibilities. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TapestryTrend #AntiqueDecor #DesignInspiration #EnglishInteriors #TextileArt #VintageHome

This blog post details how professional organizer Shira Gill helped photographer and freelance content producer Zoe Ching overhaul her kitchen pantry and bathroom vanity drawer using affordable dividers. Ching, despite a recent renovation of her Portland, Oregon, Craftsman bungalow in 2018, found herself struggling with excessive clutter and inefficient storage, with items overflowing into her garage. The pantry organization began with emptying all contents onto the kitchen island. Expired items were discarded, leaving only regularly used goods like Asian sauces and Fly by Jing tasting packs. Gill then applied a "supermarket manager" approach, merchandising the space by placing opened snacks in front and surplus items behind them for easy rotation. Tall oils and sauces were neatly arranged on bamboo lazy Susans, while most other items were placed in deep dividers, many costing as little as $5 from the Container Store. Ching also repurposed old glass jars for dried fruit. This systematic approach transformed the pantry, making cooking and spending time in the kitchen a more pleasant experience. Following the pantry makeover, Gill and Ching addressed the bathroom vanity drawer, a persistent pain point for Ching due to difficulty locating daily-use items. Instead of sorting by product category, they focused on separating frequently used items such as deodorant, lip gloss, and mascara from back-stock products. These daily essentials were then dedicated to a single top drawer in the vanity. During this process, Ching discarded expired products and donated duplicates to friends, further streamlining her collection. An additional "treat-yourself" item, a face mask, was included in the drawer to encourage regular use. To organize the vanity drawer, they utilized leftover drawer dividers from the kitchen project. These long containers proved effective in preventing tubes of cream and sharp tweezers from rolling around, maintaining order within the drawer. Ching expressed that this new system served as a catalyst, inspiring her to organize the rest of her bathroom and significantly improving her daily routine, making it more relaxed. The article highlights the effectiveness of simple, affordable organizational tools and a systematic approach in transforming cluttered spaces into functional and enjoyable areas. #HomeOrganization #PantryOrganization #BathroomVanity #StorageSolutions #ProfessionalOrganizer #SmallSpaceLiving #DIYHome #ContainerStore #AffordableDecor