Francis Nicdao’s thoughtful selection of cast bronze, prima alpaca and iridescent glass

The art of glassblowing, once considered a craft material, has experienced a resurgence in the design world, captivating a broader audience and establishing itself as a significant frontier in contemporary design. This renewed interest is evident in various high-profile showcases, including Bradley Bowers’s large-scale Fiosa vase at Dolce & Gabbana’s Salone de Mobile exhibit, a new record-setting hand-blown glass bottle at the Museum of American Glass, and the popularity of the Netflix series "Blown Away." This growing fascination highlights a consumer demand for innovative and unique designs. Designers and artisans are pushing the boundaries of traditional glassblowing techniques, creating pieces that are both functional and artistic. This article features six such artists whose work exemplifies this innovative spirit. Ursula Futura, based in Vienna, crafts sculptural Eclipse Vases with elegant carved windows. These mouth-blown vases showcase an interplay of light and varied hues, drawing inspiration from nature, science, and moments of wonder. The studio aims to evoke joy and curiosity through its designs. Another featured collaboration brings together film producer Rebecca Marks and Venetian glass designer Paola Petrobelli, resulting in the Verdi II and Ambra Murano Portable lamps. These miniature, cordless, rechargeable, and water-resistant lamps come in seven colors and feature Murano glass with distinct gems at their core, providing a striking contrast against their colorful outer shades. These portable lights offer both practicality and aesthetic appeal. Seattle-based glass artist John Hogan presents his latest collection, "Menagerie," for the Future Perfect gallery. This collection comprises 105 palm-sized glass objects, emphasizing that impactful design doesn't always require large scale. Hogan's technique involves working with glass in its cold state, resulting in a vibrant and refreshing interpretation of the ancient art form. The Kaanch Glass Series Vessel I is a product of a collaboration between Guatemalan-based Diego Olivero Studio and artisans in New Delhi. The series, whose name "Kaanch" means "glass" in Hindi, includes 11 abstract, colorful vessels and lights. These pieces feature playful shapes welded onto clear borosilicate glass surfaces, known for its resistance to temperature changes, making them both durable and visually appealing. Sticky Glass, a Brooklyn-based design company, showcases its lighting collection, including Bubble Pendants and Mingling Lamps. Each piece is hand-blown, highlighting the fluid nature of glass through its bubble formations, and finished with a custom brass base for a modern touch. The company affectionately calls these "lights that hug," reflecting a current trend toward "blobby" and organic forms in design. Finally, designer Laura Kramer’s Marie vessel, displayed at the Heller Gallery, draws inspiration from natural scenes like barnacles on a boat hull. Her work aims to explore the "hybridity of made and natural materials," questioning traditional classifications and delving into liminal spaces between categories. These pieces exemplify how art can not only mimic nature but also enhance and reinterpret its perceived imperfections. Collectively, these artists demonstrate a commitment to innovation, artistry, and the continuous evolution of glass as a medium in the design world. Their works range from functional lamps to sculptural vases, all united by their exceptional craftsmanship and ability to transform molten glass into captivating objects that resonate with contemporary aesthetic sensibilities. #Glassblowing #HomeAccessories #ContemporaryDesign #ArtisanCraftsmanship #InteriorDecor #MuranoGlass #LightingDesign #SculpturalVases

This article highlights various innovative design pieces from global makers, showcasing a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary materials. The featured designers and studios, hailing from locations such as Brooklyn, Copenhagen, and Ukraine, emphasize unique artistic visions and sustainable practices in their creations. Each piece is a testament to meticulous design and material exploration, ranging from intricate glass sculptures to furniture made from reclaimed materials. The article begins by introducing Reevein Studios, specifically Sara Rosa Oppermann and Alice Soro Cilliara, who create mouth-blown glass sculptures. Their 'Spora' sculpture, available in amber and electric blue, demonstrates the artistic manipulation of glass into fluid forms. Following this, Djivan Schapira's 'Divergent' foyer and low tables are presented, characterized by resin inlaid with bronze wire, offering a modern aesthetic with intricate detailing. Kateryna Sokolova's 'Flock' chair for Noom, featuring an upholstered injection-molded soft-foam body and stained-ash feet, illustrates a combination of comfort and sculptural form. Faina's Victoria Yakusha contributes the 'Sontsehryv' sculpture, which stands out for its sustainable composition. This piece is crafted from Ztista, a proprietary blend of cellulose, clay, flax fiber, wood chips, and biopolymer, reflecting a commitment to eco-conscious design. Streicher Goods, led by Ethan Streicher, showcases a collection of lamps—Archie, Ping Pong, and Drum—fabricated using various stoneware clays, underglazes, mid-range glazes, and sometimes blown glass or 3D-printing processes. These lamps explore diverse material combinations and manufacturing techniques. Mansi Shah of Manu Nanu presents an interlocking vase made of hand-blown borosilicate glass in amber and cobalt-blue, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to color and form in glasswork. Nathan Litera's side table combines natural rope and grand antique marble, offering a textural and material contrast that evokes both rustic and luxurious sensibilities. Astraeus Clarke, by Chelsie and Jacob Starley, features the 'Lenox Small' three-globe light, available in wall sconce and chandelier formats, constructed from powder-coated steel, brass, and glass, indicating a versatile lighting solution. Eduardo Rivas of ERM Studio contributes the 'Materia Digital' cast-aluminum coffee table with a glass top, showcasing a blend of industrial materials with a refined finish. Kiki Goti's 'Belted and Buttoned Up' wall lights, made from aluminum, polished nickel, and steel, exemplify a contemporary and structured lighting design. Feyza Kemahlioglu of Feyz Studio, through Wexler Gallery, introduces the 'Glowing Sentiments' lighting collection, which incorporates hand-blown Murrine glass, brass chain, and Meerschaum, a hand-carved clay mineral, highlighting intricate details and unique material sourcing. Ciara Jade Dockery’s 'Creature Comforts' collection includes a Flokati wool pouf, a Mohair bench crafted from vintage rugs, and a Ply occasional table made of FSC-certified plywood. These pieces emphasize comfort, sustainability, and the repurposing of materials. Matt McKay presents the 'Jib' shearling and lacquer stool, the 'Ahoo' cashmere-upholstered lounge chair, and the 'Cap' resin and lacquer coffee table, all demonstrating a focus on tactile luxury and modern forms. Finally, Michelle McLaughlin of Calyer Ceramics features the 'Sprig' floor lamp, which features a ceramic stoneware base with a handmade glaze and a linen shade, showcasing a handcrafted approach to lighting. #MaterialInnovation #ProductDesign #SustainableDesign #Handcrafted #Ceramics #GlassArt #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #InteriorDecor

Drag And Drop, a Romanian design and manufacturing studio co-founded by Madalin Gheorghe and Dragos Sabareanu in 2019, is known for its innovative approach to design, merging advanced technology with artisanal techniques. The studio's ceramic collection showcases this philosophy by reimagining the function and aesthetics of everyday objects, specifically vases. The creation process leverages a large 3D-ceramic printer to produce intricate patterns, which are developed using sophisticated algorithmic modeling software. Throughout the design and manufacturing process, a strong emphasis is placed on sustainability, aesthetic appeal, and overall quality. The collection features five distinct vase designs, each drawing inspiration from natural patterns and traditional craftsmanship. The 'Intertwined' vase, for instance, is characterized by its organic, interwoven geometric pattern, reminiscent of growth structures found in tree bark and root systems. This unique design is achieved through 3D printing using 100% natural clay. While the interior of the Intertwined vase is hand-glazed, its exterior maintains a matte finish, a consistent characteristic across the entire ceramic collection. This contrast highlights the intricate textures created by the 3D printing process. Another design, 'Bulky,' is offered in three different sizes. This vase features a textile-like pattern that interacts with light throughout the day, creating varying visual effects. The design encourages tactile engagement, inviting individuals to explore its geometric forms and textures through touch. This interactive element adds another dimension to the appreciation of the piece, allowing for a more intimate connection with its design and material. The 'Ripple' vase demonstrates the studio's ability to translate complex mathematical formulae into aesthetically pleasing natural patterns. Its design mimics the visual effect of rippling liquid, such as the concentric circles formed when a stone is dropped into water. This piece exemplifies how technology can be used to replicate and enhance natural phenomena, creating objects that are both visually striking and conceptually rich. The wave-like pattern provides a sense of movement and fluidity, despite the static nature of the ceramic material. The 'Kilim' vase pays homage to the traditional tapestry-weaving methods employed in regions historically part of the Persian Empire. This design represents a contemporary reinterpretation of an ancient craft, demonstrating a harmonious blend of traditional artistry and modern industrial design. By translating the intricate patterns of kilim carpets into a 3D-printed ceramic form, the studio bridges the gap between historical techniques and cutting-edge manufacturing, creating a piece that is culturally resonant and technologically advanced. Finally, the 'Melting' vase directly incorporates its manufacturing process into its aesthetic. The design plays on the suppleness of wet clay during the layering process of 3D printing, creating the illusion of a soft object that appears to be melting. This visual effect is achieved despite the hard, finished ceramic product, creating an intriguing juxtaposition. The Melting vase challenges perceptions of material properties, making a rigid object appear fluid and malleable, highlighting the transformative potential of 3D printing in ceramic art. #3DPrinting #CeramicVases #NatureInspiredDesign #AlgorithmicModeling #SustainableDesign #HomeDecor #ModernCraftsmanship #DragAndDropDesign #InteriorDesign

The David Gill Gallery is currently hosting an exhibition titled 'Vases and Vessels', showcasing approximately 50 contemporary vases and vessels crafted by both established and emerging glass and ceramics artists. Most of the pieces were specially commissioned for the exhibition within the last six months, offering a fresh and diverse look at the current state of contemporary decorative arts. The exhibition, curated by journalist Gianluca Longo, highlights the evolving role of vases beyond mere functionality, positioning them as sculptural and versatile art forms capable of transforming an interior space. Gianluca Longo, known for his work with *W* and *Cabana* magazines, expresses a long-standing fascination with vases, particularly decorative ones, appreciating their dual capacity for aesthetic appeal and practical use. He notes their sculptural qualities and their ability to adapt significantly depending on the floral arrangements chosen. Longo's curation emphasizes 'craftsmanship and the handmade,' reflecting an instinctive selection process guided by a desire for strong decorative elements and a diversity of artistic styles. The exhibition features a wide array of influences, materials, and styles from various artists across the globe. Among the featured artists are Domitilla Harding, whose translucent glass vessels evoke deep-sea creatures, and Cody Hoyt, known for his intricate geometric vases made from inlaid hand-colored clay. Other notable artists include Kate Malone, Beth Katleman, Tommaso Corvi-Mora, Tancredi di Carcaci, Tino Seubert, Felicity Aylieff, Lena Peters, and Marcantonio Brandolini d’Adda. Longo specifically commissioned several pieces, such as Kate Malone’s ‘Monumental Fennel’, Tino Seubert’s terrazzo ‘Heptagon Rosa Perlino’, and Lena Peter’s ‘Owl’, the latter discovered by Longo at Central Saint Martins’ final degree show. The curator highlights emerging talents like Tancredi di Carcaci, a student from Edinburgh whose work reflects southern European baroque influences. Beth Katleman’s 'Vase with Cherubs' is described as adding a 'cheeky moment' to the exhibition and is expected to be a surprise for many, given her relatively lower recognition in the UK compared to New York. Longo expresses his belief in a growing interest in decorative arts, hoping the exhibition will underscore this trend through the unique vases and vessels on display. Francis Sultana, CEO of David Gill Gallery, prior to the opening, anticipated the exhibition would be a vibrant showcase, given Longo’s particular interest in glass and Venetian majolica vases. Sultana believed the exhibition would bring renewed attention to this ancient art form through the works of highly talented contemporary artists. This exhibition follows Longo’s previous success with ‘Young Bright Things’, an exhibition that spotlighted rising stars in fashion, art, and design. 'Vases and Vessels' is open for public viewing until 5 December at the David Gill Gallery, located at 2-4 King Street, London SW1Y 6QP. #VasesAndVessels #ContemporaryArt #DavidGillGallery #DecorativeArts #GlassDesign #Ceramics #GianlucaLongo #Craftsmanship #LondonExhibition

Australian interior designer Greg Natale has unveiled his first collection of luxury decorative objects for the home, a 50-piece range crafted from precious materials like marble, shell, and brass. This new line, which includes boxes, vases, ashtrays, bowls, bookends, coasters, and trays, marks Natale's inaugural venture into home accessories since establishing his Sydney-based interior design business seventeen years ago. He has previously focused on larger interior elements such as tiles, rugs, carpets, and wallpaper, but recognized a gap in the market for high-quality accessories that met his specific aesthetic and functional requirements for client projects. The collection was three years in development, a period Natale dedicated to sourcing the finest craftsmen globally to ensure the exceptional quality of each piece. He emphasizes that accessories are the essential finishing touches that complete a room's look, underscoring their importance in interior design. The choice of materials reflects Natale's preference for natural elements and metallics. The lids of the decorative boxes are intricately inlaid with dyed shell, while solid brass forms the basis for bowls, which are often elevated on boule feet or plinths. Candlesticks, vases, and trays are meticulously carved from various types of marble and stone. Natale appreciates the inherent patterns and colors offered by marble and shell, finding them to be rich and dynamic materials. He also highlights brass for its ability to introduce warmth and a burnished glamour into interior spaces. Natale's decision to create his own line of accessories stemmed from a personal need; he often struggled to find decorative items that aligned with his vision while decorating for clients. This challenge motivated him to "roll up his sleeves and create it himself," viewing it as an opportunity to fill a void in the luxury home accessories market. He approached the design of these smaller objects with the same meticulous attention to detail and creative philosophy he applies to designing entire rooms or houses. While the scale differs, the underlying design principles remain consistent: each accessory is considered a design in its own right, yet its role within the broader creative scheme of an interior is always kept in mind. Looking ahead, Natale plans to expand the collection further, with ceramics slated to be added next year. This expansion indicates a sustained commitment to offering comprehensive design solutions, moving beyond foundational elements to encompass the decorative details that personalize and enhance living spaces. The launch of this collection positions Greg Natale not only as a leading interior designer but also as a purveyor of finely crafted home objects, contributing to the discourse around the use of luxury materials and thoughtful design in home decoration. His work echoes that of other designers, such as Tom Dixon, known for marble tableware, and Mathieu Lehanneur, who creates marble furniture inspired by ocean surfaces, showcasing a broader trend of utilizing natural, high-end materials in contemporary design. #GregNatale #HomeAccessories #LuxuryDesign #MarbleDecor #BrassDecor #ShellInlay #InteriorDesign #AustralianDesign #ProductDesign

This blog post compiles recent articles and projects from Designboom focusing on the application of glass in art, architecture, and design. The collection highlights the versatility and aesthetic potential of glass, ranging from large-scale public installations to architectural facades and interior elements. The articles showcase how artists and designers are pushing the boundaries of traditional glass use, incorporating it into innovative structures and artistic expressions. Key examples include a luminous forest in Hanoi composed of mirroring steel branches, demonstrating glass's role in creating immersive public art. Another project features an 'invisible Tokyo bar' that utilizes heated, transparent acrylic glass panels to distort reality, illustrating glass's capacity for experiential design. Architecture projects frequently employ glass for facades, as seen in Selgascano's transparent seaside café in China with three parallel glass volumes, and Cossement Cardoso's Helsinki museum concept, which features a textured glass skin forming a curved roof. The DA VÀNG studio in Vietnam also uses 3,000 glass bricks to create a curved, translucent house facade, emphasizing both structural and aesthetic applications. The articles also delve into the use of glass in smaller-scale design and art pieces. For instance, Bottega Veneta's summer show features 'lucid murano blown-glass stools' that mimic sea waves, showcasing glass as a medium for elegant furniture and decor. Artists like Vincent Leroy use floating lenses in an optical mobile, and Ben Tuna transforms a Porsche 911 into an art car with cathedral-inspired stained glass, highlighting the material's artistic adaptability. Sarah Brahim and Ugo Schiavi explore ancient rituals through glass temples and vessels, linking glass to cultural and historical narratives. Further architectural applications include a gradient brick facade by Delmulle Delmulle in a Belgium house, transitioning from terracotta to glass, and Vinklu's triangular prism coffee shop in Romania, using glass to fill narrow urban gaps. SICIS uses decorative glass to create glowing swimming pool surfaces in Cambodian villas, while BBWORKSPACE's Thai café employs iridescent panels to evoke gemstones and refract light. EcoLogicStudio's microbial installation at Triennale Milano reimagines domesticity with glass components, and Apropos Architects use a translucent glass facade for the Czech pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, demonstrating its use in significant public structures. Industrial design also features glass, such as Bugatti's Brouillard Coupe, which includes a miniature glass sculpture in its gearshift. Fredrik Nielsen's Stockholm studio explores glass's resistance to fragility and embraces chance in its creation. Atelier Échelle’s lakeside gallery residence subtly integrates glass within dark clay brick structures, harmonizing modern elements with traditional aesthetics. The variety of projects presented collectively underscores glass's multifaceted role in contemporary design, from enhancing visual experiences and light manipulation to contributing to structural integrity and artistic expression across diverse scales and contexts. #GlassArt #GlassDesign #ArchitecturalGlass #PublicInstallations #InteriorDesign #ContemporaryArt #BuildingMaterials #DesignInnovation #SustainableDesign

The article highlights six new collections that showcase the enduring appeal and versatility of glass in contemporary design. These works demonstrate designers' fascination with the fragile material, utilizing rigorous techniques to create both decorative and functional pieces. The featured collections primarily come from emerging designers who are challenging and elevating traditional glassmaking practices. One of the highlighted collections is Agmes Anniversary, a collaboration between jewelry brand Agmes and glass artist Anthony Bianco of Bianco Light & Space. This collection marks Agmes's sixth anniversary and includes an organically shaped handblown bud vase and a textured small dish, available in various colors, alongside personal accessories that revisit an earlier glass jewelry line. Another notable collection is PhilaTerra, a charitable initiative by Colony, a New York City-based cooperative design gallery, creative firm, and studio, in collaboration with artist Deborah Czeresko. Czeresko, a winner of Netflix's 'Blown Away,' produced a limited edition of 100 glass vases, some colorless and others vibrantly hued, designed by Colony founder Jean Lin. Proceeds from the PhilaTerra collection support the Environmental Defense Fund and the Rainforest Foundation US. Heath Ceramics, known for its experimental and collaborative approach beyond clay, partnered with glassblower Cedric Mitchell for a new collection. Mitchell, based in Los Angeles, created a series of elegant bottles and vases with subtle Memphis influences, as well as jewel-toned cocktail stirring glasses and tumblers. Mitchell is also an instructor and a team member of Crafting the Future, a nonprofit that funds young talent for craft school experiences to promote diversity in the field. Sophie Lou Jacobsen, a sustainably-minded glassware designer, introduced her "Asking for a Friend" collection at Assembly Line in Brooklyn. This collection, on display through July 1, features Jacobsen’s distinctive silhouetted works, which were produced at Keep Brooklyn’s studio. The "Vetro Alga" exhibition by multidisciplinary designer Dana Arbib, curated by Alex Tieghi-Walker’s Tiwa Select, was showcased during New York Design Week at Galerie Michael Bargo. Arbib's work explores her Libyan heritage through glass, collaborating with Venetian artisans to honor Venice's rich glassblowing history. The collection, whose name means "seaweed glass" in Italian, draws inspiration from her distant relative Salvatore Arbib, a prominent Venetian glassblower from the early 20th century, resulting in textured vessels and bowls made in Murano. Finally, Swedish artist Annika Jarring's Line vase is recognized for the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize. Jarring’s innovative technique involves shaping 392 small glass elements with silicone to create an architectural vessel. Inspired by the ornamental jade pieces of ancient Chinese burial suits, this sculptural piece is one of 30 works shortlisted for the prize and will be exhibited at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art. #GlassDesign #HomeDecor #ContemporaryGlassware #DesignCollections #EmergingDesigners #ArtisanCraftsmanship #InteriorDesignTrends #CharitableDesign #GlassArt

The article explores the evolving landscape of antique collecting and interior design, highlighting a shift in how antiques are incorporated into modern homes. Anthony Baratta, a seasoned designer and shop owner, observes that a younger clientele integrates antiques as unique feature pieces within contemporary settings, moving away from rooms exclusively furnished with antique items. This trend emphasizes building a quality collection over time rather than accumulating mass-produced reproductions. Eleven top designers and dealers offer insights into specific antique categories that are expected to appreciate in value. Erik Retzer, a Chicago-based antiques dealer, recommends bronze sculptures, noting their durability and the significant artistry involved in their creation, making them valuable and scarce. Laurin Beard of B. Viz. Design points to Suzani textiles, which originated from Central Asian nomadic tribes and were historically used as protective panels and wedding dowries. These textiles are now appreciated for their craftsmanship, vibrant patterns, and rich colors, with growing interest in repurposing them as wall art, pillow covers, or even clothing. Baratta and Philip Mitchell, a Toronto-based designer, suggest investing in furniture from the 1980s and 1990s. They argue that the widespread reproduction of mid-century modern pieces has diminished their future investment potential, making more recent vintage furniture a better bet for those looking ahead. Martyn Lawrence Bullard, an L.A.-based designer, highlights Georgian and Regency furniture, particularly chests of drawers, dining chairs, secretaries, and side tables. He notes their current affordability and timeless character, predicting a rise in their value due to renewed interest, partly fueled by popular period dramas like Netflix's Bridgerton. Gary McBournie, a Boston-based designer, advocates for mid-century Italian lighting, which he believes adds a colorful and shapely touch to entertaining spaces. Joy Moyler, a New York-based designer, advises investing in timepieces, such as ornate clocks, which she considers jewel-like additions to interiors and offer a good return on investment. Mitchell also champions Baroque-era pieces, including furniture with stone and metal details, oversized mirrors, and crystal candelabras, for their ability to create focal points and add unique character to modern homes. Houston-based designer Margaret Naeve Parker recommends 20th-century Danish and French furniture from renowned post-war designers like Pierre Chapo, Charlotte Perriand, Otto Schulz, and Poul Kjærholm, citing their consistent value appreciation. Baratta also finds value in vintage reproductions of Louis XV and XVI furniture and decor, seeing them as accessible entry points for new collectors seeking quality items at reasonable prices. He cautions against DIY refurbishing, emphasizing the importance of preserving original finishes to maintain resale value and the difficulty of finding skilled craftsmen. Finally, Charlotte Moss, a New York-based designer, emphasizes personal taste as the ultimate guide for antique investment. She encourages new collectors to explore auctions and antique shops, ask questions, and learn to evaluate pieces for quality and style, rather than focusing solely on specific types of antiques. The article underscores that the current market offers numerous opportunities for collectors to acquire unique, valuable, and sustainable pieces that enhance home aesthetics while potentially growing in financial worth. #AntiqueCollecting #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #InvestmentPieces #BronzeSculptures #SuzaniTextiles #VintageFurniture #GeorgianRegencyFurniture #MidCenturyItalianLighting #BaroqueDecor #DanishFrenchFurniture

Brooklyn-based designer Lauren Manoogian, known for her slow fashion approach, has partnered with Paris-based maker Lætitia Jacquetton to create a distinctive series of vases. These unique vessels are crafted from glass blown directly around carefully selected rocks. The collaboration is currently featured in Manoogian's Manhattan showroom and is also available for viewing and purchase online. Manoogian's decision to showcase Jacquetton's work aligns with her broader intention to provide a platform for other artists and craftspeople whose work she admires and finds inspiring. This initiative, dubbed 'Object,' began organically through Manoogian's travels to Peru, where she discovered compelling ceramic traditions. She emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of wonder and emotional connection to physical objects, especially in an increasingly digital world. Lætitia Jacquetton's artistic practice seamlessly blends traditional glass-blowing expertise with a profound respect for the natural environment. She acquired her glass-blowing skills in Murano, Italy, and Nancy, France. Each of her sculptural pieces is created by blowing glass around rocks that she personally forages from nature, taking care not to disrupt the surrounding ecosystem. This process imbues her works with a sense of both rarity and reverence, effectively capturing a moment in time within a solid, poetic form. When discussing the parallels between their artistic approaches, Manoogian notes the seemingly simple yet transformative use of materials in both their works. She highlights that both their creations are sculptural and feature well-defined proportions, yet possess a mutable quality that arises from an intuitive process. This makes the pieces approachable and capable of enhancing daily life. Manoogian further elaborates that both their works are deeply intimate, both in their final use and in their creation process, emphasizing a shared tactility and an experimental drive to discover the ideal tension point within materials, which ultimately shapes the final form. The deliberate connection to nature embedded within Jacquetton's vessels is a central element that captivates the imagination. Manoogian expresses her appreciation for the artist's intention and the inherent uncontrollable elements within the creation process. She acknowledges the element of risk involved in making each piece, as Jacquetton works quickly, harnessing gravity and fire. The resulting forms are highly gestural, encapsulating the precise moment when all elements converge. This dynamic process is what imbues each vase with its unique aliveness and individuality, making every piece a singular creation. #Glassware #ArtCollaboration #HomeDecor #SustainableDesign #Craftsmanship #LaurenManoogian #LaetitiaJacquetton #InteriorDesign #NaturalMaterials

Japanese design studio Nendo, founded by Oki Sato, has collaborated with the historic Danish silversmith Georg Jensen to produce a limited-edition collection of three sterling silver vases. This collaboration draws profound inspiration from natural forms, particularly the organic shapes found in the environment, combining Nendo's minimalist aesthetic with Georg Jensen's rich heritage of nature-inspired design. The project, entitled 'Mizuki,' which translates to 'water tree' or 'beautiful moon' in Japanese, reflects a deep cultural connection to nature, a theme central to both Japanese tradition and Georg Jensen's artistic expression. Oki Sato, a visionary designer and a participant in Wallpaper's 25th-anniversary '5x5' project, highlights the shared reverence for nature between Japanese culture and Georg Jensen's design philosophy. He notes that many of Georg Jensen's iconic designs, much like elements in Japanese aesthetics, are rooted in natural motifs such as flowers, plants, or abstract organic forms. The concept of "water" holds particular significance for the Japanese, being an island nation with a strong connection to the ocean and agriculture, further solidifying its role as a fundamental inspiration for the 'Mizuki' collection. The creation of each 'Mizuki' vase is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and takes approximately 400 hours for Georg Jensen's silversmiths in Copenhagen to complete. This labor-intensive process involves expertly hammering precious silver into its intended organic shape, followed by repeated high-temperature melting cycles to achieve the final, refined form. The vases then undergo multiple rounds of expert polishing to achieve their characteristic lustrous finish, showcasing the silversmiths' exceptional skill and dedication to detail. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the vases are designed with multifunctionality in mind, a hallmark of Nendo's inventive approach. While they can serve their traditional purpose of holding flowers, allowing them to appear as if floating on water, or function as elegant jugs, Sato emphasizes that their utility is not confined to these roles. He encourages users to interpret and engage with the design in their own way, allowing for a personalized and evolving relationship with the objects. This philosophy underscores the belief that design should stimulate interaction and adapt to individual needs and creativity, rather than imposing strict limitations on use. The 'Mizuki' collection represents a harmonious blend of Japanese minimalism and Danish craftsmanship, manifesting in objects that are both sculptural and functional. The collaboration not only celebrates the beauty of natural forms but also the enduring power of traditional silversmithing techniques, reimagined through a contemporary design lens. These vases are more than mere decorative items; they are pieces of art that invite contemplation, interaction, and a renewed appreciation for the subtle elegance of nature and the artistry of human hands. #NendoDesign #GeorgJensen #SilverVases #ProductDesign #JapaneseMinimalism #DanishCraftsmanship #NatureInspiredDesign #LuxuryHomeware #InteriorAccessories

Glassware, traditionally considered a practical and often overlooked category in home decor, is undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond its functional role on dining tables to become a prominent decorative element throughout the home. This shift is driven by a new wave of designers and brands, including homeware brands like LaDoubleJ, as well as fashion and jewellery brands such as Jil Sander and Sophie Bille Brahe, which are introducing creative and aesthetically driven glassware. These brands are infusing the category with unique designs, vibrant colours, and sophisticated details, elevating glassware from a mundane item to a stylish accent. Historically, everyday glassware like cups, wine glasses, and carafes did not prioritize cutting-edge design. However, contemporary designers are now pushing boundaries, creating pieces that serve as versatile decorative items. Emily Wong, Senior Vice-President of Merchandising at Lane Crawford, emphasizes that decorative glassware's appeal lies in its ability to reflect light, its versatility, and its capacity to instantly add a modern and elegant vibe to any interior. She notes that it's an easy way to introduce pops of colour, diverse textures, and finishes, fostering a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere. Furthermore, there's a growing emphasis on personalizing spaces with unique, artisanal pieces. The allure of modern glassware is also rooted in the intricate techniques and high level of skill required for its creation, akin to luxury handbags. Handblown Murano glass, for instance, exemplifies this craftsmanship. Originating from an island near Venice, Murano glass has a rich, centuries-old history, with expert techniques passed down through generations. These traditional methods are now evolving to incorporate new styles and trends, attracting a new generation of collectors and enthusiasts. Martina Mondadori, founder of Cabana, highlights the constant desire among Murano glassblowers to innovate while respecting traditional craftsmanship. Technical advancements have further fueled new trends in glassware, particularly concerning colours, finishes, and textures. Vibrantly coloured glassware has become a staple in tablescapes, allowing homeowners to express their personality. Examples include Saint-Louis’ Les Endiablés collection, known for its bold bi-coloured crystal and significant waitlist, and Cabana’s balloton glasses, which feature mesmerizing hues ranging from vivid jewel tones to soft pastels. This evolution indicates a broader trend where functional home items are increasingly becoming integral components of interior design, reflecting personal style and aesthetic sensibilities. #GlasswareDesign #HomeDecorTrends #DecorativeAccents #MuranoGlass #ArtisanalCraftsmanship #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomeware #TablewareInnovation #ColorfulGlassware

Art Nouveau, a pervasive design movement from 1890 to 1910, distinguished itself through its characteristic sinuous curves, intricate ornamentation, and stylized interpretations of natural forms. Drawing inspiration from Japonisme and the English Arts and Crafts movement, Art Nouveau emphasized material experimentation, allowing artists to translate the beauty of the natural world into highly individualistic expressions. Many prominent figures of the movement delved deeply into nature or traveled to diverse locales, seeking inspiration from unfamiliar flora, fauna, and insects. The core genius of Art Nouveau artists lay in their capacity to render the organic delicacy of natural forms using rigid materials such as glass, wood, and metal. Specialists like Victoria Tudor from Christie's Design department highlight the pivotal role of glassmaking, woodcarving, and marquetry during this period, with fruitwoods, mahogany, and satinwood being common choices. Designers skillfully manipulated structured materials to evoke the movement found in nature, mirroring the forms of flower stems or leaves. The masters of Art Nouveau, including Tiffany, Gallé, and Daum, excelled in working with their chosen materials, transforming themes and emotions into tangible art forms rather than merely words. Several key designers significantly shaped the Art Nouveau movement. Daum, founded in 1878 by Jean Daum, initially produced tableware. However, under the artistic direction of Antonin Daum and Henri Bergé, the company embraced floral designs in colored and cameo glass, greatly expanding its artistic range and production volume. Daum also engaged in significant collaborations, notably with Louis Majorelle, a key figure in the Ecole de Nancy, resulting in notable pieces like the 'Nénuphar' table lamp. Emile Gallé, another founder of the Ecole de Nancy and based in the glassmaking hub of Nancy, France, created works celebrated for their elegant forms, rich colors, and nature-inspired decorations. He pioneered experimental techniques such as glass marquetry and acid etching, creating complex layered glass pieces, often with inclusions like gold leaf. Gallé also introduced 'verreries parlantes' or 'speaking glassware,' which incorporated poetic inscriptions, requiring the viewer to interact with the object to read them. René Lalique dominated Art Nouveau jewelry and decorative objects. After achieving fame for his modern jewels, he began experimenting with glass around 1890. Lalique later opened a shop at Place Vendôme, showcasing both his jewelry and glass objects. He revolutionized the perfume industry with his glass bottles and, by the 1920s, focused exclusively on glassmaking, developing a distinctive technique of contrasting clear and frosted glass. His extensive output included numerous vases and other mass-produced items, and his business continues to thrive today, having adapted to subsequent styles like Art Deco. Louis Majorelle, renowned for his woodworking, operated a substantial atelier that produced a wide range of furniture, from standardized designs to exclusive commissions. He worked with a diverse palette of global woods, creating tonal designs, gradients, and fine art-like floral marquetry. Majorelle was a vice president of the Ecole de Nancy and maintained multiple shops across France. Tiffany Studios, led by Louis Comfort Tiffany, focused on stained glass design and production. Working with skilled American artisans, Tiffany Studios developed patented processes, such as for iridescent Favrile glass, and created iconic leaded glass lamps. Tiffany drew immense inspiration from his estate, Laurelton Hall, which was meticulously designed to reflect his artistic vision and served as a retreat for artists. Despite the estate's destruction by fire, the legacy of Tiffany Studios endures through its vibrant lamps and other decorative creations in glass, ceramics, enamel, and metalwork, which remain highly valued by collectors. The global influence of Art Nouveau extended to various international variations and localized movements. Italian designer Carlo Bugatti produced architectural furniture, while the Vienna Secession featured artists like Gustav Klimt. Cities such as Barcelona, with Antoni Gaudí's works, and Paris, with Hector Guimard's contributions like the Métro entrances, showcase the ambitious scope of Art Nouveau creators. The interplay between architecture and furniture design was crucial for many Art Nouveau designers, underscoring the holistic nature of their artistic approach. These diverse examples highlight the widespread and transformative impact of the Art Nouveau movement on design and art across Europe and beyond. #ArtNouveau #CollectingGuide #DecorativeArts #DesignHistory #Glassmaking #FurnitureDesign #TiffanyStudios #EmileGalle #ReneLalique #LouisMajorelle #Daum

Bisazza, an Italian company established half a century ago in Northern Italy’s Alte Vicenza region, is recognized for its innovative production of glass mosaics. The company's recent offering, The Crystal Collection, merges classic design with contemporary decoration by incorporating Swarovski crystals into its mosaic tiles. This collection features six distinct patterns: Skulls & Crowns, Robots & Hearts, Corals & Seahorses, Flash, Stars, and Rain. The designs within The Crystal Collection are simplified into basic forms and presented on monochromatic backgrounds, available in white, blue, and black tones. Skulls & Crowns utilizes bold imagery, drawing inspiration from corsair themes with skeleton heads and royal crowns, elements that have gained popularity in fashion over recent years. In contrast, patterns such as Flash and Rain adopt a more understated aesthetic, characterized by small, shimmering circles that create a unique sense of depth. Each pattern offers a different visual experience, ranging from overtly decorative to subtly intricate. Bisazza's approach with this collection reflects a continuous effort to push the boundaries of traditional mosaic art, integrating precious materials like Swarovski crystals to enhance aesthetic appeal and perceived value. The use of crystals adds a luxurious dimension to the glass tiles, transforming them into decorative elements suitable for various interior design applications. The choice of monochromatic backgrounds for outlining the patterns ensures that the embedded crystals and the patterns themselves remain the focal point, allowing for versatile integration into different design schemes. The collection is strategically distributed through Bisazza's global network of flagship stores and select retailers, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of customers interested in high-end decorative solutions. This distribution model helps maintain the brand's premium image and allows clients to experience the quality and visual impact of the mosaics firsthand. The blend of advanced technical solutions in glass mosaic production with artistic collaborations and material innovation positions Bisazza as a key player in the luxury interior decoration market, continuously evolving its offerings to meet contemporary design demands while honoring its heritage. #Bisazza #CrystalCollection #GlassMosaics #SwarovskiCrystals #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #LuxuryTiles #ItalianDesign #WallDecor

New York–based designer Dani Arps, co-CEO of Artisan, frequently employs a neutral palette in both residential and commercial spaces, utilizing shades of vanilla, cream, and oatmeal, occasionally accented with black and soft hues like sage blue. This color scheme, offering comfort in winter and coolness in summer, aims for a luxurious yet understated dynamism, achieving richness and interest through varied textures and materials. Arps's design philosophy emphasizes the layering of different shades of one color across diverse materials, such as laser-patterned cowhide, ultra-plush corduroy, and thick alpaca, to create a cohesive and sophisticated interior. Her mood board illustrates this approach with elements like Miksi’s Cay Alpaca Rug in Chalk, described as exceptionally luxurious and cloud-like. Calacatta Viola Marble in a honed finish from BAS Stone introduces a vibrant touch with its purple and gold veining, suitable for a striking border or a full wall application. Maharam’s Mohair Extreme Fabric in Lichen adds a rich, counterbalancing texture, ideal for throws or poufs. To ground the palette, Arps incorporates black accents, such as an atypical and abstract objet d’art from Industry West, and a matte black stoneware mug from Lolly Lolly Ceramics, which doubles as a sculptural piece. The selection also highlights artistic and cultural considerations. A print from Barkley L. Hendricks, sourced from The Studio Museum Harlem, represents a broader interest in Black art and portraiture, with Arps suggesting its display in a natural wood frame to emphasize the art itself while supporting the museum. Further textural variety comes from Camira’s Main Line Flax Fabric in Upminster, a light, warm-toned, and appealingly textured base material. Durability and investment pieces are noted with Miksi for Radnor’s Dune Rug in Rock Stone, a resilient cowhide rug with a unique lasered pattern. Lighting and hardware selections contribute to the refined aesthetic. Studio Luddite’s Pell Wall Sconce, featuring bronze framework and stacked leather disks, offers a luxurious look at an accessible price. Petra’s unlacquered brass finish for its Block knob, with its intriguing shape, provides an amorphous touch to cabinet hardware. Apparatus’s oil-rubbed bronze finish, typically for sconces, is envisioned for cabinet hardware or kitchen fixtures, imparting a welcoming, weathered feel. The palette is further enriched by Waterworks’ Architectonics2 Field Tile in Cobble Matte Solid, a calming, handmade-looking tile, and The Hudson Company’s Bare, European Oak Flooring, chosen for its elegance, timelessness, wide planks, and character-filled knots. Additional elements reinforce the material richness and subtle luxury. Artistic Tile’s Abbey Road Onyx Mosaic in Vanilla provides a tone-on-tone effect with multiple white variations, enhancing the sense of space when paired with plaster. Lutron’s Palladiom Keypad in White offers customizable, sleek control for lighting scenarios. Senso’s white plaster wall finish, though trendy, is considered timeless for its warmth and luxury, adding depth to plain white walls. Holly Hunt’s Mane Attraction Hair-on-Hide Textile in Autumn is suggested for upholstery to introduce unexpected roughness to elegant silhouettes, while Schumacher’s Wyatt Corduroy Fabric in Mushroom adds playful graphic dynamism through its texture and vertical/horizontal application possibilities. Arps states that this palette creates a calm atmosphere conducive to both work and relaxation, making it a space she could inhabit indefinitely without boredom. #DaniArps #InteriorDesign #NeutralPalette #TextureLayering #HighEndFabric #HomeDecor #DesignInspiration #MaterialSelection #LuxuryInteriors

Nicole Roby, a Birmingham-based interior designer, has launched a new lifestyle brand called Rome Curate. The brand offers a diverse collection of home furnishings, décor, and skincare products designed to be both timeless and functional for everyday living. Roby, a mother of three young children, emphasizes the durability and ease of maintenance of her products, ensuring they can withstand daily use and spills. The Rome Curate collection features custom furnishings and carefully selected notable finds that reflect a classic aesthetic. Roby's motivation for creating Rome Curate stemmed from identifying a gap in the market for accessible yet elevated design pieces. Her goal is to provide customers with curated items that facilitate the creation of an elegant living space without sacrificing practicality. She highlights that every piece in the collection is designed with functionality in mind, intended to be lived on and enjoyed. This philosophy is particularly evident in the materials chosen for items like furniture and rugs, which are made to be easily cleaned. In addition to furnishings, Rome Curate offers a hand-picked selection of rugs featuring timeless patterns and colorways, designed to serve as foundational elements for any room. The brand also supports local artists by showcasing their home décor and art, which complement the overall aesthetic of the collection. A unique aspect of Rome Curate is its inclusion of luxurious Korean skincare products. Roby integrates her family's connection to Korean beauty traditions, offering high-end brands known for their exclusive formulations, such as The History of Whoo and O HUI. As the holiday season approaches, Rome Curate is presented as a destination for holiday décor and gifts. Examples of seasonal offerings include Christmas tree door hangers made with solid brass and real leather, as well as stylish candles and the aforementioned luxury skincare products, suitable for stocking stuffers. To celebrate the launch, Rome Curate and Nicole Roby Designs are hosting a giveaway for a $5,000 gift card towards home furnishings and rugs, coupled with a two-hour design consultation worth $500. The brand's products are available online through their website and by appointment at their showroom located at 3409 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222. #RomeCurate #NicoleRobyDesigns #InteriorDesign #LifestyleBrand #HomeFurnishings #HomeDecor #Skincare #BirminghamBusiness #HolidayShopping

New York-based design studio Trueing has unveiled its latest lighting collection, Cerine, at this year's NYCxDesign festival. The collection, which includes two pendants, a floor lamp, and a sconce, features bold, hand-formed chain links made from thick borosilicate glass in a variety of vibrant colors. The Brooklyn studio, co-founded by Aiden Bowman and Josh Metersky, aimed to offer an "interesting spin on the familiar" by reinterpreting traditional chain motifs found in jewelry, industrial settings, and architectural ornamentation. The design draws inspiration from diverse sources, such as delicate golden chain necklaces, robust metal chains seen in shipyards, and the decorative elements on Beaux-Arts building facades. Metersky explains that while chain is a common element in traditional lighting design, Trueing sought to create a fresh interpretation, making the chain itself the focal point rather than merely a functional component. Each individual chain link is precisely seven centimeters wide and twelve centimeters tall, and can be customized in seven opaque or transparent color options to suit various bespoke arrangements. Beyond their aesthetic contribution, the glass chains play a crucial role in the structural integrity of the lights, allowing them to be positioned and held in place. The metal finishes accompanying the glass elements are available in brushed brass, satin or polished nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze, providing a range of complementary material options. Metersky highlights the unique character of the hand-made links, noting that their individual imperfections contribute to a cohesive and natural overall appearance. The Cerine series showcases different applications of these distinctive chains to support mouth-blown glass bulbs. One pendant design uses two hooks to suspend the fixture from the ceiling, creating a significant, inverse-arch-like droop. The sconce variant incorporates three glass links that dangle from a metal arm, which in turn holds the light bulb. The floor lamp design features nine stacked pieces of Carrara marble forming its base, with five pastel pink glass links suspended from an arched arm that supports the glass orb. The glass orb itself can be specified in classic white opaline or a selection of custom colors. Trueing launched the Cerine collection through a partnership with Pas De Calais, a Japanese clothing store situated in Manhattan's Soho district. This collaboration was deemed a natural fit due to the shared design sensibilities between Trueing and the fashion label, both prioritizing purity, nostalgia, and a refined, elemental approach to traditional forms. Bowman emphasized that the collection's essence—recalling traditional design pieces rendered in a reductive manner—aligns perfectly with Pas De Calais's ethos and aesthetic. The Cerine exhibition at 482 Broome Street was open until the end of May, coinciding with NYCxDesign 2019, which ran from May 10th to 22nd. This marks Trueing's second collection, following their debut range launched in January at The Future Perfect in Manhattan. The NYCxDesign festival also featured other notable exhibits, including Workstead and Calico Wallpaper's designs showcased at New York's Arcade Bakery, and an immersive lighting installation by Snarkitecture. Photography for the Cerine collection was provided by Lauren Coleman, with additional images by Alan Tansey for the installation at Pas De Calais. #LightingDesign #GlassChains #NYCxDesign #ProductDesign #InteriorDesign #TrueingStudio #HandFormedGlass #DesignExhibition #CerineCollection

Ceramiche Refin, an Italian porcelain tile manufacturer, has introduced the Foil tile collection, which is designed to emulate the look of natural metallic surfaces. This collection features stoneware tiles available in five distinct finishes: aluminium, burnish, titanium, corten, and verdigris. These finishes are intended to bring a retro charm and a post-industrial aesthetic to various interior spaces, including kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, aligning with current trends in furniture design. The Foil tiles are specifically engineered to display visible signs of wear, such as rust and scratches, creating an authentic, aged appearance. This unique characteristic is the result of extensive research conducted by Refin Internal, Ceramiche Refin's dedicated material laboratory. The development process involved two distinct research pathways to achieve the diverse range of metallic looks within the collection. For the metallic grey tones—aluminium, burnish, and titanium—Refin Internal delved into traditional craft techniques, drawing inspiration from the hand-moulded metals created by panel beaters in the Italian automotive industry, particularly those renowned in the Italian Motor Valley. These artisans traditionally sculpt car bodies using hammers, cutters, and their hands. By analyzing these processes, Refin Internal developed a styling effect that enables them to reproduce a similar metallic aesthetic using porcelain, combining high-tech machinery with artisan research and contemporary ceramic production techniques. The result is a ceramic surface that boasts a modern personality while conveying authenticity, manual skill, and a rich handicraft tradition. The tiles feature a gentle, shifting texture with subtle scorings and bright engravings that reveal themselves discreetly, creating a unique and ever-changing harmony, symbolizing the marks left by the processing and reinterpreting the craft of legendary panel beaters. The brighter colors in the collection, corten and verdigris, are designed to replicate the appearance of oxidized metals. For these finishes, Refin Internal focused on understanding how metals age and change through oxidation over time. This research pathway allowed them to create tiles with colors that brighten up for high-impact settings, gradually shifting in shade towards unprecedented orange hues or blue-green elements with warmer, golden hints. Beyond their aesthetic qualities, the Foil tiles offer practical benefits. They are available in various sizes, ranging from 30 by 60 centimeters to 120 by 278 centimeters. The tiles are also highly durable, exhibiting resistance to scratches, acids, and stains. Furthermore, they are capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures and direct sunlight, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. The versatility of the Foil collection makes it an ideal choice for imparting a modern, high-tech, industrial touch or a more vintage yet contemporary lived-in look to both commercial and residential interiors, aligning with the latest interior design trends. For more information about the Foil collection, additional details are available on Ceramiche Refin's official website. #FoilTileCollection #CeramicheRefin #PorcelainTiles #MetallicSurfaces #InteriorDesign #IndustrialStyle #RetroCharm #HomeDecor #BuildingMaterials