SYNTH GEMS 1 is a gorgeous coffee table book full of analog synthesizers

A few months back, I received two separate PR pitch emails at nearly the exact same time. One was an invitation to a speaking event in Texas hosted by a "free speech" conservative publishing company, featuring Kyle Rittenhouse as a keynote speaker. — Read the rest

Rietveld Originals x HAY Relaunch the Crate Outdoor Collection

The latest addition to HAY’s offerings is the relaunched Crate Collection, designed by Gerrit Rietveld in 1934. Today, along with Rietveld Originals, the brand has released their take on the original. Based on Rietveld’s Crate Chair, the whole of the collection is distinguished by wide planks and a low silhouette.

“The Crate Chair is a wonderful example of a product designed by an architect who was seeking harmony between architecture and interior,” said Rolf Hay, co-founder of HAY. “It’s hard to imagine something which is closer to our core design values, because it was really Rietveld’s mission to create a super cool, affordable, open-source furniture range for everybody – taking an incredibly democratic approach to design, which of course fits HAY extremely well.”

The Crate Collection includes a lounge chair, dining chair, coffee table, and a side table that feature a strong yet simple aesthetic that’s appealing to many styles. Each piece of furniture stays true to Rietveld’s vision of embodying the idea of affordable, comfortable furniture that’s both beautiful and accommodating.

Made of solid pine wood and treated with a durable, water-based lacquer, the Crate Collection works well indoors and outdoors. Easy to assemble, it’s also made to last, and is offered in a select range of colors including Black, White, Iron Red, and London Fog. Both chairs can be fitted with seat and back cushions in different colors and textiles for enhanced comfort.

Titus Darley, Director of Rietveld Originals, shared: “Rietveld’s conscious use of material forms and his aim to design furniture for the masses is very suitable for today’s generation. With the relaunch of the Crate series we actually are able to fulfill Rietveld’s dream almost 90 years after it was designed.”

To learn more about the Crate Collection, visit hay.com.

This post contains affiliate links, so if you make a purchase from an affiliate link, we earn a commission. Thanks for supporting Design Milk!

Muuto Collaborates With 3 Designers for Spring 2023

Muuto’s Scandinavian designs are recognized for their aesthetics, functionality, craftsmanship, and expression. Rooted in tradition, the brand also continues to expand their offerings with fresh ambition and perspectives as they push forward. Spring 2023 newcomers that are soon to be released include thoughtful product collaborations with Normal Studio, Sylvain Willenz, and Johan van Hengel. The Wrap Lounge Chair, Couple Coffee Table, and Ease Portable Lamp bring with them clean lines and small details that will long be appreciated.

“Designing the Wrap Lounge Chair, we had the image of a lounge chair with a soft blanket simply draped around its ample silhouette in mind, playing with models and prototypes to find a fluid way of incarnating this idea,” said Paris-based Normal Studio of the design. “We were driven by the idea of creating a really snug chair with an enveloping feel and generous proportions that don’t feel chunky. A highly comfortable lounge chair with lots of personality.”

With a duvet-like covering that wraps around the shell, there’s no other word that comes to mind aside from comfort. The loose-fitting upholstery required extensive research and development, taken on by both Muuto and Normal Studio to solve. A light steel frame takes away from this perceived bulk by adding support that’s visually light for a sculptural aesthetic that balances intention and happenstance. There are no rules on how to use the Wrap Lounge Chair, sit or lay on its generous shape however you wish to read, relax, and more.

Inspired by the traditional tile table, “The Couple Coffee Table was born out of my research into this traditional and essential piece of furniture,” said designer Sylvain Willenz. “I wanted to come up with a new yet subtle take on its materials and typology. I was inspired by the materiality of fired earth-like brick and terracotta, finding that a beautiful synergy occurs when it is combined with wood.”

Bringing together FSC-certified wood and tactile ceramic stone, a hard, dense clay that can be compared to Bone China. You have the option of two table top tiles: a plain surface and a sculptural wave. Choose one or the other, or mix them for a truly tactile piece. The Couple Coffee Table is available in three sizes, from a small one-tile to the large coffee table.

The Brussels-based furniture, lighting, and product designer went on to say, “Thanks to these materials, their finishes, and fine design details, Couple Coffee Table subtly merges a familiar piece of furniture with forward-thinking features.”

The Ease Portable Lamp, created in collaboration with Dutch designer Johan van Hengel, transforms the traditional table lamp into one that’s sized to go wherever you do. It has a small footprint, yet gives off a lot of light by using a high-quality, dimmable, no-glare illumination that features three levels.

“I wanted the Ease Portable Lamp to have a remarkable quality of light, striking a versatile balance between atmospheric and functional light – after all, that is the wonderful thing about a portable lamp – you can bring a distinct ambience to literally anywhere,” shared van Hengel. “I landed on the idea of the top and bottom gently touching, softly meeting each other… This feature allows a large surface to emit light, while the flared bottom firmly stabilizes it.” The lamp’s barely flared bottom makes the base easier to grab hold of, while adding even more character.

The Ease Portable Lamp can be used in many spaces, in many ways: the bedside, a reading nook, home office, on a restaurant table, in a co-working space, or within a library.

To learn more about Muuto’s new spring 2023 releases, visit muuto.com.

ONSEN Wins Wallpaper* Design Award for Best Outdoor Lounge

“The ONSEN collection is very simple and blends well with diverse architectural spaces. We developed it with the intention of transmitting calm, like Japanese architecture. We are inspired by rationality, by geometry, and elemental shapes that do not need heavy ornamentation,” said designers Francesco Meda and David Quincoces.

When Wallpaper* announced their 2023 Design Awards winners, Gandiablasco’s ONSEN came out on top in the “Best Outdoor Lounge” category. The iconic collection is lightweight, practical, and cozy – all things Wallpaper* considers when choosing ideal outdoor furniture. Smart decisions were made throughout the series’ design that features calm, clean, refined lines borrowed from elements of Japanese architecture.

ONSEN’s materials are chosen just as carefully, with efforts taken to maintain their natural properties. The structure of each piece is constructed from uncoated stainless-steel tubes, with the rest of the design employing repetitive vinyl straps resembling leather. Highly resistant and functional, the collection wraps up with two low coffee tables using the same steel. For their surfaces there’s a choice between thermos-lacquered aluminum – Gandiablasco’s flagship material – or iroko wood slats.

To learn more about Onsen, visit gandiablasco.com.

New Releases From MENU Stand on Their Own or Together

Each of MENU’s latest releases has their own individual personality, but also feel as though they could band together as a capsule collection. A clever, space-saving coffee table, a well-crafted dining chair with or without armrests, and a triangular side table meant to nest with more of its own all have their place. With rounded legs, wood tones, and attention to small details, they have our attention.

Originally designed by Danish designer Mogens Lassen in 1941, the Jäger Lounge Table has quite the backstory. Lassen was commissioned by a merchant – named Jäger – to make a coffee table. He shared several design options, but this one that was inspired by the folding furniture found in Tutankhamen’s tomb was never produced. It was rediscovered in 2020, and MENU has spent the past two years making sure the Jäger Lounge Table is true to the original designs while also meeting modern standards.

It’s also a small space dweller’s dream come true. When not in use the Jäger Lounge Table is easy to fold up and tuck away. A solid wood frame, seamless joints, warp-free veneer tabletop, and brass fittings make it a sturdy coffee table that’s ready to go the distance. Each oiled oak or oiled walnut piece comes with a brass plaque engraved with its serial number for an extra unique touch.

The Merkur Dining Chair has its own tale to bring to the table (pun slightly intended). It was first designed for the Oslo Stock Exchange, and named after the Roman god of trade – Merkur. The updated remake of the archetypal dining chair brings together traditional craftsmanship techniques, a timeless form, and modern function. You can customize the chair by choosing armrests or no armrests, natural oak or black oak, and a variety of fabrics offered through MENU’s upholstery program.

Stackable, space-saving, and the ultimate example of mid-century modern design, the Umanoff Nesting Side Table was created by Arthur Umanoff in the 1950s. Traditional yet somehow unexpected, each table features colored laminate panels in geometric shapes for that little something extra. The solid walnut design is lightweight and easy to move about, a smart addition to any space.

To learn more about the latest additions to MENU’s offerings, visit menudesignshop.com.

The Oru Collection Brings the Rounded Furniture Trend To Contract

The trend of furniture designed with soft volumes that we’ve been seeing throughout the past year doesn’t show any sign of moving on just yet. The aesthetic even translates beautifully to the contract world, case in point is the Oru collection. Designed by Patricia Urquiola for Andreu World, the influence of elements from the 1970s and Japanese design create a feeling and mood that’s bold and iconic. Throughout the collection of chairs and tables you’ll notice the ongoing use of three feet supporting each piece of furniture, showcasing topnotch craftsmanship.

The Oru collection was created for both casual and formal work settings, while remaining flexible, adaptable, and comfortable. In all, the series includes two types of chairs as well as coffee, dining, meeting, and auxiliary tables. The furniture all shares the same characteristic wooden structure that features rounded, soft geometries.

The Oru collection has received the Best of Year award from Interior Design Magazine in the category of best contract seat. The Oru table was also a finalist for the awards in the category of best table for contract.

To learn more about the Oru Collection, visit andreuworld.com.

The Oblong Collection Is Minimalist-Maximalist Defined

Istanbul-based design studio SANAYI313’s solid wood Oblong Collection is defined by bulky forms and rounded corners. Stools, consoles, low coffee tables, side tables, and a dining table – all made in Istanbul – take on the studio’s “maximalist expressions in minimalist details” approach. The rich woodworking history of the city was put on display for the collection’s launch, with the high-end furniture photographed at a local dyehouse for an industrial background. This, too, is a nod to Istanbul and one of the city’s best-known monikers: The City of Contrasts.

Fashion industry transplants, SANAYI313 has translated their minimalist-maximalist aesthetic to residential design. Tastemakers with their finger on the pulse of the city, the brand publishes its own yearly style magazine – PAPER – highlighting cultural hotspots and emerging personalities. SANAYI313 also operates a canteen that serves up “nouveau Turkish” fare and a design store adjacent to its studio.

To learn more about the Oblong Collection, visit shop.sanayi313.com. It is available for purchase through LOVE HOUSE and 1stDibs.