The Norwegian Connection
One of our highlights of Milan Design Week is the Norwegian contemporary crafts and design exhibition curated by designer Katrin Greiling, who put together a highly polished showcase of the most exciting design talent from Norway.
Some of the star exhibits include the Sheet Cabinet by Bjorn van den Berg, with its clever pivoting doors which transform a cabinet into open shelves, all in industrial-style galvanised aluminium.
Design collective Noidoi created Bror, a set of hand-blown glass containers inspired by 18th century potpourri vessels. Each of the three vessels is a translation of a different scent - rose, cinnamon and lavender - into its own unique form.
Copenhagen-based Norwegian designer Andreas Bergsaker works for Hay as a product designer. For this exhibition he presented Aase, a sleek and minimalist vanity mirror with a stand made of three slim legs linked by a curved steel bar.
Sara Polmar's Matchbox containers are matchbox inspired drawers or shelves designed for small objects. The boxes are made in ash wood which slot into folded steel sleeves, all in different colours, highlighting the contrast in materials.
Stine Aas and Cecilia Zhang were inspired by the harbour of Bergen to create the Bollard carpet, made with rope manufactured by the sole remaining rope-maker in Norway. The raised section of the rug adds an unexpected three-dimensional element to the design and works well as a headrest or low footstool.
Kana is a slick polished aluminium side table designed by Martin Hogh Olsen with a graphic profile which looks like a Japanese character. The integrated handle is practical as well as adding a sculptural dimension.
Ceramicist Ann Kristin Einarsen created Fam, a series of hand crafted vases with contrasting forms and colours. The top and bottom of each vase has the same dimensions, which enable them to be stacked together to create different tote pole-like compositions.
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Product Inspiration
Recreate the contemporary Scandinavian look with slick, minimalist furniture such as the Covent chair from New Works, Snaregade table from Menu and the Altay pedestal table from Coedition.
Evoke the new Nordic style with lighting that combines simplicity with warmth, such as the Link suspension light from LZF, the Tull suspension light from Incipit and the Juliet suspension light from New Works.
For accessories go for contrasting materials, sleek shapes and, above all, great functionality. We love the Slide serving tray from Finell, the Belle cake stand from Incipit and the Chunk of Marble candle holder from Menu.
