Kiss My (Deadly) Designs
One of the pleasures of attending the Salone del Mobile in Milan is to discover intriguing new designers in unexpected settings. Dutch design collective Kassiewijle is certainly intriguing, their installation in an old industrial unit in the Ventura / Lambrate design district most unexpected.
Behind the made-for-Instagram installation of a colourful room lies macabre undertones. Afterall, the theme is death and how to host an unconventional last send-off for the dearly departed, hence the reusable PVC zip-up coffins in bright colours and giant flowers in mid-wilt.
This somewhat tongue-in-cheek design theme provides a stimulating setting for some interesting products. Visser & Meijwaard's PVC coffin, for example, is part of a family of cabinets and stools made with colourful PVC covers with zippers stretched over solid ash frames, creating a joyful and lightweight alternative to conventional cabinets.
Linda Nieuwstad's giant flower sculptures would make a great talking point in reception and breakout areas, as would the super graphic wall murals of Jan van der Ploeg.
We particularly like the sculptural chandeliers by Studio KnockOut. Made with unglazed porcelain in a contemporary colour palette, the striking light looks like a lovechild between a traditional chandelier and the international space station.
If one can depart from this world in such style, who's afraid of death anymore?
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Product Inspiration
Unusual looking products with unexpected design inspirations are great for adding interest in a design scheme. Try the Bordbar airplane trolley and the Rememberme chair from Casamania.
A fun and quirky light, such as the Monkey Lamp from Seletti or the Moto light from Moustache, can lift the atmosphere of a room immediately.
Injecting a sense of humour into everyday objects will bring a smile to your face. How can you not be charmed by the Cloud toilet paper shelf or the Holy Homes bird church?