What better way to celebrate a decade of design than by branching into new (furniture) territory? To commemorate their landmark anniversary, Danish brand Ferm LIVING has launched three new designs – including their first ever chair, the ’Herman’; a three-seater version of their ’Turn’ sofa; and their first large scale unit, the ’Punctual Shelving System’ – at Maison et Objet this week.
’We don’t think of ourselves as only a Nordic brand,’ explains Ferm LIVING founder Trine Andersen, ’but we definitely come from the legacy of Danish midcentury modern and well-crafted design.’ That influence is clearly seen in the streamlined, light and functional nature of all their designs, most notably in the ’Herman’ (created in collaboration with Herman Studio).
Designed by Jonas and Helle Herman, the husband and wife design team behind the eponymous studio, the piece is minimalism at its finest; a monochrome, stackable structure of polished wood and metal with a natural armrest and enclosed back.
’We knew we wanted it to be stackable from the start,’ says Helle, explaining how that decision ’defines the whole construction. It was also important that the chair had some kind of directional element to it.’
The dynamic spirit of the ’Herman’ chair is even more vivid with the ’Turn’ series, which sees the new three-seater join Ferm LIVING’s sofa and daybed range. A firm favourite of team Wallpaper* with its horizontal lines, soft rounded shapes and elevating metal legs, the reversible top cushion – and double stitching detailing – have the ability to instantly transform the look and feel of the sofas themselves (not to mention the rooms they inhabit).
Completing the trio of celebratory designs is the ’Punctual Shelving System’, a modular unit and modern storage solution. Designed to be easily assembled and freely expanded, the shelves are perforated, adding an industrial texture to the otherwise soft and airy units of grey, dusty or dark blue metal.
An anniversary such as this wouldn’t be complete without a dramatic backdrop, though. Wallpaper, specifically. In tribute to its roots – Ferm LIVING started with 10 inaugural wallpaper designs – there are also a number of graphic prints and textiles (for cushions), also launched at Maison et Objet. True to form, the special edition design is titled ’Confetti’, and as you’d expect, it brings plenty of colour and sparkle to any room.
