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.
... a three-seater version of their 'Turn' sofa (a firm favourite of team Wallpaper*, with its horizontal lines, soft rounded shapes, elevating metal legs and double stitching detailing);...
... and their first large scale unit, the ’Punctual Shelving System’
Designed to be easily assembled and freely expanded, the shelves are perforated, adding an industrial texture to the modular units
Wallpaper designs continue to be a cornerstone of Ferm LIVING's ouvre. Pictured left: a special-edition design entitled 'Confetti'
INFORMATION
For more information, visit Ferm LIVING’s website
Photography courtesy Ferm LIVING
-
Bees can now check in at Kew’s new pollinator hotelAt Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden, artist Kristina Pulejkova unveils four functional sculptures that tell the hidden story of seeds and act as a refuge for bees during the heat of summer
-
Andu Masebo and The Singleton’s bespoke furniture celebrates the beauty in slow craftBritish designer Andu Masebo collaborates with single malt Scotch whisky The Singleton on a multifunctional furniture piece boasting minimal design codes
-
Inside a midcentury modern house so good, its architect didn’t want to mess with it‘I was immediately a little bit frightened, because it was such a great house,’ says architect Casper Mork-Ulnes of Roger Lee-designed gem in Berkeley, California
-
Lise Vester’s wavy bench for Muuto is a soothing take on outdoor seatingDesigned for Danish brand Muuto, the stainless steel ‘Dream View Bench’ is an invitation to lie back and ponder the bigger picture
-
Six Montana Furniture classics get a colourful makeover by KimpopDanish designers and TV personalities Kimpop give Montana Furniture's classic designs a colourful new look: ‘People will either love it or find it outside their comfort zone’
-
Danish Architecture Center celebrates trailblazing 20th-century designer Nanna DitzelA new exhibition dedicated to the groundbreaking work of Nanna Ditzel opens in Copenhagen
-
Maison et Objet: Wallpaper's 15 highlights from France's leading homes and interiors fairThe design year has officially begun with the launch of Maison et Objet. Our on-the-ground correspondent reports on its standout moments
-
Fritz Hansen marks its 150th anniversary with new collectionFritz Hansen’s ‘Anniversary Collection’ features reissues of iconic pieces by Arne Jacobsen and Poul Kjærholm, presented during 3 Days of Design 2022 (15 – 17 June)
-
Best of Danish design (and more) from Copenhagen’s 3 Days of DesignA selection of the best new spaces and furniture launches from Danish and international brands and designers, shown at Copenhagen’s 3 Days of Design 2021
-
Iconic Arne Jacobsen dining chairs get a new colour paletteFritz Hansen enlists Italian curator Carla Sozzani to devise a new chromatic palette for Arne Jacobsen's iconic dining chairs
-
Frama’s first atelier collection pays homage to modernist Kaare KlintCopenhagen-based design brand Frama pays homage the father of Danish furniture design, Kaare Klint, with a new atelier collection
