In her new Design Stories column, interior architect Maija Rasila discusses her favorite products of the fall. October's highlights include cool tones that have been off the scene for a while, but are now given a new edge by trendy, warm shades.
"WARM RED AND BROWN tones have long been at the leading edge of interior design trends. Maybe that’s why, after their long absence, highly contrasting, cool-blue tones look particularly fresh to me. The most exquisite contrast combines cold with warmth – a touch of trendy terracotta or red lifts cool tones to a wholly new level."
Decor sets the mood
Beautiful objects bring the subdued Punctual metal shelf, by Ferm Living, to life. Ambiance is created by details; even posters seem more distinguished when hung on wooden frames. Ferm Living frames are available in a light maple shade as well as dark brown.
• Ferm Living’s Punctual shelf >
An elegant curved chair
It is little wonder that the Beetle chair, launched in 2012 by Gubi, has become a modern classic. This smoothly curved chair has a range of color, leg and upholstery options; the most luxurious version is upholstered. Its blue-gray Remix fabric and black metal leg are a fresh and suitably lightweight combination. The result is both elegant and relaxed.
A perfect combination
Muuto launched its new fall collection, and updated color options for familiar favorites, at the end of August. New items include textiles such as Twine cushions and Ample throws. However, the shades are the best element in this picture: the sleek Outline sofa’s ice blue combines beautifully with gray, while copper brown and dark blue hues add interest. Be sure to try this color palette in your own home!
“Ice blue combines beautifully with gray, while copper brown and dark blue hues add interest. Be sure to try this color palette in your own home!”
Sculptural light
The candle season is already in full swing. I dream of completing my selection with an Ildhane candleholder designed by the Norwegian design duo Torbjörn Anderssen and Espen Voll. This cast iron candleholder is like a small sculpture, its strong shape being at its most beautiful against a colorful background.
• Nedre Foss’ Ildhane candleholder >
Mysticism of folk tales
People have been fascinated by Klaus Haapaniemi’s distinctive patterns year in, year out. Beautiful strong colors and patterns are ideal for the fall and winter; it takes just one patterned cushion to enliven a sofa corner. Haapaniemi drew inspiration for the Black Lake cushion cover's dark patterns from the plant-life and mystical creatures of lakes. This cotton velvet cushion is 50 x 50 cm in size.
• Klaus Haapaniemi’s Black Lake cushion cover >
Glass birds make a comeback
Oiva Toikka’s classic glass birds are topical once again. With their bright, cheerful colors, they make the perfect addition to home decor settings. Oiva Toikka’s Aili bird is part of the Finnish Design Shop’s 15th anniversary collection and only 300 unique and numbered individuals have been made. The bird’s beautiful blue-gray shade and clean lines make it a modern and timeless collector’s item. Aili would be perfect on my own shelf.
• Iittala’s Birds by Toikka Aili >
“Aili’s beautiful blue-gray shade and clean lines make it a modern and timeless collector’s item.”
'Technical' is trendy
Lamps with the technical look of the 80s and 90s are raising huge interest and becoming increasingly trendy. Based on sketches found in Verner Panton's archives, the pure lines of the Reflect table lamp form an original, highly minimal shape. Light is softly reflected by the lamp's slanted disc shade.
• Verpan’s Reflect table lamp >
In this column, interior architect Maija Rasila picks the most inspiring products, objects and issues of the month from novel and classic items. Modern Scandinavian style can be spiced up with plenty of details, surprising colors and personal touches.
Text: Maija Rasila Photos: Manufacturers