For three action packed days last week we trawled the aisles of DENFAIR perusing new furniture designs, lighting, textiles and art as well as manning our own est media stand using the perfectly suited Peggie board as our backdrop. As Australia’s largest contemporary design trade event it’s a place to get to know who is making waves both locally and internationally as well as to unearthing the next ‘household name’ of design.
As the launchpad for new products for many local brands, we were treated to a beautifully curated show on par with any seen across the seas. Taking out the award for best display was Great Dane who managed to create an art installation of sorts complete with their own grassy knoll, canopy of upturned black umbrella’s and sound effects of soft falling rain. Here is a short list of some of our favourite brands or products on show.
The Sydney based importer of Scandinavian designed furniture, lighting and homewares, Fred International chose to present the Fogia furniture brand alongside lighting by Rubn at this years show. We loved that the uber stylish and warmly intimate cane panelled stand designed by Angela Harry came with its very own live, smiling Swede too! With Simone Haag working on the art direction of the stand, the velvet upholstered Retreat Sofa, cream Poppy Poufs and Long John pendant at the entrance set the luxe, monochromatic tone from the outset.
Showcasing the latest design in Tait’s outdoor furniture collection, the Trace Collection by Adam Goodrum was perfectly displayed in both dark and light shades to highlight the versatility of the range that espouses longevity, function and cloud like comfort. With its low deep seat and high back encased in a flexible yet hardy wire netting, the Trace sofa and armchair both supports and embraces. Designed for long, languid afternoons as much as it has been designed to withstand our harsh Australian climate, it was no surprise that Trace won the ‘Best Product’ award at DENFAIR this year.
Both intriguing and inviting with its dark walls and crunchy gravel floor, the Archier stand at DENFAIR revealed a stunning collection of ceramic basins designed in collaboration with Tasmanian ceramicist Lindsey Wherrett. With their neutral tones and clean lines, the Archier bench top basins come in a selection of custom glazes and of course slight variations due to their inherent nature of being hand made. Perfectly imperfect.
Newly launched by Cult furniture, NAU represents a collective of Australia’s most spirited and talented designers including Adam Cornish, Adam Goodrum, Jack Flanagan and Gavin Harris. We were particularly taken with the Bell Pendant light designed by Adam Goodrum and the Rev Stool designed by Adam Cornish.
Specialising in modernist furniture, the boutique design studio Moda Piera showcased their tight collection of exquisite products. One of our favourite pieces being the Arancini lamp made for brass and travertine. With its touch dimmable light giving off a warm, ambient glow, the Arancini has been designed with natural materials left in their raw state so that the sculptural piece will age and patina over time.
Representing Japan’s finest furniture brands and master craftsmen, Apato’s stand was as you would expect – fuss free and pared back with the furniture doing all the talking. The clear standout for us was the beautifully elegant Coty dining table designed by Hiroshi Yajima for Nissin Mokkou. It’s beautifully refined legs and elegant, slightly curved edge beckoned us over every time we passed by to run our hands along its soft, smooth soap finish oak frame. While this dining table definitely won our hearts, we are also quite partial to the Splinter dining chair.
