Designs for Freedom
If courage is the insistence on life as usual in the face of adversity, then we must salute the bravery of Ukraine's design community, who continue to create remarkable products despite difficult circumstances.
We have long been fans of Noom, having swooned over their Suprematic collection of lights and vases on these pages before (see blogpost here). The brand has since broadened its repertoire to include furniture and mirrors which share the same penchant for graphic shapes and refined details. We love the bulbous forms of the Flock lounge chair and the Freyja coffee table, both designed by Kateryna Sokolova; as well as the juxtaposition of contrasting shapes and materials of the Lake mirrors, designed by Maryna Dague & Nathan Baraness.
Noom
Kateryna Sokolova
Maryna Dague
Nathan Baraness
Smith & Winken, the design studio founded by Valery Kuznetsov and Otto Winken, is the team behind Endless Movement, a collection of captivating light sculptures featuring intricate mechanical movements. Decorative and functional in equal measures, these retro-furturistic creations appear to be inspired as much by robotics as by the animal kingdom, albeit with a distinct steampunk edge.
Donna is a furniture manufacturer tireless in its pursuit for quality and its support for Ukrainian designers. We particularly like the boat-like Raft sofa designed by SVOYA Studio and the colourful Suminagashi tables designed by DECORKUZNETSOV.
Donna
SVOYA Studio
DECORKUZNETSOV
Rozmova is a series of dishes and vases which stack together to form a totem-like centrepiece for the table. Designed by Tetiana Krasutska for interior design studio Zemna, the design is true to their aesthetic: effortlessly sleek, with a warm organic touch.
"A ‘woo thing’ begins where minimalist aesthetics meets excellent craftsmanship", so goes the description of furniture brand Woo. This is very apt, judging by products such as the Drova pouf, designed by Dmitry Kozinenko, which resembles a neat stack of upholstered logs. Also by the same designer, the Play chair is a fun exercise in sculptural shapes, whilst Loop is a sleek and clever seat in the form of a continuous loop.
Product Inspiration
If you like the bulbous form of the Flock armchair from Doom you will love the Twin Moon sofa from Missana, the Toe lounge chair from 101 Copenhagen and the Grasso bar stool from BD Barcelona Design.
For lighting which evoke the mechanical spirits of Smith & Winken try the Turciu Bonsai table lamp from Catellani & Smith, the Sahn chandelier from
101 Copenhagen and the Cima suspension and floor light from Lodes.
Looking for accessories with a sleek yet organic vibe? Try the Urchin plant pot from
