TIMELESS BY REX KRALJ

5 February 2016

rex kralj, furniture brand, visual identity, slovenia, simplicity, nature, heritage, timeless, catalogue, craftmanship, details, light, look book, art direction, photography, Wendy van Woudenberg, Beeldsteil, Naomi, pretty unexpected, NU Interior Ontwerp, interior, style, trend, iconic, industrial design
 

I’m so excited to introduce you to furniture brand Rex Kralj and their new visual identity today. It’s a collaboration between some of my favourite photographers, designers and conceptual thinkers for a brand that is exceptional in it’s heritage and forward thinking.

Rex Kralj was founded by Niko Kralj in 1952 in Slovenia and has become known for it’s contribution to 20th century industrial design with pieces being exhibited in some of the worlds most renowned museums – MoMA, Designmuseum in Copenhagen, MAK Vienna, Pinakothek Munich and Museum for International Design in Prague.

The key words for the new visual brand identity were ‘simplicity, nature, heritage, craftmanship, details and light’ according to NU Interior Ontwerp who came up with the theme of light and dark for the new catalogue called ‘Timeless’, referencing the future and heritage of the brand.

I love the simplicity and mood of the photography and looking forward to holding a printed copy in my hands. This is more like a lookbook or even picture book bringing the furniture to life and into play by narrating the story of an imaginary protagonist from morning / light to evening / dark. So subtle and oh so beautiful with minimal styling, sensitive art direction and crisp photography by Wendy van Woudenberg from Beeldsteil. Graphic designer Naomi from Pretty Unexpected put the layout together and you can see a PDF version of it if you register your email on the Rex Kralj website.

In the meantime enjoy these wonderful shots from their ‘Timeless’ catalogue.

 
rex kralj, furniture brand, visual identity, slovenia, simplicity, nature, heritage, timeless, catalogue, craftmanship, details, light, look book, art direction, photography, Wendy van Woudenberg, Beeldsteil, Naomi, pretty unexpected, NU Interior Ontwerp, interior, style, trend, iconic, industrial design

rex kralj, furniture brand, visual identity, slovenia, simplicity, nature, heritage, timeless, catalogue, craftmanship, details, light, look book, art direction, photography, Wendy van Woudenberg, Beeldsteil, Naomi, pretty unexpected, NU Interior Ontwerp, interior, style, trend, iconic, industrial design

rex kralj, furniture brand, visual identity, slovenia, simplicity, nature, heritage, timeless, catalogue, craftmanship, details, light, look book, art direction, photography, Wendy van Woudenberg, Beeldsteil, Naomi, pretty unexpected, NU Interior Ontwerp, interior, style, trend, iconic, industrial design

rex kralj, furniture brand, visual identity, slovenia, simplicity, nature, heritage, timeless, catalogue, craftmanship, details, light, look book, art direction, photography, Wendy van Woudenberg, Beeldsteil, Naomi, pretty unexpected, NU Interior Ontwerp, interior, style, trend, iconic, industrial design

rex kralj, furniture brand, visual identity, slovenia, simplicity, nature, heritage, timeless, catalogue, craftmanship, details, light, look book, art direction, photography, Wendy van Woudenberg, Beeldsteil, Naomi, pretty unexpected, NU Interior Ontwerp, interior, style, trend, iconic, industrial design

rex kralj, furniture brand, visual identity, slovenia, simplicity, nature, heritage, timeless, catalogue, craftmanship, details, light, look book, art direction, photography, Wendy van Woudenberg, Beeldsteil, Naomi, pretty unexpected, NU Interior Ontwerp, interior, style, trend, iconic, industrial design

rex kralj, furniture brand, visual identity, slovenia, simplicity, nature, heritage, timeless, catalogue, craftmanship, details, light, look book, art direction, photography, Wendy van Woudenberg, Beeldsteil, Naomi, pretty unexpected, NU Interior Ontwerp, interior, style, trend, iconic, industrial design

rex kralj, furniture brand, visual identity, slovenia, simplicity, nature, heritage, timeless, catalogue, craftmanship, details, light, look book, art direction, photography, Wendy van Woudenberg, Beeldsteil, Naomi, pretty unexpected, NU Interior Ontwerp, interior, style, trend, iconic, industrial design

rex kralj, furniture brand, visual identity, slovenia, simplicity, nature, heritage, timeless, catalogue, craftmanship, details, light, look book, art direction, photography, Wendy van Woudenberg, Beeldsteil, Naomi, pretty unexpected, NU Interior Ontwerp, interior, style, trend, iconic, industrial design

 
MORE INFORMATION | Rex Kralj
PHOTOGRAPHY | Wendy van Woudenberg, Beeldsteil
CONCEPT | Nu Interior Ontwerp
 
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GIPFELRESTAURANT BY HERZOG AND DE MEURON

3 February 2016

Gipfelrestaurant, Chäserrugg mountain, switzerland, Churfirsten Massif, architects Herzog and de Meuron, architecture, swiss alps, tourism, local craftsmanship, cuisine, communal dining, wood burning fire, terrace, destination
 

The Gipfelrestaurant with it’s breathtaking views of the seven peaks Churfirsten Massif in Switzerland sits on top of the Chäserrugg mountain and literally stopped me in my tracks. I want to go there – badly!

Star architects Herzog and de Meuron re-invented the original restaurant which was built back in 1972 when the cable car station was constructed. Making the most of the views across Lake Walensee and the surrounding peaks the building sits on a plateau at 2,262m above sea level in this unspoilt part of the Swiss Alps.

The goal was to increase tourism in the summer months and pay tribute to local tradition, craftsmanship and cuisine. Locally sourced spruce is therefore one of the dominant materials used, from the pre-fabricated frame by craftsmen in the valley to the floorboards and long angular roof it covers every surface and gives a lovely warm feel.

The Gipfelrestaurant is a destination place serving fresh local food and encouraging conversation through communal dining at long wooden tables before relaxing in front of one of the wood burning fires or the covered terrace enjoying the views.

I couldn’t imagine a more perfect place to enjoy the Swiss Alps – summer or winter.
 
Gipfelrestaurant, Chäserrugg mountain, switzerland, Churfirsten Massif, architects Herzog and de Meuron, architecture, swiss alps, tourism, local craftsmanship, cuisine, communal dining, wood burning fire, terrace, destination

Gipfelrestaurant, Chäserrugg mountain, switzerland, Churfirsten Massif, architects Herzog and de Meuron, architecture, swiss alps, tourism, local craftsmanship, cuisine, communal dining, wood burning fire, terrace, destination

Gipfelrestaurant, Chäserrugg mountain, switzerland, Churfirsten Massif, architects Herzog and de Meuron, architecture, swiss alps, tourism, local craftsmanship, cuisine, communal dining, wood burning fire, terrace, destination

Gipfelrestaurant, Chäserrugg mountain, switzerland, Churfirsten Massif, architects Herzog and de Meuron, architecture, swiss alps, tourism, local craftsmanship, cuisine, communal dining, wood burning fire, terrace, destination

Gipfelrestaurant, Chäserrugg mountain, switzerland, Churfirsten Massif, architects Herzog and de Meuron, architecture, swiss alps, tourism, local craftsmanship, cuisine, communal dining, wood burning fire, terrace, destination

Gipfelrestaurant, Chäserrugg mountain, switzerland, Churfirsten Massif, architects Herzog and de Meuron, architecture, swiss alps, tourism, local craftsmanship, cuisine, communal dining, wood burning fire, terrace, destination

Gipfelrestaurant, Chäserrugg mountain, switzerland, Churfirsten Massif, architects Herzog and de Meuron, architecture, swiss alps, tourism, local craftsmanship, cuisine, communal dining, wood burning fire, terrace, destination

Gipfelrestaurant, Chäserrugg mountain, switzerland, Churfirsten Massif, architects Herzog and de Meuron, architecture, swiss alps, tourism, local craftsmanship, cuisine, communal dining, wood burning fire, terrace, destination

Gipfelrestaurant, Chäserrugg mountain, switzerland, Churfirsten Massif, architects Herzog and de Meuron, architecture, swiss alps, tourism, local craftsmanship, cuisine, communal dining, wood burning fire, terrace, destination

 
MORE INFORMATION | Chäserrugg
ARCHITECTS | Herzog and de Meuron
PHOTOGRAPHY | Juergen Pollak with thanks

 
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MOODBOARD | PLANTS IN THE HOME

1 February 2016

plants in the home, moodboard, trend, style, green, movement, urban jungle bloggers, planters, sky garden, function and form, architecture, sculptural plants

 

Let’s talk about plants in the home. They are everywhere. It’s not even a trend anymore, it’s a movement, a tidal wave of green invading our homes. My favourite brands are designing pots and planters, free standing, wall hanging, in any size, shape and colour and I’m simply overwhelmed.

I mentioned in my previous post that I’m toying with the idea to join this urban jungle movement (Judith & Igor I’m almost there) and start by actually buying a plant BUT I’m procrastinating, have been for years and keep coming up with reasons why I shouldn’t get involved. Two wild boys who will poke and prod and ‘hurt’ it (best case scenario), not enough room (we live minimal), responsibility to keep another ‘thing’ alive and look after (struggling with the aforementioned brood)… but mainly I think it’s the look.

If you hadn’t guessed I’m very particular and the shade of green and the shape of the leaves, well, they’d have to be perfect which makes me think that I’m missing the point of keeping plants in the first place. I could always buy a perfect fake one but that’s just… yuk. Rip-off products are just wrong and never look / taste / feel / smell as good as the real deal, the original.

To take a closer look and to (finally) kindle my love for plants in the home I went to visit Sky Garden last weekend with my Function+Form sidekick Tiff (her word not mine) and our respective families. The space is simply a-ma-zing and whilst Tiff couldn’t get enough of photographing the beautiful gardens and greenery I found myself drawn to the architecture, the structure and lines, the nuts and bolts, the different materials and the general awe inspiring space and feat of engineering. Maybe I’m just not a plant person, just like I’m not a horse person or an intuitive cook, I need a recipe to follow.

However, on my visit I did figure out that the plant I wouldn’t mind – a sort of fig tree type – is according to Tiff quite tricky to keep alive so might not be the best one to start with.

So, whilst I’m waiting to fall in love with plants in the home I’ve put a mood board together with the best sculptural and easy on the eye plants that I could find. And the best thing is this mood board doesn’t need any watering. Hang on… maybe I should go for a plant photowall instead!?

 
NOTE | All shots used on the mood board via my Pinterest boards
 
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AIAYU AT HOME | INTERVIEW VIA CEREAL

29 January 2016

aiayu, danish, brand, lifestyle, trend, style, styling, sustainable, mixing old and new, rustic, copenhagen, earthy colour palette, slow living, mindfulness, interiors, interior design, decor
 

Just before Christmas I read a wonderful interview on Cereal’s website with Marie Worsaae, one of the partners at Danish lifestyle brand Aiayu. She talked about her life, work and home and how the sustainable concept of the brand has filtered through into her life and decorating style.

She says: “I like mixing Danish design with more rustic pieces — I’m not an either/or person. I think Aiayu is the same.”

I discovered the brand a few years ago and blogged about them here so it was nice to catch a glimpse of Marie’s home in Copenhagen. I totally adore her style which is a wonderful mix between old and new with a restraint earthy colour palette of pale pinks, rusty reds and browns, mossy greens and soft greys.

I couldn’t agree more with the relaxed and comfortable tone she set for her home and her quest to inject some slow living and mindfulness into everyday tasks like brewing coffee and even doing the laundry.

“My house allows a life to be lived in it. I want it always to be comfortable and to make people feel comfortable, never stiff. Everything in it brings warmth into my everyday life.”

If you want to delve deeper into Marie’s world read the whole interview by Lucy Brook on Cereal.

 

aiayu, danish, brand, lifestyle, trend, style, styling, sustainable, mixing old and new, rustic, copenhagen, earthy colour palette, slow living, mindfulness, interiors, interior design, decor

aiayu, danish, brand, lifestyle, trend, style, styling, sustainable, mixing old and new, rustic, copenhagen, earthy colour palette, slow living, mindfulness, interiors, interior design, decor

aiayu, danish, brand, lifestyle, trend, style, styling, sustainable, mixing old and new, rustic, copenhagen, earthy colour palette, slow living, mindfulness, interiors, interior design, decor

aiayu, danish, brand, lifestyle, trend, style, styling, sustainable, mixing old and new, rustic, copenhagen, earthy colour palette, slow living, mindfulness, interiors, interior design, decor

aiayu, danish, brand, lifestyle, trend, style, styling, sustainable, mixing old and new, rustic, copenhagen, earthy colour palette, slow living, mindfulness, interiors, interior design, decor

aiayu, danish, brand, lifestyle, trend, style, styling, sustainable, mixing old and new, rustic, copenhagen, earthy colour palette, slow living, mindfulness, interiors, interior design, decor

aiayu, danish, brand, lifestyle, trend, style, styling, sustainable, mixing old and new, rustic, copenhagen, earthy colour palette, slow living, mindfulness, interiors, interior design, decor

 
MORE INFORMATION | Cereal
PHOTOGRAPHY | Peter Kragballe
STYLING | Camilla Tange Peylecke
 
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GREEN OASIS IN COPENHAGEN

27 January 2016

ggreen oasis, tree, interior, design, interior style, styling, decor, wall art, gallery wall, ornamental plants, statement piece, quirky touch, striking, impact, cophenhagen, period building
 

This Copenhagen home has got epic proportions and stunning dimensions but the real show stopper is the huge potted tree in the middle of the living room, a statement piece transforming the place into a green oasis.

A great choice for rooms with high ceilings and how wonderful to have that green in your home all year round. I’m toying with the idea of buying some big leafy ornamental plants this Spring for our own home though I can’t quite decide where to put them… or which ones to buy. Help!

The other idea I spotted is the gallery wall – a collection of artworks, both home made and gifts – which has great impact when grouped and framed together.

For me a period home like this has doesn’t need much in terms of styling as its generous proportions are striking enough though it’s little touches like the gallery wall and the 3m high tree that give it that extra quirky touch.
 
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ggreen oasis, tree, interior, design, interior style, styling, decor, wall art, gallery wall, ornamental plants, statement piece, quirky touch, striking, impact, cophenhagen, period building

ggreen oasis, tree, interior, design, interior style, styling, decor, wall art, gallery wall, ornamental plants, statement piece, quirky touch, striking, impact, cophenhagen, period building

ggreen oasis, tree, interior, design, interior style, styling, decor, wall art, gallery wall, ornamental plants, statement piece, quirky touch, striking, impact, cophenhagen, period building

ggreen oasis, tree, interior, design, interior style, styling, decor, wall art, gallery wall, ornamental plants, statement piece, quirky touch, striking, impact, cophenhagen, period building

 
MORE INFORMATION | Bo Bedre
PHOTOGRAPHY | Mikkel Adsbol / House of Pictures with thanks
 
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