Beauty is what you buy

Textiles and furniture often go hand in hand, but for Peter Mabeo’s Lesire Collection, textiles became the inspiration for something far more solid. The Botswana-based furniture designer, founder of Mabeo Studio, pays homage to the intricate lace crochet techniques perfected by South African women during the 1900s. Lesire, which means “wedding veil” in Tswana, refers to a textile known for its distinctive scallop edged detail. Mabeo has skillfully translated this delicate pattern into a hardwood furniture line, Lesire Collection, that not only showcases the craftsmanship of the local artisans, but also provides them with a global platform to share their talents, with the collection now available through Design Within Reach.

At the heart of the collection is panga panga wood, a durable hardwood from Southeast Africa that’s prized for its resistance to insects and fungi. This choice of material grounds the collection in its surroundings – an essential principle for Mabeo. “We find that looking for design directions that are universally applicable in a world that is separated from us, is easier when we reach for what is around us with care,” the designer explains. “Our craftwork finds a place when we start from what is familiar and what we appreciate, translating either literally or conceptually, with a sense of freedom that is accommodating to what we have learnt and also to what is innate.”

The panga panga wood is sourced from LevasFlor, a Mozambican company that’s committed to ethical harvesting and community engagement. With their FSC certification, LevasFlor strikes the perfect balance between international standards of sustainability and local inclusivity, making it a fitting partner for Mabeo’s vision.

Each piece in the collection is carefully hand-carved by Mabeo’s artisans, who bring the scalloped edge to life across mirrors, tabletops, credenzas, and storage benches. The angular legs of the tables, credenzas, and benches further enhance the visual dynamism of the scallop pattern, creating a harmonious interplay between structure and ornamentation. The rich, textured grain of the panga panga wood adds a natural elegance to every piece, while the hand-carved details showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship of Mabeo’s local artisans – bringing together heritage, artistry, and the raw beauty of the material in perfect harmony.

To shop the Lesire Collection by Peter Mabeo, visit dwr.com and follow @mabeofurniture and @mabeostudio.

IFA is always a monumental event, but this year felt bigger than it has in the past. While it may not hold a candle to the likes of CES in terms of size, the show always serves as a launch pad for new home, audio, and tech. I saw dozens of announcements for the latest and greatest gadgets from some of the industry’s biggest brands. Aesthetics appeared to be a significant focus this year, as tech companies look for new ways to compete in saturated industries. Curious about what was launched at the show? IFA flew me out to Berlin to check out all the exciting announcements in person.

A Foldable Phone That’s No Thicker Than a Bar Phone

One of the largest – or shall I say thinnest – new tech products from the show comes from Chinese smartphone manufacturer Honor, which unveiled its latest foldable phone, the Honor Magic V3. What’s so special about the Magic V3? Well, it’s the thinnest foldable phone on the market right now. When closed, the device is only about as thick as the iPhone 15 Pro Max. That’s a pretty incredible achievement. Open the phone and you’ll get a sleek tablet, which is super helpful for productivity on-the-go. The device won’t be available in the United States, but it will come to Europe, so it’s not a launch exclusive to China. For the thinnest foldable phone you can get in the United States, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the go-to phone to get.

New Headphones From Beyerdynamic and AKG

A few different pro audio brands are making a deeper commitment to those in the general consumer space. Both Beyerdynamic and AKG unveiled new headphones designed to compete with the likes of the Sony WH1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. Beyerdynamic’s model is called the Aventho 300 and offers a 50-hour battery life, support for modern tech features like Bluetooth Multipoint, and more. They will be priced at $399 upon launch next month.

AKG’s new headphones are the AKG N9 featuring an extended battery life up to an impressive 100 hours with noise cancellation turned off. They even come with a 2.4GHz dongle. That’s right, the headphones support Bluetooth connectivity, wired listening, and listening through a 2.4GHz connection. What’s more, the dongle can be stored right in one of the earcups. All that and more advanced features soon to be available for $349.

TVs That Blend Into Their Environment

IFA 2024 marked the year of competition for the Samsung Frame TV. Both Hisense and TCL have been incredibly competitive when it comes to the budget and midrange TV space, and now they’re bringing that fighting spirit to the world of TVs that better blend into their environments. Neither of the TVs were released at the show, but they were front-and-center at each company’s respective booths.

The TVs are priced a little differently, with the TCL NXTFRAME coming in at $1,499.99 for the 55-inch model, and the Hisense CanvasTV sitting in at $1,299.99 – though a cheaper 55-inch model is expected soon. They do both have a matte glass display that simultaneously reduces glare and makes art looks natural when not in use. Like the Samsung The Frame TV, their image quality technologies are still in the works, which leaves me hoping for more. It would have been nice to see more refined televisions that also offer the best display tech currently on the market. That said, with a little more competition out on the field, hopefully Hisense, TCL, and Samsung will start competing a little more for their art-focused electronics.

Kodak Has Crossed Over Into Speakers

The Kodak name is getting stretched across a surprising number of product categories. Over the years, the company has changed hands on multiple occasions and now exists as a ubiquitous brand name licensed to other entities for the sake of nostalgia. Seemingly, one of those manufacturers builds speakers and even smartwatches. I cannot speak to the quality or performance as I only caught a glance, but at least they’re eye-catching!

An “E-Paper” Smartphone

Looking for a way to make your phone a little easier on the eyes? E-Paper could be the way to go. At IFA 2024, TCL launched its latest and greatest “E-Paper” device, the TCL 50 Nxtpaper smartphone. Like the new art-focused TVs, the 50 Nxtpaper offers a matte anti-glare glass on the front under which the display can be found and has a dimmable backlight for a more natural look. The phone’s side toggle engages what TCL calls “Max Ink Mode.” This basically turns the screen black and white in addition to muting notifications. It’s reminiscent of E Ink, and while it’s not quite the same effect, it still looks quite good – plus, it might offer some respite for eyes plagued by phone addiction.

DJI’s $200 Drone

DJI is the biggest name in drones, and now, you can get a DJI device for as little as $199. The DJI Neo is a miniature model with numerous smart features built into it, including a follow mode and the ability to capture fun little videos. The machine takes off and lands straight from your hand, and is very lightweight. It doesn’t come with a controller, but it does work with DJI’s current-generation controllers for those who already have one or don’t mind buying one separately. If not, users may also control it through the DJI app, where you can tweak the settings on a whim.

While studying interior design in college, Kate Rohrer waited tables and poured cocktails at Stephen Starr’s flagship eatery in Philadelphia, The Continental. Not only did Rohrer earn a paycheck, she experienced the impact of design firsthand. This real-life case study still continues to inform many of her hospitality projects today.

Even though Rohrer always wanted to be a designer, the path to get there was hardly a smooth one. By the time she founded her firm ROHE Creative in 2014, she already had her share of sleepless nights and major leaps of faith. “I would say the moment it all became real was when I took on my first restaurant project,” Rohrer says. “I had a newborn at home, no real team behind me, and no studio. Just my living room floor with material skewed about.”

Those early struggles were equal parts exhilarating and terrifying for the designer, who now takes a holistic approach to every aspect of her work, from construction challenges to budgets and schedules. Rohrer also never ties herself to a single period, but instead seamlessly blends disparate styles to create strong narratives. By being open to unique sourcing and styling elements, the more impactful the moments in each of Rohrer’s spaces.

When the ever-busy Rohrer does have some spare time, she’s tackling renovations or scouring antique stores for the perfect find. She’s also scribbling or doodling everywhere she goes. Rohrer will write on old bills, napkins, and cardboard boxes, eager to capture bits of inspiration.

The ups and downs of design are equal parts exhilarating and terrifying, but Rohrer wouldn’t have it any other way. “It was and still is what keeps me coming back for more every single time,” she notes. “It’s not just about the final result or the pretty picture for me, but the creative process and collaborating with equally passionate people.”

Today, Kate Rohrer joins us for Friday Five!

1. Jumpsuits by Alex Mill

I have two kids, six employees, simultaneous projects, work travel, business meetings, antique sourcing, and a never-ending calendar of sporting events. Let’s just say I’ve become admittedly lazy in the fashion department. I would not be alive if it wasn’t for the eight million Alex Mill or Still Here jumpsuits that I own in various colors and sizes, which I have officially made my uniform.

I don’t care how “in” or “out” they are or will become, nothing will tear me apart from the pleasure instilled with putting on pants and a top at the exact same time. It’s one less decision to make before I’m able to walk out the door comfortably. On site, I typically wear them with some colorful retro Nikes, and when going out I’ll dress them up with boots and heels. Everyone I know reading this is nodding their head right now.

2. Cape May, New Jersey

My grandparents purchased their first vacation home there in the 1960s, and ever since my family has been making beautiful memories in Cape May, New Jersey. Every summer has been filled with the salt and sand of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. The country’s oldest seaside resort recognized for its grand Victorian architecture, it is also a National Historic Landmark.

The seaside town is quaint and familial. Washington Street is lined with well-sourced shops, cafes, and local delights. The B&Bs and motels now attract the design-eyed (say “hi” to Lindsay at GIVENS, she’s the coolest) and the culinary-curious – Mayer’s Tavern and Luisa’s are a must. Cape May is worth the trip in any season and it will always have my heart.

3. Earthy Scents by NA NIN

A morning ritual of mine, whether I am working from home or in the studio, has become taking a moment of pause to light incense or a candle. It may seem silly, but it’s something I look forward to each day to enjoy a solo moment of reflection, intention, or gratitude before I get into my work. I’ve been a long-time lover of NA NIN’s Cedar & Santal. There is power in scent, and it can instantly reset my mood or mindset. The studio now shares in my obsession, and they have these candles for road trips now too!

4. Mini Lamps

I’ve always been obsessed with weird and mini lamps. I love them for bedside, tableside, deskside, and shelfside. We’re currently working on a project inspired by the Ferrari Testarossa and we’ve been eyeing up this cutie, Tatu by Santa & Cole, to be perfectly placed at the restaurant’s host stand.

5. Thank You, Have a Nice Day!

“Thank you, Have a nice day!” is a saying that has been floating around our studio for a long time. It’s a nicety that’s here to stay, but it has also become our favorite punch line, period, and mic drop at the end of an inter-studio rant or design session. I have a small collection of stickers, bags, and badges piling up. I’ve always been completely in awe of the artist CJ Hendry. Her talent knows no bounds. I also share her sentiment behind this piece. Her career, like mine, was made on “late nights and take out bags,” just like this one.

Works by Kate Rohrer:

Hotel Genevieve Located in the heart of the hip NuLu neighborhood in the booming city of Louisville, this newly built boutique hotel features 122 rooms on six floors, a lobby art gallery that pays homage to the city’s layered history (including a modern take on quilting culture) and includes a curated retail shop. The hotel boasts four distinct culinary spaces: the vibrant and casual Parisian-inspired ground-floor restaurant is full of brasserie details such as cafe curtains and Royer-inspired lighting; a rooftop lounge offers sweeping views of the city and Ohio River, alongside lush greenery, vintage finds, and elevated design touches. Overall, the spaces are feminine and playful to offset the masculinity often associated with bourbon, baseball, and the city’s industrial downtown.

Louie Louie Rohe Creative has renovated a former 3,600 square-foot restaurant space inside the Inn at Penn Hotel on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus to create a bold new restaurant, bar and lounge concept, Louie Louie.

We looked back to the traditions of many classic and timeless European Grand Cafés. We were inspired by the historical significance and ultimate beauty of the Art Nouveau design movement. We designed custom furniture and lighting using traditional details and antique brass metals and offset them with more modern glass globes and forms. We sandwiched the classic checkerboard flooring in the main dining room, with intricately bold and graphic floor patterns. As we worked through the blend of classic European details with bold and bright ideology, we began to realize that we had something special, a design language we call Retro Nouveau.

All of the surrounding millwork and metalwork have been thoughtfully designed to allow each space to function with its unique look and create private areas ideal for more intimate conversations.

Irwin’s The timeline was tight on this project, but it was such a special building with unique grit and charm that we knew we had to be a part of it! It forced the team and I to be creative and resourceful in ways that we love to be. Set on the 8th floor of the Bok building – a former technical high school turned mixed-use creative development which was designed in the early 20th century by Irwin T. Catharine from whom the restaurant takes its moniker

Converted from the old nursing classroom, the dining room itself is the work of ROHE Creative, the local studio mixing box-tufted banquettes, coppery light fixtures, tulip chairs, and six-foot chandelier with repurposed furniture. The soapstone-topped bar is from the science room, old science lab tables lined with communal benches from the library, and salvaged yearbook photos in the bathrooms. It is quite something!

Darling Jack’s Tavern Darling Jack’s isn’t your average tavern, although it’s inspired by the comforts of one. Here, the design team played with the idea of a paint-by-number landscape with a single goal in mind; evoking the comforts of a classic tavern in a modern and unique way. Inspired by the colors and textures of landscapes, and the simple joys of being outdoors, the interior palette began to unfold.

Darling Jack’s Tavern has the unique feeling it’s been around for ages, yet it’s visually something new and exciting for the block. As guests enter the space, they make their way through a dramatic entry of red and white velvet drapes and are immediately greeted by a retro radio-turned-host stand, with a red rotary wall-hung telephone beyond.

Guild House Hotel Guild House Hotel was a once-in-a-lifetime project. A 12-suite boutique hotel in an 1850s Italianate row home, it is also a National Historic Landmark. In 1906, it became home to the New Century Guild, a group of powerhouse women who advocated for the growing female workforce. After researching and selecting the women we felt best represented the guild, we told their stories via subtle design touches – blending history and modernity. It’s eclectic but not messy.

When designing a new home along a scenic waterfront, architects face the challenge of creating both privacy and optimal views. This is particularly true in neighborhoods where narrow, elongated plots are tightly packed along the shore. A recent project in East Hampton, New York, the Three Mile Harbor residence by Bates Masi + Architects, exemplifies a creative response to these constraints, transforming them into opportunities for innovation.

In a setting characterized by lots that are much deeper than they are wide, and buildings tightly aligned along a single setback line, there is little room for architectural flexibility. Moreover, zoning laws restrict each structure’s height based on its distance from the property line, further compressing the possible building envelope. In this context, a builder and mariner envisioned a home that would reflect the efficient design of the boat he once lived on, while also tackling the unique challenges of the site.

The solution devised by the architects revolves around a series of privacy walls, carefully configured to maintain seclusion while maximizing exposure to the harbor views. These walls are angled and gradually increase in height as they extend towards the water, conforming to both the height regulations and the natural slope of the land. This strategic arrangement allows the home to fully engage with the waterfront, while effectively shielding it from neighboring properties.

Inside, the layout emphasizes compactness and efficiency, with each room arranged in a logical sequence to make the most of the available space. Bedrooms positioned towards the rear of the home are designed with private courtyards, offering access to natural light, fresh air, and serene views of the sky and tree canopies. These courtyards also serve as extensions of the interior space, complete with outdoor showers and seating areas, creating a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors. At the heart of the home, a central spiral staircase runs through all three levels, drawing light into the core and illuminating spaces without compromising privacy.

The distinctive copper cladding of the privacy walls adds both functionality and a unique aesthetic. Designed to look like oars, the copper pipes are set in a pattern that modulates the flow of light and air, while also adding a dynamic visual element that will evolve with time. The material will gradually develop a patina, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings and supporting the growth of nearby vegetation. This use of copper not only enhances the architectural design but also contributes to the landscape, as the mineral deposits nourish the soil, encouraging lush greenery.

To view more projects from Bates Masi + Architect, click here, and for more information on the firm, head to batesmasi.com.

Photography courtesy of Bates Masi + Architects.

As we move through September, our minds are already turning to the upcoming holiday hosting season. Whether you’re planning to serve non-alcoholic aperitifs or classic spirits, Chopin, a leader in premium vodka, and Fferrone, a renowned name in modern luxury glassware, are ready to elevate your home bartending game. Their collaboration brings us the new Ernestine Mini Martini Collection – a beautifully giftable set of four mini martini glasses, with the option to include a bottle of Chopin Family Reserve Vodka. The downsized glasses make a bold statement by emphasizing quality over quantity, a perfect sentiment for the holidays and beyond.

The design process behind the Ernestine collection was two fold: inspiration and challenge. Designer Felicia Ferrone traced the history of the martini glass back to 1925 during the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative Industrial Arts in Paris, France. She was inspired by French designer Charlotte Perriand’s ultra-modern Bar Sous Le Toit, which featured a cocktail bar made of anodized aluminum and nickle-plated copper bar stools. This led Ferrone to envision martini glasses that would perfectly complement this avant-garde scene.

The challenge lay in creating a new interpretation of the classic martini glass – how to craft a set of four glasses that were equal yet distinct. At first glance, the glassware might appear standard, but a closer inspection reveals Ferrone’s delightful details: each glass features a unique stem design, with bases made of one, two, three, or four stems. This not only makes each glass easily identifiable, but also adds an element of playful elegance, ensuring every guest at your dinner party has their own distinct piece in hand.

Each mini martini glass is handcrafted without molds by master artisans of a second-generation, family-owned atelier in the Czech Republic. The process begins with the bowl of the glass, followed by the careful addition of each stem, which is then stretched to form the “foot” that grounds the glass. As Fferrone’s most intricate and delicate work to date, these martini glasses capture a unique beauty of craftsmanship that can’t be easily replicated.

The Chopin vodka bottle is also not to be missed. With a ribbed body that is quintessentially Fferrone (reminiscent of the Dearborn collection), the bottle is a stylish addition to any bar cart and is sure to remain a centerpiece long after the vodka has been enjoyed.

The Ernestine Collection is available as a set of four 3oz glasses for $540, with the option to include the bottle of Chopin Family Reserve Vodka for $670. To shop the collection, visit chopinvodka.com.

As Founder and President of ThinkLab, the only research entity solely focused on the interiors industry, Amanda Schneider revels in data, transforming insights into actionable strategies for design and business innovation. With a deep passion for research, design, and strategic growth, she helps organizations tackle industry trends and optimize workplace environments. She is a frequent keynote speaker (catch her recent TEDx talk) and is also the host of the podcast Design Nerds Anonymous. On this episode of Clever with host Amy Devers, Amanda discusses the critical role of contextualizing data in design processes. She shares insights into how data-driven research can inform meaningful design decisions, emphasizing the importance of interpreting information within real-world contexts. Schneider also touches on how her work bridges the gap between research and application in the design industry.

Listen:

Schneider, grew up outside of Chicago, inspired by a blend of engineering and design. Now a self-described “designer by degree, journalist by accident, and researcher by choice” at the helm of ThinkLab, she examines the ecosystem of the design world, unearthing and synthesizing the social and cultural shifts and drivers that impact the interiors industry. Together with her team, she offers insights and context that can empower better decision-making while also bridging the communication gap between creatives and the business sector.

Listen and subscribe to Clever on any app.

Nestled within the streets of Le Marais, a jewel of Parisian heritage has been reborn. The newly renovated top-floor pied-à-terre is perched within a 17th-century building, weaving a tapestry of time-honored elegance with contemporary sophistication. The past and present are blurred as one travels throughout the property – exposed beams and a stone fireplace date back to 1660, followed by an 18th-century entrance adorned with intricate ironwork. Designer Lichelle Silvestry used the building’s historical character as a canvas for modern prose, emphasizing natural materials such as wood, linen, and marble.

A large jute rug and a custom linen sofa anchor the living space, complemented by a walnut coffee table from The Invisible Collection. Furniture selections like the by Lassen armchair and the Cassina Utrecht chair frame the room’s centerpiece, a restored 18th-century mirror sourced from a local antique market. Silvestry also custom-built a low storage unit to maximize functionality, paired with artwork by Spanish artist Javier Torres, creating a harmonious blend of art and design.

“The objective was to create a serene and natural atmosphere, taking cues from the building’s delightful environment and celebrating features such as the old oak entrance door, ironwork, terracotta tiles, wood beam ceiling, plasterwork, stone flooring, and the lovely greenery and brown hues of the courtyard,” says Silvestry. “The home exudes a contemporary yet timeless allure, perfectly balancing authenticity with subtle modernity. I focused on enhancing the home’s original elements and bringing the outdoor atmosphere indoors, for example, we used light neutral paints to draw attention to the surroundings and incorporated the same rich, earthy hues to create a coherent, cozy, inviting feel.”

The kitchen, once the grand entrance, now stands as a culinary haven. Farrow and Ball-painted cabinetry and a distinguished Lacanche stove mingle with Calacatta marble and unlacquered brass, their dialogue mediated by an imposing oak dining table completed alongside a set of Carl Hansen & Søn Wishbone chairs. The primary bedroom offers a serene retreat, with muted tones that enhance the view of the private courtyard. A silk-mix rug and a vintage Venini chandelier add subtle luxury, while modern furniture selections, including a sheepskin settee and a Fontana Arte floor lamp, maintain clean lines.

For more information on Lichelle Silvestry, visit lichellesilvestry.com.

Photography by Heidi Jean Feldman.

Multidisciplinary practice 22RE transformed a vaulted 1950s factory into a contemporary workspace for a music branding agency. Located in Culver City’s Hayden Tract, a former industrial zone, Ceremony of Roses has tech startups, media firms, and galleries as neighbors. The designers, who collaborated with Never Far Studios on the project, embraced modernism as inspiration.

There are touches that reference the town’s history of manufacturing, yet have the warmth of a residential environment. “We wanted to create these intimate spaces for the sessions between the musicians and the partners,” says Dean Levin, founder and principal of 22RE. “There’s the comfort of being in a home.”

An enveloping huddle room greets visitors, designed to encourage conversations about the clothing and accessories produced for artists like Adele and Lil Nas X. Carpeting and mohair couches adorn the area, reminiscent of a 1970s sunken living room. Stainless steel paneling provides a touch of coolness. At the center rests a custom 22RE aluminum coffee table. The sleek piece, intentionally placed in the middle of the room, represents the nucleus of creativity, and where partnership begins.

Just beyond the foyer, the communal work section features six dual aluminum workstations and matching cabinets underneath, alongside Eames Management chairs. The raw concrete floor contrasts with exposed wood rafters and the surrounding millwork. Custom oak and walnut detailing and shelving have organic appeal.

Executive suites line the perimeter of the office, highlighted by curtain-framed windows which maintain sightlines. These well-appointed offices boast curated selections of vintage art and furniture. An aluminum dining table is the kitchen’s focal point. Matching matte chairs have pony hair upholstery made by a local artisan, a nod to the Golden State’s western heritage.

A freestanding structure anchors the open space, a separate hub that houses conference and listening rooms – and a transition from the bright, airy main office zone. A Deco-style burl wood table is the centerpiece in the conference room, surrounded by maple burl paneled walls. Dark stained white oak and titanium travertine shelving complement the interior.

A space dedicated to music would hardly be complete without a listening room. This environment is decidedly plush, colored in rich brown tones throughout, from the carpet to the walnut panels. Angles in the ceilings maximize sound quality. Shelves hold a library of albums and turntables, because here the music of choice is on vinyl, rather than a digital playlist. The gently curved velvet upholstered sofa stretches out a full six feet, which allows people to sit comfortably. Or, they can even lie down if they want to immerse themselves fully in the experience.

The distinct realms of the workplace reflect the best qualities of its location. “California is a cultural melting pot,” Levin notes. “I wanted the office to feel like it could be almost anywhere in the world. We brought some of the domestic qualities of Europe and Japan into this commercial setting.”

To learn more, visit 22reoffice.com.

Photography by Yoshihiro Makino.

Sometimes, it’s not about firepower, it’s about a dependable tool that works – every single time. The team at Grovemade have made this their mission, and proudly present their new and improved Task Knife. Great for things like opening boxes and light-duty office tasks, this knife is intentionally less sharp than a pocket knife. The solid steel body with a ceramic coating is basically indestructible, making for lifetime quality that’s fit to be displayed.

Meant to perfectly match the rest of the Grovemade products, this sleek yet unobtrusive knife is the perfect accessory for all your office cutting needs. The brand boasts a whole line of premium desk tools and accessories, including a pen, vertical organizer, and leather notebook. Each of these unique products is built to last a lifetime, made with high quality materials and parts that are all managed vertically by Grovemade.

“It all came down to focusing heavily on machining, and what we can do with machines to create this sharp blade, and how we can use different tool paths from those machines to create these beautiful sweeps and angles and intersecting corners. A lot of inspiration came from when we had designed a pocket knife previously, and so a lot of the shape from that informed the shape of this desk knife,” says Sean Kelly, lead product designer at Grovemade.

The knife starts out as a billet of 3/8″ metal, which is machined to remove material on one side of the blade. Then, the knife is flipped, and the same is done to the other side. Because this knife celebrates machining marks naturally made during this process, Grovemade employs an extremely stringent quality checklist – nothing gets covered up. The black knives get sent out for an incredibly durable ceramic coating, usually found in high end firearms. The choil, a small divot on the edge of the blade, makes it easier to sharpen. Luckily, the blade geometry is specifically designed for minimal sharpening, if at all.

Among the quality tools in the Grovemade collection, a precision-machined protractor, ruler, and triangle help you get straight to business in style.

For more on the Task Knife, which is available in Black or Silver, click here.

Iconic designer Philippe Starck and Alberto Alessi, President of Italian brand Alessi, have a storied history of teaming up together on a number of projects. The pair have partnered again, this time marking their first furniture collection, entitled the Poêle Collection, consisting of a chair, two stools, and a coat rack that utilize cold-pressed metal technology. This process, originally developed in the 50s, has been modernized to produce tasteful and inviting forms. Alessi has always been known for its expertise in technological metalwork – and it is exemplified beautifully here.

Taking visual, manufacturing, and style references from the humble steel skillet, the Poêle (meaning ‘pan’ in French) Collection gives nod to the brand’s history of creating items for the kitchen. “I have been trying to make a chair with Philippe Starck for around 20 years now and, finally, we did it. I asked him if it was possible to design a chair that is manufactured like a frying pan is made using the Alessi cold-press metal high-technology. As is always the case with Starck, it started with a subversion,” shares Alberto Alessi.

The language of this collection, which is made from mirror polished 18/10 stainless steel along with brown dye beech wood, is luxurious, yet familiar. The molten metal elements conform and relax into the seemingly more sturdy legs, lending the illusion of cling wrap or slowly moving glass. The details take on a culinary quality as well, with visible, sturdy hardware. The double rivets and even curvature that any good steel pan would receive, this collection does too.

“The Poêle Chair started as a serious joke, with a sketch of a pan with legs and the great idea of adapting an existing high-technology to different purposes. The seat and back inspired by a frying pan, legs as handles, the Poêle Chair elegantly incarnates the most beautiful symptoms of human intelligence: humor and technology. Very much like my relationship to Alberto and Alessi,” explains Starck.

Phillipe Starck is a prolific designer, having created more than 10,000 designs, released or otherwise, in his extensive career. From lemon squeezers to mega-yachts, Starck has his hands in design that demands attention. From his site: “Subversive, ethical, ecological, political, humorous… this is how I see my duty as a designer.”

The Poêle Hanger nestles comfortably within the collection, with signature double hardware and bent wood forms that appear to reach out, as if to offer a pan handle or take a hat.

The Poêle Chair is shown above with optional armrests, a handle-like appendage extending supportively around the back of the seat, subverting our conventional ideas of material. Here, the wood is the strength and determinant of form. The steel, liquid in its give, drapes itself over the seat with the stretch and intensity of pulled fabric. The most luxurious definition of a fitted sheet, this polished homage to kitchenware could reside anywhere within the home, adding elegance to all interiors.

Founded in 1921, Alessi specializes in kitchenware, tableware, and small appliances. The high quality and attention to detail helped start the young company on a fast track towards growth. In 1955, collaborations with industrial designers in the industry gained the brand international fame, with over 300 collaborations to date. Alessi extends to 150 countries and over 3,500 stores.

Click through for more information on the Poêle Collection, Philippe Starck, and Alessi.

Photography by Alessandro Milani.