Den Fair 2017 – the Arent&Pyke team’s favourites
For the third year of Den Fair, (the leading Australian exhibition for contemporary furniture, art & lighting design), the Arent&Pyke studio visited in force…
Four of the team travelled to Melbourne (Sarah-Jane, Dominique, Genevieve and Shannon) last week to immerse themselves in the new and view from the Australian design scene, and were so impressed by the calibre, the diversity and some seriously good surprises too (hello Moda Piera – wow!). Always hard choosing favourites, but we’ve made the team select two each – no mean feat as some favourites were universal. Until next year, congratulations Den Fair! And well done to Australian design, always evolving and always inspiring…
Sarah-Jane Pyke, Director, Arent&Pyke
Archier confirm their status as masters of materiality with their new The Basin range, created with ceramic artist Lindsey Wherrett. Originally commissioned for one their own projects, Archier have been kind enough to share the range with all of us. No two basins are the same, and the organic palette is so warm and earthy.
I’m slightly obsessed with ceramics, so it’s no surprise that my other pick of the fair is the new range from Porcelain Bear. The incredible forms and super-glossy glaze took my breath away.
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Shannon Dogon, Senior Interior Designer, Arent&Pyke
This collection relies on two key design features which have both been executed perfectly – colour choice and silhouette/shape. The latest Soft chairs by Daniel Emma uses the strength of colour to compliment the strength of shape and vice versa. The worst thing about this chair is deciding which colour is the best because they are all so good. Was an extremely uplifting experience perching on this little soft number. In four words – cute as a button!
A little gem tucked on the outskirts of the fair was Moda Piera and their gorgeous collection which is executed immaculately. I am a huge fan of sifting and sorting through vintage items for purchase, and part of this fascination is feeling an immediate connection with an item that has been previously loved by someone else. Moda Piera has clearly put so much love and adoration into their new furniture items and it clearly shows. The shape and material selection of the Arancini light, as well as the 3 mode light option makes it extremely versatile and malleable to fit into many interior spaces.
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Genevieve Hromas, Senior Interior Designer, Arent&Pyke
Golden child Henry Wilson strikes again but this time in blackened bronze! This equally tactile finish is moody and dense, a masculine take on his robust wares. Also launched at Denfair was his new configuration website ajoints.com a specifiers dream you can build your ultimate A-joint piece of furniture, get shop drawings straight up, and pricing to boot. We can’t get enough! Keep up the good work Studio Henry Wilson.
Volker Haug stand with it’s plastic fabricated exterior and plush deep blue curtaining had a Twin Peaks twist that was enticing. Always playful, the composition of shapes in his fittings are carefully considered ensuring a great feature piece.
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Dominique Brammah, Senior Interior Designer, Arent&Pyke
Fred presented Fogia, and it was the place we rested our weary fair feet. With its framed panels of bleached rattan and ambient lighting by Rubn, the intricate and homely stand was artfully realised with design by Angela Harry and art direction by Simone Haag. My pick was the bountifully beautiful Retreat Sofa by Monica Förster in taupe mohair velvet and the pair of Bollo chairs upholstered in an ivory Rubelli bouclé. Magic.
Credits: Images courtesy of Dan Hocking
Always on the endless hunt, Hepburn Hardware have been added to my speed dial for their well-proportioned solid brass knobs and handles. My special Den Fair tip is to request customised un-laquered brass which will patina beautifully. The Bronte is available without the square rose for a more contemporary aesthetic which I really loved.
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And just because we couldn’t resist, another favourite from Den Fair …
Armadillo & Co add the Agra Knot to their Heirloom collection. Hung as large scale artworks, visitors to the stand could contemplate intimately the perfect imperfections of the hand dyed and spun wool rugs. With the restraint of a single colour, the soft striations of the cut pile are a beautiful exploration in light, depth and tone. The perfectly balanced neutrals are elegant but it was (not surprisingly) the soft pink, bold gold, kingfisher and midnight that caught our eye.
