The hand-turned, hand-painted Ikiperu collection fuses Etruscan vase-making with contemporary design in homage to the artistic tradition of Umbria. The first work by Norwegian designer Kristine Five Melvær for Poltrona Frau, the ceramics collection unites history, traditional craftsmanship, and modern aesthetics that reference Picenian culture through color and shape. The pieces – a vase, cup, and pyx – are produced by renown Umbria-based manufacturer Rometti Ceramiche, the epitome of local art tradition and Etruscan vase-making.

“Ikiperu” was the name of the goddess Cupra, who was worshiped by the ancient Piceni and Etruscans. The name means “she who protects the land,” and recalls rituals of protection and prosperity of agricultural and manual activities. Poltrona Frau honors the artistic and cultural heritage of the area in the name as well as in the choice of the main material – ceramic – which is locally-sourced, and in the rounded shapes of the objects. These archetypal forms and color choices are imbued with the design language, the ceramics itself synonymous with timelessness and versatility.

Three pieces make up the Ikiperu collection: the Ikiperu Vase, Ikiperu Cup, and Ikiperu Pyx. The vase features a rounded shape with five horizontal bands that are both glazed and unglazed for a tactile finish. The cup works to hold small objects or simply as a decorative element. The design again incorporates horizontal bands, in this case the upper rim uses unglazed ceramic, while the central band and base are glazed. Pyx is a small, round box with a lid and leather cord for easy opening – and a nice nod to Poltrona Frau’s style. The shades used throughout the Ikiperu collection are inspired by the color palette of Pelle Frau® leather: cool Blue Sky and warm Earth Brown tones.

Cup

Cup

Pyx

Pyx

Vase

Vase

Vase

To learn more about the Ikiperu Collection, visit poltronafrau.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

Designed by Benjamin Hubert’s studio LAYER, the XGIMI Mira short throw projector reflects a brand evolving from a tech-focused venture to one with a growing understanding about the importance of form not solely serving function. A handsome follow up to the HORIZON Ultra  – a more traditional projector requiring a fair distance from unit to screen – the fabric wrapped Mira houses within it not only the means to conjure a 100-inch picture upon a wall or screen from mere inches away, but also integrates a Harmon Kardon 2.1 audio system and smart TV capabilities for a simplified, yet comprehensive home theater experience.

Compared to XGIMI’s current ultra short throw model, the Mira also shares some spiritual similarities with Hubert’s work for Bang & Olufsen. Where the B&O Balance was dressed in wool textile emphasizing the speaker’s drum-spun verticality, the Mira’s fabric-draped form is intended to neutralize the “black box” presence of technology housed within it, softening the silhouette into a shape closer hewn to a piece of home decor.

“At LAYER, we have developed a new approach to home technology, using tactile materials, a soft palette, and gentle forms that make it more welcoming and less obtrusive in the interior,” says LAYER Design Founder, Benjamin Hubert.

The two 8W Harman Kardon speakers are supported by a 15W subwoofer, and support both Dolby Audio and DTS:HD output.

Announced in China, the laser projection TV is listed as capable of creating a 100-inch picture from about 9.4-inches distance, with a maximum brightness of a fairly modest 900 lumens. XGIMI is also including an art frame/projection screen coated to improve the reflection of projected light for a brighter picture with improved contrast. Taking cues from Samsung’s The Frame, the screen is also designed to operate as a museum gallery sized artwork display furthering its utility as a decorative display as much as a home theater solution.

Launched at the 2023 edition of the IFA Berlin trade fair in Germany in September, XGIMI has yet to release pricing for the United States market. But if the exchange rate informs a ballpark figure, the 6,999 Chinese Yuan priced projector should come in at or near $1,000.

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Gregory Han is a Senior Editor at Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.

One&Only Mandarina is an ultra-luxury beachfront resort sanctuary located in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit coastline, designed by Studio Rick Joy. Rare is the combination of an exceptionally well-designed property matched by breathtaking surrounding vistas in equal measure. Much of this integration was by design, with the resort working alongside botany experts in preserving the natural habitat.

The entrance features an ancient Higuera tree and an open-air space centered around a reflective black pool. Furnishings include woven settees and rocking chairs made of local woods, enhancing the connection with nature. Guests are welcomed by the sound of a custom-made bronze gong, crafted by the Mexico-based Grez family, renowned for their work in cathedrals across Mexico.

The property encompasses 33 hectares situated along untouched coastal cliffs among a lush rainforest. The all-villa resort boasts 105 luxurious, standalone Treehouses and Villas facing the ocean, all strategically perched on the cliffside amidst the trees. These units emphasize indoor-outdoor living, featuring private pools, terraces, and expansive bathrooms. The materials used – such as clay, wood, and stone – are indigenous to the region, reflecting the local Cora and Huichol cultures.

The Treehouses exhibit a consistent use of Cumaru wood, while the Cliff Villas have concrete floors and high ceilings. Each villa’s bathroom offers unique experiences, such as outdoor showers or soaking tubs, integrating the surrounding jungle or ocean views. Other notable features include outdoor fire pits and side tables by Peca, adding to the resort’s emphasis on natural materials and textures.

Photography by Rupert Peace/One&Only Mandarina.

Leo Lei translates his passion for minimalism into his daily-updated blog Leibal. In addition, you can find uniquely designed minimalist objects and furniture at the Leibal Store.