Kazerne is a 2,500-square-meter combined meeting, exhibition, and hospitality space housed in a former military police barracks (and adjoining warehouses) dating back to the early 19th century. When Design Milk last visited in 2015, the renovation was only a year in – now it is complete and diners can eat surrounded by powerful design installations. For Dutch Design Week 2023, a show called Evolving Harmony: Intertwining Hope and Design has been curated by Annemoon Geurts exploring a “radically different” way to “live, produce, and consume together.”

The space adjacent to the main dining area was given over to three large sculptural pieces, two of which were by Eindhoven-based designer Grietje Schepers, who graduated from Design Academy Eindhoven in 2008. Ellipt 007 (above) is made from natural Dutch wool felt – the light and shadows it casts were conceived to create “mesmerizing patterns” and “alter the sensory perception” of the space. The three-dimensional form was created using an intricate pattern cut into flat felt with no waste.

“The Crawling objects capture your attention with their insect-like composure,” said the wall text explaining Crawling (above). “The creatures seem to come towards you while they are obviously too heavy to walk.” In keeping with Schepers’ low-waste approach, they are largely made from thrifted materials and objects.

The third piece is by a more recent DAE graduate, artistic researcher, and designer Ori Orisun Merhav. Made by Insects is part of an ongoing research project into the natural polymer lac (more commonly known as Shellac and used as a coating) which is made from the secretions of female lac bugs. What started with a research project in Thailand to study the insects has evolved into a library of new techniques for working with this material in new and innovative ways and a body of work that demonstrates those techniques.

Fragments N21C and N21H (above and top) by Nanette de Kool are a collage of memories captured in photographs, video stills, and fragments of conversations, that are then screen-printed onto used and reconstructed textiles to evoke your own stories and memories. The Illinois Institute of Art graduate has a background in fashion design and styling.

Selyn was founded in 1991 when Sandra Wanduragala set out to create a sustainable income source for 15 women in Sri Lanka by reviving the dying art of handloom weaving in her home garage. Today it is a fair-trade certified company employing more than 1,000 female artisans across rural Sri Lanka.

As well as traditional crafts, Selyn uses cutting-edge technology to provide transparency into its supply chain. By simply scanning the button attached to the top of this bag, you can see who made it and when they were last paid, verified by the maker herself, as well as information about materials, dyeing methods, and environmental impact.

In September 2022, the company was commissioned by the ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Colombia to collaborate with interior architect Nicole van der Velden, to renovate his office and residence in line with his circular economy principles. Alongside reupholstered furniture, this quilt (above) was produced to tell the story of the project through its scanable buttons.

With support from Creative Industries Fund NL, Isaac Monté has 3D-printed three giant clams – representing different stages of a stone mason’s apprenticeship – from Stone Paper made from byproducts from the limestone industry, such as calcium. Due to its unique viscosity, this necessitated the development of novel extrusion techniques. Through his work, Monté pays homage to the ancient craft of stonemasonry while redefining it for the modern era.

Everyday Paradise (above) was co-curated by Lili Tedde and Lidewij Edelkoort to enable visitors to “search for beauty, soothe our soul, and heal our mind; to recompose our battered being” in a climate of “ongoing war, endless waste, accelerated climate change, and our loss of agency to AI.” Edelkoort is quoted as saying “The selection of these exotic masterpieces was done with the expert eye and experience of Lili Tedde, passionate about helping others discover her beloved Brazil through multiple publications and exhibitions,” however, I found the decision to credit everybody involved apart from the designers and makers of these pieces, plus the use of terms such as “exotic” and “outsider,” problematic and perhaps symptomatic of some of the problems the exhibition was designed to soothe if not solve.

House of Dreams explored the bedroom of the future with a “bedstead made of only responsible and locally harvested materials, a safe place to close your eyes, take a nap, refresh your mind, and dream a dream that stays your own.” The project was conceived by ConverseArchitects, made from reused Velux window frames, and filled with a specially made mattress, futon, topper, and pillows containing only materials from Dutch soil made by Futon Factorij. 

“Since we want to showcase a simple bedroom, it seemed appropriate to us to exclusively pick real and tangible materials and products,” say the architects. “By staying close to the origin of the products we want to show the simplicity of our basal installation. Our goal is to pick our materials from Dutch soil and work together with real craftsmen.”

Finally, the gourmet circular farm Vaderland hosted a pop-up restaurant for the duration of Dutch Design Week. Designer and farmer’s daughter Lianne van Genugten and chef Joep Brekelmans are building the farm using “an iterative design process, in collaboration with nature” they say. “This means perpetual movement, fine-tuning, balancing, and optimization, again and again. With respect and attention for what the earth asks and gives, they are developing a nature-inclusive farm.”

Photography by Katie Treggiden.

Katie Treggiden is a purpose-driven journalist, author and, podcaster championing a circular approach to design – because Planet Earth needs better stories. She is also the founder and director of Making Design Circular, a program and membership community for designer-makers who want to join the circular economy. With 20 years’ experience in the creative industries, she regularly contributes to publications such as The Guardian, Crafts Magazine and Monocle24 – as well as being Editor at Large for Design Milk. She is currently exploring the question ‘can craft save the world?’ through an emerging body of work that includes her fifth book, Wasted: When Trash Becomes Treasure (Ludion, 2020), and a podcast, Circular with Katie Treggiden.

In the world of vinyl collecting, the cover art and the joy of discovering the perfect record to play are integral to the experience. But what if you could take your vinyl appreciation to a whole new level? Enter the new Toneoptic rpm, an updated version of an innovative vinyl storage shelf we first covered last year. The Toneoptic rpm isn’t just your ordinary vinyl storage solution – it cleverly marries design and functionality, thereby elevating your music listening experience.

Graphic designer turned brand strategist, Fabian Geyrhalter, dreamt up the idea over the years as a way to house his ever-growing collection of vinyl, which is up to 2,000 records. Born in Los Angeles and crafted in partnership with a designer and engineer who worked with Frank Gehry Partners and Boeing Aircraft, this design is quite unlike any seen before. What sets it apart is the patent-pending, 90-degree rotation mechanism that will change the way you look at vinyl forever.

The updated Toneoptic RPM comes with a range of new features designed to bring your vinyl collection storage to new heights. Made of 143 parts, this deign is built with modularity in mind. You can now install it on walls using wall brackets or place it on flat surfaces, making it a versatile addition to any music listening environment.

Whether mounted to the wall or resting on a table, each unit stores 60-75 records. There are two dividers that allow for easy categorizing, or organizing 7″, 10″, and 12″ records. When stored, the pull-out shelf remains close to the wall with the spines of the records facing out. When you want to flip through the vinyl, much like the setup of any record store, simply pull the powder-coated aluminum shelf forward while the tray with the albums spins. Now, you can flip through them with all of the covers in full view.

The Toneoptic rpm is available in matte black or glossy white finishes and measures 17.04″ deep 18.61″ wide x 15.7″ high. The compact size makes it easy to group multiple units together if more than one are required to hold your entire collection.

The Toneoptic rpm is currently available in a matte black or glossy white finish for $375, or $325 if you prefer the unmounted version, at toneoptic.com. There’s also a discounted rate if you buy in a three pack, with shipping estimated sometime between January and February 2024.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

There’s always room for more irreverent whimsy in the world! Jumbo, a New York City design practice founded by friends Justin Donnelly and Monling Lee, seemingly agree. The brand produces objects and environments guided by an interest in reductivism. As a result of the duo’s less is more approach, Jumbo’s projects are simultaneously technical in execution and joyful in design. In 2023, they released two seating designs that stand out for their creativity and questioning of the norm: the Snow Fence Chair and the Foldont Chair.

Shown at ‘Local Objects’ at International Objects in April 2023, the Snow Fence Chair came into existence during the pandemic. At the time, inexpensive materials such as snow fence were put to use cordoning off areas – from outdoor seating to streets that were suddenly pedestrian-only. The Snow Fence Chair continues to explore the boundaries that surround the use of the material by reimagining the flexible polypropylene as a fixed loveseat.

Snow Fence Chair

Snow Fence Chair

Snow Fence Chair

Foldont Chair

At first glance, you’ll likely guess that the Foldont Chair is an exaggerated folding chair – but that’s not the case. First shown at the Sight Unseen Collection in May 2023, it was created as a response to AI. Playfully utilitarian in form, it follows the expected shape, replacing metal and thin wood in favor of thick wood and birdseye veneer to create a static place to sit.

Foldont Chair

Foldont Chair

To learn more about the Snow Fence Chair or the Foldont Chair, visit jumbo.nyc.

Snow Fence Chair photography by Sean Davidson.

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.

You don’t have to break the bank or your blow up your credit score to give modern, delightful gifts! The little, thoughtful things are always some of our favorites – whether they’re found peeking out the top of our stocking or wrapped up with a bow. Here we’re sharing 10 modern gifts that slip in under the $25 mark and will definitely be standouts!

Perhaps the sweetest wine stopper to ever exist, this cute little cherry is an iconic novelty they’ll get lots of use out of for years to come. Measuring 5″ x 2″, its presence will be known no matter if the wine bottle is on the table or tucked away on a shelf. It includes a rubber ring to prevent pesky leaks that like to happen at the most inopportune times.

We know there’s someone out there daydreaming about pot holders shaped like pasta, and we bet they’re on your gift list. This set of two are shaped like butterfly pasta, or farfalloni, and add a lot of fun to pulling dinner out of the oven. Their unique shape adds extra heat-resistance by placing a double layer of silicone between hot dishes and pans and your skin. Food grade, BPA-free, and even dishwasher-safe, these pot holders will charm anyone who spends time in the kitchen.

Kitschy and forever linked to New York City, invite someone to create their own street adventure with this LEGO Yellow Taxi! The vehicle features an ad on the roof, side-view mirrors, license plates, and turning rubber wheels. Made using a total of 124 pieces, this is a great gift to have on hand for car lovers, kiddos, and unexpected guests!

Hair clips are trending in a big way, and we absolutely love those that have a big personality – like this mini mushroom hair claw. Made from cellulose acetate, a plant-based alternative to plastic, it’s handmade and hand-painted, making each one-of-a-kind. The clip’s size – 2″ x 1.5″ – is perfect for a half up, half down style or any other creative look they can come up with.

Birch Bark is a simple, elegant 3-pack of notebooks from the ever-popular Field Notes brand. Like the birch tree itself, each is protected, in this case with speckled 110# Mohawk Loop “Snow” cover stock that has just a hint of warm grey. The seasonal changes the leaves go through as the year passes are reflected in green, yellow, and black staples and in the graph colors of the 60# Finch Opaque paper.

These cocktail picks will make their signature drink look even tastier. The set of four gold picks each feature a different piece of fruit colored with an enamel finish adorning one end. The picks measure 4″ long, the ideal size for garnishing everything from a dirty martini to a Shirley Temple. Just try to avoid being tempted to keep them for yourself!

This 3-pack of handcrafted one-hitters – intended for use with dry herbs/flowers where legal – feature a sleek, tapered design that’s minimal with a good hand feel. The lucky recipient can hide them away to use one at a time, or share with friends. There’s a variety of colors to choose from, we’re just partial to the pink.

This is nothing like your standard car air freshener. For the sophisticate on your gift list, Drift’s wood fresheners combine functional design with their designer grade scents. The modern take on the green, tree-shaped cardboard is a definite upgrade, made with sustainable wood and magnetized to fit on a car’s window visor with a metal clip. Soaked in essential oil blends, each one provides good smells and good looks, free of harmful chemicals.

We love gifting ornaments, especially ones that can be hung elsewhere (a plant, a doorknob, etc.) during the rest of the year. This chicken ornament arrives flat-packed and includes two sheets of vegetable ink printed, recycled cardboard. You – or they! – only need to pop out and assemble the little 3D craftwork. And if chickens aren’t their thing, there are other options to choose from.

Most of us rely on our smartphones for snapping more photos than we ever did on 35mm film. This vintage looking converter slides on to mimic a camera shutter, making their phone feel more like a point-and-shoot camera and providing a more comfortable, balanced experience. There’s even a shutter button, activated by the phone’s Bluetooth, and the ability to mount the grip to a traditional screw-in tripod. Watch out Annie Leibovitz!

Follow along so you don’t miss any of our 2023 Gift Guides this year!

This post contains affiliate links, so if you make a purchase from an affiliate link, we earn a commission. Thanks for supporting Design Milk!

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.

Maybe you’ve already seen a video or listened to a podcast explaining how ancient civilizations across the arid lands of the Middle East have long used terracotta structures with water to create efficient evaporative cooling solutions, systems that neither require electricity nor create an iota of emissions. Large installations such as Ant Studio’s large natural air cooler have been built to showcase how the porous material paired with water can cool surrounding air by the process of evaporation, especially of interest across our dangerously warming planet.

But what about applying the same idea on a smaller scale, one suitable for a house or just a room? Simon Pavy and design agency Entreautre have set out to use that same principle in the form of a small vessel, using a customized 3D printer to create the Biomimcry 3D-Printed Terracotta Cooler.

Within a ceramic vessel no larger than a typical houseplant planter lies the secret of the Biomimcry’s cooling qualities: an intricate nest of looping volumes inspired by coral. The vessel is manufactured layer by layer using a special 3D printer customized by Dutch artist, Olivier Van Herpt. Instead of typical plastic filament fueling output, Van Herpt’s printer extrudes terracotta in filaments with the precision of a skilled pastry chef using a fine-tipped icing bag.

The 3D printer has unlocked biomimetic geometries impossible to achieve by traditional manual techniques.

The coral-inspired form increases surface area where water can evaporate, and in turn, cool ambient air. The process is aided with a modern technological accomplice: a fan. Alongside the aid of an electric fan positioned at the bottom of the vessel, the evaporative effect is magnified by the layered coils’ finely ridged texture, a physical characteristic created during the 3D-printing process itself. In this way the technical constraint of 3D printing has become both an aesthetic signature of the object and an efficacy enhancer.

“I designed this structure using the software Grasshopper,” says designer Simon Pavy, “Which is a visual 3D programming language connected to Rhino 3D. It enables the creation of intricate and parametric components that would be challenging to achieve with conventional CAD programs.”

The Biomimcry 3D-Printed Terracotta Cooler still has some ways to go to make the jump from concept to a readily available product. But creator Pavy says the project is planned to launch in an industrial version as early as 2024 upon graduating from its current testing phase.

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.

Debuting for the first time outside of the United Arab Emirates is the Tirhal Collection, conceptualized by Lithuanian-born textile designer Loreta Bilinskaite-Monie for Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts. Tirhal’s (meaning ‘journey’) launch marks a contemporary revival of, and tribute to, traditional Emirati design, carrying us through from ancient tribal roots to modern day society.

The heart of the collection is made from the skills and talents of 16 Bedouin women who are among more than 300 who have taken part in the Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts program. They’ve handmade each piece of the Tirhal Collection with sustainable materials, including locally-sourced sheep’s wool and natural dyes. Tirhal celebrates the deep-rooted cultural practice of Al Sadu weaving, an age-old tradition in which women transform wool from their own sheep into furnishings such as tent dividers, cushions, and pillows.

Photo: Mark Cocksedge

Bilinskaite-Monie’s vision captures the significance of cloth folding in the tribes across the Arabian Peninsula, who would fold up their tents, load them onto camel trains, and travel from location to location. Each piece features a modern, pixelated interpretation of a traditional weaving pattern, symbolizing the nomadic lifestyle of Bedouin communities.

“This design is a homage to the traditional life of Bedouin women – its authenticity and sustainability,” she said. “My aim was to showcase these weavings as their identity, their personal narrative, and to connect this rich social heritage with the sustainable, practical, and modern vision of the UAE.”

The color palette of the Tirhal Collection represents traditional natural tones often found throughout tribal life in the Arabian Peninsula. The deep blue is produced from the powder of indigo plants, pale green is created from the ghaf tree, burnt orange comes from natural henna powder mixed with hibiscus, while the two-tone black and white reflects the traditional Al Mudayla’iya Emirati weaving pattern.

It took a cross-cultural collaboration to bring this collection of five benches to life, international designs and local artisans worked hand-in-hand to elevate traditional textiles. Through it all, Al Ghadeer aims to create economic opportunities and skills education for women artisans, enabling them to transform their communities and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Photo: Mark Cocksedge

Photo: Mark Cocksedge

Photo: Mark Cocksedge

Photo: Mark Cocksedge

Photo: Mark Cocksedge

To learn more about the Tirhal Collection, visit alghadeeruaecrafts.ae.

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.

With his affinity for brutalist industrial design paired with a set of highly tuned ears and eyes geared towards vintage hi-fi components, Devon Turnbull and his company, OJAS have become regular collaborators amongst a who’s who of creatives spanning from the late Virgil Abloh to Byredo’s founder and creative director Ben Gorham. His latest project is as modular as it is musical, a semi-permanent installation within the USM Modular Furniture’s Soho, New York flagship store imagined as a temple of sound for audiophiles and the curious alike.

Set with USM Modular Furniture towering shelving system stocked with records, books, and audio components, the modular furniture’s utilitarian aesthetic makes for a fine pairing fronted by OJAS’ similarly audio-aesthete’s functionality. Created to invite listeners the opportunity to “experience a calming environment to contemplate music, liberated from the disruption of outside noise,”⁠ Turnball’s and USM collaborated to establish a listening room sharing the sensory focusing traits of a temple or shrine.

OJAS Listening Room at USM Modular Furniture  – Devon Turnbull’s first semi-permanent listening room – integrates Kvadrat Acoustics Soft Cells acoustic panels on walls and ceilings with a bespoke audio system created by OJAS. Photo: Lauren Coleman

The OJAS speakers with USM Haller case goods are complemented with seating, and other furniture designs. Photo:Lauren Coleman.

OJAS Listening Room at USM Modular Furniture shares similarities to Turnbull’s recent HiFi Listening Room Dream No. 1  (below) installed within London’s Lisson Gallery. But while that listening room dedicated to “a democratic, public listening space, where people could experience music through a high-quality stereo system without needing to own it” exhibited an almost desaturated minimalist atmosphere dominated by the monolithic stature of OJAS’ signature gray speakers, Turnbull’s latest Listening Room turns of the dial a bit in its retreat-like comforts with a few splashes of color across its sparse seating.

Photo: Lisson Gallery London Limited

The OJAS Listening Room at USM Modular Furniture installation is open to the public and by appointments at USM Modular Furniture Soho, 28-30 Greene St, New York, NY 10013.

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.

Save the dates and invitations for holiday parties are likely already rolling in through text and your inbox, and you know not to show up empty-handed. But gifting another bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers has probably been covered by other guests. Your host/hostess gift should be something thoughtful that speaks to the individual’s personality and style as an earnest “thank you” for the get together and ensuing good time had by all. Hopefully we can help – we’ve pulled together 10 great modern gifts for all of the hosts and hostesses you’re bound to encounter between now and the end of the year.

Even if you’re not bringing flowers, that doesn’t mean you can’t gift something for them to go in. Cloudnola’s Flip Vase has a clever design that’s 2-in-1. Leave both parts of the cylinder as is for the first option, and for the other turn the top piece upside-down and insert into the bottom for a totally new look. Anyone who hosts guests frequently will appreciate the versatility it brings to the table – maybe even as a centerpiece. There’s a nice range of sizes available, so take your pick and add a statement to their home that will remind them of art.

For the astrology-loving entertainer with a sweet tooth, we suggest the irresistible Compartes’ Zodiac Chocolate Gift Box. The box itself is beautiful, but remove the lid to reveal 12 chocolates, each representing one of the zodiac signs. Small but decadent, every morsel will crash into their tastebuds – whether they’re an adventurous Aries or play-it-safe Capricorn – for an unforgettable experience.  (Make sure they tuck it away to enjoy post-party!)

Abel recently released a trio of home fragrances, and scene 01 caught our attention for its notes of green tea, yuzu, grapefruit, violet leaf, and vetiver. This energizing scent is inspired by the minimalist homes of Tokyo and will be a perfect match for the new year – fresh, clean, and green. All three home fragrances are 100% natural, ethically-sourced, vegan, recyclable, and use low-carbon shipping.

Hand-turned in Pennsylvania maple, these candle holders are individually made in a small wood shop in the Keystone State. Whether used individually or in a group, the light wood adds a decidedly Scandinavian feel to a dining table, mantle, or buffet. Choose from five shapes and sizes: Albert, Bella, Trumpet, and Franc (available in both in small and large). Each candleholder includes a brass insert to hold tapers safely and securely in place.

This was the last product Zaha Hadid created for Alessi before her passing in 2016, the design perfectly aligning with her renown style. The two-piece set – stainless steel cheese grater and melamine tray – is shaped to resemble pebbles that have been smoothed by water and sand over time. An asymmetrical pattern of holes allows the cheese to be grated through, making for a fabulous show at any meal!

Handmade in India by skilled artisans, this set of 16″ x 16″ hand-printed abstract napkins are bound to bring more joy to mealtime. Made using 100% organic cotton slub and printed with Oeko-Tex approved inks, the Delighted set includes one each of Cold Picnic’s Limelight, Light as a Feather, Light Bright, and Night Light prints – sense a theme? Their bright colors and subtle luminescence will add a touch of light to any upcoming get together as the days grow shorter.

I have yet to meet a host or hostess who’s not looking to add to their barware collection. This small but mighty box holds an essential kit for perfecting their wine experience: an opener to uncork, stopper to preserve, pourer to avoid spills, and collar to keep drips at bay (all pieces are stainless steel and dishwasher safe). The graphic box resembles a book that can easily be tucked away when not in use, while corralling its tools at the same time.

The gift that keeps on giving – for four months! Popcorn aficionados and movie lovers will look forward to receiving a themed box filled with three popcorn flavors each time, most of which aren’t available anywhere else, plus a few popcorn-themed goodies. Wrap up a big bowl, napkins, and movie theater candy to hand over as the gift, then write a short note letting them know what’s on the way in the mail for instant delight.

Sitting down to eat family style just got better – check out Serving Friends. Available in three charmingly carved shapes – Hands, Flowers, and Wavy – these serving sets can’t help but bring joy and smiles to the table. Whether serving pasta, salad, or something equally delicious, their beech wood, oil finished presence will add smiles to any and every meal. (I’m partial to Hands!)

Last released in 2017, this spicy, aromatic candle is part of P.F. Candle Co.’s limited-edition Winter Classics Collection. Scents of amber wood, crushed spices, and winter berries will waft through their space while decorating for the holidays, lounging during downtime, or getting ready for yet another party. The collection features green glass vessels that stand apart from the brand’s standard brown glass jars for a luxe seasonal touch.

Follow along so you don’t miss any of our 2023 Gift Guides this year!

This post contains affiliate links, so if you make a purchase from an affiliate link, we earn a commission. Thanks for supporting Design Milk!

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.

Inspired by the casual lounge vibe and artistic flair of the 1970s, EQ3’s new Bird Collection has been thoughtfully designed with versatility in mind. Completely modular, Bird uses a simple hidden clip system to assemble and dismantle as needed. It’s also been engineered for multi-dimensional comfort, driven head on by its innovative foam construction. Crafted with relaxed edges and indulgent seat depths, Bird embodies a timeless aesthetic that will effortlessly complement other furniture and transition throughout the years as your space evolves.

With the launch of Bird, EQ3’s Research and Development Manager Edgar Oquendo said: “Creating the perfect balance of foam density for ultimate comfort is a design challenge of its own. We went even further, ensuring the foam’s lasting quality. Our testing involved compressing the chair to 15″-18″ thickness and leaving it that way for two weeks, yet it promptly regained its original form. The essence of Bird’s stress-free sensation stems from its innovative foam construction, harmonizing seamlessly with its unique design.”

To learn more about EQ3’s Bird Sofa Collection, visit eq3.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.

“I started hollis+morris in a quiet two-car garage, with just myself tinkering away. Since then, we’ve grown to a team of 25 in a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing and showroom facility,” said founder, Mischa Couvrette, who has always had a knack for building things. But before the brand, he grew his appreciation for design while spending time with a group of budding architects, as he worked towards his bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences at Dalhousie University.

Whole-heartedly grabbing hold of this passion, Mischa began crafting furniture on the East Coast before making his way to Toronto. (The interim time period involved a yearlong sailing trip to Guatemala on a boat he overhauled with a friend!) His design style stays true to honest materials, a reflection of the hollis+morris brand and Mischa’s own ambitions.

hollis+morris was founded in Canada – where its designs are inspired, materials are sourced, and pieces are manufactured. Solid wood furniture and lighting with distinct designs and a dedication to function integrate the strengths of each material, resulting in thoughtfully designed pieces. Versatile and made to last, the brand’s furnishings work well in residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces.

We’re happy to have Mischa Couvrette joining us today for Friday Five!

Photo: Mischa Couvrette

1. My Motorcycle

I bought a vintage 1986 BMW R80 one month before the pandemic. The donor bike was in a sad state, and rebuilding it became my Covid labor of love. It was a beautiful pastime through those challenging months of not being able to live life normally. As an extrovert who loves interacting with others, the pandemic was a serious adjustment, but designing and working on the motorcycle was a wonderful way to pass the time. I still see myself as a free-wheeling human, wandering around the globe. My business, family, and general adult responsibilities have grounded me more than I would like to admit to myself sometimes, but this bike signifies freedom and the flexibility of the open road, even if I don’t get to use it as much as I’d like. It remains a small reminder that my youthful endeavors are still present.

Photo courtesy Dalhousie University

2. The Atlantic Ocean

As far back as I can remember, I’ve been captivated by the ocean. As a kid, I was obsessed with everything water – surfing, sailing, swimming, you name it. Anytime there was a big storm, I would drive a friend’s car out to Cranberry Cove, put on Radiohead, and watch 40 ft. waves crash into weathered rocks. I went to university in Nova Scotia because of a photo I saw while applying to universities – I could see the ocean in the backdrop of the school, and I knew this was the place.

My obsession ultimately led to me buying a sailing boat, the Arteche, with friends and sailing from Nova Scotia to Guatemala. We set sail in late October and experienced the full spectrum of the North Atlantic – from gales to calm seas. It was the most exciting and terrifying experience of my life. My first ever night sail was crossing the Gulf of Maine in late October. The crossing took five nights, and I’d never been so happy to touch ground in Cape Cod. While terrifying at sea, I remain in awe and humbled by the power and beauty of these storms.

Photo: Mischa Couvrette

3. A Quiet, After-Hours Shop

The [hollis+morris] shop is typically a frenzy of excitement, which I love! But one of my favorite things is staying late, or coming in early or on a weekend, and having the space to myself. With so much going on during the day, it’s difficult to find the calm and clarity I look for while designing. I am still the sole designer, by choice. It is the reason I started the business, and a title I hold onto dearly while I navigate its growth. Coming in after everyone has gone and seeing the results of a day’s work is a very rewarding and grounding experience, and also the best time to tinker with prototypes, reflect on why I started hollis+morris, and get back to basics. An empty shop is the best place for me to come up with new ideas that can be worked through on my morning run.

Photo: David Riaño Cortés

4. The Amazon

During university at Dalhousie, I studied Marine Biology and Environmental Science – which I know is not the typical route to starting a design and manufacturing company. Between my second and third years, I had grown tired of writing sad papers about the deforestation of the Amazon jungle and decided to take the year off and experience it for myself. I spent 100 days in the Ecuadorian Amazon, compiling biodiversity lists and working on conservation efforts. It was a scary place, the most remote place I’d ever been, it was hours flying to the nearest town. The jungle is a different kind of place – my experience was exhilarating, but not for the faint of heart. That journey heavily impacted my decision to source local and renewable, and to stay away from exotic woods for hollis+morris. I cherish my experiences there and hope to return some day.

Photo: Mischa Couvrette

5. My Kids

My babies! I have a two and a five year old. My daughter is a force and reminds me so much of myself. Nothing can stand in her way. My son is a gentle soul with a wonderful sense of humor. I’m currently teaching my daughter how to ride a bike, while my son scoots along beside. Parenting is fun, challenging, emotional, calming, and downright difficult. But my kids are my biggest adventure to date. It’s crazy how much the cliché is true – they grow up so quickly, and I am constantly surprised at how fast things change. Without getting too emotional (and I can be), these little babies are my whole world now, and I love every minute of it, especially the really hard stuff.

Work by Mischa Couvrette + hollis+morris:

CONSpendants

Ellipse Chandelier + Chandelier 7 Floor Light

CONSsconces

CONSsconces Horizon Mirror

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.