Design impresario Benjamin Hubert’s design agency LAYER’s portfolio is immeasurably diverse, spanning the gamut from futuristic meditative wearbles, 3D-printed mobility solutions for the disabled, right down to the ground with contemporary wares for felines. The agency’s latest efforts impart hydrogen fuel start-up Croft with an engaging brand identity expressed by swaths of cool color, modern typography, and robust industrial design all emblematic of a hydrogen-fueled future for everyone.

Founded in 2022 by Roderick Blevins and Isaac Holeman, who met while undertaking Ph.D. studies at the University of Cambridge, Croft’s efforts revolve around a hydrogen-based system, a clean fuel only emitting the harmless byproduct, H₂O. The swappable battery solution is robustly successful abroad with urban electric scooter riders, and also available in a hydrogen capacity for light urban mobility vehicles. Croft’s solution aims to bring that same sort of swappable eco-friendly efficiency to much larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs.

Each element such as the solid-state, low-pressure storage Nanocartridges displays a build intended to communicate durability, as Croft’s mission is to compel users to “service rather than replace.”

The Croft Nanoplant system comprises Nanocartridges, a fuel source engineered to power retrofitted vehicles using hydrogen rather than petroleum or electricity. The Nanoplant includes not just the reusable modular hydrogen Nanocartridges (with a semblance of enormous AA batteries encased in a protective open-sided enclosure), but also a nodular Nanoplant recharging station paired with a hose module for on-board charging.

Each “Nanocartridge” has a capacity to hold 0.66kg H2 and weighs 14-16kg. The sturdy form and stable footprint makes for easy stacking and handling, and each cartridge boasts four side handles that allow for multiple grip points.

While EVs will surely dominate the future of personal transportation in the coming years, hydrogen-fueled technologies propose an alternative for a cleaner and efficient source, delivering impressive range with every “fill up.” For example, the 2023 Toyota Mirai in its XLE trim is rated for 402 miles of range. Rather than requiring drivers to purchase a new hydrogen powered car, Croft’s fuel source system can be retrofitted onto existing vehicles already on the road.

“Electric vehicles are increasingly commonplace, but have downfalls – particularly when it comes to traveling long distances on a single charge,” says Benjamin Hubert, LAYER found. “The Croft system offers a solution to these challenges with a consumer-ready product that enables users to embark on epic journeys with a clear conscience.”

A circular indicator on the top surface displays remaining hydrogen capacity, with a dial graphic that allows users to take important information in at a glance.

The colors, materials, and finishes are all designed by LAYER to appeal to “toolmakers for the future of fuel.”

LAYER’s efforts display a holistic approach, including a branding identity and system revolving around an abstracted ‘H’ that is an emblematic symbol for the future of hydrogen, filtering down even to Croft’s stationery and packaging.

Croft is yet to officially launch and is currently in their prototyping phase. But those interested to follow the brand’s journey from ideation to hopefully another option toward a cleaner future can sign-up at croft.eco for updates.

Gregory Han is Tech Editor of 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.

Following Mangas Original, designed over 10 years ago by Patricia Urquiola for GAN, and Mangas Space comes Mangas Outdoor. The Original collection pushed indoor rug design toward new textures and organic shapes that had yet to be seen. Success was found, leading to the creation of Mangas Space, a modular, abstract concept with the same warmth as the original. Now, the collection heads outdoors.

Both Mangas Original and Mangas Space include contemporary, minimal poufs and other pieces for creating a fully furnished space. At the time, it was a truly groundbreaking concept. Mangas Outdoor has just been introduced at Salone del Mobile 2023, with a focus on craftsmanship, the circular economy, and comfort. Drawing inspiration from hand-knitted wool jumpers, the collection uses new materials that allow the rugs, poufs, and other adaptable pieces to be carried outdoors.

“Outdoor designs such as Mangas Outdoor are an extension of our living spaces, whether it’s for work, relaxation, or entertainment, and can help to offer a whole and cohesive experience that enhances our quality of life,” explains Urquiola. “We wanted to create spaces that seamlessly blend together with nature, and where functionality meets aesthetics. The challenge was to achieve this through using materials adapted to the outdoors. GAN did an extraordinary job and managed to create a piece with the same volume and comfort as the indoor version.”

While the first two Mangas collections relied on pure wool for warmth, Mangas Outdoor retained the same touch using an outdoor version of a kilim. Braided fibers of 100% recycled PET were recovered and processed in India, where the entire collection is handmade, showcasing the potential of the handloom method.

“We used warm and earthy colors such as terracotta, stone gray, white, and other hues that echo the natural landscape. We also incorporated pops of color like periwinkle to add visual interest,” Urquiola said. Crafted without backing or glues, Mangas Outdoor rugs have an excellent feel, much like traditional wool rugs.”

The collection features several rugs, three dual colored in a blue, brown, and beige color palette paired with mottled grey. Two others showcase stripes in a mix of the aforementioned colors in various thicknesses and weaves. Mangas Outdoor also includes five poufs and three modular pieces that can work on their own or be mixed and matched for more personalization. Create a lounger, sectional, or a daybed, all with generous backrests that are easy to maintain, withstand humidity and UV rays, and feature removable covers.

To learn more about Mangas Outdoor, visit gan-rugs.com.

Kelly Beall is senior editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When undistracted by great art and design, she can be found making a mess in the kitchen, consuming as much information as possible, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social.

While still in the concept phase, this 484-square-foot tiny home design by Bologna-based firm STUDIOFEM is too good not to share. Architects Francesca Morsiani and Mujgan Merve Rinaldi designed The Mini with a proposed location in the village of Cavusin, Nevsehir, Turkey surrounded by mountains. The rectangular structure is clad in dark brown vertical panels interspersed with floor-to-ceiling windows for a sleek, minimalist exterior.

The full-height windows ensure the interior will be filled with natural light while offering the occupants framed views of its surroundings. The large panes help connect the inside with the landscape and make the interior appear larger.

Despite its limited square footage, the interior feels open with sight lines to the outdoors from most angles. In the open living space, the kitchen cabinets run along one wall before turning into a built-in bench at the entrance of the bedroom. The low surface also acts as a shelf to hold books and objects.

The walls are covered in simple wood panels with the grain adding texture to the space.

Renderings by UVISUAL.

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.

We think life is too short for boring seating and it seems that Stockholm-based design studio Note agrees. In creating its latest seating series for Swedish furniture company Lammhults, the designers took the playful, unconventional route to bring Bau to life. “Our aim was to create a piece of furniture with a lot of character that makes people happy and creative,” says Note designer Malin Engvall. And happy we are to see a modular seating system that has no right or wrong blueprint for configuring into homes and office spaces.

Bau is characterized by its soft lines, lower profile, and flexible modules. There are three main components: the Easy chair, the pouf, and the linking table. Both the Easy chair and pouf come in three variations – straight, closed, and open – to help create the perfect configuration. Made of powder coated sheet metal, the geometric linking table adds contrast to the sofa’s relaxed form and provides sturdy surface for items.

When commenting the on the longevity of this nonconformist design, Kristoffer Fagerström from Note shares, “We design furniture for the second-hand market, meaning that it’s not enough for the materials to be durable. The aesthetics have to be as well. A furniture piece must have such a strong identity and personality that it continues to have meaning for future generations.” We have a feeling generations from now will still delight in Bau’s inviting and happy design expression.

For more on the Bau modular seating collection, visit lammhults.se.

Photography by Erik Lefvander.
Styling by Marie Graunbøl.
Art direction by Note.

As the Lifestyle editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She’s probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.

“My personal world, from childhood to present day, has always been multicultural and my passion for creating a global fusion lifestyle and brand has only been nurtured by my love and appreciation for art and design,” said Brooklyn-based freelance pattern designer Shadé Akanbi. Also the Creative Director and Designer behind Printed Pattern People, Akanbi translates traditional ethnic patterns and textiles into her own modern interpretations for everyday wear.

“I have always been creative and I think my general upbringing naturally set me up to become an artist,” she said. “Everything from the way my mom dressed my sister and I when we were little to my dad cooking Nigerian food every day (we ate both American and Nigerian food daily). Traveling up and down California until I took my first plane ride ever as a freshman in high school to Nigeria to meet the rest of my family. Everything I have ever seen, heard, touched, tasted, and felt has had an impact and influence in some shape or form on who I am as an artist and designer today.”

Sketchy Quad Dots

Ikat Black Multi, Style + Color Callouts for Spring

As for Akanbi’s process, “Usually when I’m examining traditional textiles, there’s always a motif or some detail that will catch my eye. That detail is what I’ll extract and use as inspiration for my new pattern. From there I can build a design around that traditional shape/motif using fresh colors, additional details, etc,” she shared. “Depending on what season I’m in, I make anywhere from one to six prints a day, inspired by a variety of sources. Sometimes it’s based on my own collected inspirations, sometimes from my clients’ ideas and sometimes a blending of both.”

Shields Repeat

Showroom Sample Sagg Backpack in Shields Repeat

Akanbi also collaborates with several brands at a time, while also cultivating an ever-growing global textile collection of prints, patterns, and colors. As far as her initial collaborative project, “At the top of 2020, Anthropologie was the first brand to feature my artwork in an accessories and sleepwear collaboration. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure to work with Intermix, Zuri, S’well, Chasing Paper, Netflix, Target, and this latest collab that’s out now with Bounty Paper Towels,” she said.

Bounty Paper Towels’ Inclusive Artists Project

The partnership with Bounty Paper Towels is part of the brand’s Inclusive Artists Project initiative. As part of it, Akanbi will be featured on the packaging and her exclusive artwork will be on the paper towels in the Bounty Prints collection. “What’s been great about my most recent Bounty collaboration has been seeing my art come to life on a classic household item that I grew up with – it’s been kind of surreal in that aspect.”

Dubai Beaded Clutch, beading pattern layout and color callouts

Akanbi isn’t ready to stop reaching for the stars just yet, at least according to the list of brands she’d love to work with given the opportunity. “I’m an avid traveler, so I would love to work with airlines and boutique hotel brands like Delta, Jetblue, Kimpton, and Hyatt. I’m also a bit of a sneaker collector, so of course Nike, Adidas, Puma, Vans (I could go on) are all on the list. I played basketball all the way through the collegiate level and am a huge NBA/WNBA fan, and working with my favorite teams would be an absolute dream. I just want to work with brands that I have strong personal connections with, that also serve as unique vessels to showcase different mediums of art.”

Stazewski Squares, watercolor paint and marker print sample

Antigua Blooms, MS watercolor marker print sample

Triangle Trio, top: paint and metallic marker, middle: white out pen and metallic paper collage, bottom: metallic marker

To learn more about Shadé Akanbi, visit designedbydae.com.

To download Akanbi’s Designer Desktop (above) from March 2022, click here.

Kelly Beall is senior editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When undistracted by great art and design, she can be found making a mess in the kitchen, consuming as much information as possible, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social.

Carl Hansen & Son once again marked the April 2nd birthday of Hans J. Wegner with a special edition of his CH24 Wishbone Chair that’s been in continuous production since 1950. The idea for it was created in the brand’s apprentice workshop in Funen – THE LAB – where 20 or so apprentices are training to become cabinetmakers. Asked to come up with a new seat for the Wishbone Chair, the best suggestions were tested and approved by Hans J. Wegner’s Tegnestue before being further developed by the master weavers at Carl Hansen & Son. The winner was a double-woven seat that adds a new look to the iconic chair.

When designing the CH24, Wegner was inspired by portraits of Danish merchants sitting in chairs from the Ming Dynasty, an age of Chinese design known for its sleek furniture forms. His Wishbone Chair is a symbol of craftsmanship, using more than 100 steps to manufacture each, most of which are carried out by hand. The embodiment of durability and stability, it’s a piece of furniture that’s strong and long-lasting, ready to be tested by time.

The CH Birthday Edition 2023 is made from oiled, FSCTM-certified oak and natural paper cord, a material Carl Hansen & Son has much experience with. The original Wishbone Chair featured a woven, envelope-patterned seat, but here paper cord was used to create a woven pattern with “double plain.” It takes nearly twice as long for an experienced weaver to complete, around two hours.

Knud Erik Hansen, CEO and third-generation owner of Carl Hansen & Son, said, “Every year, we aim to create a version that adds something new to the Wishbone Chair without compromising Wegner’s original design. In our view, the double-woven seat does just that, and we’re thrilled to be offering design lovers around the world this new version of the Wishbone Chair.”

The special edition has a small brass plate engraved with Hans J. Wegner’s signature and date of birth, and a certificate of authenticity.

Unfortunately, the CH Birthday Edition 2023 was only available for purchase on March 30, 2023 while supplies lasted. To learn more about the CH Birthday Edition 2023 visit carlhansen.com.

Kelly Beall is senior editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When undistracted by great art and design, she can be found making a mess in the kitchen, consuming as much information as possible, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social.

As a new homeowner on a budget, I’ve taken my fair share of trips to IKEA in pursuit of adding a few affordable basics. Even as I’ve matured into a mostly post-IKEA lifestyle, the world’s most famous purveyor of modern flatpack furniture still holds sway when I need to find something contemporary, affordable (and in-stock). The Swedish brand’s super power has always been the supremely adaptable nature of their wares, a catalog imagined for every corner of the home offered at prices that tap into that same urge that makes shopping at the likes of Costco or outlet stores so impulsively dangerous.

Now celebrating their 80th anniversary, IKEA is refreshing a selection of home goods and furnishings plumbed from their archives and given a colorful, contemporary refresh. The deliciously candy-coasted Nytillverkad collection arrives to furnish the apartment and homes of an entirely new generation on a budget, and we have to admit, their design team makes a compelling case to revisit these designs with a new eye.

The Nytillverkad collection isn’t so much a single collection, but the kickoff of an ongoing series of curated reissued designs sourced from the brand’s archives, reinvented with new colors and materials, and sporting new names. IKEA says, “Over the next few years, we will release a series of carefully selected home furnishings…updated to match the bold outlook of the next generation.”

“This collection is loud, colorful, and fun. All the products have a story behind them, like one of our most iconic products LÖVET, first introduced in 1956. In the Nytillverkad version, we call it LÖVBACKEN, and it comes in orange, blue, and light green with an ash veneer top, adding a bold pop of color to any room”, says Karin Gustavsson, the Creative Leader of Nytillverkad collection, IKEA of Sweden.

The first collection is arriving to stores in July 2023, and includes mid-century style side tables, tubular stools, tree-like coat racks, round rugs, bedding, pillows, candle holders, and tablewares. Tell us what you think of the first IKEA Nytillverkad collection on our Instagram!

Gregory Han is Tech Editor of 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.

The Stone Archive installation, created by Mexican lighting brand davidpompa, will explore the volcanic origins of a new light sculpture series – Ambra Toba – at Alcova during Milan Design Week. The collection combines ancient stone with aluminum, but the stone isn’t one you might stumble across on your own. Mexican Toba volcánica stone consists of minerals, glass, and volcanic debris that was created one million years ago during eruptions. Debris, ashes, and dust – Toba volcánica is millions of years speaking to us today through texture.

The combination of stone and aluminum elements originated after researching the bond between handmade shapes and industrial parts. In partnership with the geological department of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), an investigation into the origins of Toba volcánica gave further insight as to why it’s widely used in Mexican culture.

The Stone Archive installation took the project further. The space captures and connects science, aesthetics, culture, and materiality, allowing visitors to pause and visualize time in a tangible way. Tall, archival shelves filled with stones, folders, and prototypes allow the Ambra Toba light sculptures to connect with their evolution in the midst of the exhibition space. Visitors are even invited to take a single archive folder with them when they leave.

Alongside the Ambra Toba lighting series, Stone Archive includes a wide range of collaborations sharing the same discourse. Visitors will experience research of the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the work of Dutch microphotographer Wim van Egmond. Mexican chocolate manufacturer Cuna de Piedra will be present at the installation’s “Terroir Milan” event, held April 19th. Design studio SAVVY, filmmaker Wolf Lass, Portuguese fashion brand Naus, food designer Philipp Kolmann, and writer Alexander Slotnick are also part of the installation.

Stone Archive will be part of the itinerant Alcova platform during Milan Design Week, and is located in the former slaughterhouse in the historical quarter of Porta Vittoria Abattoir, at Viale Molise, 62. The installation can be viewed April 17-23, 11am-7pm. To learn more, visit davidpompa.com.

Kelly Beall is senior editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When undistracted by great art and design, she can be found making a mess in the kitchen, consuming as much information as possible, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social.

A new design incubator program from design gallery and strategy firm Colony has hit the ground running! The Designers’ Residency aims to nurture the next generation of designers by providing real studio experiences and collaboration opportunities under the guidance of Colony’s founder, Jean Lin. Over the 8-month long program, young design residents will have the chance to discover and hone their craft with the ultimate goal of launching their own studios and their first collection through Colony.

The curriculum was put together by Lin and Colony Art Director, Madeleine Parsons, leaning on both Lin and Parsons’ time as professors at Parsons and RISD. Focused on product development and design leadership, the program moves through the steps of launching a studio, including collection development, marketing and sales strategy, and exhibition and photography. The lessons combine to offer success in the contemporary design landscape, as well as positioning of their own studio. During the residency, Colony subsidizes shop space and employs the residents at the gallery, allowing for studio and curation experience at a professional level along with income.

Marmar Studio, Noon Valet + Pippi Nightstand

For its inaugural Residency, Colony worked with two burgeoning studios. Marmar Studio, a furniture and object design studio founded by Ingemar Hagen-Keith, will be showcasing their debut Pet Collection. Alexis & Ginger, the namesake design studio led by Alexis Tingey and Ginger Gordon, will be debuting Ode. Both studios will ultimately be added to Colony’s permanent roster of independent American design talents.

Marmar Studio, Noon Valet + Pippi Nightstand

“Each piece in the collection captures that explosive affection you feel when you see something you can’t hold back from embracing. I see these pieces as living companions for your home,” says Marmar Studio founder Ingemar Hagen-Keith of Pet Collection.

The furniture and object design studio is guided by animated gesture and refined form, with Pet Collection uniting the practical and fanciful. The series’ visual language pulls from abstract depictions of animal silhouettes and translates them using wood craft. For example, the Pippi Nightstand is an abstract interpretation of Hagen-Keith’s cat, bringing together smooth curves and sharp edges. Noon Valet follows suit with circular cutouts that cast dynamic shadows throughout the day.

Marmar Studio, Noon Valet

Marmar Studio, Pippi Nightstand

Marmar Studio, Ibbit Stool

Marmar Studio, Ibbit Stool

Marmar Studio, Clog Lounger

Marmar Studio, Clog Lounger

Alexis & Ginger, Draped Side Table, New Morning Side Table + Because the Night Stool

Alexis & Ginger, aka Alexis Tingey and Ginger Gordon, create work that brings together the pair’s love of process rooted in research and the desire to use traditional craft to evoke stories. Innovative material and form explorations reflect their appreciation of the nuanced details. The Ode collection is inspired by the balance of weight in materiality, form, and color.

Alexis & Ginger, Threshold + Silhouette Sconces

From hand-carved forms to compositions using natural materials, the pieces exude a refined strength while paying homage to artistry and craft. These talents are often associated with female makers, such as embroidery and lace making. An inlay of mother of pearl makes its way around an India ink dyed wood base of the New Morning Side Table. Meanwhile, the Tower of Song Light features a hand-pleated and cut ivory shade that brings to mind architectural forms and tapestry details.

Alexis & Ginger, Threshold Sconce

“We both began by going to the NYPL picture collection and sifting through the endless stacks of folders filled with images of lace, gloves, architectural details, greek urns, and portraiture from every era,” said Gordon. “We find inspiration in the smallest details and the largest forms.” Tingey adds, “Through gathering images and discovering details we find stories and moments that resonate with us. Through our research we look for stories that feel tactile and hold a connection. We try to incorporate these experiences into our designs.”

Alexis & Ginger, Because the Night Stool

Alexis & Ginger, Because the Night Stool

Alexis & Ginger, New Morning Side Table

Alexis & Ginger, Ode Collection

Alexis & Ginger, detail of Tower of Song I

“At Colony, we have a foundational imperative to support and celebrate emerging independent American designers. In recent years, my work in design education as a professor at both Parsons and RISD has inspired me to explore new ways to provide a bridge from designers in their nascency to professional practice,” said Lin. “Starting one’s own studio is an enormous undertaking both creatively and financially, and a privilege that is not always afforded to many immensely talented designers. My hope is that this program allows more voices to shine, and more young designers to feel supported enough to take the leap into creating work that is wholly their own.”

An advocate of education and inclusivity, Lin hopes for the program to create more accessibility and opportunity in an industry that can hold many obstacles. While the inaugural residency was by invitation, applications for the 2023-2024 Residency program are open until May 1st.

To learn more about the Designers’ Residency, visit goodcolony.com.

Kelly Beall is senior editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When undistracted by great art and design, she can be found making a mess in the kitchen, consuming as much information as possible, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social.

As the official media partner alongside Clever, we are so excited to share this year’s final participants of the 2023 WantedDesign Manhattan Launch Pad competition – all 68 of them! This year’s program is sponsored by American Standard and the showcase of designers and their original designs will be on view at WantedDesign Manhattan at the Javits Center from May 21-23, 2023 in conjunction with ICFF. As always, there will be two winners announced as Best of Launch Pad, one for Lighting and one for Furniture/Home Accessories. We can’t wait to see who the winners will be! In the meantime, get to know a sampling of the 68 participants in this year’s show:

Bumki Song

Cassie Builds It

Difane & Brera Studio

Dualismo

Erika Cross

FRANCOY

Good Growing

Kanak Studio

Mike Newins x Make Nice

Ming-Li Chang

Poorex – Bartosz Mucha

Shreya Somani

Stephen Lynn Design

Studio Fou

True Bend Studio

Tz Maker Studio

X-ZOO Design

XYZ STUDIO

Yifu Guo

Also participating in Launch Pad this year are:

Bin design studio

Black Oveja

C.K. Studio

Chechal

Colectivo Cinco x Cinco

Cyrc.

Dark Matter Glass

David Hwang

ELHAM NEJATI

Ernesto Pastore

Fefo Studio + DQ

fiVO Design

Fons Faber Studio

Jangir Maddadi Design Bureau

JAZO ROMERO

John Dixon

JUNTOS

Kamilla Csegzi

Layzers

Lebrock

Lincoln Chen Design

Madeline Isakson

Michal Korchowiec

Milan Bhullar

mYAcKRo Studio

Narcisco Marengo Studio

Onoto Collab

OPEN by James Williams III

Other Bad Habits

OTQ design

Paz y Bien | Taller Escuela de Carpintería

rachel mcgovern dsign

ray barn

Samindaman

Shaunak Patel

Studio Mau Mau

The Galante Architecture Studio

Tianning Zhao

Working Knowledge

As the Lifestyle editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She’s probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.

You can follow Vy Yang on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Read all of Vy Yang’s posts.