Experience the best designs of 2016, hand picked by 21 industry experts. Innovative interiors, forward-thinking architecture, contemporary accessories and modern classics make up this highly covetable list of design highlights from the past year. Scroll for more.
1. Slice Chair /// by Pierre Charpin for Ligne Roset /// Chosen by Russell & Jordan of 2 Lovely Gays
Our fave piece this year is the Slice Chair by Pierre Charpin for Ligne Roset. For London design Festival we were lucky enough to be given the opportunity to re-imagine this classic piece of design from the Ligne Roset archive and we made the most of its powerful sectional form to showcase our deconstructed floral print designed by us in collaboration with Custhom Studio in Peckham. The chair has now been re-issued and will be available in classic block colours. But our one off floral velvet version is now available to purchase from Ligne Roset city.
2. Rockstar Bar /// by Buster & Punch /// Chosen by David & Mark of Forward Features
It’s no secret that we like a cocktail or two and this year the must-have product creeping its way into many home is the drinks trolley. The Rockstar bar is a sleek and very cool alternative and a statement piece that would look amazing in many interior schemes.
3. Wattnott LED Lightbulbs /// by Plumen /// Chosen by Barbara Chandler
I love the new Plumen LED bulbs which have all the charm of the old bulbs but come with energy saving warm LED filaments in a host of pretty styles.
4. A Stool /// by ByAlex /// Chosen by Mike Ahern of Brit Decor
My favourite design piece is the ‘A Stool’ from ByAlex. I’ve chosen this piece because it showcases a brilliant marriage of typography and furniture design to deliver a highly-striking object. I also think that stools make the perfect versatile furniture piece – as seating and occasional tables!
5. ‘Animal’ Print /// by Pati Robins /// Chosen by Elaine of A Hint of White
This year I came across a great photographer called Pati Robins, a wife and carer for a veteran. Her work can be purchased exclusively from Nickie Kelly. I love the beautiful and raw emotion in Pati Robins work, it instantly captivates you. Her work will bring an instant conversation piece to any room.
6. WW Chair /// by Studio Makgill x H Furniture /// Chosen by Emma Jane Palin
While striking in appearance and bold in colour, the Studio Makgill x H Furniture WW series remains functional and full of craftsmanship – a vibrant take on more traditional seating. It was the interesting collaboration between furniture brand and graphic design agency that initially caught my attention and the beautiful accompanying promotion further justified that these are upcoming brands to watch in the world of design.
7. Chesterfield Sofa /// Chosen by Fiona of Fifi McGee
My favourite design piece of 2016 is a classic, timeless piece that has been around for decades yet never looks out of fashion. It’s the grandeur of the Chesterfield sofa. The day we bought our bespoke made leather dream, it breathed life into our living room design and routine. I love how it can be dressed to suit a traditional interior or modern by opting for a model in a wild fabric. A versatile, liveable piece that ages well – for me, that’s great design.
8. Pom Pom Chandelier Earrings /// by Annie Costello Brown /// Chosen by Gabriella Palumbo of Flat 15
I love these hand made earrings by California based jewellery designer Annie Costello Brown. They are so beautifully done with a structural, geometric and striking design. This year I have fallen in love with her entire collection.
9. Sustainable Period Rental Property /// by Grosvenor Estates /// Chosen by Grant Pierrus of Interior Style Hunter
I’ve chosen this development by Grosvenor Estates which was designed by TH2 Designs as it shows how incredible interior design can work seamlessly with the ultimate in sustainability. A great example of how we should be looking at interior design and eco property development.
10. Lacus Side Table /// by Keita Nobuhara for DesignSoil /// Chosen by Alessandra Barlassina of Gucki
A side table made by white stretchable material. The floating glass expresses an unexpected scenery like the still surface of a lake in snowfield.
As land takes time to be formed by wind and rain, “lacus” shows various appearances through different weather and season. It’s kind of a magic project, totally unexpected, simple and poetic as only Japanese design can be.
11. Vivlio System /// by Included Middle for Skagerak /// Chosen by Maxine Brady of We Love Home
Shelving – in the past – has been greatly overlooked in the home. Not any more – shelving now is a keen design feature in your room styling, where it makes a statement instead of blending into a room. I’ve picked out the VIVLIO SYSTEM designed by Included Middle for SKAGERAK (which has won multiple designs awards including the Red Dot award 2016). Modular in style, which is perfect for flexible living as you can move it around your space to suit your need. You can craft your own storage solution and then adapt it as your needs change. Future icon for sure.
12. Gauge Crystal Vase /// by Jim Rokos /// Chosen by Mary-Ellen of The Happy Flat
Inspired by the creative work of those who are empowered by their Dyslexia skills – the Super humans as I like to call us, this piece is simply interior design genius. A delicate yet elegant vase which slowly & subtly leans as the flower drinks the water, it is a humble and visual display of how dyslexia can benefit, stimulate and add an element of magic to interior design. This is a complete winner for me and one we can all gain value from.
13. Tweenagers Bedroom /// Photographed by Daniela Exley /// Chosen by Phoebe Oldrey of Smart Style Interiors
This Tweenagers room I completed this year sums up a lot of the design ethos I talk about. To embrace being bold with your interiors and expressing yourself. It is bold choices that build stunning designs and are just really good fun to put together.
14. CH22 Chair /// by Carl Hansen /// Chosen by Achilles Kalogridis of Simplicity Love
Our favorite design released in 2016 comes from the past. It is a reintroduced early design of Hans J. Wegner, CH22 lounge chair.
CH22 is the first design Wegner created for Carl Hansen & Søn in 1950. The chair is produced in exact accordance with Wegner’s original sketches, and unites simplicity with absolute comfort, values highly appreciated from Simplicity Love.
15. Runwell Turntable /// by Shinola /// Chosen by Laura Sidestreet of Sidestreet Style
This limited edition turntable combines simplicity, design, passion and purpose together in a truly visually pleasing way. A highly precious piece of audio that would look fantastic in any music collectors home as well as those who appreciate good design.
16. Parquet Shelving System /// by COMP /// Chosen by Jesse Harris of Living Etc
I love furniture that is thought through but simple and this is a perfect example of that. Its interlocking joints are unusual – but they work. I like the touch of brass with the ash colouring.
17. 50 Manga Chairs Installation /// by Studio Nendo /// Chosen by Elisabetta of ITALIANBARK
The design that most impressed me this year is the installation “50 manga chairs” by studio Nendo at Milan Design Week. It’s a visual story that matches two different wordls, the one of product design and the Japanese manga one, with each chair representing a different emotion or a movement. Love the idea of translating emotions into design chairs and the way it was stages in an historical kiosk in the centre of Milan.
18. Diamond Paintings /// by Kurt Pio /// Chosen by Danielle Krysa of The Jealous Curator
Giant diamonds that hang on your wall? Yes, please! These paintings on wood are the work of South African artist Kurt Pio. Between the scale and the gorgeous color palettes, these beauties would be the first thing you’d notice when entering a room.
19. Seed Cloud Chandelier /// by Ochre /// Chosen by Claire Garner of Claire Garner Interiors
My favourite design piece of 2016 is the Seed Cloud chandelier from Ochre. Lighting is key to any room design, and choosing well will set the tone and atmosphere of the space. The seed cloud can be arranged in any number of combinations to give you a totally unique statement piece, with a soft, warm glow.
20. Stay Put Bowl /// by Bamboo Bamboo /// Chosen by Jess Garner of The Only Girl in the House
As ever, my favourite design pieces tend to revolve around family life and our family home – anything that makes our lives a bit easier, whilst being stylish is always a huge win in my book. So my design fave design piece for 2016 is the bamboo suction bowl by Bamboo Bamboo. Not only do they look pretty cool with their brightly coloured silicone suction rims, they’re sustainable, eco-friendly and functional. Oh and did I mention, they stop our little one from up-turning his porridge every morning?!
21. People’s Chair J39 /// by Børge Mogensen /// Chosen by Coco Lapine Design
My favorite article from 2016 would be the People’s chair also called J39 designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia. I think it’s a perfect, minimalist chair which fits any interior and gives a memory to the past.
Thanks to all of our experts who took part, have a great 2017!
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17 Design Must Haves /// Chosen by Experts