9 cool-kid home brands to know
Did I mention I'm planning a trip to a volcanic island?
Fresh off the buzz of New York Design Week, I’m currently in Copenhagen for the city’s own festival, 3 Days of Design. I love seeing what Scandinavian brands have up their sleeves, and the Danish city is one of my favorite places for a creative recharge. You can expect a full report of the most exciting exhibitions, installations, and new products in a few weeks. Until then, I’ll let you in on a source I look to for inspiration that’s closer to home: SSense’s Everything Else section.—Samantha Weiss-Hills, managing editor
All My Favorite: Cool Brands at Ssense
Ssense is one of my go-to sites for finding independent clothing designers, and the same could be said for its home inventory, which is hidden within the Everything Else category. Here’s a primer on the need-to-know decor brands Ssense is currently stocking—and I’m routinely browsing.
The Conran Shop, a British brand founded in 1973 by Sir Terence Conran, is one of my favorites for high-quality, not-too-spendy tabletop staples. Case in point: this 45%-off serving bowl.
I’m a forever acolyte of Baina’s perfectly textured towels and spot-on color combinations, like plum and slate blue or persimmon and cream. How about this set from its new Weave collection?
Speaking of Copenhagen, Ssense stocks Denmark-based Louise Roe’s tableware and decor, which are sensual studies in material and form. Check out these stainless steel Champagne coupes.
I’m a sucker for good packaging, particularly for personal goods like bath products or perfume. Korean self-care brand Nonfiction nails it, from the speckled caps on its body wash and lotion to the silvery-green hand soap containers and elegant serif font.
The distorted checks, swirling zebra stripes, and exaggerated proportions that Henry Holland uses on his ceramics make them all the more unique. I’d use this jug for flower arrangements.
British brand Completedworks’s glassware, vases, and other decor mirror the playful, sculptural details in its jewelry. Think: loops, scrunching, and pearls.
We made the trip to Stockholm to visited Gustaf Westman’s kaleidoscopic studio back in April, but his viral designs are handily available on Ssense. I’d love to take my morning espresso in a Chunky cup.
Table linens and toweling in vintage-inspired prints are Autumn Sonata’s signature. If only I had this toiletry bag with me now…
Laila Gohar’s idiosyncratic brand Gohar World always gets a little weird, and I’m here for it. This elegant mother-of-pearl scoop is both a conversation starter and an actually useful serving piece. Win-win.
Good Buys
It’s Juneteenth—the holiday marking the date in 1865 that enslaved people in Texas were finally told that they were free—and I highly recommend pulling out food writer Nicole Taylor’s cookbook, Watermelon & Red Birds. (Psst: We wrote about Taylor’s son’s room a few years back.) The presence of red in celebrations has layers of meaning, which inspired this list of scarlet-hued finds for the table and beyond, all designed by Black creatives.
Clockwise from top left:
Argo Pillow in Maroon, Bolé Road Textiles
This pillow, handwoven in Ethiopia, is part of a collection inspired by the walled city of Harar and its vibrant fashion.
Santa Monica Ottoman by Brigette Romanek, Crate & Barrel
L.A. designer Brigette Romanek is known for her unexpected twists. Case in point: the exaggerated proportions of this velvet seat.
Colorblock Champagne Coupes, Set of 6, Estelle Colored Glass
Of the brand’s literal rainbow of hand-blown glassware, this limited-edition, two-toned set speaks to me.
Ceramic Checkered Dish, Brother Vellies
Decor drops from Aurora James’s footwear and accessories label don’t come around often, so snap up this piece while you can.
Side Notes
Of all the places in the world, my husband picked the Canary Islands to ring in his 40th year, specifically Lanzarote. The Spanish volcanic island, off the coast of West Africa, is home to incredible landscapes, unique wineries, and a vibrant arts scene. Here’s what I’m packing and planning for the trip.
This Issey Miyake Pleats Please skirt has haunted me since I left it on the rack at Nordstrom a few weeks ago. I might need to pick it up before jetting off in July.
I love how Cadence is building out their Parcel System so it’s not just for cosmetics—I could see storing running shoes or cameras in them, too.
I can’t wait to dive into all of the art and architecture of Cesar Manrique, who is nearly synonymous with Lanzarote—the airport is even named after him. His embrace of the volcanic landscape can be seen at a number of sites, like the underground volcanic Cueva de los Verdes and the Jardín de Cactus.
The vineyards on Lanzarote are peculiar, not only because they are covered in obsidian volcanic soil but because they are situated in little craters that protect the grapes from howling wind. I’m so excited to stop by Bodega Los Bermejos, which makes some of my favorite wine on the planet.
I’m always lugging home ceramics when I travel abroad, and this time will likely be no different. Two spots I’m looking forward to visiting: Eguzkine Zerain (see one of her works above) and Timijota Studio.