Tandem’s space-saving furniture hangs from the walls

Comprising four individual pieces – a wardrobe, a desk, a shoe rack and seat, and a storage shelf – the Hanging Collection combines birch plywood with different facing materials including oak, melamine and desktop linoleum in a range of colours for a personalised look and feel. The minimal designs include soft, curved edges with visible end-grain, highlighting the construction of the collection.

All the work is handmade to order in Devon from their small workshop using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified  wood; a system which gives consumers the transparency they need to identify, purchase and use wood, paper and other forest products from well-managed forests – something that is extremely important to Tandem founders Jonathan and Simone Wright. “We are a very environmentally-conscious company and make every effort to not be wasteful,” Tandem tells Design Geek.

Originally a furniture commission for a series of local compact apartments, the challenge was to design a wardrobe that did not impact too heavily on the footprint of the bedroom. Stripping back non-essential bulk, Jonathan and Simone decided to remove the wardrobe doors, a detail that could prove problematic in a small bedroom, and, in order to enhance the sense of space, mounted the open wardrobe to the wall.

With new-build homes becoming smaller, and urban environments becoming increasingly congested, the commission led to the creation of an off-the-shelf collection. Tandem have built their company through  two channels – showcasing their architecture project portfolio alongside an online shop where customers can buy the pieces created. “Most of our retail products evolve from furniture commissions” explains Simone.

Working comfortably together or individually, each piece cleverly compliments other elements in their portfolio of furniture designs, including the 3-point mirror and stacking stool. All with an elegant, modern aesthetic, the Hanging Collection appeals to seasoned minimalists as well as aspiring non-hoarders.

Jonathan and Simone both studied architecture at university and met after graduation through related work. Jonathan, with experience in making furniture from his course, took on a couple of furniture and interior related jobs while running the BA Furniture and Interiors course at Exeter. With commissions on the increase, they set about starting Tandem, (furniture and architecture working in tandem). Simone became involved in the business with her passion for design, and they soon developed a brand, pushing the business forward together to where it is today.

Tandem is one of Look Like Love’s ‘One-to Watch’ designers, find out more about their work here.