out and about :: home london, january 2015

Last week I wrote about the fabulous 2015 confessions of a design geek bursary designers, and alumni from previous years, and their stands at Home London. There were also lots of other really talented designers showing their wares at the first trade show of the year, so this week I wanted to share some of the things that caught my eye. I am super-excited about the new enamelware range by MiniModerns (above) – almost worth buying a campervan just to put them in!

I was delighted to discover Gail Bryson‘s work on the Spotted stand, curated by the wonderful Charlotte Abrahams, just across the aisle from us. After 15 years designing for other people (Heal’s, The Conran Shop and Jaime Oliver to name but a few), Gail wanted to get back to her roots, and so has set up her own label specialising in screen printed products. “I wanted to get away from my computer where I have done so much of my work in recent years and get messy in the print room again,” she said. “Surprises and accidents happen in the print room and I love the excitement of seeing how things turn out, and the fact that each piece I create is truly unique.”

Not exactly a new discovery, but I can’t seem to get enough of Finnish design brand Marimekko and I just love this simple monochromatic design.

I love a colourful wall storage solution and these Pin Boxes by Universo Positivo are no exception. Now, if I can just find a wall to put them on…

I can’t believe I’ve never spotted Laura Slater’s work before. Based in West Yorkshire, her workshop has been going since 2007 when Laura graduated from the Royal College of Art. I am her newest fan!

I am a longtime fan of Rachel Powell’s optimistic, mid-century-inspired surface pattern design. She was even giving away button badges with her trademark Yoko design, so being a bit of a button badge nerd, I was made up! I love the screen prints on the wall.

Annabel Perrin was a shortlisted designer in the 2014 confessions of a design geek bursary, so it was really exciting to see her exhibiting new work in the Spotted area too. I particularly liked this rich red, geometric pattern.

Having chatted to Nikki Kreis on twitter, it was lovely to finally meet her in real life and see her wonderful work. Under the label Kreis Design, she makes homewares and office supplies using laminated white birch plywood, finished with Danish oil. Delightfully geeky in every way!

And last but by no means least Bococo was another new discovery for me. Their first collection interprets traditional Philippine textiles to create contemporary cushions and fabrics.

I really enjoyed Home London again this year, and am looking forward to the next show in September already. But first, Northmodern in Copenhagen, which I will tell you all about next week!

Until then, some further reading for the especially geeky:

• coadgbursary :: home london, jan15
• out and about :: desso best in class winner
• out and about :: art house, designblok
• out and about :: openstudio designblok