Nook by Patrick Frey for Vial

In a previous life Patrick Frey created one of our favourite Moormann products: Kant.

And we think he may have done it again with Nook his new stool for vial.

Manufactured in a single piece from VarioLine – an injection moulded plastic – the folded form is held together by an aluminium catch in the base.

The tension generated in the VarioLine give Nook its stability and durability.

In addition, thanks to the nature of the VarioLine Nook is weather and UV resistant and so can be used just as well indoors as out. And is a lot heavier than you might imagine meaning there is no real danger of it blowing over in the slightest breeze.

We particularly like the fact that Nook looks like its about to break; the white edges giving the impression of over tension.

It isn’t, and it wont.

It just looks like it.

And it’s made in Dresden. Which makes it highest quality modern East German design technology.

Kölle Alaaf: Nook by Patrick Frey for vial

Nook by Patrick Frey: a family of furniture

Nook by Patrick Frey

luca lean by maigrau

According to the advertising information “The leaning lamp stresses the relationship between light and architecture by its generous gesture”

That as may be, for us luca lean by maigrau is one of those genially executed design concepts that separate the chaff from the rye.

Items leaning against walls is no new concept. Alone Moormann could create a category dedicated to furniture items that are supported by architectural supporting structures.

But wheels aint new either…what is new is new is how you use them.
For us there are two real positives in luca lean.

The first is the anonymity of the wood. You simply don’t notice it. Which gives the whole ensemble a delicate lightness.

The second is the shadow cast, a wonderful curving light that creates genuine atmosphere in a room: in addition to the light itself. The shadow is a result of the lamp: wall angle.

The oiled oak struts are combined by a triangular metal joint that also supports shade and bulb-fitting. While a foot dimmer allows you to adjust illumination to situation.

“luca” also comes in three legged “standard” floor version; but for us that is simply an alibi to appease the weak.

The leaning version is where it’s at.

Kölle Alaaf: luca lean by maigrau

luca lean by maigrau designers fair 2010

Kölle Alaaf: The great unkown from IMM Hall 7

Here’s something that doesn’t happen to us everyday… finding a product good, without even knowing what it’s called. Or indeed who makes it.

We discovered these delights in Hall 7.

And there great. Just Great.

You can sit on them.

You can lie on them.

You can hide in them.

You can relax on them.

You can work on them.

You can sleep on them.

Theoretically you could use them as a form of summer house; assuming you lived in a warm climate.

It’s not that unusual that a product causes our heads to turn… but normally we at least know their names.

But not on this occasion.

We are such tarts!!!

Kölle Alaaf: The great unkown from IMM Hall 7

Kölle Alaaf: ...detail

Kölle Alaaf: .... yes yes we have artistic pretensions

Kölle Alaaf: Facett by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec

Designed in 2005 for the French producer Ligne Roset, Facett by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec will be familiar, at least tactility, to all who know the Bretonnian Brothers Alcove Sofa for Vitra.

A winner of a RED DOT award in 2005 the Facett armchair is part of a small range of living and dining room furniture that also features a sofa and dining chair.

While garish orange/yellow isn’t always our favourite colour, Facett simply wouldn’t work in any other colour scheme.  And exactly because the colour matches the retro-Panton chic of the design we honestly believe Facett will fit effortlessly into any room.

Honest!

But what really makes Facett so good for us is the Ottoman: a wonderfully proportioned and formaly outstanding piece it is the perfect accompaniment to the Facett armchair whether used as foot stool or informal side table.

Kölle Alaaf: Facett by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec

Facett Ottoman

Facett by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec ... detail

Facett : The ottoman's perspective

We’re not going to pretend we’re fans of Carnival. Truth be told, for us Carnival and Oktoberfest belong to a class of cultural events that indicate a nation still struggling to come to terms with the fact that woolly mammoths no longer roam the land.

Or that women are allowed to vote.

However, we’re in Cologne and so we can at least pretend that we find alcohol fuelled violence oh-so amusing.
Especially when presented in conjunction with a Papier-mâché model of Angela Merkel with an exaggerated cleavage.

Obviously.

And so under the title “Kölle Alaaf” we will present those products that particularly catch our attention during Cologne Design Week; products which we feel are worthy of a special mention.

Kölle Alaaf is the traditional  “battle cry” of Carnival goers in Cologne and can be heard throughout the city during Carnival. Roughly translated it means “Everywhere else this would be called Komasaufen, but in Cologne it’s the cultural highpoint of the year!”.

In our case Kölle Alaaf translates simply as quality designer furniture!

smow am Rhein: Kölle Alaaf