Portuguese design proves en-pointe in Paris
It’s wonderful to be back after an inspiring trip to Maison Et Objet in Paris. This proved to be a fantastic show ground for the abundance of exciting new design talent emerging from our homeland of Portugal.
The trademark mix of traditional craftsmanship mixed with luxurious materials and modern edge for which Portuguese design is famous, has clearly captured the hearts of International architects and specifiers looking for head-turning furniture, lighting and accessories.
We were wowed by the increasing number of young Portuguese brands exhibiting in Paris and delighted to hear that demand for their designs has rocketed over the past few years.
Exhibiting brands that we work closely with at Kassavello, reported a huge increase in the number of enquiries for their products from interior designers in the UK. Olga Torres, creative Director/Owner at Duistt said the show was a huge success. “We had hundreds of visitors coming to our stand and a big proportion were interior designers from the UK. This is a market that has been extremely receptive to our brand”. According to Manuel Campos Silva, owner at Bow and Arrow upholstery Design, “Portuguese design has been taken to the next level! There were 109 Portuguese brands at the show and Bow and Arrow was certainly one of the most visited stands in Hall 5B. We have launched new products and there is more to come. Next step, 100% Design London!”
Duistt
Bow and Arrow
Far from following the new 2017 interior design trends, Portuguese designers appear to be setting them; all the pieces by Essential Home are ticking the trend boxes for playful yet sophisticated furniture reminiscent of iconic vintage labels.
A recent article in the Financial Times proved that Portugal is very much on the radar of UK interior designers in the capital. “The innovation coming out of Portugal at the moment is pretty impressive,” commented Natalia Miyar, who launched her London interiors atelier in June. London-based interior designer Fiona Barratt-Campbell added: “The designs are considered and the quality is excellent. I love the materiality of pieces by companies such as Ginger & Jagger, Munna, Brabbu and Blackcork.”
Frato, a Porto-based interiors brand founded by Patricia and Carlos Santos in 2010, is comprehensively stocked at Harrods. Frato’s sleek aesthetic is enhanced by glamorous materials – velvet or satin upholstery and lacquered wood veneers –and subtle decorative details, such as silk tassels suspended from cabinet handles. In the same Financial Times article, London and Dublin-based interior designer Sara Cosgrove says: “I love Frato’s detailing and refined combination of finishes. There’s a lightness of touch in terms of proportion and style. I’ve used its designs in several residential and hotel projects, including Starwood Capital’s major refurbishment of The Palace Hotel in Manchester.”
Menina Design have launched several brands, each with a distinct identity, marrying traditional Portuguese crafts and artisan techniques with a contemporary design aesthetic. Among these are lighting specialist Delightfull and furniture brands Boca do Lobo and Brabbu. Circu- Magical furniture, the youngest addition to the group, is a luxury children’s furniture brand, focusing on being present in the most ambitious, luxurious and charming decoration projects and interiors for children. All of these brand’s pieces can make a statement in any room and that’s why they are loved by interior designers.
Brabbu, Delightfull, Circu-Magical
Continuing the demand for an overall luxury aesthetic, flooring has become very much a key surface. At Maison Et Objet rugs were thick piled and silky soft, with geometric patterning and art deco inspired curves a major focus. Ferreira de Sa is currently one of the biggest and oldest existing companies producing hand-made rugs in Europe. All of their carpets are custom-made by talented artisans who share a passion for handcrafted and bespoke carpets and rugs, each piece is tailored and designed according to each client’s request and desire.
Portuguese ceramics are very much en-vouge, reinforcing the decor world’s renewed love for artisanal craftsmanship. Vista Alegre has been able to harmoniously combine tradition and modernity, and remain attuned to cultural trends. Spreading Portuguese culture worldwide, Vista Alegre products reflect the most recent design trends and are manufactured according to the highest quality and functionality standards.
Da Terra A truly beautiful collection of handmade tableware, every piece is hand-painted so no two pieces are ever the same, giving the ceramics a truly organic feel. Da Terra tableware is available with a variety of patterns ranging from bright and bold to delicate and ethereal.
We are proud to be working alongside some of these exciting brands in 2017 and bringing their traditional artisanal production and forward thinking aesthetic to the UK market. As all our bespoke products are made to order, we can customise pieces to suit exact design requirements. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if we can help you with any current or future projects.
We look forward to working with you in 2017!
Ana and Renata
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