1. Helle Mardahl and The Grand Suite
I’m in awe of this showroom-turned-installation that glass artist extraordinaire Helle Mardahl created for 3daysofdesign. While I will never tire of zen-inducing showrooms made to resemble actual living spaces with products placed in situ, Mardahl took the concept and truly made it her own. In her own words: “The exhibition invites you to experience the life of a traveler – an adventurous woman residing in the most luxurious grand suite.” Through this journey, we get to observe where this fictional character sleeps, how she dines with her Dalmatian at her side, what kind of items she hides in her vanity (spoiler alert: it’s a dildo). It’s quite the story and throughout each room, Mardahl’s delicious, candy-colored glass objects are showcased and illuminated. I can only hope more brands decide to jump onto this storytelling style of sharing their products, but let it be known – Mardahl was the trailblazer.
2. New brand alert: Syd Kyn
Mark my words, Syd Kyn is the brand on the block that you’re going to start seeing everywhere on social media but you, dear reader, get the heads up first. Founded by Alicia Polmanteer Frizell, the new homeware brand just launched with a couple of items, including a magnetic wood trivet (that sticks to your metal cookware for effortless moving) and reusable paper towels. The latter is what I find myself drawn to; the scallop border and earthy hues are so refreshing to find in a sea of poorly designed reusable paper towels. I can’t wait to see what the founder puts out next.
3. Studio Eggi’s Debut at 3daysofdesign
As a mom of three and a long time editor at Design Milk, the intersection of design and kids is the space that really gets me excited. Especially in this season of my life where all my kids are under five years old, I love to discover how designers are reimagining child’s play in the younger years. Studio Eggi is one brand I discovered back in February and it only recently launched during 3daysogdesign. Founded by Elisa Kim, the brand is debuting a terrazzo-like play kitchen made from post-consumer recycled plastic. Tired parents (like me) love play furniture like this one because they foster creativity and give caretakers a break as kids play for hours in their own make-believe worlds. The contemporary design of this table is so fun and I can easily see it being used for days on end.
4. A Maximalist’s Delight: Parvum Opus
I’m currently redefining my style preferences which used to lean heavily Scandi-modern but now skews more “Coastal Grandma Meets Graphic Designer.” Every once in a while though, I get some maximalist tendencies to buy something really bold and graphic, like these hand-built, hand-marbled shadow boxes by Parvum Opus. The color combinations and unique patterns don’t go with anything in my home but still, I love them so much!
5. A Dual(-Sided) Collab with Tortuga Forma + Dittohouse
Last but not least, I need to share about this female founder x female founder powerhouse collaboration. Dittohouse founder Molly Fitzpatrick designed these vibrant dinner napkins and cocktail napkins for Tortuga Forma, founded by Andrea Hill, and it’s already selling out. While most napkins have a design on just one side, or the same design on both sides, these are dual-sided, expanding the possibilities of tablescape design with a single product. Depending on how you fold them or lay them on a table, you’ll get a different look every time. Genius!
