Turning Japanese … ‘Wood’-Turning Japanese, That Is!
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Japan’s biggest wood furniture manufacturer certainly didn’t disappoint in Milan this year with an exciting line-up of new designs!
Salone del Mobile 2017 saw Karimoku New Standard exhibit at the Rho Fiera fair grounds for the first time, having previously always just shown at pop up spaces in town. And it had a lot to present to the discerning design world: From a new dining chair in its Colour Wood table collection by Scholten & Baijings to the Elephant lounge by Christian Haas and Lucien Gumy’s new Angle coat stand.
The Colour Wood dining chair was a natural addition to this popular range. Like the tables, it is manufactured from small laths of oakwood that have been assembled to create a single shell with no visible joins. “I’m not sure if it looks like a simple chair but it is actually really extremely complex,” said Stefan Scholten. “The Japanese craftsmen are so extremely precise and with Karimoku it is even more special because they invest so much in advanced milling machines and robots; I think the results here today at the fair are amazing.”
“When you come from abroad it is so much easier to see how special it is because the Japanese have done this for centuries,” chimed in Carole Baijings. “I think that’s why these collaborations work so well for us and our clients because together you can go to the next level and create the future of the craft!”
Another one of Karimoku’s new designs, the Elephant sofa manages to be both striking yet simple at the same time. Its chunky, curved armrest invites you to relax whilst also making a style statement and the different modules (comprising a 3-seater, 2-seater, ottoman and chaiselongue) allow for various combinations and a wide range of applications. The sofa is covered with a high performance Maharam fabric with an appealing, woolly texture whilst the supporting frame and feet are made of solid, sustainably grown Japanese oak wood with a transparent lacquer finish. Designed for use in both public and private spaces, it will be available from 2018.
The Angle coat stand was another ingenious design launched in Milan by the Japanese brand. Its minimalist form functions without any additional parts to create the hooks as, instead, they are carved directly into the pole. Available in a natural or black finish, its sculptural form will make it a decorative addition to any space.
Other pieces launched by the brand at the fair included the Scout Bistro table (joining the existing Scout range of furniture) and the addition of an armchair to its stylish Castor series.
Luckily for us Aussies, the wait is almost over! About to hit Australian shores, thanks to our friends at Stylecraft, we’ll soon have the chance to get up close and personal with the Karimoku New Standard collection hot from Milan.
While you’re waiting for just that little bit longer, make sure you check out their latest Stylecraft 2017 Milan Report for a dose of inspiration in contemporary design.Related Articles
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