Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
With just under a week to go before Pulse opens its doors, two design trend experts have revealed some of their top housewares picks of the London trade show.
Journalist Katie Law, who writes for daily newspaper The London Evening Standard, has commented on five of her favourites:
*Thornback & Peel
‘This design duo launched their business with one simple but brilliant idea, which was to combine two seemingly random objects to make an attractive print design. Anyone fancy a chair upholstered in grey pigeons and pink jelly? Who knew that cabbages and rabbits, or pigs and mushrooms went so well together? They keep innovating too, so manage to stay ahead of the rash of imitators.’
*Ja Unendlich
‘While clearly having roots in Japanese design, this company’s German cast iron teapots [pictured] are wholly original thanks to the striking enamelled colours and variety of shapes they come in, from cadmium yellow to brilliant mint green. They look lovely and, unlike most of our homegrown ceramic tea pots, have the advantage of keeping tea piping hot.’
*Bespoke Verse
‘Proving that design can be witty as well as good looking and functional, Bespoke Verse has created a thoughtful collection of home products including ceramics, stationery and coasters, using crisp, clean graphics, minimal colours and rather brilliant one-liners. This suggests that the team behind it has real brains as well as a crystal clear eye for beauty.’
*Space and Shape
‘Furniture that has clean modern lines, is functional and performs in clever ways is surprisingly hard to find, so this is a particularly welcome addition to Pulse this year. I’m a great fan of flexible furniture that can be moved around the room, such as the wall ladder from which to hang shoes or clothes.’
*Noted UK
‘Japanese greens in a brown paper bag (lined with plastic), which you can grow straight from soil to mouth for the comfort of your kitchen window sill. This isn’t just about the packaging, although I really like its eco-friendly appearance too. I’d love to stick a set of these on my window sill and see what happens.’
Sania Pell, a freelance interior stylist, creative director and author, highlighted a range from Meri Meri. Sania said: ‘This sweet Betsy collection of accessories will delight parents who wish to create a stylish yet fun children’s party. I would suggest using a plain setting, allowing the patterned hats, party bag and napkins to do the talking.’
Described by organiser Clarion Events as ‘the definitive event for trend-leading giftware, modern living and retail insight,’ Pulse promises visitors the opportunity to source thousands of design-led products from more than 500 brands.
The products are curated by a panel of design and trend experts including Katie, Sania, fashion trend forecaster Claire Foster, luxury brand writer and editor Rachel Ward, and trend agency Unique Style Platform.
The show, which is free for retailers to attend, takes place from next Sunday (May 15) to Tuesday (May 17) at Olympia in London. Clarion Events says: ‘Make sure you have your printed entrance voucher for speedy entry and if you are planning your journey, why not get an Uber with £15 off your first fare?’ Click here to find out more.
Cast iron teapot by Ja Unendlich
