Tips from our editors: sophisticated living accessories that would make great presents
6.12.2021
Translation: Julia Graham
When it comes to gifts, I love to give people things that I like myself. That way I know they’re definitely well designed. Like my non-drip, egg-shaped tea infuser or my picture frame that’s held together with a single rubber band.
As a design enthusiast, I don’t just focus on decorations to embellish rooms. Instead, I look at everything from brooms to soap. Every item has to stand up to my design scrutiny when it comes to form and function. These seven home accessories passed the test. And I’d happily give them as presents all year round.
Bedroom: crease-proof cocoon
Who doesn’t love a nicely made bed? But ironing? Not so much. The good news is you don’t even need to iron «Braga» bed linen. Made of organic sateen, this set comes out of the tumble dryer smooth and shimmery. These subdued green covers also go with richer colours or patterned textiles. The design comes from the Zurich label Journey Living, is produced in Portugal and is packaged in bags made of the same material. This means you don’t even need to wrap it before you give it as a present.
Living room: lively frames
An elastic band holds all of the parts of this aptly named «Frame» together – in other words, the two acrylic glass pieces and four aluminium bars. The elastic band also serves as a means to hang it on the wall. Unlike traditional models, the frame is transparent, as created by the Danish design studio Moebe. This makes photos or pressed flowers in the frame look more alive. You get to frame something with a more personal touch using Frame.
Bathroom: lather in style
For the full sensuous experience, I need my soap to look as nice as it smells. Soeder’s* «Natural Soap Grapefruit» does just that. As with all hygiene products from the Zurich soap manufacturer, the dispenser is made of glass. Rather than angular plastic, the company uses cardboard boxes for its packaging. And the small print on it resembles a graphic pattern. But I rarely order new packaged toiletries. I prefer to take the dispenser to one of the many Soeder refill points, or I upcycle it. For instance, the dispensers may find their way from the bathroom to the living room, where they’ll have a new life as a vase.
Indoor and outdoor garden: buildable plant pots
I can rely on this plant pot to stay interesting. Ferm Living’s «Bau» series direct from Copenhagen has two levels. A saucer with legs and a plant pot. Sometimes I use it to showcase just the one plant; other times, two. Or else I put something completely different on the podium. A lamp, for instance. You might want to use it for cake. Imagination knows no bounds.
Kitchen: non-drip tea ceremonies
Ever since I discovered loose tea, I’ve not wanted to go back to bags. And I certainly don’t now that I’ve started using this tastefully designed pot, which is almost like a cast of a traditional teapot. The built-in tea infuser is easy to use thanks to the silicone band. It lets me pour tea into the cup without making a mess. In true Scandi style, the Danish studio Norm Architects’ design for the Menu brand is pared down to the essentials. The creations score points for dishwasher-safe and heat-resistant borosilicate glass. A teapot warmer or tea perfectly complements this present.
Children’s room: durable arc
In actual fact, this arc-shaped stool belongs to my two-year-old niece. I got it for her as a present so she had something in my flat that she could swing on while I was relaxing. Unlike most of the furniture in my place, the cork rainbow won’t tip over. In no time, I was using the Danish stool from the Oyoy brand as a footrest. When you turn it upside down, it can also pass as a table, making it an all-rounder for every home.
Home office: active desk
The Dutch brand «Upstaa» lets me create a new workstation in no time at all. Its attachments turn shelf space into a standing desk. As a result, I can work at the kitchen counter or the dining table from time to time. It gives you that necessary change of scene and more movement into your home office. Upstaa is delivered in a flat box and doesn’t require any tools to assemble. Add on a ribbon and the gift is complete.
My colleagues in the editorial team have also shared their tips for Christmas gift giving. Find an overview here:
Cover image: Clémence Censi; Photo: Thomas Kunz
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
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