Best British Design 2010
Peter Marigold
‘Mirror’ wardrobe for Skitsch
For those with limited space, Peter Marigold’s recycled wooden wardrobe for Skitsch could be the answer to your prayers. It measures half the size of a usual wardrobe but, thanks to its mirrored panel, gives the illusion of being symmetrical and, crucially, full-sized. Genius.
Best British Design 2010
Solomia Zoumaras
‘Arko’ ceramics
Inspired by Modernist design and architecture, Hackney-based ceramicist Solomia’s vessels combine function and beauty. They’re made by hand using mathematically precise templates, and can be stacked or linked together to create striking displays or simply to save space.
Best British Design 2010
Jake Phipps
‘Stellar’ mirror
This sparkling, fairytale-style mirror is the stuff that dreams are made of. Inspired by the brilliance of cut diamonds, the limited-edition piece is made up of 750 tiny facets of mirror, each of which subtly changes its lustre with the light. We think it’s simply dazzling.
Best British Design 2010
Samuel Chan
‘Contour’ oak sideboard for Heal’s ReDiscovers
This piece epitomises the importance designer Samuel Chan places on producing contemporary furniture using the age-old craft of woodworking. Its curved shape sets it apart from the average sideboard. A brilliant mix of traditional materials and modern good looks.
Best British Design 2010
Frank
‘Corona’ light for Established & Sons
Design duo Frank (Pam West and Matt Edmonds) have created this light in homage to the soon-to-be-defunct ‘Crown Silvered’ light bulb, intended to throw light back into the fitting. This design, in slip-cast ceramic with a blown glass and silver diffuser, does the same. Highly functional, it’s gorgeously decorative, too.
Best British Design 2010
Paul Cocksedge
‘Swell’ pendant light
Paul Cocksedge never ceases to impress us with his intelligent, innovative designs. This glass pendant light for Yamagiwa will absorb your attention as well as looking beautiful in your home: it’s lit by an incandescent bulb surrounded by coloured liquid, which rises up the stem like mercury in a thermometer as it heats up.
Best British Design 2010
James Patterson
‘Bocksey’ modular storage unit for Habitat
With a geometric frontage reminiscent of 1960s living room storage, this lacquer and oak or walnut veneer unit can house everything from your sound system to your ornament collection. Combine the different colours and elements to suit your needs. A sure-fire sellout!
Best British Design 2010
Industrial Facility
‘Branca’ chair for Mattiazzi
Designed by Sam Hecht (half of the industrial design label, with partner Kim Colin), this chair combines computerised and handcraft processes in such a slick way that you can barely see where the back legs – which are moulded from one piece of wood – are joined to the backrest. A winning mix of the classic and cutting edge.
Best British Design 2010
Steuart Padwick
‘Sticks’ light
This elegant oak lamp owes its appeal to its transparently functional structure: a counterbalanced arm enables easy positioning; an X-shaped screw fixes it in place; and the twisted cable is pleasingly retro. Simple, but perfect.
Best British Design 2010
Gary Allson
Hand-turned bowls and plates
Useful, sculptural, beautiful: Cornwall-based designer Gary Allson’s handmade wooden bowls, plates and kitchen utensils tick all the boxes. Each one is made from sustainably sourced timbers such as cherry and beech, and the variety of tones – from palest ash to black burnt oak – look wonderful when mixed.
Best British Design 2010
Donna Wilson
‘Mog’ plate
Since Donna Wilson started out seven years ago making curious knitted creatures for her Royal College of Art graduation show, she’s carved out a unique niche with her playful textiles and ceramics. This graphic bone china plate is mischievous yet minimal.
Best British Design 2010
Studioilse
‘446 Settle’ bench for De La Espada
Ilse Crawford, who heads up Studioilse, sought to bring people together with her ‘Seating for Eating’ solid chestnut dining furniture. The star piece is this ‘446 Settle’, reminiscent of Shaker furniture with its high back. Despite its linear look, it’s still reassuringly comfortable.
Best British Design 2010
Samuel Wilkinson
‘Vessel’ pendant light
So cleverly designed is this mouth-blown glass light (available in a bronze, grey or sepia tint) that it works as a pendant, floor and table lamp. Sitting on a flat surface or hanging from the ceiling, it’s all elegant curves and glossy smoothness.
Best British Design 2010
Michael Anastassiades
‘Beauty’ mirror
If a mirror that could make you more beautiful did exist, surely it would be this pristine design, which is made of stainless steel plated in either 24-carat gold or nickel. Typical of Michael Anastassiades’ streamlined, elegant style, it’s the perfect alliance of abstract form and function.
Best British Design 2010
Pearson Lloyd
Wooden ‘PLC’ chair
This year we’ve detected a distinct increase in the number of mid-century-influenced designs – not least in this pleasingly simple dining chair, in solid oak or matt-painted beech. Its ergonomically curved seat and backrest show it’s a chair to be used, not just admired – absolutely the right vibe for now.
Best British Design 2010
Lee Broom
‘Carpentry’ sideboard
A fine fusion of tradition and novelty, this lacquered sideboard features a Wilton carpet front. The pattern is based on antique Persian rugs, but with British influences woven in: the Tudor rose and motifs borrowed from the crown jewels also appear.