GROUNDED BEAUTY
Arighi Bianchi’s latest edit, Postcards from South Africa, is a collection rooted in texture, story and soul, and a timely reminder that the global south is setting the tone for design innovation right now. Far from token gestures or trend-led styling, this collection draws on South Africa’s contemporary design movement – one that blends sustainability with a strong sense of place. Afro-minimalism is the guiding philosophy here, where less-but-better design is shaped by raw natural materials, earthy palettes and heritage craft. There’s a quiet strength in this aesthetic – it’s pared back but never bland, rich in natural tactility and emotional resonance. The collection includes hand-woven baskets, sun-bleached textiles, and sculptural furniture made using ethically sourced woods and hides. But it’s the curation that stands out: these pieces tell a collective story about how design can be grounded in culture and still push things forward. Here, material, craft and story come together in a way that feels both current and considered.
arighibianchi.co.uk
SCULPTURAL INSTINCT
Faolchú may be one of the design world’s best-kept secrets, but not for long. With Savoir Beds’ founder as mentor, and collectors that include Oscar and Grammy winners, this British studio is steadily building a cult following for its sculptural, soul-stirring furniture. Rooted in a philosophy that lets materials dictate form, Faolchú’s pieces feel both ancient and sharply modern – often drawing on influences from brutalism, mid-century design and wabi-sabi. Each piece is handmade in the UK using sustainably sourced hardwoods, raw metals and hand- forged elements that elevate them beyond furniture and into the realm of collectible design. What sets the collection apart is its commitment to authenticity. Whether it’s a monolithic bench, a charred oak cabinet or a live-edge table, the work honours the natural character of each material – knots, cracks, imperfections and all. There’s a purity to the craft that feels deeply intentional, even when the end result looks wild and elemental. Expect primal textures, unexpected details, and a tactile honesty that speaks to a slower, more meaningful way of living.
faolchu.com
PAINTED LEGACY
When two British design icons come together, the result is naturally going to be elegant – but this latest collaboration between Fired Earth and Nina Campbell goes one better. Drawing on Nina’s travels across India and her personal archive of textiles and interiors, the new tile collection is a love letter to cultural heritage. There’s a softness to these tiles that feels painterly – unsurprising, given each design is hand-finished using watercolour techniques. From the serene cartouches of Udaipur to the botanical flourishes of Goa and the naively embroidered motifs of Cochin, the collection is rich in visual storytelling, yet completely usable in the modern home – and it’s all about design that quietly transforms a space, layering in depth, tactility and a sense of place. The new palette – with soft eucalyptus and taupe hues – works beautifully on its own or as a backdrop to the more decorative designs. What’s really clever is how this collection manages to feel heritage and contemporary all at once – and timeless in that very British, very Nina way.
firedearth.com
MATERIAL GLOW
Waterworks has long been considered a byword for elegance in the bathroom – but with the launch of its new lighting range, the brand is stepping firmly into statement territory. Designed in collaboration with artisan partners across Italy, the five-part collection showcases what happens when you fuse architectural form with impeccable material craft. Here, Murano glass is celebrated, with each diffuser handblown to highlight surface textures, air bubbles and undulations that give every piece its own unique glow. Add to that hand-carved alabaster, richly veined marble, and etched crystal, and you’ve got a suite of lighting that doubles as sculpture. The range balances tradition with innovation: some pieces nod to historical techniques, while others feel sharply modern, with graphic lines and industrial silhouettes. The focus isn’t on brightness for its own sake, but on shaping atmosphere through form and material, anchoring a space, and making a bold design statement. Waterworks’ artisanal lighting brings together craftsmanship and materiality in a way that feels both sculptural and functional – a natural extension of the brand’s ref ned aesthetic.
waterworks.com
CULTURAL THREADS
CasaLatina is not your average homeware brand. With a mission rooted in cultural celebration and ethical production, its collections are a vibrant showcase of Colombian and Venezuelan craftsmanship, told through ceramics, basketry and hand-carved tableware. The ceramics offering is a tactile, soulful collection that centres around the Chamba range, made using centuries-old traditions. These are everyday objects that carry extraordinary stories. But more than that, CasaLatina’s strength lies in its ability to bridge cultures – bringing artisan techniques into contemporary homes without compromising on authenticity. Each piece is crafted by hand, using local materials, by makers who have passed down their skills through generations. The result is a collection that feels deeply human, full of character and made for everyday life. It’s a quietly powerful reminder that beauty isn’t about perfection but about meaning, history and community. Whether you’re drawn to the earthy texture of the black clay cookware or the joyous colour of hand-painted dinner plates, this is a brand that invites you to slow down and savour.
casalatina.co.uk
