The collection consists of limited and collectible interior pieces, encapsulated by a premium design standard and quality.
The Design Lab collection aesthetic stands at the intersection between abstract and tangible, inviting one to play with the visual as well as the philosophical contrasts and perceptions of softness and firmness. The H&M HOME design team have experimented with the relationship of opposing materials and shapes, exploring this connection to human observation. The result is a marriage of hard materials and soft shapes, combined with the power of volume.
“The concept and idea of this Design Lab collection began as a study and experimentation of shapes and the power of volume. It ended in a special collection for H&M HOME that truly showcases and marries innovation, design as well as quality. We are proud to present this exciting collection to our customers worldwide and see a continuation of Design Lab collections going ahead”, says Evelina Kravaev-Söderberg, Head of Design and Creative at H&M HOME.
The Design Lab collection holds 11 collectible interior pieces. The three larger and smaller modelled bowl vases in glass are multifunctional. They easily act as a vase, and once turned over, double as sculptural bowls. These come in three shades: inky black, Klein blue and transparent. The transparent, modular floor lamp is a statement piece, imagined to act as a light sculpture – infusing a designed touch to any interior and home. The modelled blanket holds an architectural and schematic design, showcasing the ultimate combination of complementary compositions. Finally, the lounge chair is a stylish, pièce de résistance, linking the collection together through the combination of hard steel and its soft, airy black padding.
“Design Lab is H&M HOME’s reflection of the era we live in, where things may look one way and feel quite different. It reminds us to challenge what we observe and be open to new, stimulating combinations. This new collection invites the H&M HOME customer to experience a new side of H&M HOME, with limited interior pieces that we see as true collectibles for the future”, says Erica Christofferson, Concept Designer at H&M HOME.
We spoke to Evelina Kravaev-Söderberg and Erica Christofferson to find out more about this collection.
What inspired this collection?
EC: During an autumn walk, I noticed some sculptures. There was something about the round and soft shape, that interested me. The contrast between soft shape and hard material. I wanted us to explore this in different ways, in our designs at H&M HOME.
ER: The design team has been looking into the relationship of contrasting materials and shapes, connected to perception. A research on hard materials and soft shapes combined with the power of volume and size.
The pieces are a marriage between hard and soft elements, what does that mean to you as a designer?
EC: Experimenting with different expressions as a designer is interesting. To think about how the eye perceives something and that the tactile sensation can be something else. There is something beautiful and unexpected about that. In this collection we workedwith exactly this – lightweight pieces in a heavy colour and round soft shapes in glass.
Which material was your favorite to work with?
EC: The glass was very interesting, and the idea of that you can use it as a vase or a beautiful bowl is a contrast itself.
What makes the items special and collectible?
The collection is limited edition, and we believe that they will turn out to be classics that customers can treat as collectibles. The design is timeless but still a reflection of our time.
The items in the collection come in 3 colors mainly, inky black, Klein blue and transparent items. Why did you choose these colors? What do they represent?
EC: The pitch black is such an amazing colour to work with, it appears different if you use it on different material, that’s exiting. The glass vase/bowl put together beside each other, both black but they give a different feeling due to their surface. The blue is for hope and gives the black a depth. Since we worked with contrasts, we saw that the transparent pieces gave the shape a clean unfiltered look that is a contrast itself towards the other colors.
How can people style these items in their own homes?
EC: We love when we see people style their homes in a personal way. Maybe these pieces can bring new life to a favorite spot or shelf.
What is your favorite item in the collection?
EC: We love them all, but I’m looking forward to cosy up in the blanket, when the winter is coming.
The Design Lab collection will be available at H&M HOME in First Avenue – The Avenues and online from 17th October 2022, with prices starting from KD 8.990.
