Watching Stockholm Design Week closely, albeit from afar, a clear standout this year was the Ariake exhibition, A Quiet Reflection. Beautifully curated by Annaleena Leino in collaboration with My Residence magazine and lighting company Wästberg, though I wasn't there in person, the beautiful imagery I saw all over instagram and blogs last month has lingered in my mind. Held inside a private residence in the central Stockholm that was formerly the Mexican embassy, the space was chosen for its ability to interact with the furniture and artwork, in a real home environment. The original elements and rough interior walls provide an interesting, textural backdrop for the pieces which are centred around craft and expression.
Ariake is a furniture brand founded by Legnatec and Hirata Chair, two factories from the furniture producing town of Morodomi in Saga prefecture, Japan. Inspired by the spirituality of Japanese culture and urban living, the pieces blend Japanese and Scandinavian influences with a minimalist aesthetic and functional design. Made from oak, ash, hinoki, cedar, leather, paper cord, cotton canvas, upholstery and unique finishes such as sumi and indigo dye each piece is crafted in Morodomi, with furniture designs by many renowned designers including Anderssen & Voll, Gabriel Tan, Keiji Ashizawa, Norm Architects and Studio MK27.
The Wästberg lighting provided another element of wow to the exhibition with statement designs. The striking and aptly named w151 extra large pendants, are suspended above the beautiful dining and living rooms. I also love the round w171 alma light which, designed for use as a pendant light, hangs on the wall, creating a soft, sculptural contrast against the mottled plaster wall. Another favourite of mine is the w163 lampyre table lamp.
The exhibition also featured other complimentary works including those by Studio Matti Carlson, Dry Studio, Nick Ross, Anton Alvarez, Frama, Perspective Studio and many more.
Stunning in every way, the exhibition strikes a beautiful balance between old and new. I hope you feel inspired as I do.
All images via Ariake Press