Live from Ambiente 2012

Monday, 13 February 2012

Royal Doulton at Ambiente 2012
Innovation comes to the fore at consumer goods fair Ambiente 2012, which runs until tomorrow at Messe Frankfurt. Designers have experimented with pattern, placement and form to create tableware with a twist, while decorative accessories are updated with colour and finish.
Disrupted pattern: Detailed geometrics, florals and blocks of colour are mixed and matched on one design to create a dynamic direction for print and pattern.

By Mutti at Ambiente 2012


Updated classics: Traditional forms, motifs and patterns are given a contemporary update - as in By Mutti's new collection, where blue-and-white ceramic tableware is decorated with tattoo designs.

Ceramic Japan at Ambiente 2012
Playful: Pared-back designs take a playful approach and incorporate ingenious detail, especially for tabletop and decorative accessories.

Top three exhibitors

Soil at Ambiente 2012
New Japanese brand Soil is launching a range of kitchen and bathroom products made from diatomaceous earth, a naturally-occurring dessicant which absorbs moisture quickly and can be used over and over again.

Soil at Ambiente 2012


Key direction: The material's versatility means it can be used for a number of purposes, from keeping kitchen ingredients dry to creating the perfect bath mat.

Soil at Ambiente 2012


Key feature: The collection's three calm, muted colourways, which combine with Soil's innovative properties in line with autumn/winter 2012/13 macro trend Radical Neutrality.

Anne Black at Ambiente 2012
Exhibiting for the first time at Ambiente, Danish designer Anne Black creates classic porcelain products with contemporary patterns. Forms are usually delicate and immediately reveal her Scandinavian roots.

Anne Black at Ambiente 2012
Key direction: Handcrafted tabletop and decorative accessories. Although patterns appear in colour, the collection is clear and clean.

Ruth M collection by Anne Black at Ambiente 2012
Key pieces: The Ruth M collection, with prints inspired by the hometown of Black's grandmother (who gives her name to the collection).

Unseen Products at Ambiente 2012
Dutch company Unseen Products promotes Fair Trade design, developing and selling products made by small producers in developing countries.

Unseen Products at Ambiente 2012
Key direction: Working across several interior design categories, the brand takes into consideration the producer's strengths and directs product development towards a more commercial design.

Unseen Products at Ambiente 2012
Key feature: Chunky knit cushions made in South Africa and Nepal.