This week has seen delights from Clerkenwell Design Week in London, so I wanted to share some of the highlights from my two days in the area. If you’ve been following Chalk & Moss you’ll know that my focus is on activities and products that connect us to nature, either in principle, through process, or by sight, sound, colour, texture or form. The products shown here would therefore fit well if you’re keen on taking a biophilic approach to your life and interiors. Biophilic design recognises our innate need to connect to nature in order to find wellbeing, health, focused calm, creativity and productivity. You can find out more on this page about biophilic design.
Select highlights include Bert Frank, Curiousa & Curiousa, Bang & Olufsen, Frances Bradley, Norr11, Jonathan Field, WUD Lighting, Pablo, Gracy Souky, HAG, RBM x Feathr at Scandinavian Business Centre, Mosswall UK, Oliver Heath, Interface and Mark Stevenson.
Furniture, lighting and accessories for natural, biophilic interiors

Curiousa & Curiousa’s Teardrop pendant. This light, alone or in a cluster, is perfect for cosy evenings due to the warm glow. It has an almost open fire like illumination that will help melatonin production, settling you into restful sleep.

The beautiful Pear Drop pendant by Curiousa & Curiousa. This beautiful hand blown light casts a warm, quite mysterious glow.

Bang & Olufsen’s awe inspiring installations are always well worth a visit. This time, visitors were treated to the BeoSound Shape. This is a customisable and wireless speaker system that gives outstanding surround sound. I love how the form mimics natural geometric patterns. The soft colours are easy on the eye, effortlessly adding natural style to interiors.

Frances Bradley works largely with offcuts from her local forest to make her wooden furniture and accessories.

The leather on this Elephant Chair by Danish brand Norr11 is so tactile, it’s hard to resist. Most of the pieces on show featured smooth wood, such as this seating and a lovely dining table. They also had a stunning set of two coffee tables, with a practical removable tray.

Stylish and functional coffee table by Norr11. The top of the tables in both sizes are removable trays.

The visible grain in the wood of Jonathan Field’s tables make them all the more special. On this table, he’s made a lighting feature from the knots and grain.

These rustic lights by WUD Lighting give a wonderful glow. The base is made from sustainably sourced wood. The glow omitted is well suited to evenings, when blue light would keep you awake by inhibiting melatonin production.

This wonderful light and speaker by Pablo would be a wonderful addition to a bedroom or evening room, with its warm light and excellent sound quality. The battery lasts up to seven hours, even if playing music. The velvety touch sensor easily adjusts volume and brightness.

This collection of Noor chairs combines RBM’s Scandinavian look with artist made designs by Feathr. Seen at the Scandinavian Business Centre.
Interior Greenery

A multitude of different coloured products on show by Mosswall UK. My favourite was this earthy version, adding character and comfort.

A biophilic approach was taken by Bert Frank. The greenery gives an inviting impact to their otherwise somewhat dark and damp space at Clerkenwell Design Week.
Biophilic Design and the Future of Sustainability

Biophilic design expert Oliver Heath presented research that shows the health and psychological benefits of connecting with nature in the workplace. Several interesting talks on the topic were hosted by Interface at their Clerkenwell showroom.

A fascinating and eye opening talk was hosted by Interface, discussing what to do about the future. An expert panel, led by biophilic design expert Oliver Heath, discussed climate change. The discussion looked positively at the future to make real change, with innovation such as carbon positive innovation, solar powered phones and more. The panelists were Mark Stevenson (futurist, author), Nigel Stansfield (President EMEA, Interface), Carl Wolf (VP Europe, Lanzatech), Julie Hirigoyen (Chief Executive UK, Green Building Council).
If you’re new to natural, biophilic design, you may wish to read this page on the topic.