Around The World In 25 Designs

Take a trip around the world with us as we discover 25 designs from 5 different countries, each as diverse as their contrasting cultures.

JAPAN

On our first stop, we traverse the land of the rising sun where modesty and peaceful simplicity is very much a cornerstone of the local culture. Steeped in centuries of tradition, it is prevalent in Japanese design aesthetic. It is a serene affair that takes great inspiration from Mother nature, especially, its wooden element.

A prevalent ideology that has influenced Japanese design through and through is ‘katachi’, which means ‘form’. It is a focus on shapes and lines, and how they ebb and flow together to form a coherent final form that not only fulfils the pillars of Japanese design, but also pushes peak functionality at the same time.

Symmetry and asymmetry both play a huge role in this process, in that the two oppose to only ironically complement each other. Symmetry in the foundation of the designs becomes the base line to achieve the hallmark simplicity while asymmetry comes into the mix to save the otherwise monotonous result. it is this interplay that makes even the most simplistic of Japanese designs visually interesting to those who view them.

SWEDEN

Crossing continents to Sweden, we find a design style that is defined by clean, simple lines and a strong emphasis on functionality. Even the most sophisticated and avant-garde of Swedish design will bear the hallmarks of minimalism and practicality. Swedish design should not hinder one’s lifestyle, merely enhance it.

Like its Japanese counterpart, Swedish design has a long standing relationship with nature. It is very much reflected in the material used, surface finishing and the overall form of the design. Materials such as wood, stone, metals, and leather are used in abundance, along with natural fluid shapes that mimic organic elements.