Every year fans of modernism descend on Palm Springs for a celebration that treats designers and architects like movie stars. Cocktail in hand, we joined the throng and took in the lasting legacy of California’s mid-century…
He’s a Turner Prize nominee and has been honoured by the nation but Yinka Shonibare’s work continues to trigger big responses (one critic said hanging was too good for him). On the eve of a new show about our fractious…
Denmark’s ceramics used to take pride of place on the global mantelpiece but the industry was in danger of crumbling. Happily, a new generation has gone back to the potter’s wheel to revive the aesthetics and artistry of…
Be it from near or far, classic or contemporary, monochrome or multicoloured, the following hotlist represents our favourite 25 design pieces in the world right now.
Showing the world the true face of today’s watch industry, Baselworld’s annual fair remains as relevant as ever. Here are our highlights from this year’s edition.
Architect William Smalley struck upon a series of elegant solutions to unify this divided three-storey Bloomsbury mews, with Japan providing the solution to open it up to the busy world beyond while maintaining privacy.
Neglect of the Irish design industry has seen signature brands all but disappear. Now, with the help of the Irish Design 2015 programme, a regeneration is underway and Ireland is ready to show the world its talents.
Feeling at ease, be you in an airport lounge, hotel or cinema, is hugely dependent on your surroundings. As these examples from around the world illustrate, intuitive interiors are a crucial part of the hospitality exper…
Filling a house is a daunting task. But with Tokyo and Stockholm each boasting a street peppered with high-end homeware gems it can be a journey of discovery.
Built as a hunting lodge in the 1930s and seized by the SS during the Second World War, Villa St Martin in Alsace has a colourful history. Now an idyllic family home, its Bauhaus and art deco architectural styles
Furniture firm Carl Hansen & Søn is justly proud of its heritage and the company’s refusal to operate outside of Denmark hasn’t hampered growth. A new factory, increased output and rapidly rising exports point to a world…
With whole towns in Italy dedicated to producing a single item, be it eyewear, silk or shoes, it’s clear why the big names in fashion continue to rely on the expertise of the country’s specialised craftsmen.
It’s often the little things that leave a lasting impression when visiting a new city. From flickering neon lights in Portugal to beautifully painted manholes in Japan, Monocle picks out 10 unique and memorable city details…
With attendees from 160 countries, Milan furniture fair Salone del Mobile is an unrivalled global cornerstone for the design industry. Monocle picks out the highlights from the show.
From a simple concept – the roll-out and upkeep of municipal street furniture in exchange for control of the advertising – JCDecaux elevates the unnoticed essentials of urban life. Monocle discovers how it helps cities run…
The managing director and saviour of furniture manufacturer Vitsoe on how he brought the eminent brand back from the brink, the importance of character and why money men are best avoided.
Social housing is often regarded as the architectural afterthought of governments tackling home shortages. But four innovative new developments, from London to Tokyo, are showing how good design and collaborative ideas can…
The annual Stockholm Furniture Fair is the place to see the work of new design studios who are dipping their toes into the market, alongside all the established brands – and, unusually, those that are somewhere in between…
Inspired by a creative affinity for the country, a band of Japanese craftsmen have set up shop in Italy. Monocle speaks to a shoemaker, glass artist and tailor about embracing the techniques and traditions of their foreign…
Ideally situated to match German efficiency with Italian craft, retail design firm Schweitzer has forged a name delivering store concepts from design to build. Monocle disappears to the mountains to discover how the magic…
Stoke-on-Trent’s identity as the home of the ceramics industry was thought to be a thing of the past. But when we headed to the Staffordshire city we found a vibrant and positive scene and it’s clear the skills haven’t gone…
We meet CEO of Artek, Mirkku Kullberg, the CEO of Tod’s Group, Diego Della Valle, and Indonesia’s minister of tourism and creative economy, Dr Mari Elka Pangestu, to hear how they're helping put the design industry at the…
