Whether hunting for the perfect present for a loved one or simply doing some window shopping of your own – this is the definitive guide to the most covetable design products for the festive season. The post Habitus Christmas...
From highly crafted furniture to candles that will whisk you away to another place, here is a selection of Christmas gift ideas, as curated by the Habitus editors. See our other curation of design-led products here.
Candy stripes – LagunaB tumbler from Pan After
Founded in 1996 by Marie Brandolini in the picturesque city of Venice, Italy, LagunaB draws inspiration from the reinterpretation of the Goto de fornace. This innovative brand seamlessly blends ancient glassmaking techniques with contemporary design and a commitment to sustainability. LagunaB, available from Pan After, remains at the forefront of Murano’s craft and culture, creating timeless and collectable glassware.
A soulful scent – Lumira candles
There are scented candles, and then there are scented candles – the kind that linger, leaving a space enveloped in a sophisticated smell. Lumira is well and truly in the latter. Founded in 2013 by Almira Armstrong, Lumira is a luxury fragrance house based in Sydney (Gadigal), where each product is crafted with evocative and enriching scents that add a sensory layer to your home. Tuscan Fig, in particular, offers a fresh, green and slightly sweet smell, giving a hint of Christmas (but perfect all year round).
Gather around – The Twill collection by DesignByThem
The Twill by Australian design brand DesignByThem is a harmonious blend of modernity and classic design, which brings a subtle yet practical touch to any space. Available in a dining and bar chair version, its gracefully sweeping backrest doubles as the armrest and is crafted for seamless tucking under your benchtop or table. “We love how the double profile looks and functions. It was inspired by plasticine strips and the repetition seen in Twill weaves. It creates a sense of ornament whilst creating strength in the legs and comfort in the backrest,” share Sarah Gibson and Nicholas Karlovasitis (Gibson Karlo), designers.
Books as objects of beauty
A stunning coffee table book is always a good gift idea, especially for avid readers and design lovers. Thames & Hudson has plenty of worthy inclusions:
Rethinking the Tropical House by long-time Habitus contributor Luo Jingmei – Marking 20 years of innovative architectural practice, RT+Q, a dynamic Singapore firm, unveils its inaugural monograph. Having completed over 120 projects across Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, RT+Q has emerged as a prominent regional player. Renowned for its captivating residential designs blending vernacular and Modernist influences, the firm consistently surprises and earns accolades.
Ornament is not a Crime by another Habitus contributor Rebecca Gross – Embrace vibrant hues, bold curves, and postmodern drama in the interiors featured in this book, where a resurgence of 80s postmodernist aesthetics challenges decades of minimalism. Designers explore shape, scale, and symbolic references, defying form-follows-function norms. In a rebellion against less is more, creatives revive postmodern themes, proving that ornamentation adds value to interior and furniture design.
And Paul Bangay’s A Life in Garden Design – Renowned for nearly four decades, Paul Bangay stands as Australia’s premier garden designer. Celebrated for his expertise in scale, balance, form, and colour, he leverages a profound understanding of the natural and classical realms to craft exquisite gardens worldwide. This illustrated memoir delves into the evolution of one of Australia’s foremost design luminaries.
Illuminating the way – Odie light by Jardan
Odie, a minimal table and wall light by Jardan, exudes a delicate and ethereal charm through hand-blown cold glass techniques. Its raw, natural aesthetic, combined with brushed aluminium housing, imparts an elegantly pure illumination. Crafted from cold-blown borosilicate glass, it features a soft frosted finish to set just the right balance of brightness and ambience.
A practical accessory – Polestar Open Tote
Renowned for its innovation in electric vehicles, Polestar has built a steadfast following – so it comes as no surprise that there is a world of Polestar swag. This open-top bag is meticulously designed with waterproof fabric, and crafted in collaboration with the award-winning waterproof bag maker SUBTECH. Featuring high-frequency 3D-welded seams, this bag is a testament to Polestar‘s commitment to excellence, a capacity only rivalled by their exceptional cars.
Comfort above all else – Flag Halyard chair by PP Møbler from Seeho Su
Inspired on a hot summer day as Hans Wegner crafted a sand chair to unwind while his kids played, the Flag Halyard Chair emerged. Sketching at his summer house, Wegner translated beach-inspired seating angles into this design. The chair offers ultimate and luxurious relaxation with a robust stainless steel frame, 240 metres of unique flag line forming the seat and back, and a lush long-haired sheepskin softening the industrial steel. Plus it’s hard to go past the nod to early modernists like Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer.
Handmade magic – the Pinto range from Citta
Città‘s Pinto collection includes placemats, coasters and baskets and is a vibrant exploration of colour and texture, making a striking impact in any home. Designed in New Zealand, this versatile collection is handwoven in India using natural seagrass, and traditional techniques to showcase expert craftsmanship, resulting in a distinctive and organic finish.
A floral touch – Ikebana vase by Jaime Hayon for Fritz Hansen from Cult
Offering a delicate and diverse offering, the Ikebana Vase Series is available in a range of captivating variations. Crafted by designer Jaime Hayon for Fritz Hansen (via Cult), the Ikebana Vase pays homage to the timeless Japanese art of flower arranging. Each meticulously mouth-blown vase is thoughtfully designed to celebrate every flower, honouring its journey from stem to crown.
Timeless qualities – Bright Beads Wall Hooks by Marz Designs from Australian Design & Co
Exuding practical elegance, Bright Beads Wall Hooks by Australian design studio Marz Designs are available from Australian Design & Co. With an artful blend of functionality and craftsmanship, each hook is precision-shaped in Australia from FSC-approved solid timber and individually handcrafted. Ideal for urban living, the hooks come in three versatile designs to accommodate any space and garment size.
Colour and delight – the famous Hattie Molloy calendar
Explore florist Hattie Molloy’s year in vivid detail with her iconic A3 Wired Bound Wall Calendar, comprised of her favourite flower features. Printed on thick gloss paper in Melbourne, each month’s captivating visuals showcase the creative’s unique design and photography.
Raise a toast – Tank range by Tom Dixon from Living Edge
Inspired by the functional forms of scientific glassware, the Tank collection combines minimalism with decorative flair, suitable for various functions like drinking, pouring, storing, and displaying food and drink. The series includes champagne glasses, vases, and decanters, such as the Tank Decanter, perfect for showcasing your finest wines. Mouth-blown and adorned with hand-painted copper details, it complements the Tom Dixon Tank Wine Glasses, presented in elegant gift-worthy packaging.
The post Habitus Christmas Gift Guides 2023 – The editor’s picks appeared first on Habitusliving.com.
