Fifteen Scotland-based designers and design studios revealed 40 new objects at The Future of Home exhibit at Local Heroes during the London Design Festival. Curated by Dr. Stacey Hunter, director of Local Heroes, each object was imagined as one that could live in a home to reflect the fluidity between workspace and living space. From furniture and lighting to textiles and collectible craft, the show conveys the curiosity and discovery that can be found in Scotland’s design culture.
Bespoke Atelier, Jeni Allison \\\ Photo: Reuben Paris
The Future of Home responds to Brompton Design District’s theme ‘From here on…’ and invites visitors to reignite optimism and youthful exuberance. From concrete furniture created through innovative processes to new materials invented to create more sustainable pieces, the result is a fresh, bold exhibition conveying the sense of curiosity and discovery found in Scotland’s design culture. Contemporary Scottish design is rooted in places and communities, as well as plenty of collaboration and co-designing both locally and internationally. It’s a generous approach with sharing ideas, know-how and attitude towards innovation.
Chalk Plaster \\\ Photo: Reuben Paris
The impetus behind this Local Heroes exhibition is my belief that it is time for Scotland to take its place in the world as a design nation. We have a population size similar to Norway and Denmark. However, our design culture is not yet as well-articulated or as easily identifiable. Despite this, contemporary design and craft in Scotland is flourishing. I see the potential to capitalize on and develop this, and with projects like The Future of Home we hope to raise the profile of design and its contribution to our cultural and economic well-being.
– Dr. Stacey Hunter
C.A. Walac, Myatt-McCallum \\\ Photo: Reuben Paris
New materials, innovative processes and playful designs resulted in product launches from an emerging generation of designers and established brands alike. Participants in The Future of Home included Bespoke Atelier, C.A. Walac, Chalk Plaster, Hilary Grant, Instrmnt Applied Design x Hame, James Rigler, Jeni Allison, Mirrl, Myatt-McCallum, Nicholas Denney Studio, Pavilion Pavilion, Simon Harlow, Studio Sam Buckley, Urpflanze and Walac x Juli Bolaños-Durman. Visit The Future of Home to explore more about each individual project.
Hilary Grant, Simon Harlow \\\ Photo: Reuben Paris
Clockwise: Urpflanze, MIRRL, Simon Harlow, Chalk Plaster \\\ Photo: Reuben Paris
James Rigler \\\ Photo: Reuben Paris
Myatt-McCallum \\\ Photo: Reuben Paris
Jeni Allison \\\ Photo: Reuben Paris
Nicholas Denney Studio, Instrmnt Applied Design x Hame \\\ Photo: Reuben Paris
Walac x Juli Bolaños-Durman, James Rigler, Jeni Allison \\\ Photo: Reuben Paris
Photo: Matthew Gonzalez Noda
Bespoke Atelier \\\ Photo: Matthew Gonzalez Noda
Hame, James Rigler \\\ Photo: Matthew Gonzalez Noda
Hilary Grant \\\ Photo: Matthew Gonzalez Noda
Simon Harlow \\\ Photo: Matthew Gonzalez Noda
Walac x Juli Bolaños-Durman \\\ Photo: Matthew Gonzalez Noda
To learn more about The Future of Home, visit localheroes.design/ldf.
Kelly Beall is senior editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When undistracted by great art and design, she can be found making a mess in the kitchen, consuming as much information as possible, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social.
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