MINIMALISSIMO EDITED
This newsletter is supported by aprile, the hanging chair
The difference between an idea and a product is that you’ve solved the problems. When someone says to me, “Well, you can’t do this for these reasons,” all it means is that there are problems to be solved. If they can be solved, the idea transitions into becoming a thing. If they can’t, it remains an idea.
– Jony Ive
What's happening?
As we edge ever so closer to end the of year, I've been reflecting further on the direction of Minimalissimo and where to take it in 2024. Earlier in the year I wrote about its place in the design community, which you can read on my blog. I'm actively involved in at least three major projects outside of my product design day job. They're ongoing, so they require some creative continuity and periodic injections of strategic thinking. But it's not all business and analytics, there's some playfulness sprinkled throughout, but these projects also aren't playgrounds. They're companies I'd like to see succeed both creatively and financially. But as time passes and I catch a glimpse of where I stand in relation to these companies, I'm increasingly convinced my bandwidth is running out and my motivation is dwindling. So something's got to give.
2024 is going to be a year of change. How exactly, is yet to be determined. I need to think on this further and discuss some ideas with one or two people before committing to anything. Rest assured, though, Minimalissimo isn't vanishing.
– Carl
Features
KD 62 PENDANT LAMP
Eugenio Gentili Tedeschi (1916–2005) was an influential Italian architect and designer who left a profound mark on the fields of architecture and product design. The 1950s and 1960s marked a prolific phase in Gentili Tedeschi's career. In 1965, design company Kartell introduced the KD 62 pendant lamp, a testament to Gentili Tedeschi's design prowess. This substantial lamp features an acrylic shade with metal details, available in various colours.
EROS TABLE COLLECTION
Angelo Mangiarotti (1921–2012) is a distinct figure in the first generation of Italian design, known for his unique approach to creating timeless products that seamlessly blend form and function. One of his iconic designs, the Eros table, made its debut in 1971. This innovative piece of furniture, crafted from Carrara marble, is a testament to Mangiarotti's brilliance. Taking the Freccia coffee table a prime example, its distinguishing feature is an asymmetrical tabletop, held in place by gravity joints, showcasing a thoughtful and minimalist design.
HOUSE IN HASAMA
In the heart of Hasama, a quaint corner of Oita, Japan, a unique dwelling stands out in a residential complex. This house, designed by Atelier Kenta Eto Architects, boasts a distinctive charm with its one-storey structure featuring three 10-foot gabled roofs. These roofs are lined up as if in perfect harmony, giving rise to three distinct spaces within.
ASARI CHAIR
In typical Naoto Fukasawa fashion, the Asari office chair for furniture brand Herman Miller, has been designed with a perfect blend of form and function. Its gentle curves, fully upholstered frame, and innovative features redefine the concept of an office chair, adding a welcome organic touch to a typically sterile setting.
KI-HOUSE
Perched atop a hill 30 metres above sea level in Nanjo City, Okinawa, Japan, KI-HOUSE is a minimal masterpiece that takes full advantage of its remarkable location. Designed by the renowned Kubota Architect Atelier, this unique house offers a panoramic view of the ocean to the east, with a touch of the sublime that only this part of the world can provide. The house is a blend of contemporary design and the awe-inspiring Okinawan landscape.
CARAWAY FOOD STORAGE
When it comes to food storage, we all know the struggle of maintaining order in our cabinets and drawers. Caraway, a brand that's all about thoughtful design, set out to tackle this common challenge. To bring this vision to life, they partnered with Box Clever to create a modular system that simplifies the way we store, transport, and display our food. The key to their success? Purpose-driven sizing and a shift from pure ceramic vessels to beautifully ceramic-coated glass products.
Supply spotlight
minimal product design made to own (and made by us):
M–OWL
Owl is a minimalist theme powered by Notion and Super for photographers and artists alike. By removing the non-essential, we have created a fast, simplified, and more focused site design that puts your work first.
Where next?
Discovery
other things for you to read, explore, and maybe even admire:
Pedestal: simple Scandinavian stands for screens
Checklist design: a collection of best design practices
Designing tranquility: inside the minimalist world of Isern Sera and Valeria Vasi
SP-01: user interface sound effects library
This monthly edition of the Minimalissimo newsletter was supported by aprile, the hanging chair
inspired by spring days and designed by Matteo Modica, aprile is a simple suspended chair that oozes elegance—a floating seat, shaped after spring petals, swinging gently. designed and handcrafted in Italy with artisanal love.
whether you're looking for visual inspiration or design insights, you can visit our gallery to discover the very best of minimalism in art and design.
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