AMBIENTE: Space-defining Accessories

Good architecture is always more than the simple assemblage of roof, walls, and floor to enclose a space. This is true especially of interior design, which seeks to create radiant, inviting spaces full of atmosphere. But what is it that gives architectural spaces this added quality? Along with the classical means of interior design – colour, surfaces, materials, right through to built-in furniture – accessories play an ever greater role. The focus here is not on small decorative articles like candleholders or pillows, but on large, space-defining accessories that congenially complement the architecture or set an intentional counterpoint. This can be a vase or a bowl that draws the gaze, or a sculpture or unusual free-standing piece of furniture. Not only form and volume, but also colours and surfaces are key.

With its large-scale decorative vases, the German manufacturer Lambert offers a collection of premium accessories which, thanks to their height of over 1.2 metres, assert their presence even in generously proportioned modern spaces. The “Gitan” series combines traditional design and contemporary materials. While their forms echo antique Balinese vases handcrafted out of solid palm trunks, the “Gitan” vases are made of aluminium that is shaped by hand and then finished using various grinding tools. The matt sheen of their surfaces is naturally suited to understated, sparely furnished spaces, making the vases an ideal accessory for contemporary interiors.

Whereas cool metal surfaces seamlessly meld with contemporary architecture, surfaces with greater texture can be used to set deliberate counterpoints to the built surroundings. The exclusive bowls, vases, and luminaires from GUAXS are prime examples of this. Made of brass or glass, the objects’ individually treated surfaces show the artisanal workmanship that goes into them. Through their play of alternating textures, they bring warmth and individuality to a space. The German-based, family-run enterprise has made it its mission to create contemporary products that draw from generations-old artisanal traditions and worldwide cultural influences. These accessories employ sustainable materials such as wood, natural stone, metals and glass that give the products a warm radiance, lending a personal note to coolly styled modern spaces.

Even greater individuality is afforded by free-standing sculptures of high artistic value. When placed in the open, they catch the eye and provide a strong accent – acting as a compositional anchor especially in generous, free-flowing spaces in way that the architecture itself can hardly achieve. It therefore isn’t surprising that ever more manufacturers are offering free-standing sculptures in direct sales; after all, not everyone has the means to acquire sculptures on the art market at top prices. The product range of the German producer Decorama includes exactingly crafted cement sculptures of human heads, either free-standing or on wood columns. Each piece is unique, handcrafted by an artist, and has an individual face. Scholtissek, a family-run company from the Osnabrück region, also offers an entire collection of singular, eye-catching pieces with its life-sized animal sculptures in metal. Whether in private residences or publicly used buildings, these have an especially dramatic effect when displayed in ample space with targeted lighting.

Accessories play an increasingly important role, not only in interior spaces, but also in the garden or on the terrace – especially where sober utilitarian objects can be replaced by products of high aesthetic value. The Swedish manufacturer Garden Glory specialises in garden accessories that are functional, yet eye-catching. A set of antlers in cast aluminium, for example, can serve as a wall holder for the garden hose or be used to set a strong, attractive accent in the open expanse of any house or garage wall.

For architects and interior designers, the consumer goods fair “Ambiente” in Frankfurt has established itself as the place to go to witness the space-defining effect of accessories. With almost 5,000 exhibitors from some 100 countries last year – including the manufacturers named above, who are showing their new collections this year as well – “Ambiente” has long been considered the leading international trade fair for products for the table, kitchen, household, living and giving. The current themes in the industry receive in-depth treatment in a range of special events, highlighted topics, award ceremonies, and programmes for young talent – all designed to provide inspiration and orientation. “Ambiente” opens its doors again from 12 to 16 February.