Inspired living

Chanoyu by Luzerne

Home-grown tableware manufacturer Luzerne has been supplying to hotels, but it is now launching a retail range. Although best known for its show plates, Luzerne's new collection includes the Chanoyu range. This is the brand's first complete tea set collection specially created as an ode to the fine tradition of tea appreciation. The smooth and wide curves that wrap around the tea pots are designed to mirror the zen art of tea making, allowing tea connoisseurs to slowly savour exquisite perfection in every brew.

Table lamps from Schema

Filipino brand Schema may not ring a bell in Singapore, but its collection of lamps are already available in Tokyo, Paris and Dubai. All Schema lamps are handcrafted using metal wires. The collection also includes hanging and standing lamps.

Kelopak lights

Created by Indonesian designer Budiman Ong, Kelopak, meaning petal in Bahasa Indonesia, is made entirely of zippers, 90m of the material to be exact. The designer, who carries his products under his Chinese name Ong Cen Kuang, says that Kelopak's curvy shape comes about from the zipper's flexible nature.

Rose & Juliet candles

This trio of pretty candles are from Belgian brand, Baobab Collection. Each Baobab candle is poured by hand into hand-blown glass vases. Baobab uses only non-oily wax with wicks made from fine Egyptian cotton, and fragrances with a renowned perfumer in Grasse. This trio's floral exteriors are shaped by hand.

InClay Studio Pottery

These spoons are a creation of InClay Studio Pottery which produces one-of-a-kind, hand-thrown ceramics made from clays and glazes native to Chiang Mai. They are made by Thai artist Jirawong Wongtrangan, who trained at a ceramics factory in Chiang Rai. Mr Wongtrangan not only makes pieces for sale, but offers workshops to anyone who is keen to learn the craft.

Q&Q SmileSolar Series

Watches are not quite what you would expect at a home furnishings fair, but that's the beauty of a Maison&Objet show. The SmileSolar series of watches, manufactured by Citizen Watch Co, runs on solar power, and comes in 15 different variations. The straps are made using recycled material, making this watch truly eco-friendly.

Deshoulieres plates

Founded in 1826, the Deshoulieres Group is the leading French porcelain manufacturer. All its tableware are made of Limoges porcelain, a composite of kaolin, sand, feldspatic materials, clay and chalk. There are modern designs in its collection, but the beauty of the plates can best be appreciated in its more classical designs, some of which were inspired by the famous Aubusson tapestry from the Middle Ages.

Serax H2O bottles

Belgian brand Serax started in 1987, with a series of flower pots that soon grew into an extensive range of decorative articles. Today, the Serax collection has well over 4,000 interior objects, ranging from original glassware to elegant services and tealight candles. The products are innovative and quirky, such as this collection of glass bottles, meant for both cold and hot drinks.

Anne-Claire Petit Accessories

Dutch designer Anne-Claire Petit specialised in textile design in school, and became interested in handicrafts, such as printing, weaving and crochet. She started her company making shawls, but in 2002, decided to focus on a kids and home collection. The ideas for the collection come out of her Amsterdam office, but each piece is hand-crocheted by women living in countryside villages of Northern China.

Or Tea?

Hong Kong tea company Or Tea? wants to make savouring Chinese tea hip, and not something that only grannies and grandpas do. It uses premium organic grade tea leaves, such as jasmine, white peony and oolong. But it truly wins young fans over with its cute packaging of illustrations of girls drinking tea and looking all zen-like.

taysc@sph.com.sg