Silvia Cenals Macaron Floor Lamp, created for Lithuanian furniture company EMKO, is as sweet as the French confection after which it was named. Its long metal base and neck feature a surprise treat at the tippy top: two wood rings wrapped with a colored cord. This was the first of the San Sebastian, Spain born designers pieces to catch my eye, but I quickly discovered her work encompasses more than dessert-inspired lighting.
Ceal, who founded her eponymous studio in 2015, has long been inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design. I always try to design functional and simple pieces that prioritize peoples needs, she shares. Her minimalist yet playful staplesmost of which are meant for teeny-tiny spacesreminded me of the blonde wood dressers and pop-bright accessories IKEA. In this case, though, the end result is much more personal. The Swedish retailer is a go-to for first apartments and these function-focused items are no different: They blend with just about any aesthetic and put storage first. My Scandinavian obsession has reached new heights thanks to these Spanish designs.
For Organizing
Often sticking with plain, unadorned wood structures, her durable, storage-friendly items include Beka, a childrens clothing rack made out of the same planks used for fruit crates, and Cimas, a wall hanger with five pegs that can hold anything from garage gear to bath towels.
For Dark Corners
Ceals Cowbell Lampan ideal kitchen island pendantskews a lot more minimalist than her popular Macaron fixtures (which come in Yves Klein blue, fire engine red, white, black, and canary yellow). To soften the ceramic dome, the designer added leather straps to the top and the sides.
For Entertaining
Almost everything has a story behind it. The stackable Lau stools, which are handy when guests come over, translate to four in the Basque language, while a plain wood tray meant to look like traditional sushi platters can be used for serving cheese.
For Lounging
For each of the three seating options in the Abric Collection, Ceal added a horizontal seam along the oak wood legs (her own clever spin on the standard gray couch). Bi Silla, one of Ceals favorite pieces, is a two-toned, L-shaped chair designed to make you feel sheltered. While originally designed with a hotel lobby in mind, the nook-like creations are so fun and functional that youd want to see them in a 100-something-square-foot apartment.
This story was originally published on December 28, 2018. It has been updated.
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