Author: Unison

Design classics make great gifts. We love pieces that are just as relevant and inspiring now as the day they were first dreamed up. Here are a few modern yet timeless gift ideas for all the people on your list.

For the devoted host:
Heller Dinnerware by Massimo Vignelli

These were instant classics the day they were first made in 1964 by the Italian designer. Originally manufactured in Italy, they’re now made in the U.S. from the same original molds. Heller plates and bowls are loved for their look and adaptability; they’re equally at ease as casual breakfast staples as well as statement dinner-party pieces. And while, sure they will wow any guest, they’re most appreciated by their owner because of their stack-ability. Each fit right into the next, saving cabinet space.

Vignelli once said, “I like to design to be semantically correct, syntactically consistent and pragmatically understandable.” This is certainly true of Heller Dinnerware, one of our everlasting fan favorites.

For the coffee connoisseur:
EM77 Vacuum Jug by Erik Magnussen

First presented in 1977, this is still the jug of choice for design fans that love their hot drinks hot, and cold drinks cold. The glass vacuum bottle liner keeps its contents at an ideal temperature for up to 8 hours. And the airtight design includes a rocker stopper and screw cap for easy portability. We’re not the only ones taking note: This tall cylindrical stunner received the ID prize from the Danish Society of Industrial Design in 1977.

Copenhagen-born Magnussen was educated as a ceramicist and his products have several times received the ID-prize by the Danish Society of Industrial Design.

Available in Black, Chrome, Gold, Granite, and White.

For the tea expert:
Kaico Enamel Water Kettle by Makoto Koizumi

Tokyo-based Koizumi created a whole cookware series. But the standout is this simple and elegant water kettle made from enamel-coated steel, with a beechwood handle and maple knob. Its thermal-efficient design retains heat, while its semi-gloss finish is made for easy cleaning.

At work for some 25 years, Koizumi was known originally for his architectural projects, but shifted focus to industrial design as a way to influence lives on a more human level.

For the nature lover:
Gather Clear Vases by Sam Anderson

These shapely vases help bring the outdoors in. With three sizes (small, medium and large) there are opportunities to showcase all kinds of blossoms or bunches. While these clear vases look ever-so delicate, they’re constructed to last from borosilicate glass.

Anderson is a New York-based product designer. Her work explores the ways in which form and pattern affect the utility of the things we live with.

For the bold seeker:
Omaggio Vase by Ditte Reckweg and Jelena Schou Nordentoft

Manufactured by the Danish brand Kähler, this modern ceramic vase is a subtle re-imaging of classic nautical stripes. Black and white create yin-yang visual interest and meld well with any design scheme. They are, in effect, the new neutrals.

Reckweg and Nordentoft graduated from Denmark’s design school as production designers. Today they run their own store, Stilleben, while also designing their own product lines and products for other Danish brands.

Available in Black, Pearl, and Silver.

For the modern minimalist:
Mono Wall Clock and Plywood Wall Clock by Lemnos

Time keeping shouldn’t be overcomplicated. These Japan-made clocks are for those who agree, as they’re all about clean lines and simple framing. Some compare Mono, which has a striking aluminum finish to a keyboard. Plywood, on the other hand, is noted for receiving the Good Life Long Life Design Award in 2013.

Lemnos is a Japanese maker known for modern and minimal clocks. It began in Shirogane-machi, Takaoka, in 1947 as a brass raw casting manufacturer of Buddhist altar fittings for Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. In 1963, the factory was transferred to Hayakawa 511, Takaoka, the present site of the headquarters.

For the avid entertainer:
Grid Round Trays by Unison

The whole blank-wall-as-canvas thing? We believe it. Just as sofas, beds or tables invite decorative possibilities, so do the walls around us. That’s why we invite you to shake up your white space with patterned wallpaper – one featuring an exclusive Unison design crafted here in our hometown, Chicago.

We’ve offered screen-printed wallpaper designs for a few years and are now rolling out our first digitally printed option, Sailor. Perhaps you’ve already seen the design in our signature pillow cases, throw pillows and bedding. Clearly, it’s an everlasting nautical. But the mood is more “hello, serenity” than “ahoy.”

We’ve created Sailor wallpaper with the highest quality and versatility of use in mind. As with all of our wallpapers, we focus on simple geometric patterns in a neutral palette to look at ease in homes both modern and traditional, and within any room. It all comes from an appreciation of the clean and simple (case in point: our Grid design). And we also love a good artistic flourish, such the hand-drawn aspect seen in our Lattice design.

Why go digital this time? The type pattern and repeat of the design we’re working influences our printing method. With Sailor, it made sense for the stripes to run vertically. In order to avoid a break in the stripe, digital printing was best. Says our co-founder Robert Segal, “We’re excited about quality of digital printing, especially the paper grade being sturdy and eco-friendly. Being able to offer a quality product that challenges that perception is something we stand behind.”

Wallpaper is having a resurgence right now. And with good reason: When done right, it can really transform a space and allow for more personality then paint. It’s up to you how big you want to go. In some cases, wallpaper can be a statement-making focal point. At other times, it can be just a backdrop that sets a tone, without stealing the show.

We hope you love the latest addition to our wallpaper collection. Shop the new Sailor design here. We’re happy to send you free swatches, on request.

We’re always looking at design through the lens of simple, modern living. Sometimes we find those special pieces that truly spark curiosity and invite conversation. That’s certainly the case with the work of Andrew Molleur, a Kingston, New York, designer and ceramicist. His creations – particularly the Oblique Planters and Carrara Serving Bowl and Platter that Unison carries – strike a balance between fine art and functional design, with an underpinning of modernism.

We recently caught up with Andrew to get deeper insight on his creative process and what inspires him every day.

Why did you choose to work where you do, and how have you designed your studio to be an inspiring space?

My studio is located in the Hudson Valley. I initially moved to the area for a job and decided it was a good place to start a business. Studio space was cheap, there was a growing community of creative individuals and, to top it off, a large ceramic supplier was located in town.

I have tried to design my studio as a versatile workshop rather than a strict ceramic studio. There are other materials I incorporate into my work and want the freedom and space to use them. Having a studio with the capacity to seamlessly alternate from project to project or material to material creates an inspiring space.

What is it that attracts you to the ceramic medium?

The diversity in its application and use as a material along with its deep history have always been part of its appeal as a medium. At first, I was unaware of the science behind the material, but after learning what the medium really is, it began to transform my understanding of how and where ceramic can be used.

Throughout the world almost every past and present civilization has had some type of ceramic tradition or industry. For me, this material has provided an access point into these different cultures and periods of time. I continually feel a connection to those who have used ceramics over thousands of years as their medium. The notion of a material being the connective thread of so many places and people of the world is very alluring.

Your work leans toward architectonic elements. Can you elaborate on the type of architecture that inspires you?

I am very drawn to simple, well-proportioned spaces. This does not necessarily need to fall within a certain style or movement of architecture, however, I have always been a sucker for modernism. The mechanics of architecture is really what informs my work. What I mean by this is just as any architect deals with space, volume, function and the tectonics of a structure, I must consider these as well when designing a new piece.

Is texture just as important to you as shape and form?

Texture is of course as important as any other formal consideration when designing and producing a piece. Just as form conveys meaning to the user, I believe texture also carries these same notions.

When thinking of your pieces in the home, what is your ideal vision?

I hope they are used but I also want people take a moment to look and appreciate the object as if it was a piece of art or sculpture.

Unison carries your planter and serving bowl, specifically. They seem to be quite visually and texturally different. What are the commonalities between these pieces?

For one, both pieces are created through the same molding process known as slipcasting. Beyond that, I do think they share a similar aesthetic style. Since both are designed by myself, I strive for each object to maintain a certain degree of quality and visual likeness. I really enjoy a group of objects that play on one another rather the just a single piece sitting alone.

Can you expand on the creative process for both?

The planter started with the idea of creating a vessel and water tray that is more integrated then what is typically on the market. The vessel sits on the top of the tray allowing for water to be collected but also unseen. While its function is a bit more discrete, I wanted the main focus to be on the undulating texture of the vessel. This surface was created through turning plaster on a specially designed lathe. The end result is a shape and texture which pairs well with many plant varieties and ensures proper drainage.

The serving bowl was designed with form as its foundation. The inverted dome shape is pleasing visually but also functions well. Through the firing process each bowl shrinks by about 14% resulting in a slight flair on the rim and an asymmetrical opening. The irregular nature is further emphasized by the marbling pattern on the exterior. Marbling is achieved by swirling two colors of porcelain together and applying it to the mold. The marbling, however, is left to chance, creating a unique pattern every time. Juxtaposing the warping and marbling is a clean clear glaze neatly applied to the interior and rim.

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We hope you enjoy Andrew’s artful designs as much as we do. Shop his Oblique Planters and Carrara Serving Bowl and Platter below.

Oblique Planters:

Carrara Serving Bowl and Platter:

Great things don’t happen overnight. In fact, when it comes to quality craftsmanship, sometimes the result is years in the making. That’s the case with our Unison Rug Collection, which just launched with two exclusive designs: the Sashi Geo Shag Rug and Stitch Gray Flatweave Rug.

We’ve long had the desire to offer exclusive rugs to our customers and knew there was no better place to start than with some of our most loved Unison designs.

These wool rugs, available in three sizes, are finally available after a thoughtful process that spanned from our Chicago design studio all the way to India, where each rug is crafted by hand. The craftspeople that bring these to life are as methodical as they are skilled and spend up to two weeks to make a 5’x8’ rug.

Because the rugs are both hand-woven and hand-dyed, no two are the same. Sashi Geo and Stitch are actually crafted by two different artisan communities using traditional, timeless techniques. Sashi Geo rugs are created in a knotting style before being washed two or three times to remove loose fibers and bring out that lush softness. Stitch rugs are handwoven on a Punja loom, then are washed before being finished and bound by hand.

The end results – ever-so plush rugs that are both visual foundations and reasons to walk around barefoot – are indicative of the quality construction that we stand behind, and know our customers gravitate toward. Every detail counts. That means each sample we saw was closely scrutinized for weave consistency, rug density, pile length, color trueness and clarity of pattern. Feel and durability matters, too. And we’ve found that these rugs, whether living room anchors that get daily wear or guest rooms accents that grab attention, have been crafted to last.

We’re already at work on the next rugs for this collection. At our Chicago office, the process starts early on as we actually work on paper to scale. We digitally magnify each design and print it out to size to make sure it will look just right in the home. It involves laying the paper out on the floor – with lots of animated discussion as everyone gathers around. It’s a true labor of love that’s as collaborative as it is creative.

You could say that’s simply the Unison way of doing things.

Shop the Unison Rug Collection

Sashi Geo Shag Rugs:

Stitch Gray Flatweave Rugs:

We’ve long believed that good coffee deserves more than a common mug. After all, it’s the first thing we reach for in the morning and can set the mood for the entire day. That’s why we’ve put a lot of thought and care into our newest collaboration with Metric Coffee, a Chicago roaster that also happens to be our neighbor in the West Loop neighborhood.

Metric is featured in our Fall catalog with our new Double Wall Cafe Tumblers. We’re always looking for good functional design, and we discovered it in this striking and highly functional glassware that elevates the art of coffee drinking. On first glance, the tumblers are reminiscent of a classic café style, yet their leaner edge gives them altogether modern appeal.

Each is handmade from Borosilicate glass, a special kind of glass that’s resistant to temperature change. Hot or cold, these tumblers can handle it (Borosilicate is actually quite often used in extreme chemistry experiments). In fact, they’re crafted purposefully with a double wall to allow hot beverages to stay toasty, and also keep cold drinks chilled without messy condensation.

Never used glassware for coffee? It’s actually the way to go, because glass doesn’t imbue any off-putting flavors, says Connor Smith, content manager and café educator at Metric. “[And] on the aesthetic side, it provides a sharp, clean vibe. We know that the experience and presentation of our coffees plays a significant role in customers’ thoughts about our work, so we want to exercise the same intentionality we put into sourcing, roasting and brewing into these aspects.”

The luscious Metric espresso, featured in our photo, has an interesting backstory: Like all Metric blends, the espresso is made from beans roasted on a self-restored 1961 Probat UG 15. The vintage machine produces exceptionally well balanced, sweet and clean coffees. For Metric, it represents the perfect meeting of old-world method and modern technology.

We couldn’t agree more. Unison and Metric have a shared love of fine, timeless craftsmanship and creative spirit. “Really everyone on Metric’s small team is an artist in some auxiliary field; some of us write, play music, take photographs,” says Smith. “Being a bunch of human creators, we’re attracted to others of that ilk regardless of their field.”

We also both see the value of gathering together, sharing drinks and conversation. From simple family meal to full-on party, these tumblers will enhance the mood. Choose three glass sizes: small, medium and large. You’ll find a use for each, especially when it comes to coffee. Small is perfect for espresso, Medium is ideal for coffee and Large is an excellent option for latte.

“Overall, an ideal vessel just needs to feel good in the hand and not add unwanted flavors; it should operate as a seamless middleman, so you can focus on the coffee and the company you’re with,” says Smith.

Whether it’s a rise-and-shine double shot or an after-dinner decaf, we know you’ll enjoy each sip from these tumblers.

We’re celebrating all things Grace after one year with Grace Gray dinnerware. This beautiful collection comes to us from the Alcobaça region in Portugal and is the essence of versatility. Pair it with everyday flatware or your most elegant set and it’s equally at home in both settings. How is this accomplished?

Its Materials

One of the reasons we love Grace is its stunning materials. Each piece is made from high quality, highly vitrified stoneware that is responsible for the durability that helps characterize the collection. This stoneware also adds to its ability to be used for the everyday, as its hardy construction makes it less vulnerable. The Grace Gray collection is microwave safe, dishwasher safe, and oven safe, making it especially adapted for everyday use.

Its Color

It’s all in the name! Grace Gray is not only notable for its elegant neutral gray, but also the hand-done reactive glaze that makes every piece unique. This glaze causes a subtle flecked pattern to appear and adds visual interest to an already beautiful dinnerware set. The gradations of gray are refreshingly different from a typical matte and make this a notable collection. The neutral shades also make it infinitely versatile and suitable for practically any setting.

Its Details

In addition to the reactive glaze mentioned above, Grace Gray stands out for its variation of edge. This freeform edge on its bowls and serving pieces both softens the pieces and adds to its unique appearance and stunning beauty.

Explore the Grace Gray collection at unisonhome.com and get a closer look at this modern classic.

We introduced Sunbrella fibers into our collection because we were blown away by their versatility, softness, and durability. They combine traditional patterns with modern styling to create beautifully textured colors and patterns, which we have incorporated into Unison throw blankets and throw pillows, products that are subject to the wear and tear of daily life, and which we believe should retain their color and vibrancy throughout their use.

While Sunbrella has long been known for their outdoor fabrics, their commitment to design and texture has given us a thrilling opportunity to introduce Sunbrella into the home and onto the sofa.

Nothing comes close to Sunbrella’s features: long-lasting, durable, easy to care for, and stain-resistant. This high performance fabric has most recently been used in our Edge Throw Pillows, which are distinguished by Sunbrella fibers as well as a distinctive contrasting flange.

Yarn-dyed fibers create a beautifully subtle variation and richness of color. Sunbrella also saturates their fibers with highly UV-stable pigments, making them especially resistant to fading and the typical effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight, making sure that rich color lasts.

What About Spills?

Because Sunbrella fibers are yarn-dyed, the color goes to the core of the thread. This means our Sunbrella throws and throw pillows can be cleaned with solvents (including bleach) without losing color. See more about how to clean Sunbrella fiber products here.

We hope you are as excited about Sunbrella as we are. Keep an eye on the Unison collection as we find new uses for this amazing fabric!

Throw pillows lend the ability to add an accent of color and texture to a space – and they’re even better if they have a story behind them. Our limited edition Vintage Moroccan Throw Pillow Collection features one-of-a-kind pieces that come with a compelling narrative. The fabric was handmade by local artisans in the western region of Morocco. The textiles are vintage (most up to 50 years old) and created with weaving techniques that have been taught from generation to generation. Their look has an air of tradition, yet their bold colors and strong lines make them just as relevant for a modern space. From living room sofa accents to a colorful addition on your bed, they breathe new life into a room.

Sourcing the textiles that make up our Vintage Moroccan Throw Pillow Collection is a labor of love for our partner company, too. The family-owned business has been traveling to Morocco for more than 35 years to select the largest and most diverse collection of fabrics possible. Their search takes them from remote mountain regions to bustling city centers. Each piece they source is of a limited and unique size and, because of the hand-crafted aspect, no single one is alike.

The fabrics we select from our partner company have a particularly rich history, as they are not only hand-woven, but the yarns used to weave each textile have been hand-spun as well.

Each textile typically dates back to the 1940s-1950s and hails primarily from the Middle Atlas mountain range region of Morocco. They follow a storied history of textile production in the region, a cultural tradition dating back hundreds of years. Most textiles from this region were woven by indigenous Moroccan Berber artisans. Created primarily by women in the community, most pieces were woven as throw blankets, but with versatility and multi-purpose use in mind. Additionally, these textiles are so well-crafted and intricate that they were sometimes given as gifts.

The pillows are backed with a high-quality linen and cotton blend fabric that works as a neutral complement to the front-side Moroccan textile. Each pillow cover is removable via a hidden zipper closure along the baseline of the pillow for cleaning or adding a fresh insert. New patterns of one-of-a-kind pillows, handmade from vintage Moroccan fabrics, continue to grow a Unison legacy. All are limited edition with a collectability factor. Let one become the focal point of your sofa or bed, or group a few to create a bold, vibrant composition.

Shop The Vintage Moroccan Throw Pillow Collection

What says summer more than bold colors and outdoor entertaining? We have carefully combed through the endless possibilities of summer serveware to discover beautiful pieces with a story to tell. They have traveled the world from as far as the northern reaches of China to the plains of Uganda to continue their journey with you and join their story with yours.

Meridian Bowls

The Meridian Bowls are crafted in the Porcelain Capital of China, Jingdezhen. This ancient city has been producing pottery for over 1,700 years, due in large part to the unique nature of its kaolin, a mineral native to the area that allows for the creation of high quality porcelain.

Inspired by the ceramic artistry of the Song and Ming Dynasties, each of the Meridian Bowls is handcrafted by a trained ceramicist using traditional techniques in a modern design interpretation. This combination is intended to highlight in one form a part of the beauty and artistic history of China.

Falcon Pitchers

British manufacturer Falcon Enamelware has been making its iconic tableware since the 1920s. A porcelain enamel coating is fused onto heavy-gauge steel for a surprisingly lightweight and portable end result. Originally created in the Black Country of northern England, Falcon has since its beginning been associated with England’s rich history of manufacturing and innovation. Its steel base ensures that if you drop it, it may chip, but won’t break. Oven-safe up to 530ºF, they can also be used on gas or electric burners.

We’ve loved Falcon for quite some time, and we are proud to add their line of pitchers to our collection. Featuring the glossy, deep colors synonymous with the Falcon name, the pitchers are ideal for a patio or picnic spread, and in their time off from beverage service, they can pull double duty as a kitchenware-inspired vase.

Heathered Black and White Raffia Serveware

This fair trade serveware is woven by groups of women living in small communities in Uganda. Using the easily renewable resources of raffia and sweetgrass, they use techniques passed down through the generations to create these organically dyed serve pieces, each taking weeks to complete. Perfect as a centerpiece or wall decor, each has a weaver profile tag attached and a hang loop on the back for ease of display.

We hope you will love these serving pieces as much as we do, and that you will help continue their story by bringing them into your own. Bring on summer!