Virtual winner's podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (9/9)

Over the past few weeks, we have presented almost all 112 award winners of this year's ICONIC AWARDS: Innovative Interior. We have written about trends, colour diversity, simplicity, bathrooms, furniture for the home, kitchens, lighting and offices. Now, in the last part, we turn the spotlight on things that make everyday life more beautiful in a very universal sense: from clever household appliances to decorative objects and elegant tableware.

Let's start with the aperitif: what would life be without reasons for a toast? With their Glamorous bar glass series, Zwiesel Glas takes a short journey back in time to the Art Deco era and immediately delivers an interpretation that is as contemporary as it is purist – a winning argument for the jury. They elaborate: ‘An exclusive, eye-catching series that virtually invites you to celebrate the moment with pleasure.’ The glasses are hand-blown and intricately hand-engraved, thin, black and unusually short stems of solid-coloured glass contrast with the crystal-clear, thin-walled tops. In addition to the stem glasses, a whisky tumbler and a flute as well as a water and whisky carafe complete the collection.

Those who take a closer look at wine enjoyment know that the wrong glass shape or rim thickness can make even first-class drops seem average. ‘The wafer-thin and pleasantly light Josephine wine glass is characterised by a distinctive kink, which not only makes the product unmistakable, but above all promises optimal development of the wine aromas’, the jury enthusiastically explains about Kurt Josef Zalto's completely new and unique construction of glass design for Josephinenhütte.

For many, coffee is no less of a science. Severin's fully automatic Filka coffee maker brews first-class filter coffee from freshly ground beans. A practical feature is that, in addition to a pot, cups and to-go mugs can also be placed directly under the filter unit. Filka deserves the title ‘Winner’ because, according to the jury, with its clear design language, it ‘stylishly combines aesthetics, ergonomics and function into a timeless – and thanks to the stainless steel look – very high-quality looking design.’ Another highlight for the table is the Grace cutlery collection by Herdmar – Manuel Marques Herdeiros, another ‘Winner’ in the competition. It’s intended to express tenderness, elegance and refinement, whether at a candlelit dinner or in everyday use. The jury's statement: ‘The cutlery collection is characterised by a filigree design language that distinctively defines each piece and, in combination with the high-quality material and manufacturing, promises a unique user experience.’

The Ceramic Bodies vase ensemble by Jörg Hugo has a similarly poetic effect, coming together like a 3D puzzle of four mutually deforming porcelain volumes. The principle behind the ‘Winner’ award-winning vases is the different degrees of viscosity that interlock within a bounding box. A rather inconspicuous utensil also made it onto the podium: Hanagata by D Weber received the ‘Selection’ award. The mould consists of six individual parts and is used to make chocolate that bears the logo of the light alloy wheel brand BBS Japan. ‘A marketing tool that is as original as it is likeable,’ says the jury.

Staying on the subject of motorsports, here we look at a particularly special clothes hanger. The Suitbase® Pro motorbike hanger by Torben Brubach offers space for a protective suit, gloves and helmet. Made of aluminium, the body is powder-coated with a satin finish, while the wall plate and bracket are elaborately brushed and anodised. Suspended in this way, good ventilation and drying of the suit and helmet are guaranteed. Cleaning is also made easier. A clever feature is the magnetic key holder integrated into the wall plate.

Two more award winners scored points for their dual function: the Liesma bookshelf by design manufacturer Haaase also offers an integrated smartphone charging station. And the Ben humidifier by Stadler Form, which was awarded ‘Best of Best’, is not only slim and discreet in design, but also an aroma diffuser that creates a cosy fireplace atmosphere – without an actual fire. Its combination of extra-fine fragrance mist and Amber Light creates a realistic interplay of flames, and the humidification intensity is infinitely adjustable.

Another exciting idea from H. Hamzeh Interior Design is Walkglasscarpet, a walk-in frame for hand-knotted carpets. Thanks to a reliable seal, the precious piece is protected from penetrating air, moisture or dirt. We did, after all, talk before about making everyday life more beautiful. Of course, this also includes the night-time – which Apirat Boonruangthaworn promises to turn into perfect relaxation with the help of the Pedic Pillow. The natural latex pillow has special punched holes that reduce pressure on the head and neck when lying on it, and relieving uncomfortable pain as a result.

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