ELEVATING THE ORDINARY

HOMES & ART The best picks for your abode, whether you’re entertaining, working or working out.

The Vega desk doesn’t try too hard to impress – it doesn’t have to. Its sides are dramatically angled at 45 degrees, which give it a dynamic presence. Vega comes in two finishes. There’s polished steel if you like that cool, futuristic aesthetic, or Canaletto walnut if you prefer a bit more warmth. Optional: a peninsula in the same finish, balanced on a two- drawer unit on wheels.

CATTELAN ITALIA VEGA

Herman Miller’s iconic Aeron Chair has been a staple of home offices and workplaces since the 1990s. In 2016, the Aeron Remastered made its debut. While it looks very much like its predecessor, much has changed in the way of its mechanics. Chief among the changes is the new tilt, which is now more responsive. www. hermanmiller.com

HERMAN MILLER AERON REMASTERED

Danish design legend Arne Jacobsen is perhaps bestknown for the enveloping comfort of his Egg Chair. Lesser known – but no less distinctive – is Oksen, originally produced in 1966 and revived this year. Fritz Hansen made only minor tweaks to the design to suit modern use. In contrast to the soft, round and organic shapes of Jacobsen’s earlier pieces, Oksen boasts a strong, masculine silhouette. No wonder – ‘Oksen’ means ‘ bull’ in Danish – and the chair’s broad, powerful shape reflects that. fritzhansen.com

FRITZ HANSEN OKSEN

Shanghai Tang founder David Tang may no longer be around, but his legacy lives on in this exquisitely crafted humidor. Created in collaboration with Chinese artist Jacky Tsai, this five- piece limitededition humidor is hewn from cedar wood and clad in a black lacquer finish. The decoration features a carved dragon motif inspired by traditional lacquerware. The humidor is equipped with an internal humidifier and hygrometer.

SHANGHAI TANG CARVED DRAGON HUMIDOR

Once upon a time, cocktail cabinets used to be showpieces. They were fashioned from precious woods with elaborate grains and were designed to impress guests as the hosts entertained. These days, however, cocktail cabinets are much more discreet. Case in point, Ceccotti’s Never Full High. Hewn from solid American walnut and plywood veneered American walnut, it does not shout for attention. Which makes it a pleasant surprise for your guests when you open the doors to reveal a fully stocked bar. All you need now is a barkeeper.

CECCOTTI NEVER FULL HIGH These days, however, cocktail cabinets are much more discreet.

Sure, you could join one of the many boutique or mega gyms – depending on your preference – that have sprouted up in the CBD. But there’s nothing quite like enjoying a workout in the privacy of your own home. Technogym is an Italian company that places equal emphasis on design and performance. Its Personal Line, for instance, draws on the expertise of the Antonio Citterio Design Studio. The Milanese design maestro is renowned for designing from an enduser’s perspective, aspects evident in the human- centric, ergonomic Personal Line.

TECHNOGYM PERSONAL LINE

If you love your Hermes ties, you can now own matching tableware. The Tie- Set porcelain service comes in 20 designs and 20 colours, each with a different geometric pattern derived from the House’s beloved ties. The best part is, you can mix and match the pieces at random. There are no hard and fast rules. Of course it helps that the colours and patterns all work together beautifully, regardless of the combination. Much like the suits and ties in your wardrobe perhaps? www. hermes.com ¬

HERMES TIE-SET TABLEWARE