Guest Contribution by Pascal Panagiotidis

Russel Pinch and Oona Banoon' s collaboration lead to the Pinch design studio.  Founded in 2004 and based in London this studio is "responsible" for a wide range of "graceful and iconic furniture and lighting". Pinch came as an answer to the increasing need for artistic lines and forms in contemporary objects. In an effort to create a range of fine quality furniture the designers have all their pieces made by hand from the best makers in UK. By using top local manufacturers and materials they manage to ensure that all their creations will meet the best quality standards in both function and aesthetic ways.

Pinch Objects are characterized by a discreet but also elegant style that makes them look edgy and stylish at the same time.  This is an approach that focuses on the harmonic symbiosis of the objects and the space where they are exposed.  This is not a dominating style, on the contrary it is a style that engages.  The furniture's special beauty derives from the overall composition, treatment of materials and balance between artistic forms and attention to detail.  The combination of all these elements have as a result the creation of objects designed to last through time and also fulifill different needs.  Therefore they are able to stand under any situations or circumstances whether we are talking about different environments or spaces willing to host them.

Many of Pinch studio's concepts have been awarded in the last years among them the Grand Designs Awards 09 and also the Guild Mark for excellence in British Furniture Design 09 for YVES DESK and Homes & Gardens Design Classic Award 2008 for Alba Armoire.

Born in 1973, Russell Pinch graduated from Ravensbourne College of Design, London. After graduating he worked as Sir Terence Conran’s design assistant and in 1995 he became a Senior Product Designer for the Conran Group, where he was responsible for developing a diverse range of products for the Conran shops and restaurants and many of the designs for the Conran Collection, Conran’s benchmark home-ware collection.  After 5 years with Conran, Russell co-founded The Nest, a multi-disciplinary brand design agency with clients including British Airways, WHSmith, Rip Curl and Selfridges.  In 2004 a return to furniture design beckoned and PINCH, a furniture, product and interior design company, was born.

Also born in 1973, Oona Banoon started her career as a researcher/producer in TV, working for a number of production companies including Zenith Productions, Meridian and Optimum Television.   She then went on to spend 6 years in the design industry. Starting as an Account Manager at The Nest she was then Account Director at branding agency Bloom for 4 years. Her final and certainly most luxurious posting pre-PINCH was her role as European Hotel reviewer for the luxury hotel guide book brand Mrs and Mrs Smith.  Russell Pinch also designs for a number of other retailers and brands including SCP, Ercol, Conran and Jamie Oliver’s JME home-ware range.

IMO folding STOOL
This graceful stool is made with a solid walnut frame and a solid elm top. Imo folds down through its centre, allowing it to be wall mounted using an accompanying walnut peg, so it may look as elegant when stored as it does in use.

LOWRY SIDEBOARD
The Lowry sideboard features a series of solid wood fins, of varying widths and depths, creating a sculptural front section. The fin sections also act as handles for the cupboards at each end and the two central drawers.

JOYCE CABINET
The Joyce cabinet is inspired by Victorian optometrist’s shopfitting. It has sliding glass fronted doors and a cherry-lined interior with shelves and drawers making it suitable for a variety of uses throughout the house.  Available in solid timber and painted finishes with interior options of shelves and/or drawers.

MOREAU 4 SEAT SOFA
The usually conventional camel back characteristic has been reinterpreted in the Moreau sofa. The gently raised curve creates a stately silhouette whilst the traditional stiffness is softened by the continous curves delivering an informal and comfortable recline.

YVES DESK
The award winning Yves desk is a modern interpretation of a traditional writing desk. Its straight lines are softened with curvaceous details on the legs, top and side panels. The elegant walnut is contrasted with the inlaid leather writing surface. It has two drawers and cable access in the top surface.  Now issued in a stunning new aubergine colourway.

TWIG bench & cube
A bench and cube made from copiced hazel. Originally designed for Neals Yard Remedies head office in Dorset now available from PINCH.  Recommended for interior locations.

If you want MORE......visit the official PINCH design studio website: pinchdesign.com