The Edit: A round-up of favourite furniture and objects

Lola sun lounger by Alta

The Lola sun lounger marks a bold first for both Alta and artist Stephen Baker - a seamless collaboration where art meets function. Inspired by a painting from Baker's personal collection, Alta co-founder Alistair Tait saw in Stephen's stylized figures a sculptural language that echoed his own design ethos. From early concept calls to hands-on prototyping, the partnership unfolded organically, driven by mutual respect and a shared vision. The result is a striking furniture piece that blurs the lines between utility and art. And Lola is just the beginning, hints Alistair. "There's a unique energy that comes from collaborating with someone outside your own discipline - everyone brings their own approach and perspective, which adds something fresh to the process. It naturally sparks new ideas, and even while we were developing Lola, Stephen and I were already discussing ideas for accompanying pieces that could build out the story." Watch this space.

Verse lighting collection by Objects for Thought

Objects for Thought, headed by CJ Anderson and Jay Jermy, has released their latest collection of lighting called Verse. Crafted for architects and designers, Verse balances form and restraint, aiming to enhance interiors without overpowering them. Available in wall lights, U-shaped, triple, and, my favourite, the linear pendant (pictured), the system adapts effortlessly to residential, hospitality and commercial settings. Its flexible design, featuring linear segments and corner joints, allows for custom configurations that respond to any space. "We start with an intuitive approach - designing objects that may look different, but feel right," CJ says. "We know architects and interior designers can really relate to the excitement of designing something both functional and beautiful."

"At the end of the day, we're not just creating lights," Jay says. "We're creating an experience - a way for people to connect with their residential or commercial space in a more meaningful way."

Merlate by Patricia Urquiola for Bitosse Ceramiche

A lot of new pieces crossed my desk this month as part of Milan Design Week. You can read our correspondent Penny Craswell's picks from Milan here and here. Bitossi Ceramiche and Patricia Urquiola continue their creative partnership with Merlate - a trio of sculptural tables which debuted at this year's Milan Design Week. Inspired by medieval battlements and building on 2024's vase collection, Merlate transforms architectural motifs into poetic, asymmetrical forms for the home. These tables are more than functional - they're "micro-architectures" that explore rhythm, scale and materiality. Crafted through traditional ceramic casting, each piece undergoes multiple firings in a range of glaze finishes of burgundy, cream, light blue or mint.

Art In Residence by Nicole England

Melbourne-based architectural photographer Nicole England's last book Resident Dog is a firm favourite of mine. Her latest book Art in Residence invites you into 22 extraordinary homes where art and architecture collide in soulful, striking harmony. From New York lofts to Australian coastal retreats, each space is a testament to how personal collections - sculptures, paintings, and cherished objects - transform a house into a deeply lived-in work of art. With evocative photography by Nicole and intimate interviews with the homeowners, this book makes us ponnder our connection with art and what it says about us in our homes.

Pillar by Dean Norton

Melbourne-based designer Dean Norton unveils his most expansive collection to date, Pillar. Crafted in Melbourne using local materials, the series of tables, mirrors and lighting explores the art of layering, where wood, glass and reflective surfaces interact in bold, geometric harmony. The collection is inspired by modern American art deco and Norton's minimalist design ethos and pieces can be seen in person at their debut at Melbourne Design Week.

Floor Lamp Big by Zachary Frankel

Melbourne designer Zachary Frankel recently launched his new showroom called Hotel House in the historic Northcote Arms Hotel. The space showcases his handcrafted pieces in an intimate setting. Within this showroom is his Floor Lamp Big, a sculptural and memorable piece combines brushed aluminium, oak and woven hemp fabric. It's a piece of contrasts - soft, diffused glow and strong, structured lines. It's a real showpiece and looks perfect in Zachary's new space.