Sonya Loves
Sonya Loves: Modern Contemporary Designers 2024
Welcome to ‘Sonya Loves,’ our celebration of modern designers and their mesmerising creations. In this space, we explore the artistry that defines contemporary design, bringing you closer to the creative minds who are shaping our visual landscape. Whether it’s the latest original art, cutting-edge furniture, or beautifully crafted homeware, we highlight exceptional talent and unique visions of designers worldwide. Here are the Sonya Loves Contemporary Designers 2024.
1.Shira Barzilay (@Koketit)
Artist Shira Barzilay
Shira Barzilay is an Israeli artist known for her unique and modern approach to digital art. Operating under the nickname “Koketit,” Barzilay is internationally recognized for her minimalist, elegant line drawings of abstract faces and figures. She primarily works in the digital medium, creating art on her iPad, but also explores expressions like fashion and interior homeware. Barzilay has collaborated with international brands, including H&M, IKEA, and Vogue, expanding her artistic influence across various creative fields.
Barzilay’s work often blurs the boundaries between art and design, reflecting her belief that creativity should permeate all aspects of life. Her foray into fashion includes designing exclusive collections and modern art pieces that infuse her signature style into wearable art.
Website: www.koketit.com
Instagram: @koketit
2. Philip Watts (@philipwatts_design)
Designer Philip Watts and his ‘Branch’ Door Handle
Philip Watts is a British designer renowned for his innovative approach to interior and product design. With a distinctive style that combines elements of art, architecture, and engineering, Watts has made significant contributions to both residential and commercial modern design projects.
Philip Watts Design is particularly well-known for its custom door handles, pulls, and handrails. These pieces are often sculptural and artistic, serving as focal points on grand front doors or entryways. He views these everyday objects as opportunities to introduce creativity into typically mundane spaces.
The Branch series draws inspiration directly from the natural world, capturing the intricate details and organic beauty of tree branches. The designs reflect Watts’ fascination with nature and the handle surfaces often feature detailed textures that resemble the bark of real branches.
Website: https://www.philipwattsdesign.com/
Instagram: @philipwatts_design
3. Frances Priest (@francesprieststudio)
Artist Frances Priest and her Ceramic Vases
Frances Priest is a distinguished Scottish ceramist known for her intricate and vibrant contemporary ceramic works that often explore themes of pattern, decoration, and cultural history. Her work stands out for its meticulous attention to detail and the rich interplay of color and texture.
Each hand-painted piece allows for exceptional detail, drawing inspiration from textiles, architecture, and traditional folk art. Priest’s work is featured in private collections worldwide and UK public collections, including The Fitzwilliam Museum and The Victoria & Albert Museum.
“I am a pattern obsessive and lover of colour” – Frances Priest
Website: http://www.francespriest.co.uk/
Instagram: @francesprieststudio
4. Otto Tiles and Design (@ottotiles)
Founder & Creative Director of Otto Tiles and Design Damla Turgut and their ‘Valencia’ tiles
Otto Tiles and Design specializes in producing and supplying high-quality artisan tiles known for their distinctive, artistic designs. They offer a wide range of products catering to both modern and traditional aesthetics.
Otto Tiles and Design’s philosophy blends traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities, featuring bold patterns and rich colors that stand out. Their versatile tiles are suitable for flooring, backsplashes, and feature walls, making them adaptable to various applications.
Customization options allow clients to create bespoke tile designs tailored to their specific needs, a service popular with designers and architects.
UK Website: https://www.ottotiles.co.uk/
US Website: https://www.ottotiles.com/
Instagram: @ottotiles
5. Kevin Umana (@kevinumana)
Artist Kevin Umana and his collection of ‘Hybrid Paintings’
Kevin Umana is a contemporary artist known for his vibrant geometric abstractions. His paintings and installations often feature bold, colourful patterns that create rhythm and movement. This invites viewers to explore the interplay between form and colour.
Based in Brooklyn, New York, his recent works “hybrid paintings,” combine glazed ceramics on painted canvas, inspired by his childhood memories of plants, community beaches, local cuisine, and religious experiences.
Beyond his studio practice, Kevin Umana is active in the art community, participating in exhibitions and collaborative projects nationally and internationally. Beyond his studio practice, Kevin Umana participates in exhibitions and collaborative projects nationally and internationally. He is the co-founder of The Ekru Project, a Kansas City gallery supporting contemporary, emerging, and underrepresented artists.
Institutions owning his work include The United Nations Art Collection, Everson Museum of Art, Muson, Fidelity Mutual Funds, and Marin Museum of Contemporary Art.
Website: https://kevin-umana.com/
Instagram: @kevinumana
The Kandinsky 1 Rug by Sonya Winner
The Kandinsky 1 Rug
We hope you enjoyed this month’s ‘Sonya Loves’ contemporary designers feature, celebrating creativity and innovation. From Barzilay’s elegant digital line drawings to Watts’ sculptural interior designs, these modern artists and designers offer unique perspectives and exceptional craftsmanship.
If inspired by these Sonya Loves contemporary designers 2024 and seeking more ideas for modern art into your home, consider our Kandinsky Collection. This series of modern area rugs is inspired by Wassily Kandinsky’s iconic artistry and offers a contemporary twist.
The Kandinsky Collection is a limited edition series of 3 colourful art rugs featuring painterly circular motifs woven in hand-dyed 100% New Zealand wool yarn. Sonya’s love for art inspires her design process, capturing Kandinsky’s legacy while transforming floor space into functional, contemporary art underfoot.
Explore our full Modern Rug Collection and request a complimentary visualisation service to see our award winning designer rugs placed digitally in your room(s). You’ll witness the transformational effect these designer rugs will have in your room and your home’s overall aesthetic.
If you need assistance in choosing some colourful rugs or runners for visualisation, please book a free video consultation with our design team by emailing enquiry@sonyawinner.com or call us +44 (0) 203 283 8776.
