Milan 2014:Â Rotterdam-based Studio WM has designed a collection of accessories including a mirror that changes opacity and a set of scent diffusers (+ slideshow).
Studio WM was founded by Design Academy Eindhoven graduates Wendy Legro and Maarten Collingnon, who showed their latest product range Senses Unfold at Ventura Lambrate during Milan Design Week.
The collection includes the circular Lucent Mirror, which slides along the front of three parallel shelves. The dichroic glass contains micro-layers of metals or oxides that can change its colour and transparency. Slid to the far right, Lucent Mirror offers a reflection as you might expect. Slid to the left, it emits a warm glow and becomes transparent, framing what's behind it.
The Lucent Mirror Medium is static and switches between reflection and transparency in response to a dimmable LED light behind. Reflections visible in the mirror are filtered with the glow of two contrasting colours. When lit, white light is separated into various soft colour tones, producing an ambient light in the room.
Following extensive research into fragrance, Studio WM has also created a range of scent diffusers. Form, material and techniques have been considered to reflect the intrinsic properties of three fragrance bases: oil, water or alcohol.
Reminiscent of a water tower, the Aer Scent Diffuser is designed for alcohol and water based carriers. The bulbous opaque glass container is filled with scented water, a by-product of the distillation of essential oils for perfume.
A capillary at its base releases five drops per minute onto a white concrete and marble powder platform. The liquid is absorbed into the porous material and releases a subtle aroma as it evaporates.
Also for alcohol and water based carriers, the Nebula Scent Diffuser creates a fragrant mist. Squeezing the flocked perfume-bottle-style pump releases a fine aromatic spray into a protective lamp-like form.
The inside of the black porcelain is glazed to protect the fragrance from sunlight. Contrasting details are in brass.
The Ventus Scent Diffuser creates a gently scented breeze for oil-based carriers. An indent in the marble platform with a propeller in the middle holds the perfume. A top-heavy hourglass-shaped borosilicate glass form sits over it. A birch or cork ball inside the top seals the opening.
When the ball is removed and placed onto the plateau, it activates the propeller, enabling a fragrant airflow through the revealed opening in the glass.
Photography is by Paul Schipper.