The Year of the Rat officially kicks off on January 25, 2020 – and with that not only comes a brand new 12-year lunar cycle, but a perfect opportunity to cleanse, recharge and hit the refresh button on both your life and your home.
In Chinese astrology, the rat is considered an animal characterised by exceptional style, seduction and hard-earned success – just take Shakespeare, Hugh Grant and Tilda Swinton, famous examples of Rats. So take a cue from the year’s ruling animal and usher in the new decade in style with our picks of delightful designs and homeware items, sure to imbue your space with all the prosperity, charm and good vibes you’ll want:
To mark the lunar new year, MoMA Design Store at K11 Musea has curated an assortment of vibrant curios to amp up the style factor in your home. Case in point, this bestseller Neon Mondri Vase crafted in transparent acrylic neon panels that create a stunning interplay of colours and shadows, ideal for showcasing the best of dramatic and auspicious flower arrangements.
Available at MoMA Design Store, store.moma.org
The beloved fragrance house Atelier Cologne unveils its first ever lunar new year limited edition with Santal Carmin, a lushly warm and smoky concoction that is both empowering and elegant at the same time. Fresh notes of bergamot from Italy descend into spicy sandalwood from Australia and guaiac wood from Central America, before softly settling into a layered, smoky aroma perfect for him or her. Presented in an embellished gift box and a striking red bottle embossed with a handcrafted golden lotus flower – a symbol of health, prosperity and joy – the perfume captivates all the sense.
Available at Atelier Cologne stores and ateliercologne.com
Whether as a small, handy gadget to treat your loved ones to, or a stylish addition to your own home, a host of newly launched speakers from Santa Barbara-based Sonos should steal the attention of any audiophile this year. Their slick black-or-white exteriors and incredibly lightweight forms pack plenty of power, as seen in the compact Sonos Beam and Playbar, as well as the newly unveiled Sonos One and Songs Move that are highly portable and suitable for the beach or the dinner table.
Available at trysonos.hk
This isn’t exactly a decorative item – but it could as well be, with its strikingly intricate limited edition bottle that would make a spotlight-stealing centrepiece on your living room mantle. Acclaimed whiskey brand Johnnie Walker Blue Label unveils this special bottle designed by artist Shirley Gong capturing the wit, intelligence and adaptability of the rat, adorned with sinuous depictions of blooming flowers and the curious creature. Inside each bottle is a rare handpicked single malt whisky boasting a velvety smooth flavour of dried fruits and vanilla notes with a smoky finish.
Available at johnniewalker.com
Cult favourite Japanese home collectible line Be@rbrick teams up with American artist Pushead to create this rendition of their signature half-mouse, half-bear sculptural figurine sure to make a playful, audacious statement in any home. The entire piece is meticulously handcrafted from natural wood, splashed with a unique all-over multi-colour water transfer abstract print and comes in a 400% oversized or 100% petite editions – each one is uniquely patterned thanks to its highly bespoke creative process.
Available at lanecrawford.com
