AYTM

AYTM is a Danish brand founded in 2014 in Copenhagen by designers Anders Hansen and Ann Tofterup. Younger than most Scandinavian brands, it quickly made its mark with an ultra-pared-back, sophisticated design language poised halfway between Japanese minimalism and classic Scandinavian style. The AYTM spirit can be summed up in a few words: Danish-Japanese minimalism, pure geometric forms, fine materials. The designers draw their inspiration from brutalist architecture, mid-century modern and Japanese shibui (the understated beauty of everyday objects). The catalogue mainly covers décor (vases, candleholders, mirrors, sculptures), tableware accessories and a few occasional pieces of furniture. The materials: real marble (Italian and Portuguese), travertine, patinated metal, tinted blown glass, matt ceramic. The palette is very restrained: ivory, sand, stone grey, sage green, powdery terracotta, deep black. Production takes place mainly in Portugal and Italy. AYTM is now distributed in more than 30 countries and ranks among the favourite brands of sophisticated minimalism enthusiasts. The Cool Republic distributes AYTM in France.

Several AYTM collections have become iconic. The Globe vases (a globe silhouette with a narrow neck, in matt ceramic), available in several sizes and finishes, are bestsellers. The Forma collection (sculptural vases with asymmetric curves in marble or ceramic) brings a statement presence. The Stilla candleholders (in real marble and brushed brass) are modernised mid-century classics. The Pira decorative sculptures (in solid raw marble) transform a console table or a mantelpiece. On the mirror side, the Circum (a circular silhouette in patinated metal) has become a classic. For tableware accessories, the Ena bowls and dishes (in ceramic with reactive glazes) are much in demand. AYTM's strength: few pieces (a tight catalogue of around 200 active references), but each piece has a strong sculptural character that transforms an interior. Ideal for anyone looking to invest in heirloom pieces rather than seasonal décor.

AYTM sits at the premium end of Scandinavian minimalism. For the Globe vases, expect 40-180 euros for the small sizes (10-20 cm), 180-450 euros for the medium ones (25-40 cm) and 450-900 euros for the large statement pieces (50-70 cm). Vases in real marble (the Forma collection) reach 300-1,200 euros depending on size. The Stilla candleholders range from 60 to 350 euros. The Circum mirrors sell for 250-1,500 euros depending on size. The Pira sculptures in solid marble cost 400-2,500 euros. That is more expensive than most classic Scandinavian brands (Bloomingville, House Doctor), but value for money remains fair given the high-end European production and the unique character of each piece. All pieces are made in Portugal or Italy depending on the materials: ceramic in Portugal (long-established workshops), marble in Italy (Carrara and the surrounding area). Quality controls are strict (for marble, each piece is inspected for the absence of cracks, regularity of veining and balanced weight). Longevity is exceptional: an AYTM vase or candleholder can be passed down through several generations with no visible deterioration.