Tom Dixon, a leading light of British design, presented two new ranges of home accessories at the Paris Maison & Objet interior design trade fair, which wrapped up January 26, playing with light and color in original designs.

Iridescence

Iridescent materials appear to change color as the light and angle of view change. A diverse set of materials and beings are gifted with this quality, from butterflies to soap bubbles to pools of oil. Whether inspired by nature or by service station forecourts, this property has been purged from modern interiors despite enjoying popularity in the 1990s and during the Belle Epoque era, where it was frequently seen on glassware, ceramics and chandeliers. Now, Tom Dixon is bringing iridescence back to the forefront of design with a new collection of home accessories going by the name “Oil.” Tinged with oily multicolored notes, the collection includes large and medium-sized scented candles, a reed diffuser and a wax diffuser. All the pieces have a bumpy, almost “melted” look.

The collection also includes the “Warp” vase (above), a mouth-blown cylinder or demi-sphere of glass that’s squashed and deformed into a distorted shape. The almost rainbow-like iridescent finish is then applied by hand and the vase is fired at high temperature.

Quartz

The “Materialism Quartz” collection (below) also includes large and medium scented candles, a reed diffuser and a wax diffuser, with aromas of musk, ambrette and pink pepper. Here, the vessels are formed from masses of milky-looking translucent glass. Each piece is made from a drop of glass that’s pulled, pressed and stretched into a unique shape. (Prices on request)

Other new items from the British designer include copper and brass versions of the “Bell” table lamp (pictured top), as well as additions to the “Plum” range (bottom) of cocktail accessories, like Martini glasses, Moscow Mule mugs, a serving bowl, shot glasses, a wine cooler and a tray.

The marble-based “Stone” collection gets a copper candleholder, three brass candlesticks, a tray, a table lamp, a wall light and a ceiling light.

Tom Dixon is a self-taught designer who became known in the 1980s through his work with Cappellini, a major Italian design house.

He was appointed head of design at Habitat in 1998 before creating Tom Dixon Studio in 2002. His brand is now sold in 63 countries.