From Latvia, Kanttari's Bronze Bar Cabinet

From a design perspective, Latvia is in an interesting geographic position. In addition to having a local tradition of craftsmanship, the Baltic state has been touched by Scandinavian influences from its west and Soviet-era Modernism (which to me always had a paradoxical touch of gaudiness) from its east. We have yet to see a distinct Latvian design aesthetic emerging on the world stage, but this Bar Cabinet Eclipse from Riga-based furniture brand Kanttari is certainly eye-catching. Aimed at the luxury market, the cabinet is finished in bronze that has been sanded in two directions. The interior is walnut-veneered, the drawers felt-lined, the counter marble. There is a bit of showiness in both the dual bi-level carousels and the elaborate tracks for hanging the glassware, but the LED lighting is at least subdued. The €22,000 (USD $24,724) asking price is high for us mere mortals, but is really at the lower end of the luxury market; something similar from say, Italy would be a multiple of that figure. But the Eclipse has gained international attention, having scored an A' Design Award, and other luxury manufacturers in the market have surely taken note.

May 21, 2025 - 17:55

From Latvia, Kanttari's Bronze Bar Cabinet

From a design perspective, Latvia is in an interesting geographic position. In addition to having a local tradition of craftsmanship, the Baltic state has been touched by Scandinavian influences from its west and Soviet-era Modernism (which to me always had a paradoxical touch of gaudiness) from its east. We have yet to see a distinct Latvian design aesthetic emerging on the world stage, but this Bar Cabinet Eclipse from Riga-based furniture brand Kanttari is certainly eye-catching.

Aimed at the luxury market, the cabinet is finished in bronze that has been sanded in two directions. The interior is walnut-veneered, the drawers felt-lined, the counter marble. There is a bit of showiness in both the dual bi-level carousels and the elaborate tracks for hanging the glassware, but the LED lighting is at least subdued.

The €22,000 (USD $24,724) asking price is high for us mere mortals, but is really at the lower end of the luxury market; something similar from say, Italy would be a multiple of that figure. But the Eclipse has gained international attention, having scored an A' Design Award, and other luxury manufacturers in the market have surely taken note.