We find inspiration in nature, art, human behaviour and the craft traditions we discover on our travels. Through intuition, material research and our knowledge of industrial techniques, we translate these impressions into products for everyday life. Products to enjoy: simply beautiful, useful objects. For both of us, every design begins with a critical question: does this really need to exist? We seek timeless forms that feel natural, serve a purpose and evoke emotion. In our studio, we discuss, explore and refine ideas until imagination becomes reality. With careful consideration for materials, accessibility and longevity, we aim to create fewer, but better products. Objects that people use, appreciate and cherish for years. Simply put: seeing our designs become part of someone’s life, and perhaps even passed down to the next generation, gives us a sense of fulfilment.
I have always had a passion for fire. Outdoor fireplaces, to be precise. There is something captivating about watching the flames, feeling the warmth on your face and hearing the gentle crackle of wood. That feeling is at the heart of every RB73 outdoor fireplace. We are now working on a new design, crafted from weather-resistant Corten steel. For this design, I deliberately worked with facets, shaping its surfaces much like a cut gemstone. The angled planes catch the changing light, giving the fireplace a different expression from every viewpoint—a little jewel for the garden. That is why we named it “GEM”. Rain, air and the changing seasons gradually give the steel its distinctive protective patina. The enclosed design helps keep smoke, drifting ash and sparks away from the terrace, while offering a beautiful view of the flames from all four sides.
Coming soon!
We first designed the Clover low table digitally, but its real journey begins with an intricate wax model, carefully encased in a ceramic mould. The mould is fired at extremely high temperatures, allowing the wax to melt away and leave behind a perfect cavity for the molten bronze. This is the most critical stage of the process: the temperature of both mould and bronze must be perfectly synchronized, as even the smallest imperfection can affect the final casting. Our ambition was to create a low table with a bold, sculptural presence. Its solid bronze base is cast using a traditional Japanese technique once reserved for works of art. By applying this centuries-old craft to contemporary furniture, Clover blurs the line between sculpture and design. For us, keeping this remarkable craft alive through a new application is just as important as the final object itself. The result is a timeless statement piece that celebrates the timeless character of cast bronze.
Among millions of lights, one stood out just a little more.
NYCxDESIGN once again proved to be an impressive celebration of the future of design: bold, functional, and visionary. And honestly, amidst all that design excellence, we were quietly proud to see our very first Urchina Light for Moooi make its debut in the Moooi showroom in New York. There it hung in the window display, as if it had always belonged there. Inspired by the perfect symmetry of a sea urchin—probably not the first creature that comes to mind when thinking about ambient lighting—we transformed a piece of underwater anatomy into a floating light object. Slender carbon rods extend outward like elegant feelers, ending in softly glowing points of light. The result? A lamp that feels sculptural by day and effortlessly adds atmosphere to the city’s sea of lights by night. The location certainly helped. In the heart of Manhattan, inside Moooi’s showroom, surrounded by iconic designs and housed in a characterful historic building, the introduction felt like the perfect match for us as designers. And then there is New York itself. As the sun sets, the city transforms into an almost endless ocean of light. In moments like these, you realize two things: just how incredibly vast New York really is, and how fortunate you are when your hotel isn’t located on the other side of Manhattan. Amidst all those lights, our Urchina Light quietly shone. A design inspired by nature, yet for a moment perfectly at home in the city that never sleeps.
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Roderick Vos: “The City Sofa is inspired by the dynamic nature of urban life: always in motion and constantly evolving. Just like a city, the sofa grows and changes alongside your needs and living environment. Its modular design offers maximum freedom. Thanks to the wide variety of seating elements, the City Sofa can be configured entirely to your personal preferences. Whether you choose a straight sofa, a corner arrangement, or a generous lounge configuration, City effortlessly adapts to your space. A distinctive feature is the angled armrest, which also functions as the base element. This creates a strong, sculptural form, with the seat appearing to rest on a single integrated structure. It is a smart, no-nonsense solution that eliminates the need for traditional separate legs. With its playful character, innovative design, and endless configuration possibilities, City invites you to create new compositions over the years. A sofa designed to move with the rhythm of modern life.”
During factory visits, the best ideas often emerge — at least, that has been my experience. Surrounded by machines, raw materials, and the production process itself, you begin to see possibilities that would never arise on paper. That is exactly how the story of the T-Beam side table began. Inspired by the elegant cast-iron forms of 19th-century architecture, the idea emerged to give this iconic material a modern interpretation. At the time, cast iron was revolutionary: strong and functional, yet refined enough to create decorative masterpieces. It brought together beauty and practicality. That led to a simple thought: if cast iron can give buildings character, why not interior products as well? This is how the indestructible T-Table was born — made to last — a contemporary homage to artistic cast iron, where historical inspiration and modern design come together. It seems that artistic cast iron is experiencing a renaissance once again, where traditional craftsmanship and contemporary technology meet. And sometimes, a new chapter simply begins with an unexpected factory visit. Coming soon!
Over the past year, we have been working intensively on a series of projects that will be unveiled in Milan. Salone del Mobile 2026 once again confirms its role as the leading international platform for the global design community. Taking place from 21 to 26 April at the Rho Fiera exhibition centre, this edition introduces new exhibition concepts that celebrate fine craftsmanship, collectible design, and much more. All our projects are now ready, and we are excited to present our latest work created for MOOOI, LINTELOO, and others. Come and visit us at the Linteloo and Moooi show in Milan to discover hanging light Urchina, dining table TEMBO, side table FLUX and the low lava table series BASALT.
Mimicking nature’s rhythm from the inside out, our Urchina Light feels less like an object and more like a living presence suspended in air. Inspired by the symmetry of sea urchins, we translated an underwater anatomy into a floating constellation of light, with slender carbon rods reaching outward and glowing gently at their tips. The result is a weightless silhouette that feels expressive by day and atmospheric by night. As evening falls, its character shifts: a hidden downlight introduces a warm, functional glow, while a soft uplight creates an ambient halo above. Available in four sizes and designed with modular, replaceable components, Urchina Light is made for longevity — an object that moves effortlessly between expression and atmosphere.
During Milan Design Week 2026 discover four new designs by Studio Roderick Vos: three tables with LINTELOO and one lighting with MOOOI!
TEMBO is inspired by the irregular shapes found in nature. The edges and legs show subtle variations, giving the table a sense of history. In reality, every curve is precisely designed using advanced technology. With these dining and low table series, I aimed to balance straight lines with flowing curves. The contrast between the smooth tabletop, its sculpted edge, and the oversized leg defines its character. From every angle, the table reveals a different expression. It was a challenging project, but the end result is a table that we believe will stand the test of time.
Pressed glass is glassware produced by mechanically pressing molten glass into a plain mold by means of a plunger. Pressed glass can generally be distinguished because of its mold seams, but in my opinion this gives all its charm to the product. The use of a plunger enabled glassmakers to spread the thick, molten glass quickly throughout the mold before it solidified and thereby made it possible for them to shape the glass into intricate forms with elaborate designs. The pressing process became the single most important factor in making glassware affordable for everyday use, in this case a first prototype of a tiny table lamp Nemo.
Bibo is a design we introduced in 2020. It’s a foam injection moulded armchair. The way how you can select the fabric for this armchair is really fun for the consumer. The inside and outside of the cover can be different, leather or fabric, and even the colour of the aluminium casted base is optional. But we did also focus a lot on ergonomics and the curved linear shapes that offer the user exactly the right level of support. Bibo combines aesthetic elegance and embraces you with comfort. A wonderful combination of artisan craftsmanship and state of the art technology.
Meet HANARI: a series of geometric, mouth-blown glass vases designed for POLS POTTEN. Inspired by the simplicity of Scandinavian glass containers from the 1950s—including the iconic Glass Battery Jar—we’ve reimagined this classic with a modern twist. The idea is simple: one design, three sizes. Small, medium, and large. Made from recycled glass, each HANARI vase plays with contrast: the bottom and the top differ in shape, yet flow seamlessly together into one sculptural, linear whole. Six angular forms give the vase a fluid, tactile character, creating a fascinating play of lines through transparency and color. Coming soon!
A deep dive into the curious case of leather: sharp and structured one moment, slouchy and rebellious the next.
Designing innovative seating is our lifelong obsession, some people collect stamps, we create sofa’s. Coming soon!
The constructivist approach to product design has always instinctively appealed to me as a designer. Look at the Bauhaus movement from the late 1920s, which has brought forth some beautiful results. And yet, I’ve always had my doubts about the rule that designing by strictly following a method could only lead to a good design. When I was designing my Montigny dresser I allowed my intuition to guide me instead, while taking a systematic approach to the basic design of the frame. Sometimes you simply have to follow your gut feeling. Just look at how gorgeous this wooden product has become. Montigny will be presented by the Priveekollektie gallery at PAN Amsterdam and afterwards at Design Miami 2013.
Think Brutalism… but with a twist: the base has a soft, organic flow, while the tabletop insists on being a perfect square. It’s like muscular zen in furniture form. My time in Asia has definitely had a profound impact on my design style. We gave the oak a good sandblasting, for that tactile texture your fingertips will appreciate, then finished it off with a rich, dark stain to turn up the charm. Compact, full of character, and just a little unpredictable. Coming soon for Linteloo.com!
We’ve been working on a brand-new sofa design called LUFFA. Experimenting with organic, flowing shapes you wouldn’t normally see in upholstered furniture. Usually, creating such curves is impossible with standard fabrics, but with flexible knitwear, you can truly think outside the box. The result? A sofa that feels like a giant teddy bear: soft, welcoming, and impossible to resist. Working with this highly stretchable material has been a joy. It offers freedom of form, natural movement, and best of al, no wrinkles in sight. Knitted fabrics are not only incredibly flexible and smooth to the touch, but also durable and wrinkle-resistant, ensuring your sofa stays comfortable and beautiful for years to come.
For over 25 years, we have both sought to captivate the Dutch and international design scene with our approach to product design, focusing mainly on lighting, furniture, textiles and accessories. Rooted in our personal commitment to timeless forms, we continue to explore the boundaries of industrial production to bring our creative ideas to life. It’s in our DNA. With each of our designs, we strive to strike the perfect balance between artistry and accessibility. Our task is modest: to make people happy with beautiful and functional products.
Claire Vos: "Together with the Spanish brand Crevin, a leading producer of contemporary upholstery and decorative fabrics, we developed Trena, a sustainable knitted fabric inspired by traditional Indonesian bamboo mats. Trena combines innovative design with sustainability. The braided pattern gives furniture an artisanal yet modern look, creating the illusion of a woven surface. The collection features 14 colors inspired by nature and Balinese culture: greens, earth tones, and subtle accents of sun, sea, and rain. Trena brings craftsmanship and sustainable innovation together, blending aesthetics with responsible production."
The ‘AUSTIN’ sofa, designed by our studio, is an artisanal piece that showcases the craftsmanship of Italian manufacturers, reimagined in a contemporary design, perhaps even with a touch of the eighties. Its distinctive arm and back detail, seamlessly flowing into a rounded corner, gives the leather sofa a unique character and unmistakable style. I've always loved leather, and its natural wrinkles. So why not highlight them this time?
The Belly Cabinet for ITEM_Amsterdam at Milan Design Week brings the liquor cabinet back in fashion. The design of the naturally flowing exterior, that fuses angles with curves, houses practical shelving for bottles as well as a spinning display platform in the center of its belly.
Glamorous on the outside, simple on the inside. With its unique form and seamless mounting, The Belly Cabinet is a true eye-catcher for any home.
Roderick Vos: "I have always been fascinated by the process of vacuum forming and making molds. My design approach to the Liquor Cabinet may seem improvised, but it certainly wasn't easy to achieve a perfect balance between technology, material, and aesthetics. When heating this sheet material, you can shape it into almost any organic form. That was exactly my starting point; exploring the plasticity of this material."
Roderick Vos: "But let's not take our profession too seriously. Humor is important too. The Belly Liquor Cabinet can display a variety of liquors and glasses, enabling a wide array of choices to be made by its user. However, the shape of the cabinet suggests something else..."
"Who has been drinking all the liquor?”
Roderick Vos – ‘These last months we have been working passionately with wood, one of my favorite materials. Bollard is a seating element crafted entirely from solid oak wood. The design achieves a harmonious balance between clean, straight lines and soft, flowing curves, resulting in a captivating presence. Inspired by the organic forms of harbor bollards, this influence is clearly reflected in the piece. Created with longevity in mind, this oakwood bench is designed to last for future generations and to age gracefully over time. Minimalist yet functional, this seating sculpture exudes a strong, confident character — further emphasized by its bright-colored oil finish. Bollard is a design by our studio made for the iconic brand ITEM Amsterdam'.
Roderick Vos: 'Why is plywood so pleasing to the eye? Maybe it’s because every sheet tells its own little story, a swirl here, a knot there, like nature’s fingerprint. Even when mass-produced, each chair is its own quirky character. Let me start by admitting: I’m a total plywood fanboy. Over the past few years, I’ve worked on quite a few projects with it, and honestly, I can’t get enough. It’s easy to find, relatively cheap compared to other materials, and surprisingly strong for its weight. You can get it in all kinds of styles and species, a real buffet for the wood enthusiast. Plywood comes in large sheets that can span impressive distances, yet it’s flexible enough to bend to your will (literally). It glues like a dream, and when pressed in a mold the result is a lightweight very strong seating shell. You can leave it plain, or dress it up with paint, clear coats, veneers, or even solid wood. It’s the chameleon of materials. With its natural patterns and textures, plywood brings warmth and authenticity, whether you’re going for rustic charm or modern minimalism. Personally, I love crafting simple-looking chairs out of such an honest, timeless material. It’s humble, it’s versatile, and it never goes out of style, kind of like jeans, but for furniture’.
Thanks to our massive 3D printer, we're now able to create larger sculptural furniture designs—this piece is a study of an armchair.
With this unique capability, we've decided to produce exclusive, limited studio editions without the constraints of industrial manufacturing. By combining this technology with a fiberglass coating for added strength, our studio gains complete creative freedom. Every shape and idea becomes possible, and these playful experiments often spark concepts that can later be adapted for mass production.
Let’s play!
Roderick Vos: “The Bold series, designed in 2005, was inspired by my fascination with laser-cutting technology. This innovative process allows for extremely precise patterns and shapes to be cut from sheet metal, ensuring efficient material use with minimal waste.”
The Bold candleholders are crafted from 4 mm laser-cut sheet metal, showcasing a clean, defined, and striking design that instantly draws attention in any interior setting. These charismatic objects exude timeless elegance, making them iconic pieces in modern design.
Nearly 19 years after its creation, the Bold series remains a testament to enduring style. The collection features three distinct models—Little, Menorah, and Big—and is available in two sophisticated finishes: Silk White and Jet Black.
And what a stunning photograph by Erwin Olaf to capture its essence!
At the HC28 Cosmo booth during CIFF Shanghai furniture fair 2023. For this project we created an armchair and made a concept for the presentation of this design. The Twisty chair embodies futuristic minimalism, a sleek armchair with fluid lines sculpted from foam and finished with a stretch fabric upholstery. It epitomizes the essence of simplicity. This armchair is a glimpse into a world reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick's 'A Space Odyssey.' Kudos to the exceptional craftsmanship of HC28 and the wonderfull animation by CGI artist Vito Boox & Kilian Vos and sound design by Wiebe Vos.
Our studio’s new coffee table design, Scala, features an elegant organic shape with two rounded feet and a softly contoured, rounded tabletop. I’ve always appreciated sculptural pieces with clean lines that are easy to assemble and highly functional. Scala would complement an Oriental-inspired interior that embraces rustic yet minimalist elements. At the same time, its design also offers a distinctly modern appeal. The craftsmanship behind shaping the wood with CNC machines results in a beautiful blend of organic charm with a hint of 1950s allure, crafted in a style that bridges Eurasian influences. Driven by our innovative approach to form and function, this coffee table embodies the essence of organic modernism with its almost sculptural quality. I strive for straightforward, clean compositions that emphasize simplicity and functionality, and Scala is no exception.
In the Casting Pots with Cor Unum podcast, Roderick Vos shares his Indonesian roots, family history, collaboration with Claire, and his vision on design and innovation.
https://www.cor-unum.com/podcasts/roderick-vos/
The Gobi collection is a series of pressed glassware that our studio designed this year for Dutch brand 'Pols Potten'. The collection includes a mug, espresso cup, saucer, plate, and even bowls—each crafted with timeless, minimalist forms. I've always been captivated by the technology behind mass-produced glassware, where molten glass at 1,200 degrees Celsius is dropped into a steel mold to create distinct shapes. The iconic work of Dutch designer Andries Copier and his 1950s Leerdam pressed glass objects is a beautiful example of this method. For the Gobi espresso cup, the molten glass is pressed into a complex, four-part iron mold, allowing us to achieve its elegantly curved handle and cylindrical shape. We chose a jade color for this series, giving each piece a serene, refined aesthetic. The Gobi glassware collection will be available starting in the first quarter of 2025 at Polspotten.
I have always been fascinated by the leather Club chairs like the well known famous Chesterfield. The iconic club chair originated in the UK in the early 20th century, particularly during the Art Deco and Belle Époque periods. These chairs were initially designed for the exclusive gentlemen's clubs and lounges of London. They were created to provide a comfortable and stylish seating option for the members of these clubs, who would gather to socialize, smoke cigars, and enjoy various forms of entertainment. I never understood why a modern interpretation of this design was never created in the 21st century. So I created LARGO, a piece that we will produce this year in a limited Studio Edition.
For almost 25 years we both have tried to captivate the Dutch and International design scene with our ideas towards product design, mainly focusing on lighting, furniture, textiles & accessories. Rooted in our personal commitment to timeless shapes, and exploring the industrial boundaries of creative ideas, we kept on going. With each of our designs we try to strike the perfect balance between artistry and accessibility. Or task is modest; making people happy with timeless and functional products. I think my armchair Agung for Driade designed in 1999 is a good example. It could have been created yesterday!
With this design I planned to make a sturdy family sofa, one that would be comfy for the whole family. Designed to enjoy, both in terms of comfort and aesthetics. By folding the upholstery fabric and keeping cuts to a minimum we arrived at this innovative timeless sofa. Hence the name: FOLD. I am really fond of those comfortable sofas with cushions, but for this design I avoided the idea of the separate cushions, creating instead a wonderfully abstract sofa unburdened by too much detail.
I was trained to become an industrial designer, learning to dive into the practical and imaginative field where everyday objects are transformed into user-friendly, visually appealing products. The end user also needs to establish a bond with the design over time. I personally think an idea is only worth creating when the buyer starts becoming attached to their purchase. This is something you can’t learn as a designer; it's more an intuitive thing. Now, we are working on a charming tiny table lamp made of porcelain that is manufactured in a smart, simple way. I recognize the importance of striking a balance between quality and cost, ensuring that our ideas remain accessible and attractive in our market. But let’s be honest: this is all completely useless if the design has no poetic visual attraction. The power of beauty overrules all the previous things I have mentioned. And that’s how it should be! Cost efficiency should not shape the world around us; only beauty should!
I was asked by dutch architectural office HilberinkBosch to design office tables for one of their projects in The Netherlands.The use of wood combined with rounded glass reminded me a bit of the American 'streamline moderne' architecture of the late 50-'s. It was evident that a very long boomerang shaped table was the best aesthetic option for this interior. The feel of the 50's was almost re-captured after we installed the tables so we couldn't resist to make a photo inspired by the American television drama MadMen.
I always wondered how there’s no wired connection between the base unit and a toothbrush itself once you reload it. Instead they form two halves of a transformer, with electromagnetic induction transferring power from the coil in the base unit to that in the toothbrush. This concept is quite interesting to use for a light concept so I tried to experiment with this idea, creating a multi-functional lamp. By making it possible to change the top part, one can put the shade in all kind of directions. The fun part is that this project did put me out of my comfort zone. To create a light like this made me more an electronics engineer than a designer. But it was worth it! We created STICKY, our magnetic table lamp. To be continued!
A collaboration that celebrates the art of Italian leatherworking”Dakota is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and minimalism, folding cushion-shaped elements into a comfortable and inviting form. For me, the sofa taps into a universal design language, creating shape through gentle curves and a clean silhouette. But what truly sets Dakota apart are its subtle details: when you take a closer look, the stitches and finishes tell a story of craftsmanship and the unmistakable touch of Italy’s artisans. Divided into three elemental parts—seating, backrest, and armrest—that seamlessly merge into each other, the sofa gains its unique signature. With its thin metal legs gently pushed into the leather upholstery, an illusion of lightness is created, lifting the sofa from the floor. In my opinion, it is a timeless piece, distinguished by graceful lines and refined proportions.“ - Roderick Vos
Our latest design for Dutch brand QLIV, a wooden table full of curvy lines. The legs are placed in an asymmetrical way, and the shape of the table top is reminiscent to the wing of a spitfire. Structural strength and simplicity was the basis for this table design. With its signature corner detail the oak table MITCHELL represents a clear example of a minimalist table. These designs consist of a serie of dining and low tables in different lengths.
During the 52nd edition CIFF Shanghai furniture fair from 5th until 8th September in Shanghai we presented an armchair for design brand HC28 Cosmo.
The chair was designed by our Studio, working with A.I generated images. We re-interpreted these images into new tubular shapes as a starting point for this project.
'Artificial Intelligence meets Artistic Intelligence’. I certainly would say that our project is an investigation in what AI can do for our industry, but at the same time I feel that
'a human touch’ is needed to create a product that is appealing to a human.
Photography: Marthe Bodil Vos
Lighthouse is an experiment by our studio. A standing light that carries beauty in both its technical structure and purpose. This industrial looking lamp is a piece that I had in my mind for quite some years and always wanted to realize. Finally it’s been done! This ‘periscope' lamp can extend to a height of 190 centimeters. The steel lampshade on the top can be tilted sideways so you can use this lamp in a variety of ways. A great industrial looking lamp that is adjustable in height and has a 360° rotation lampshade. We make it in a limited edition.
At the HC28 Cosmo booth during CIFF Shanghai furniture fair 2023. For this project we created an armchair and made a concept for the presentation of this design. The Twisty chair embodies futuristic minimalism, a sleek armchair with fluid lines sculpted from foam and finished with a stretch fabric upholstery. It epitomizes the essence of simplicity. This armchair is a glimpse into a world reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick's 'A Space Odyssey.' Kudos to the exceptional craftsmanship of HC28 and the wonderfull animation by CGI artist @vito.boox @kilian.vos and sound design by @wiebe.vos.
Photography: Marthe Bodil Vos
The barrel chair based on straight lines and ergonomic curves, with a wink to the archetypical design of a wooden barrel. It’s more or less garden furniture, a piece made from 100 procent recycled plastic. Rotomolded furniture is structurally robust. Additionally, furniture that is manufactured as one piece is much less likely to break than furniture that is produced using multiple parts connected with mechanical fasteners. In a nutshell, The Barrel chair is an indestructible object. The moulds have been developed now and we expect to launch this piece this year.
A new design for MOOOI: carpet 'Flint' owes its inspiration and strong character to the material flint stone. The brown, gray and white tones of this primordial stone are determined by the minerals present in the rock, as well as the conditions in which it was formed. White color patches usually contain little or no impurities, while brown and gray patches contain iron. The density of the stone creates a characteristic drawing in the pattern, and this was the inspiration for this new collection for Moooi Carpets. In contrast, flint is a brittle rock that easily splits at the edges. So therefor it was decided to give this rug designs these typical colored lines and shapes.
The Frozen Fountain, ambassador of Dutch Design for many years, existed 30 years now and of course that had to be celebrated.
Roderick Vos:
'At the end of October, Cok de Rooy of furniture store The Frozen Fountain asked me and many other Dutch designers to design a vase for this 30 years celebration.
Of course I wanted to make something for him, but there was some time pressure to make this happen in such an absurdly short time. In short: I had to create a diversion. It became a joke: with an adjustment in an already existing mold of the Mama vase. Why not? : 'just tie a knot in 1 of the spouts of our iconic MaMa vase for Cor Unum'. Sometimes you shouldn't always take our profession too seriously, right..? The presentation '50 vases' in Amsterdam has become beautiful and really worth a visit. '
The vase is made in a limited edition of 50 pieces, each vase is signed by Roderick himself and they are only for sale at Cor Unum and The Frozen Fountain and our online shop
A striking example of Roderick’s design philosophy is his new ‘Broadway’ sofa, the transition from the front to the sides is not square or rounded, but chamfered at a 45 degree angle. So simple and also so brilliant that it makes you wonder ‘why did nobody else think of this?’ The unique silhouette this gives the ‘Broadway’, is underlined by a thick ‘cord’—covered in the same material as the sofa—, which traces the outline of each element. The silhouette also derives its strength from the fact that each element has been reduced to its essence: a seat and a back, without loose cushions interrupting its visual calm.
Always in search of new design directions and techniques, CLAIRE VOS asked herself the following question; what happens when you decontextualize the versatile shapes and colors of nature, morphing and liquifying it into new patterns? Imagine a carpet collection inspired by the ‘objects of nature, in which each individual design highlights a different mineral, organism or animal, such as the ‘marl stone’, the ‘tulip flower’ or an ‘Ara bird’. In this series, nature becomes fluid, and the shape of each carpet is dictated by the pattern of its original inspiration. With the ‘Liquid Layers’ series, Claire Vos created a design technique where the possibilities are infinite, resulting in a unique approach towards pattern design that surprises layer by layer.
The tulip vase is a vase specially designed for tulips and mainly serves as a showpiece and status symbol. The first ceramic tulip vases were developed in Delft in the 17th century and are decorated with a Delft blue or Chinese decor. I have always found them fascinating objects and now I wanted to create a modern 21 century interpretation. Large examples from the 17th century consisted of stackable elements, the total of which was sometimes more than one and a half meters high. This concept also has a practical consideration; smaller shapes are easier to produce and to handle in the kiln. On each object that you stack, a few flowers can be placed in the vase all around, always in a separate spout. The shape of some tulip vases is pagoda-like and seems to be inspired by the Porcelain Tower of Nangking. My concept will be developed this year on a 3d clay printer, using the modern techniques of today. But with a wink to the old pyramid tulip vase.
Chair Kaboom makes a statement. Round, friendly, and full of character. Completely different from the slender chairs you’re used to – and yet instantly familiar. It’s as if it’s appeared right out of your favorite comic book! Thanks to its rounded shape, Kaboom is comfortable, but also very sturdy. And that strong posture has a function. This clever design is rotationally molded in one piece. The thicker the hollow forms, the firmer the chair. Kaboom is indestructible! Roderick: “When I’m designing, I want to have fun. I’m always looking to push boundaries. And that’s also how Fatboy works. We both make unusual products for everyday use that make you happy. In that respect, working with Fatboy feels like coming home.”
‘IWA’ is Japanese for ‘stone’ and designer Roderick Vos thought of cartoonist Ed Benedict, the creator of Fred Flintstone, when he drew his ‘IWA’ coffee table, imagining Barney Rubble sitting at his ‘IWA’ dining table. These oak tables share a certain vernacular, but each with their own signature. The coffee table is a miracle of innovative use of materials, with humble plywood stacked and milled in waves, creating an exciting flame-like pattern. The dining table is how a child would draw a table – simple and pure. But the two bases can be placed in different positions and can even be turned upside down: you actually are designing your own table!
Claire Vos: ‘ Musett Design is slow design. In this slow movement Musett Design seeks to break with the take-make-waste and exploit attitude as is seen everywhere. Musett Design contributes to a Good, Clean & Fair world in which sustainability and social responsibility are pivotal values. A Musett Design Abaca rug upgrades & enriches an interior in its own unique way. My carpet serie GLOW for Musett is a tasteful combination of natural colour, texture and shape and provides warmth and character to any interior.'
Thermal modification begins by heating the wood to 450º Fahrenheit in a vacuum with all oxygen removed from the space. While Ash will combust at 300º Fahrenheit, the removal of the oxygen prevents combustion and allows the sugars in the wood to caramelize. The caramelizing of the sugars gives the Ash the dark brown colors and essentially begins a petrification process which makes the wood water resistant. So our side table design Bijou is perfect for in and outdoor use. The caramelized sugars create the wonderful dark brown color, making it an absolutely gorgeous wood.
Marv is a tuxedo sofa. Elegant and timeless, in which linear and wavy lines converge to form an ‘organic cubist’, according to designer Roderick Vos. He started with the ‘monoblock’ and cut away all excess materials. The result is powerful and compact seating with pure lines. Marv is the perfect family sofa that you can place in the centre of the room or against the wall. A sofa of great simplicity that, due to its narrow sledge-style legs, appears to float above the ground.
Always in search of new design directions and techniques, Claire Vos asked herself the following question; what happens when you decontextualize the versatile shapes and colors of nature, morphing and liquifying it into new patterns? Imagine a carpet collection inspired by the ‘objects of nature', in which each individual design highlights a different mineral, organism, or animal, such as the ‘marl stone’, the ‘tulip flower’ or an ‘Ara bird’. In this series, nature becomes fluid, and the shape of each carpet is dictated by the pattern of its original inspiration. With the ‘Liquid Layers’ series, Claire Vos created a design technique where the possibilities are infinite, resulting in a unique approach towards pattern design that surprises layer by layer. Liquid Layers is a design by our studio for Moooi Carpets.
Most times the better designs are the ones that define simplicity. In this case the use of Waterjet cutting for a marble table design. This is a process by which materials are cut with a high-pressure water jet and is used to process marble and stone. A high pressure pump that increases the water pressure to about 4,000 bar, and this allows it to cut almost any material. By seeing this 2 dimensional process, I came up with the idea to make a flat packed side table design. Simple to install after opening the box. We created 3 marble tables in different heights, only existing of three 2 dimensional components each, avoiding complexity. The waterjet ridges on the side of the material gave the table its expressive look! Welcome to our family of products, Ridge Table.
Step into a unique colored pattern world. Inspired by minerals, birds, flowers, and the whole spectrum of beauty created by nature. The Liquid Layers carpets by Claire Vos are inspired by objects of nature morphed and liquified into new patterns. The carpets are available in four colorways and two shapes: Agate, a powerful luck stone that comprises bygone crystals; Pebble, smooth-out pebbles in timeless greys and earth-tones; Tulip, an array of colors found in the typical Dutch landscapes in spring; and Marl, different natural-colored layers of stone.
Claire Vos’ Jewels of Glass velvet pillows will embellish your sofa with its very own jewellery. Inspired by the striking colours found in gemstones, Claire Vos created a pattern of glass bubbles held together by a tangle of loosely woven yarn. The design is worked down to the smallest detail, making it difficult to stop staring. The Jewels of Glass Pillows are made from soft velvet and come in two sizes and two colours, quartz and emerald.
If there is one thing that defines Japanese aesthetics, it is that unique combination of seemingly simple lines and intricate craftsmanship. Dutch designer Roderick Vos took this centuries-old adage on board for his ‘San’ coffee tables. The oak veneer shows the saw marks- a typically Japanese design feature, celebrating the material and the artisans transforming it. ‘San’ is Japanese for ‘three’ and the three-dimensionality of these two-tier tables is underlined by the angle at which the top is set over the lower shelf. Inspired by the art of origami (paper folding), these angles allow you to create a wide range of interesting shapes, using two—or more—‘San’ tables. San is a product for Dutch brand linteloo.
Separated threads in multi shades and colors are sorted and re-arranged in the 'RAVEL' collection of digitally designed carpets by Claire Vos for Moooi Carpets. The printed carpet UN-ROLL feels as if a loosely woven textile cloth is unrolled and cut. Filaments are curled up and the colored lines are carefully arranged into an organically shaped carpet. RE-MINGLE reveals the beauty of raveled & folded yarns coming together in a textile island shape. The 'RAVEL' collection is the result of research where printed illusion and the realistic texture of textile intersect. The color mingling and gradients gives this contemporary collection the typical Claire Vos signature.
This chair idea was a result of our technical interest in roto-moulding manufacturing. This is a plastics moulding technology which is ideal for making hollow products. The concept of rotational moulding is very simple. A plastic material, normally in powder form is placed into a hollow mold, usually made from cast aluminium. When the mold is closed it rotates slowly on two axis, where it forms a uniform layer against the heated mould wall. For this chair project I decided to use rounded, strong cylindrical shapes to gain strength. It turned out to become a cartoonish type of product in form and we loved it! Kaboom is made from recycled polyethylene and suitable for in & outdoor use.
Exposé of hereditary talent and infectious enthusiasm: this exhibition is primarily a tribute to Henk Vos: the furniture designer, the interior architect, the man behind Vos Interieur, and the design castle Maupertuus. But both brothers Bart and Roderick Vos who organize the exhibition also zoom out. Using a wonderful selection of their designs, products, and relics, they draw attention to the special fact that their family has already has been fascinated by furniture, fashion, visual art, and architecture for generations.
Exposé of hereditary talent and infectious enthusiasm: this exhibition is primarily a tribute to Henk Vos: the furniture designer, the interior architect, the man behind Vos Interieur, and the design castle Maupertuus. But both brothers Bart and Roderick Vos who organize the exhibition also zoom out. Using a wonderful selection of their designs, products, and relics, they draw attention to the special fact that their family has already has been fascinated by furniture, fashion, visual art, and architecture for generations.
For several years the collection of Jan Wolleswinkel 'Pols Potten' has caught my attention on International Fairs, and we finally were able to propose an innovative vase-design for them. I personally think they are making wonderful artisan products, enriching our personal living spaces with the greatest attention to detail. They simply love building a brand, and it shows. Their team makes extensive travels around the world searching for unique one of a kind-manufacturers. This is always inspiring from a designers perspective. One could say their collection favors traditional handcrafting techniques and the results are exquisite designs that communicate international living flair.
I always have liked working with the material clay. Especially the proces, turning liquid clay into a slib casted end product, has fascinated me. Realizing a reproducible design can be tricky once a while. One needs to understand how to create casting production molds and properly divide your object for the best results. Artistic and technical insights are inseparably intertwined. Let's be honest: not every design idea can be produced. And even then it can be a struggle to achieve a wonderful three dimensional end result. This specific project with manufacturer Cor Unum is my personal homage to designer Zweitse Landsheer and to an almost forgotten part of our cultural heritage in industry, Dutch ceramics. Vase Nefertiti is a stylistic addition to all my previous ceramic designs, created in the last 20 years.
A vase made from ceramic in which nine cylindrical shapes are connected to a central reservoir. Because of the additional weight of the water the vase is quite stable. The cylindrical tubes are connected with three arms to the central base, enabling the water to fill all the compartments. This design reminded me of the cylinder of a gun so we decided to call it Colt. The vase looks complex but in reality it can be produced with a two part mold, so there is only one horizontal separation part in the casted model. And that’s really special! Colt will be produced by Dutch manufacturer Cor Unum.
NLXL has been working with a number of designers since the company began introducing heavy duty wallpaper in 2010. Each designer’s expertise in their field has led to some of the most stunning and diverse wallpaper designs during the last years. We were asked to do something with cane webbing, as we have often worked with this material in Indonesia during the 90’s. Webbing is on one hand reminiscent of colonial Asian decor, but on the other hand very modern and in vogue in modern interiors nowadays. We designed and created three decorative wooden frames with webbing, took photo’s of it and turned it, in cooperation with NLXL, into 2 dimensional wallpaper. One could say that cane webbing is an internationally adopted classic that is once again gaining popularity. But in this case as wallpaper. The introduction of these wallpaper designs will take place during Dutch Design Week.
An inspiring cooperation: HC 28 is a Chinese furniture brand committed to exploring new innovations in furniture design and carpet making. For this company we created three hand tufted carpet designs, called Halo, Cornice and Tumble. The tufting technology is quite interesting: a gunmachine was used for inserting wool material into the textile covered frame according to our design. The combination of a pile and loop in different heights gives these contemporary carpets an interesting modern look and feel. A perfect match in shape, color and technique. We presented all these designs and our sofa NEST at the chinese CIFF furniture fair in Shanghai. Thank you, Jianwei LI for this inspiring cooperation!
In 1593, no Dutchman had ever seen a tulip. In the 400 years since, the Netherlands has become synonymous with this most beloved of spring flowers. The iconic pyramid vase, is a vase designed to put cut flowers in, but it primarily serves as a decorative showpiece. These pyramids were first made in the Netherlands in the 17th century and were decorated with Delfts blauw or Chinese decoration. But in my opinion such a vase can have a strong powerful shape without the need to decorate. Sometimes the pyramid vases, some perhaps inspired by the porcelain tower of Nanjing , were not used as flower vases at all, but just as showpieces. My concept of this new Pyramid vase consists of fewer components held on a five legged base; we designed 3 stackable shapes with two identical ones on the top. A real showpiece. Flowers can be put in each of the fifteen spouts, but without tulips, this imposing 140 cm high flower pyramid can be a unique showpiece too!
Moooi Carpets reinvents the carpet and opens up new horizons in the design world by introducing a technology that generates extremely high definition prints. All the carpets combine an endless mix of colours thanks to the use of a groundbreaking high definition Chromojet printer and its accurate tones, which generate a playful illusion of depth. For Moooi Carpets Claire Vos designed the Yarn Box Collection, presented at Salone del Mobile 2019.
Cor Unum is a ceramic art centre founded and based in ’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. They develop and manufacture our products designs and we love this unique company! Cor Unum takes social and cultural resposibility for the legacy of the ceramic crafts. Their mission is brought to the market through a team consisting of professionals, students, volunteers, people with distance from the labour market and designers. They all share one common passion: everyone deserves a place, everyone has got a talent and anyone can contribute to make the world somewhat nicer.
Ceramics at their most basic is simply a process of mixing water with earthen powders and clay, shaping it and baking it at high temperatures. But it is one of the world’s oldest crafts, which over millennia has been perfected to a high art, particularly by the Chinese.With our design the vertical busk lines create a solid, strengthened structure for this remarkable ceramic side table/stool for Dutch brand 'Pols Potten'. Busk has a unique appearance, especially because of its unique, iridescent glaze. This liquid clay casted product could only be made because of the highly skilled Chinese handcraft. 'Oily Busk' will be introduced at Maison & Objet Paris, September 06-10, 2019.
The Yarn Box collection is an exploration in the relation in stringing beads and bindings ribbons. It was about the essence of creating a basic structure in a pattern. The yarn box stands for ‘playfulness’ skill of the hand, mastery of form and technique. The collection consist of round and rectangle carpets and comes in 3 printed designs, and several sizes. Claire Vos: “In my Tangle carpet design, the imaginary weaving structure holds the carpet visually together. These three designs reflect my personal commitment to the richness of color in to room decoration”. The Yarn Box Collection by MOOOI will be presented Salone del Mobile, Milan, 2019.
One of the first Doodle vases out of the kiln. Doodle is a small vase, only 30 centimeters high, and produced by Cor Unum. We are now testing several ceramic glazes and four or five new colors will be introduced. A Doodle is a shape, pattern, drawing or scribble – anything you think of in an idle moment while the focus of our attention is elsewhere. And that’s exactly how this vase was born. These colorful cartoonesk looking vases will be presented in Milan during 09-14 April at the Salone/Masterly - Palazzo Francesko Turati.
A new design from our studio. The eye catching side table, Bayan. An Eastern looking drum of surprising material: pottery, with a glazed surface in multiple colour schemes. "Roderick Vos: Eastern influences often play a role in my work. Claire and I lived in Indonesia for several years and my roots are there. It’s a familiar looking archetypical product, while being exotic. Bayan is a handmade product and a design that is truly unique in the the market of mass produced interior goods. My personal homage to handmade products". Price 195,- Euro per piece.
So great to find a design made in 1981 by my father Henk Vos for Dutch Company Holborn published by DESIGNBOOM. It’s still a beauty!
https://www.designboom.com/art/docubyte-i-am-a-computer-animated-gifs-05-24-2018/
DOCUBITE designed a series of animated gifs as a sort of rebuttal to the question by apple. ‘I am a computer: icons of beige’ sees 16 classics from the golden age of personal computing turned into dynamic compositions. maybe they don’t have the highest speeds or graphic capabilities, but who cares? they’re awesome. ‘I am a computer’ celebrates the visual character of desktop computing machines from a colourless period in industrial design,’ docubyte explains.
Our wallpaper design in the New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/02/style/where-is-design-going.html
Thanks NLXL https://www.nlxl.com
Tiles have more or less been liberated for their limited role, and have become more the centre of the interior in the 21 st century. So why not make wallpaper out of it? A three dimensional approach by our design office and an extended period of experimentation, resulted in three proposals for dutch wallpaper brand NLXL. It quickly became apparent that exploring three dimensional tile shapes, making moulds, biscque firing the unglazed stoneware, and photograph them for the use of creating wallpaper was going to be a true labour of love. But what a great result. Thank you, Mr & Mrs Vintage!
Black isn’t actually a color, it is just the absence of light. With this vase, the glaze is black. It simply means you don’t get to see any reflection of the -light- part of the electromagnetic spectrum; the object hence appears black. True black is the absence of colour. Black is what happens when no light at all reaches your eye. Our Mama vase has only been glazed white for more than seventeen years. But we missed something. Now it seems that this black version is even more magnificent. Therefor we decided to put this version also in the existing Cor Unum collection.
My Ishi chairs and table for dutch brand linteloo have an interesting combination of merged organic and geometric forms, a typical signature of my work as a designer. Design in its most effective form is a process of trial and error. With these abstract and yet playful shapes of table and chair, I try to unite simplicity in shape and construction. Needless to say that I am very proud of this chair. Especially because of the newest version with pressed leather on the seating shell.
Tiles have more or less been liberated for their limited role, and have become more the centre of the interior in the 21 st century. So why not make wallpaper out of it? A three dimensional approach by our design office and an extended period of experimentation, resulted in three proposals for NLXL. It quickly became apparent that exploring three dimensional tile shapes, making moulds, biscque firing the unglazed stoneware, and photograph them for the use of creating wallpaper was going to be a true labour of love.
Joshh& is about glass, a new designlabel that deserves attention. They are specialized in colored glass. My design Loop is Uv-glued one to each other and has a toughened glass top. A great coffee table as a display surface or for treasured books and interesting items. From whichever angle you look at it, this is a design that can be appreciated because of its playful form. The Loop table can be joined 2 ways. With an O or S shape. With this design I tried to maximise the minimum. A lot of the process of designing is simply taking out what is not necessary.
This round carpet is based on wicker patterns and is almost a spiritual symbol. This carpet has a visual balance, and this two dimensional eclectic mix of style and culture came out surprising. This design called Bow, is a concept for a hand made knotted carpet. The lines, patterns, vibrant colors and number of knots per square inch make this design an artisan piece. Work in progress.
Goods initiates the development of new products, From an idea or design. When the product and design fit into the Goods collection, the design is made production ready in collaboration with the designer. Products from Goods are widely available in international museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Iceland Design Centre. That’s why I am so grateful that my single candle holder -blaker- has been included in the Goods collection. Goods has its office at the iconic “Garage Notweg” in Amsterdam.
Roderick Vos: 'The ISHI chairs and table have an interesting combination of merged organic and geometric forms, a typical signature of Roderick Vos’ work as a designer. Design in its most effective form is a process of trial and error. With these abstract and yet playful shapes of this specific chair, I unite simplicity in shape and construction. Ishi is one of my most favourite chair designs.'
'The Ishi table has oval sculptured legs combined with a wing shaped wooden table top. The shape of the wooden table top has a smoothly flowing form and both supporting crossed legs do not need to be joined by a horizontal beam for stability. As a result this minimalistic dining table becomes ‘a sculpture for use’. The Ishi table has an interesting combination of merged organic and geometric forms, a typical signature of my work as a designer. With these abstract and yet playful shape of this parrticular table, I have tried to unite simplicity in shape and construction.’
Roderick Vos: ‘ The shape of the wooden stool for Dutch brand Linteloo almost looks like a tractor seat, which has something old fashioned and genuine at the same time. I wanted to create something that sat between a saddle and stool. Its elementary form consist of just three legs and a circular round wooden seat shaped like a men’s bottom. The shape and color of the oak ‘saddle’ reminded me of a sand dune, so that’s where the name came from. The stool and complementary wooden standing tables are completely made from oak wood.’ The Dune bar stool reminds me of something that could have been designed in the 70’s; yet at the same time, it looks fresh, modern and timeless'.
The Basel art and design show brings the international artworld together, with 291 of the world's leading galleries showing the works of over 4,000 artists. A full program of artworld talks takes place each day. Exhibitions and events are also offered by cultural institutions in Basel and the surrounding area, creating an exciting, region-wide art week.The unrivalled barometer of the art market.” Exhibitors Leading galleries from around the globe participate in Art Basel's shows in Basel, Miami Beach and Hong Kong showcasing the highest quality of Modern and contemporary works. Wow, thank you Priveekollektie for showing my design, a wooden dresser Montigny no.3 over there!
My 'One flower vase', celebrates the beauty of a single flower. This tiny porcelain vase features a water container for stability, and where the oval shaped body curves inwards we added to this form a twisted high neck. “sometimes just one modest flower vase says more than a big bouquet”. So no sad attempt anymore to stuff twelve long-stem roses into an empty two-liter waterbottle from the recycling bin…! Here’s the right vase for your unique flower.
Photography: Studio Boot.
These Art Deco-inspired plaids magically transforms any sofa into a colorful area. These jacquard woven plaids stand out for their dynamic linear patterning, consisting of geometric shapes such as circles and vertical lines. Whether you choose a mix of pale colours or of warm, deep tones like mustard, turquoise and different reds, the combinations are real eye-catchers. The plaids called Swell give a uniquely versatile touch thanks to the different patterns on both sides.
I love beautiful shapes, but ergonomics are always a determining factor in my designs. With the Transit model we consciously tried to get ’The best of both worlds’. So, in collaboration with the team from Pode, we took great care to create a comfortable seat. We made an armchair for the living room that simply makes you want to sit in it forever.”TRANSIT: hopefully a new classic thanks to its authentic, timeless appeal. Time will tell.
I have always had a great appreciation for Chinese furniture art. The quality of craftsmanship is of an astonishingly high level when you look at those old pieces of furniture. Ingenious in terms of connection and always beautiful in proportion, size and shape. Actually, I always see these wooden designs of cupboards, sofas and beds as a kind of precursor to minimalism. And they still remain inspiring designs for me, even though they are so old. We needed a display for the Dutch brand Pode in the store. Just a nice cupboard to store textiles such as plaids or cushions. Inspired by the shapes of ancient Chinese furniture art, I started creating a folded cupboard made of sheet steel. The cupboard is ready and it turned out surprisingly beautiful. Maybe we should just put it on the market.
The materials for making a Japanese lantern vary: bamboo, wood, rattan, or steel wire for the frame; paper or silk for the shade. Look for example at the wonderful work of Isamo Noguchi’s light sculptures from the sixties. So why not use the old decorative concept of a lantern and translate this into a modern floor lamp made from folded, laser cut sheet metal? In the old days, lamp-shade artisans competed amongst themselves to produce lamp shades of exquisite beauty, functionality, design, and artistic decoration. This is my 21st century interpretation of the japanese lantarn. With Yukiko I explored the theme between the empowering effects of aesthetics, decoration and translucency.
My starting point for the Seasons Collection was to break through this idea of a border and extend the carpet’s function beyond a mere lovely print on the floor. By placing various seating elements on the carpet, the individual colour blocks take on their own application. This carpet invites the user to place an armchair right near the soft, deep, tufted area in the middle, and a sofa or a corner seat around the 90 degree angle in the corner. The other, rounded corners reinforce the various functions. By varying the gauge of the woollen yarns and using different heights, the ‘Seasons’ hand-tufted carpets have been given an added layer of interest.’The Seasons collection has been exclusively designed for Leolux by Claire Vos.
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From his early childhood, designer Roderick Vos has been fascinated with casting tin miniatures. For his EU candelabra design he chose to execute his two models, a candlestick and a 6-armed candelabra, with the casting technique, but using aluminium as his material this time. In this specific die-casting process, huge metal moulds are preheated and filled with liquid aluminium which has been heated to 800 degrees. This industrial-looking candelabra can be used for both candles or tea-lights. Simply turn the object upside down. -Photography, Marie Cecile Thijs-
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This iconic earthenware vase, called the ‘MaMa Vase’, is a unique design by Roderick Vos, for which he has drawn inspiration from the wonders of nature. For Roderick Vos personally, the fascinating basic shapes found in nature are often surprising in their apparent simplicity and beauty. The design of the MaMa Vase is inspired by biological structures and cell divisions. The Tulip vase is produced by Cor Unum Contemporary Ceramics. Photography : Marie Cecile Thijs
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This design derived from my own personal fascination for an old production technique, Bakelite pressing, a combination of industrial pressing and polishing by hand. Antiques enthusiasts still clamour to enrich their collections with vintage Bakelite household items and jewellery. And with its smooth surface this Bakelite jar pays homage to one of the earliest and most adaptable forms of plastic. It is made by one of the last few existing Bakelite manufacturers in the Netherlands, called 'De Bakelietfabriek'. Beyond being as beautiful as it is useful, this 21st century Bakelite jar will lend a timeless quality to your home and has the potential to become a new collectable. Photography : Marie Cecile Thijs.
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While tea and history have been intertwined for thousands of years, the world’s history with the teapot is much more modern. The first ceramic teapot design hit the scene around 500 years ago. With his new EU teapot set, designer Roderick Vos has created a 21st century interpretation of brewing, pouring and savouring the ancient beverage. The unique earthenware teapot and matching teacups have been exclusively manufactured by the oldest ceramics company in the Netherlands, Koninklijke Tichelaar Makkum (1572), a company recognised the world around for its handmade ceramics. The wealth of expertise and skill this company has accumulated over the centuries is simply priceless. Photography : Marie Cecile Thijs.
The bitter drink was first introduced to Europe in 1528. Today, production and consumption of chocolate is a global affair and finding new forms for this wonderful food product has become quite a challenge, as we found out. In order to satisfy each individual’s chocolate cravings, we have created a crown-shaped figure and made five differently coloured taste combinations. My personal favourites: chocolate/espresso, strawberry/basil, white chocolate/passion fruit, orange/clove and blue-black berry/mint.
The presidency of the Council of the European Union is responsible for the functioning of the Council of the European Union, the upper house of the EU legislature. It rotates among the member states of the EU every six months. The presidency is not an individual, but rather the position is held by a national government. In the first half of 2016 the Netherlands held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Our studio had the prestigious task to design a tie for all dutch ministers and high officials and that was quite an honour. We made two variations in 'Royal blue and Dutch orange'. The pattern of this silk tie was based on the EU logo.
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Glass blowing. The art of shaping glass that has been heated into a viscid state, by inflating it through a tube. It sounds very technical, but the art of manual glassblowing is really about the individual glass maker’s passion for his craft. Each mouth-blown glass piece is, in a way, a unique handmade product. A new era in glassmaking in the Netherlands began in the early 1950s, led by several wonderful designers such as Chris Lebeau and Andries Copier. This EU crystal glass design is my personal homage to Dutch glass blower Andries Copier and the traditional art of glassblowing, an almost forgotten skill in this century.
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This tablecloth design explores the innate qualities of damask cloth, one of the oldest weaving patterns in the world, dating back to the Byzantine era. Thanks to a unique manufacturing method, damask is luminous, as the pattern captures and reflects the light differently than the background fabric. For her version, Claire Vos has chosen a light-grey cotton Dutch plaid that dissolves and reassembles over an expanse of dark cream-colored linen fabric. The EU tablecloths, made from 50% organic cotton and 50% organic linen, are woven in one of the oldest Dutch textile factories in the Netherlands. Photography : Marie Cecile Thijs.
I have always been attracted to a much used plastic material from the 20th century, called bakelite. This material is quite shiny and has a rich looking appearance. Bakelite concurred the market during the uprise of the Art Deco movement. Lot’s of products made during that period are jewels of design and still much loved by collectors. Maybe this was the main reason why I also fell in love with this particular material. The shapes of these bakelite products -that I saw as a kid- spoke to my imagination. Therefor it was a pleasure to be able to work with this technology and almost forgotten material. This cookie jar design is my homage to an almost forgotten time and material. And yes, soon available at our web store.
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