Rotterdam’s iconic Van Nelle Fabriek was buzzing with creativity and inspiring encounters during this year’s Design District. The raw, industrial heritage of the venue provided the perfect backdrop for connection and creative mingling. We saw a lot – truly a lot. Beautiful creations, surprising designs and vibrant expressions of surreal imagination. Experience is the magic word, and storytelling is how you bring it to life.
We were equally impressed by the work of emerging HMC talents Yvette Bommerson and Milan Poot. Studio Thier & van Daalen’s illuminated blobs stole the show, Rik van Mierlo’s metal lamps surprised us with their soft appearance, and the rich textures and layered depth of MOMO Rugs had us nodding in approval. Here are some of our highlights.
Be an original.
The burgundy Originals stand was bursting with edgy designs: the sustainable Sparky by Frans Schrofer, the illusory Chester by Elise Luttik and showstopper Noodle. We immediately seized the opportunity to surprise the Originals designers with a special gift: a signed T-shirt by artist Toshy, personalised with their own tag or nickname. Fashion and design: a perfect match.
Elise Luttik x Textiles & More
In collaboration with designer Elise Luttik, Textiles & More developed Herringbone, a striking upholstery and curtain fabric that takes the Fallon swivel chair by Satelliet Originals to the next level. Elise says: ‘Herringbone is made using modern technology, but the design itself is rooted in traditional and analogue methods. This makes the pattern unique and full of life. Inspired by nature, these ‘digital brushstrokes’ bring a sense of calm and a natural feel to the fabric. The detailed colour scheme adds beautiful depth to the textile.’
HMC Talents
The next generation from the Hout & Meubilerings College promises a refined future with a love of craftsmanship. Yvette Bommerson earns top marks with her Noce Novo – a sideboard crafted from American walnut, both technically and manually shaped into a new classic. Fellow student Milan Poot impressed with Foresta Verde – a standout piece featuring warm tones, high-quality materials, elegant brass details and a striking base. We’re eager to follow their journey.
‘Blobs’ by Studio Thier & Van Daalen
It may sound irreverent – ‘Blobs’- but that’s how we see the playful Round Square Pink Vases by this studio. Not new, but eye-catching, refined, humorous, and full of contrast through the fusion of opposites: industrial steel and the craftsmanship of blown glass. This design explores the fluidity of glass, playing with form and counterform, transparency, repetition, light and reflection.
Soft Steel
More contradictions came from Rik van Mierlo and his Halo – a laser-cut metal donut-shaped pendant light that glows from within. Rik aims for beauty through technical simplicity, designing clever and aesthetic objects with a material- and tech-focused mindset.
MOMO Rugs
At the stand of family-run business MOMO Rugs, we were pleased to see the Essentials rugs playing with depth and texture, creating a lively atmosphere. The Noura, Floral and Seduction designs from the Projects collection impressed with their botanical and natural motifs – each a standout piece bringing character and dimension to any floor.
Majestic Monarch
That rugs can do more than cover floors is shown by Dick Holzhaus of Phranid with his colourful Monarch armchair – a co-creation with Frans Verschuren of Huqrugs. The model reflects a bold design vision and free expression: ‘We want to show that a rug can also function as a strong, stylish upholstery for furniture.’ Made from surplus leather, the rug evokes elegant Canadian monarch butterflies in flight and seamlessly integrates with the armchair’s contours.
PLECTERE
Studio Petra Vonk’s acoustic textile design PLECTERE offers a sound-absorbing divider system -ideal for creating a pleasant, healthy working environment with an aesthetic edge. The open structure, playful design and acoustic qualities of Aline, Curve, Tube and Re Play bring calm and a sense of experience at the same time.
ByBorre x Blå Station
The swivel lounge chair Oppo by Swedish family brand Blå Station makes a statement – even when unoccupied. Its soft form invites non-verbal communication. More surprising, then, that ByBorre’s sustainable, tailor-made Bla Bla Bla upholstery gives Stefan Borselius’ creation a voice. A cheeky nod to the brand and proof that humour in design can still be stylish.
Finally: Your Personal Treasure Chest – the Architects Box!
Design District was the perfect moment to introduce our brand new Architects Box. This specially designed box – clearly arranged by colour and theme – is your personal treasure chest to enrich your creativity and professionalism. Take the cards, check the QR code for more collections and mix and match to your heart’s content. Request this valuable treasure chest of materials from Creative Consultant Maico Pheninckx at maico.pheninckx@satelliet.net.
