By Marie Kulik, Exhibitor Business Development Manager
This week we were able to sit down with Mathilde Ring from Stelton, who make their Housewares Show debut last year in the inaugural Discover Design exhibit. Mathilde answered some questions about how Discover Design is helping the progress the global design industry, who has influenced the Stelton designs the most and how a simple, timeless look usually makes for a great design. Here is Mathilde and Marie for this week’s Inside Discover Design conversation!
Marie: What is the inspiration behind the design and functionality of your products?
Mathilde Ring: All Stelton products has a story behind the design and function. Lets take the classic vacuum jug designed by Erik Magnussen. The design is 35 years old, and still Stelton’s best seller. The reason is simple, it’s great design, great function and timeless look. There are the seasonable colors, but still the classic stell, black and white is the best sellers. In the same line we launched 2 years ago the coffee maker in the same design.
Marie: Are there specific designers that have influenced you?
MR: Arne Jacobsen who was designing for Stelton from the beginning has of cause made his mark on the design and product development.
He has given Stelton the design directions.
Marie: What makes a design “great”?
MR: It is unique and timeless
Marie: What does your company offer the Industry?
MR: We offer consumers good, functional design products.
Marie: What was your first impression of Discover Design? The Show in general?
MR: We think it was a very good initiative from IHA to start getting a new, growing buying group to also come to IHA.
Marie: How do you see design impacting our industry five years down the road? 10? Longer?
MR: For companies with a unique identities, design are the key to success in short and long terms.
Marie: How much does the use or function of a product play into the design of it? Do your products follow a similar design throughout the line or does the influence differ from piece to piece?
MR: Design is as important for both functional products and as for decorative products.
