By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs + Services
Get to know the people behind the stylish products that will appear at the 2014 International Home + Housewares Show in Discover Design. Our conversations with exhibitors give you a glimpse of the inspirations, influences and ideas that go into creating the exciting products that you’ll see in March at McCormick Place.
Established in Germany in 1832, Waechtersbach makes high-quality ceramic tableware and accessories. Since 2009, the company is also the exclusive distributor of Könitz products in the U.S. and Canada. The two brands offer a wide array of products appeal to individual personalities and tastes. Whether plain, noble, graphic, frisky or just brightly colored, Waechtersbach dinnerware can help realize the possibilities of a beautiful table. Könitz Porzellan offers a wide assortment of coffee mugs and cups, espresso cups and finest tea products of outstanding quality and eye-catching designs. Könitz also specializes in the design and manufacture of promotional mugs and cups.
Today we are speaking with Turpin Rosenthal, owner of Wachersbach USA.
Mr. Rosenthal, where do you find inspiration when designing new products?
Our designs are mostly European and our philosophy is to create products with a special touch—whether it is a bottom inside print or a twisted handle—that is delightful.
Our Waechtersbach dinnerware, for example, is basic and decorative and is a combination of solids and decorative items. With Konitz, we strive to be the best mug resource. We produce quality mugs and are inspired by the way people give them as gifts and use them.
Are there any specific designers, places or eras that influence you?
Waechtersbach is totally contemporary – we are inspired by the atmosphere color can create at and around the table. Colors can be therapeutic, exciting or calming. We actually offer tools for a great dining experience. With Konitz, we want our mugs to stand alone.
An interesting piece of research conducted by a German professor shows that a favorite mug becomes a very important statement for who you are. With this in mind we make special mugs for special people.
How do you choose which idea to take to the next step — to product development?
We ask our customers.
How do you identify the key user audience for your products?
As we work internationally we ask our customers, so that the products we launch in the U.S. have been approved by consumers and customers right here. Believe me there are a lot of products that might suit a particular market in Europe but would be quite unsuitable here.
Is there an approach or look that joins the functionality, form or emotional appeal of your product line?
Colors give you power and influence your well-being. My tableware affects me with the power of the color: red = emotion, orange = energy, yellow = creativity, blue = harmony, green = relaxation, white = purity. Waechtersbach has been manufacturing colorful high quality dinnerware since 1832.
Where are your products manufactured?
Our wholly owned factories are mostly in Germany and Europe. We also have a factory in Thailand and a very small part of our collection is sourced elsewhere.
How do you see design’s importance in our industry as it moves forward?
The look of our product is distinctive. However, we live in a time of design-mania and believe it is important to hit the right level and make a product accessible.
Can you give us a preview of what you will be showing in your booth in Discover Design?
We will be introducing some new dinnerware and mug collections.
Thank you, Mr. Rosenthal, for your enthusiastic interpretation of how your company employs design to create products that brighten users’ lives. We look forward to your colorful presentation at our Show in March.
Visit Waechtersbach USA Inc. / Konitz Porzellan in Discover Design in booth S3869. View their range of colorful ceramic tableware and accessories here.
Discover Design is the premier design destination at the International Home + Housewares Show. Located in the South Building, the invitation-only category features more than 100 exhibitors from around the world. Companies driven by innovation and design present distinctive products and collections in Tabletop, Gift, Textiles and Home Décor categories. The Discover Design Gallery, accessible to buyers and media, features select products that are entries in the Global Innovation Award (gia) for Design. Learn more about Discover Design exhibitors and their products by checking Housewares Connect 365 here.
