Designing for the Future: An Inside Look at NORR11's Unique Approach to Home Decor

Recently, we had the pleasure of interviewing the Founder Tommy Hyldahl, and Lead Designer Kristian Sofus Hansen, to learn more about their background, design process, and future predictions for the industry.

In the photo: Big Big Chair, Yoyo Table Lamp, Studio Sofa, Ghost Coffee Table & Man Chaise Lounge

Challenging the Norm

Having a background in fashion, Tommy Hyldhal spent years analyzing and picking future trends by working with color shades and structures of materials. He's always been inspired by Japanese Design and has spent a lot of time traveling around Asia.

“I’ve always had a big passion for furniture design, and have personally been collecting chairs since my early twenties”

- Tommy Hyldahl, Founder, NORR11

Kristian, on the other hand, is a Furniture Architect and graduate of The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and has also been living and studying design in Kyoto, Japan. They both share a passion for Japanese simplicity, Wabi-Sabi, and respect for sustainable products.

With his background in the fashion industry, Tommy sought to channel the energy and drive of his younger years to shake up the traditionally staid furniture industry. His goal was to craft pieces that were not only built to last in terms of quality and design but would also challenge the status quo. Today, NORR11 still pushes to challenge the norm and be the first movers on new design ideas and concepts, which makes them more valuable as a brand and differentiates them from other furniture companies.

Building a Solid Foundation

The design process starts with a concept or an idea, whether it's art, function, or material. For Tommy and Kristian, the foundation of a design concept is crucial. Working with a solid big design concept makes all their decisions come naturally during the process. Every design is crafted using a consistent method, layering and building upon each element until a complete and cohesive story is told through the collection. The process begins with a blank canvas and progresses to the finished product, with each stage adding depth and meaning to the design. The process is significantly influenced by many years of experience in different product developments, working hands-on with suppliers to achieve the right details, finish, and quality.

In the photo: Fuji Pendant Lamp, The Studio Sofa, Studio Curve & Oku Coffee Table

Breaking the Boundaries

In their quest for inspiration, NORR11's designers scour history's design archives, cherry-picking the most intriguing elements and weaving them into fresh, innovative creations. This approach is not only about looking back but also about looking forward, and their dedication to this process is what sets NORR11 apart from other brands in the industry. They are constantly pushing boundaries and experimenting with new ideas, resulting in a collection of truly unique and high-quality products.

“I think the courage to take big chances with new designs is a major part of our DNA.”

- Tommy Hyldahl, Founder, NORR11

In the photo: The Hippo Lounge

Danish design is often recognized for its clean lines and minimal aesthetic; however, Tommy and Kristian see the Japanese as masters at infusing a certain level of intrigue into their designs, making simplicity all the more interesting. This is a technique that they strive to emulate in their work by adding a unique detail to each design, giving it a characteristic twist.

“We like to use the Japanese aesthetic to add a certain lightness to each design, even if the product actually looks heavy. Therefore you will find that many of our designs have an ambiguous expression, playing with contrasts of light and silhouettes.”

- Kristian Sofus Hansen, Lead Designer, NORR11

Their vision for the future of home decor and furniture design is one where the boundaries between art and furniture are blurred, and function and form are seamlessly intertwined. As the industry continues to evolve and become increasingly experimental and sculptural, they urge that aspiring designers should seek out niche brands and collaborate with them to learn and grow. In a rapidly changing and competitive market, they see this as key to staying ahead of the curve and creating truly unique and meaningful designs.

In the photo: Studio Sofa, Oku Coffee Table, Deco Wall Lamp & Duke Side Table

A Bright Future Ahead

In conclusion, NORR11 continues to push the boundaries in the home decor and furniture industry with their commitment to sustainability, experimentation, and timeless design. The brand has several exciting projects in the pipeline, including a new line of neon-inspired lamps and an upcoming collection of sofa designs, building upon the success of their Studio Sofa. The future looks bright for NORR11, and we can't wait to see what they come up with next.

Stay ahead of the curve and shop NORR11 at thatcooliving.com