Paper Collective visited the stunning apartment of A Seat in Siena founder, designer and colour expert Iben Tusnelda Joo Frederiksen. We spoke to Iben about her conscious approach to design, her background working with colour and how she has utilised our new Floating Gallery Shelf within her apartment.
PC:
Hi Iben. Can you tell me about A Seat In Siena, who you are and the beautiful furniture you make?
Iben:
A seat in Siena is a direct response to the time in which we live. Our vision is to inspire the modern citizen to a more conscious approach and consumption of design. Which is why our brand reflects the current global agenda regarding sustainability and urbanization. Issues that we, as society, must address in order to find a sustainable and human way forward.
PC:
What are some of the most popular pieces in your collection?
Iben:
Definitely the classic stool and the console table. Both have interchangeable tops, which allows you to style your furniture according to your taste and how you intend to use it.
PC:
I know you have a background in colour theory. Can you tell me about your experience and training, and how you have brought this into A Seat In Siena?
Iben:
My first real out of university job was with Dyrup and GORI which are market leading paint and wood stain brands. At that time colour marketing was not as advanced as it is today, which always left me wondering. Today it has become an acknowledged discipline. On a tactical level amongst large paint corporations, and on a more inspirational and strategic level amongst niche brands, which has the capacity and creative skill set to do colour design and inspiration really really well. I guess I am just used to working with colour, so it was a very natural thing for me to include colour in my work, when formulating my own brand.
PC:
Your lovely apartment also has a subtle yet strong use of colour. Can you tell me about some of the choices you made with your own space?
Iben:
Why thank you! Hmmm well, I chose neutral colours, which creates an homogeneous and subtle backdrop for my life. I travel a lot with work which is why my home is where I retreat and rest, so it is very important to me, that it is comfortable and simple. There is no white surface in my home, but still I don't think that guests would notice, that there is actually both blue, green, beige and red in my apartment. Furthermore the spatial layout is totally open, which also challenges how and where you make the transitions between the different colours, surfaces and rooms.
PC:
We are so happy to see our new Floating Gallery Shelf in your apartment. Can you tell me how you have placed them and why you went for a mix of the polished stainless steel and oak fronts?
Iben:
I placed the Floating Gallery Shelves quite high up on my walls allowing space between both the ceiling and other furnitures, which stand on the floor. I feel this placement gives the pieces displayed on the selves room to breathe. I love both the oak with steel fronts - it creates a bit of tension with my own furniture, which is mainly made of wood.
PC:
You also chose a great selection of art prints from Paper Collective. What were some of your thoughts behind your selection?
Iben:
I love Paper Collective because it makes art accessible to everyone. You also have a great range of different options and styles to choose from. I have chosen an artwork form All the Way to Paris, which I very much connect with, since I think that the message, “Mother Earth is never out of fashion” is relevant and everlasting.