Design talk: from sketch to interior piece

In the world of interior design, everything revolves around inspiration, innovation and attention to detail. We spoke with our own designer Stijn, who takes us through his creative process and shares his vision of timeless furniture with us. From the first sketch to the final product: discover how materials, shapes and subtle details come together in his unique designs. The interview previously appeared in our recently launched brochure and offers a behind-the-scenes look at Eekhoorn, the parent company of WOOOD.

1. Where do you get your inspiration for new designs?

Actually, from everything. Often from architecture, nature and vintage furniture, but also from the internet. 

2. Are there elements or styles you like to include in your designs? And how do you try to incorporate your own signature into them? 

Yes, we produce everything in-house and using FSC® -certified solid wood. I try to make this beautiful, natural material the focal point of each design. Through subtle detailing, I aim to incorporate my signature into each piece. This could be a rounded edge, a groove or a milling detail. It varies per design, depending on the starting point. 

3. Which piece of furniture that you’ve designed is your personal favorite, and why does this design appeal to you? 

A recent favorite of mine is the Casa showcabinet. I’m especially drawn to the way its colors, materials and proportions seem to fall into place so naturally. The pine structure and aluminum-framed glass doors may be very different materials but giving them the same Mud-colored finish creates a calm, cohesive look that I really enjoy. I also like how the smoked glass only hints at the oak décor inside, it adds a subtle sense of mystery without making the piece feel heavy. Its proportions make the cabinet very practical, providing plenty of storage space that I think fits well in many homes. 

4. Which design has grown into a true bestseller so far? And where do you think its popularity among customers comes from? 

The New Gravure series. I believe this series is popular for several reasons. It is a timeless yet innovative design that fits into many different interior styles, making it appealing to a broad target audience. In addition, this series offers great value for money, which makes it even more attractive. 

5. How much influence does customer or user feedback have on your designs? 

I am always open to valuable feedback from customers, their experience is what truly matters and helps us improve our designs. It is therefore not uncommon for us to make optimizations to a design based on the feedback we receive. 

6. Which design has challenged you the most, technically and/or creatively? 

The Basu series has been a very nice creative and technical challenge. Creatively, I wanted the half-round door frame to visually flow into the leg. To achieve this, we had to pay extra attention to the construction and adjustability. In the end, we found effective solutions without having to make any concessions to the design. This made the series a rewarding challenge on multiple levels. 

The conversation with Stijn shows that design is more than just making furniture; it is an interplay of materials, technique and adding a personal touch. His designs combine functionality with aesthetics and invite you to furnish spaces with care and passion. Stijn's work is an inspiring example of how creativity and craftsmanship come together in timeless interior pieces.