Welcome to the July edition of Behind the Brand, where KBB seeks to illuminate – somewhat! – the creative process from the perspective of top product designers in the kitchen and bath fields. Being able to look at everyday objects in a radically different way is the [un]common denominator of these talented individuals.
This month, we hear from:
Mikkel Brandt Bugge, industrial designer, Gaggenau
Danielle DeBoe Harper, senior creative style manager, Moen
Murillo Schattan, CEO and product development, Ornare
As a product designer, my greatest responsibility is…
Bugge: To design meaningful products that positively influence and elevate the lives of the people and the brand I design for. Simply put, my main responsibility is to contribute to the success of my company by designing iconic and long-lasting products that impress and inspire people with their aesthetics, functionality, and quality – making people want our products, invest in them, and feel proud of owning them.
Harper: Initially, I thought interior design was about solving problems, such as making a space work for a particular lifestyle. However, over the years, I’ve come to understand that it goes much deeper. At its core, interior design is about reflecting values and dreams.
When designing my own home for my family, we aim to create a space that embodies who we are. It should reflect our experiences, our travels, our love of entertaining, and our need for places to recharge and find inspiration. Similarly, when designing environments to showcase Moen products, it’s crucial to understand and mirror the values and dreams of consumers across various design styles.
Schattan: To lead Studio Ornare in creating products that transform spaces into unique and personalized experiences. It’s essential that these products reflect not only the identity and desires of our clients but also the innovation, quality, and sustainability that are our trademarks. Our commitment goes beyond meeting our customers’ needs. We aim to anticipate their expectations by offering solutions that go beyond the conventional.
Photo credit: Gaggenau
One of my creative touchstones is…
Bugge: Designing emotional products derived from a story. I like to use storytelling as a method in the design definition process and the presentation of a product. I believe that design derived from well-told stories has the power to add emotional impact and value. For example, my recent designs follow a story about making traditional home appliances appear more like exclusive pieces of furniture. The complete design execution of these products follows this driving story and results in a less technical appearance, more refined geometries, and human-friendly lighting that helps our appliances better blend with their context.
The stories I create drive the execution of key design characteristics, where a red thread visually connects the parts, so to speak. I believe good design is supported by strong arguments and reasoning, making a design purposefully executed. Additionally, I see the strength in connecting a design to a well-told story, which, when done right, can elevate the value of a design to another level – especially for those who know or notice, of course.
Harper: Travel is a source of profound inspiration for me. Working from home full-time, I often find myself in a regimented routine with limited exposure to new visual stimuli. Traveling breaks me out of my everyday patterns, broadens my perspectives, and fills me with fresh ideas and creativity.
Schattan: The constant search for inspiration from the forms and functions found in nature, art, and everyday life. This methodology allows me to create timeless and contemporary designs aligned with the latest trends and technologies while preserving elegance. At Studio Ornare, we collaborate with talented designers and architects to uniquely integrate these influences, ensuring that each piece tells a unique story.
An industry trend that I’m watching is…
Bugge: The topic of analogue design versus digital design execution of features and details is fascinating. We see how digital technology evolves and influences more products, with bigger screens and connected digital services. Even some fridges today come with huge external screens! On the contrary, there is an analogue movement pushing for more physical design execution and experiences. When following this trend, I am especially interested in the effect it has on our human senses and well-being. I highly value analogue design execution, mechanical control of products, and the satisfaction of touching tactile materials, which also offer less visual noise and fewer reflections than digital solutions. However, I do see the benefit of combining analogue and digital features when it makes sense and where it offers improved use cases and experiences.
Harper: Personal expression is a macro trend that is infinitely fascinating because the key rule is that there are no rules. The rise of social media has amplified the desire to showcase how our lives – and by extension, our home environments – are unique and personal. We’re seeing manufacturers respond impressively with endless customization options and choices, along with homeowners delighting in creating spaces that reflect their personal values. It’s been incredibly exciting to watch and explore how to support this trend from an inspirational perspective.
Schattan: The growing demand for customization and sustainability in interior projects, something that Ornare has always prioritized. Clients are increasingly interested in unique pieces that tell a story and in materials that respect the environment. With 38 years of history, we continue to innovate and explore new ways to integrate environmental responsibility and aesthetics into our work. We focus on high-quality materials such as certified solid woods and metals with distinctive finishes. These materials enhance our products’ visual appeal and improve their functionality.
Photo credit: Moen
The best part of my job is…
Bugge: To work in product development for a brand driven by values that I identify with, where my ideas and contributions are appreciated, and where I am grateful to work with talented friends on interesting projects. It’s important to have the chance to travel and meet people around the world and – very important to me – good working conditions that offer a great work and life balance.
Harper: I immerse myself daily in exploring, understanding and playing with design. Having loved interior design my entire life, whether I’m creating a space, trend forecasting or getting to know a tastemaker featured in our Currents inspiration issues, I always find myself swimming in inspiring waters.
Schattan: Seeing how our products transform spaces and improve the quality of life for our clients. Working with a talented team to explore new ideas and materials is a constant source of inspiration. Our commitment to excellence ensures that each piece meets and exceeds clients’ expectations worldwide, offering functionality, beauty, and a unique touch that enhances any space.
Photo credit: Ornare
If I had a week off from the studio, I would…
Bugge: I would bring my wife and daughters to the coast or the mountains of my home country, Norway. There, I would catch up with friends and family, enjoying the days together at an off-grid cabin, connecting with nature. I would get up early in the morning to make a cup of proper coffee before doing some kind of outdoor sports activity. After that, I would relax, read, draw, play cards and board games, prepare and enjoy slow-cooked food and have long talks in front of the fireplace.
Harper: I try to travel every chance I get, so I’d likely try to sneak away somewhere. But, if it were a week off while at home, I’d undoubtedly try to spend it outside. I love to be outdoors either at the beach collecting seashells or tinkering in my own garden.
Schattan: If I had a week off from the studio/office, I would travel to a destination where I could seek new sources of inspiration. Together with Esther, my wife and business partner, I enjoy exploring different cultures, visiting museums, art fairs, and technology exhibitions, and absorbing the diverse influences these environments offer. These experiences are essential for my creativity and the continuous development of our work at Ornare.
