Åsa Kärner

Åsa Kärner’s designs sit well with people (or is it the other way around?) because this Swedish designer creates beautiful and unconventional furniture. Her recent Alvisilkchair was constructed by combining silk thread in and through an oak frame, which formed an elegant play on traditional weaving. All of Asa’s designs use environmentally friendly materials with a focus on sustainable production methods and humane working conditions. Now that’s something everyone can get comfortable with. Learn more about this refreshing designer in her 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Environment-friendly, artistic/playfull, elegant/simple.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Frida Kahlo and Antoni Gaudí.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Be with family and friends.

4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
Skagen in Denmark where the two oceans, the Skagerrak and the Kattegatt, meet. The light and the landscape is amazing. Also, Paris where I’m going this spring.

5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
Play in a symphony orchestra with Paco de Lucia, Concierto de Aranjuez. That total concentration, interaction and sensitivity must be magical.

6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
I wish I did that more and if so I would do a little painting.

7. What is your favorite object in your home?
A lamp of hand-blown glass drops, like a bunch of grapes, that creates the most wonderful light and shadow play in my living room.

8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Equip yourself for the hundred no’s for a yes.

9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
It’s very diffrent depending on what project I’m working with. I spend a lot of time finding environment-friendly solutions.

10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
I think it is the deadline that forces me to think that it’s complete. And many times after a while I actually think that it is.