Five in Five: with Marie Oscarsson
We interviewed the talented designer behind some of Materia’s much-loved furniture, Marie Oscarsson. Take five minutes out of your day to understand her thinking:
...ON HER BACKGROUND
“I knew early as a child that I wanted to become an Interior Designer. My favourite magazine was the IKEA catalogue! I could sit for hours and hours and look at all the pictures.
My father was a craft teacher and I loved being in the workshop with him. I think he inspired me to study wood crafts (I really liked the smell of wood!). My entire education was about getting as much knowledge as possible about different materials. I studied advanced courses in arts, woodwork and wrought-iron handcrafts. I wanted to have some background knowledge before I went to University for my master’s degree in Interior Architecture and Furniture Design.”
...ON COUTURE
“Couture is a flexible range of furniture best described as a modern take on traditional 1950s and 1960s handicraft. The seats, which in terms of textiles have features such as quilting and upholstered buttons, are built on a decorative base that creates an exciting in-between space and provides practical ’unloading’ surfaces.
The aim with this piece was to find a new way of combining functions and to create an item of furniture with a homely-feel, which also helps you to work more easily - for example, by having access to power sockets directly in the sofa. A restrained design language is used, but this is counterbalanced by the seats’ soft forms. The range also includes room divider and tables.”
...ON HER DESIGN ETHOS
“I often design ranges of furniture that can be combined in various ways or create a room within a room, with innovative functionality for the environments of the future. My designs are often organic with soft lines and exciting fusions of materials, and where handicraft traditions often permeate the construction and manufacturing phases.
I create interiors and furniture to make an impression. I take great care when it comes to selecting colours and shapes and uses materials that promote balance and harmony. It is my belief that environments must be user-friendly and human-centred with a personal touch. I always want to work in close collaboration with my customers to come up with the best design for each project.”
...ON VAGABOND
“What distinguishes the Vagabond table from others is its diversity. The castors make it easy to move and so that it can be used as a meeting table or a desk. It can also be a dining table in a canteen or in a restaurant. The table top can be placed at three different heights for greater flexibility. The table ends act as notice boards and the accompanying magnets may be used to hang pictures, messages or sketches directly onto the frame. There is also a rod at the top that can be used to hang lights, plants or other interior fittings on.
The possibilities are almost endless with Vagabond! I like it when the user can apply their own personal touch to my furniture.”
...ON SUSTAINABILITY
“We must all work towards more sustainable solutions. As an interior designer, I always try to reuse existing furniture in my projects - for example, if you have some nice chairs already, you can combine it with a new table in a vibrant colour to create a different look. Often, you need to work with both wall colours and furniture to create an appealing overall picture. Another thing you can do, in terms of sustainable thinking, is buy high quality base furniture.”
Find out more about Oscarsson’s work and see Materia’s full product range here.
