Design Innovation – Pulpo and Domo
For over 35 years, DOMO has been the authority on international furniture design in the Australian market. Representing a range of classic and contemporary designers and manufacturers, DOMO has become renowned for curating pieces that are at once desirable and memorable. Perhaps nothing captures this combination quite so powerfully as the quirky yet artisanal aesthetic of Pulpo.
Founded in 2006 by Ursula and Patrick L’hoste, Pulpo describes itself as a designer brand “at the interface between shape and material.” This translates as a tightly edited mix of furniture, lighting and accessories, favouring materials such as ceramic, foam, and, in particular, glass. Mass production is shunned in favour of the unique, non-uniform approach of artisans, who often finish Pulpo pieces by hand.
For Pulpo, having a special interest in materials, shapes and surface structures is but half the challenge in creating exceptional design. There also needs to exist a passion for the beautiful and a courage to experiment in order to make a truly extraordinary item brimming with originality. Working with collaborators such as MUT Design, RSW and Sebastian Herkner ensures that Pulpo remains at the cutting edge and continues to push the envelope aesthetically.
To browse through the Pulpo collection is to witness the breadth and possibilities of contemporary design. The freedom afforded to Pulpo’ designers is evident in pieces such as Blow by RSW, which the brand describes as “possibly the most original glass product imaginable,” its bulb shape corresponding to the glowing lump of glass on a stick prior to it being poured into a mould. Other highlights include the sculptura sophistication of Oda, a series of floor lamps that have become a reference point for contemporary lighting design, and Hermann August Weizenegger’s inimitable Wham and Pow Sofa, a textural delight.
The emotional heft of Pulpo’s range is best captured in the brand’s belief that its pieces are “made to be used, meant to be kept.” Such a considered approach to design and manufacturing coupled with a nonchalance towards their preciousness is perhaps the most effective way to summarise the Pulpo spirit. It also forms the basis for the brand’s new series titled The Art Edition No.1, featuring artist Samuel Treindl. Photographed by Azadeh Falakshahi, the series captures Treindl’s signature transitory process as he paints, dismantles and sometimes even shoots Pulpo objects, creating something new yet familiar from the bones of existing Pulpo designs. As Treindl asserts, “you will find things you don’t usually want to see in “perfect” objects. But that’s exactly where the Pulpo philosophy overlaps.”
Such innovative partnerships with both artists and designers exemplify why Pulpo is one of the most progressive and exciting brands in the industry today – and affirms DOMO’s position as Australia’s foremost source of authentic, original design.
