Design Innovation – Pulpo and DOMO
For over 40 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 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 DOMO’s exclusive Pulpo collection is to witness the breadth and possibilities of contemporary design. The freedom afforded to Pulpo designers is evident in new and existing pieces such as the iconic Stellar Grape Lighting Collection by Sebastian Herkner, which has become an artisanal focal point of interiors across Australia. Other highlights include the sculptural sophistication of Oda, a series of floor lamps that have become a reference point for contemporary lighting design, and Sebastian Herkner’s inimitable Alwa One and Alwa Two glass tables, both textural delights that champion imperfection and celebrate the beauty of traditional glass blowing craftmanship.
Enhancing the unapologetic beauty of DOMO’s exclusive range of Pulpo pieces are the brand’s homewares offerings. The Atoll Candle Holders designed by Sebastian Herkner are non-symmetrical and randomly shaped, using a range of colours and sizes to bring the beauty of cast glass to the fore. German designer Kai Linke’s Animals series is yet another celebration of the handcrafted; defined by a passion for nature and art, these pint-sized companions perfectly encapsulate the Pulpo spirit of rebellion over uniformity.
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 distinct nonchalance towards their preciousness, is perhaps the most effective way to summarise the inimitable Pulpo spirit. It also forms the basis for the brand’s new series, titled Novelties.
Recently debuting at the highly praised and visually immersive Pulpo L.O.V.E. BANK exhibition at Milan Design Week, Novelties once again pushes the boundaries of contemporary design, delivering a veritable feast for the senses. Highlights from the latest collection include Imi by Sebastian Herkner, a series of handmade ceramic glass tables that affirm Herkner’s status as the world’s pre-eminent glass designer, the Flaming Star Ceramic Lights designed by Natascha Madeiski and the Tavolo 2 table series designed by Julia Chiaramonti.
Such innovative partnerships with both artists and designers, leading to the creation of aesthetically pleasing yet functionally sound collections, exemplify why Pulpo is one of the most progressive and exciting brands in the industry today. DOMO’s exclusive partnership with Pulpo affirms the brand’s position as Australia’s foremost source of authentic, original design.
