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One-of-a-Kind Lumi Poufs Give Back to the Future of Design

03.29.22 | By
One-of-a-Kind Lumi Poufs Give Back to the Future of Design

During Stockholm Design Week 2022, Lisa Hilland’s Lumi Pouf launched at NK Interiors. Lumi means ‘snow’ or ‘light’ in Finnish, and the pouf’s inspiration was drawn from ice and snow formations. The core of the Lumi Pouf is made of wood, and the padding is based on recycled PET bottles. A smart construction process keeps padding at a minimum, with small pockets sewn into the fabric, making the pouf firm and comfortable. Those small pockets then come together to form the pattern that resembles a snowflake. Lumi Pouf is crafted in Sweden in collaboration with Elmo Leather, Eke-Möbler/Medvind in Glimåkra.

Also, during Stockholm Design Week 2022, NK Interiors owner Kadi Harjak introduced Together, a design project that aims to show how we can inspire each other and build a sense of community. The initiative highlights the importance of locally produced and sustainable projects that promote creativity, new friendships, and cross-border collaborations.

“Following the pandemic, we are looking for new paths forward and are longing for innovative, energizing projects and forms of collaboration. The aim of Together is to put the spotlight on compelling encounters and collaborations between different designers, with a focus on good design, sustainability, and quality,” says Harjak.

several colorful poufs

The idea of inviting other creators to create their own versions of the pouf came about when Hilland first presented the Lumi Pouf to Harjak. In addition to Hilland, designers Magniberg, Pia Wallén, Maxjenny, and Remake/Stockholm City Mission have created their own versions of the piece. The designers were given carte blanche, resulting in unique designs that retain the pouf’s identity in terms of shape and character.

Each designer’s version of Lumi Pouf is sold in single copies, with each designer donating their time and the material for their version. Profits from Lumi Pouf sales will go to the newly established Together NK Design scholarship for young Swedish designers, strengthening the regrowth and future of the design industry.

“The creative industries have had a tough time during the pandemic, and creating a fund for design scholarships is a way to strengthen the design industry and at the same time create unique experiences for NK’s customers. The plan is for the winning project to be showcased in NK’s display windows during Stockholm Design Week 2023. We look forward to picking the winner and continuing to work on the project during the year,” says Harjak.

light-skinned woman wearing a purple dress and heels posing with four stacked poufs

Lisa Hilland

Lisa Hilland’s work focuses on quality and sustainability. In creating the Lumi Pouf, she wanted to create a new shape that uses innovative sewing techniques, pattern construction, and minimal padding. Hilland chose to use Elmo leather for its construction, one of her favorite materials to work with.

“Elmo has worked with water-based tanning and dyeing since the end of the 80s, and has developed a pioneering method for purifying wastewater in their own treatment plant. The water used in the process is so pure that you could drink it. The raw material is a by-product that is processed into a beautiful, sustainable end product instead of being thrown away or used for energy.”

tan pouf

Lisa Hilland

cream colored pouf

Lisa Hilland

dark green pouf

Lisa Hilland

two people sitting on top of two poufs

Magniberg

Swedish bedwear brand Magniberg chose to cover the Lumi Pouf in two different patchworks that combine leftover fabric from their own collections. Looking to their previous careers in fashion, founders Bengt Thornefors and Nina Norgren’s first design is inspired by the blue stripes of the classic business shirt. The other features soft colors that bring to mind gardens full of flowers.

sherbert multi-colored pouf

Magniberg

blue pouf

Magniberg

light-skinned woman wearing glasses and red and blue outfit leaning on two multicolored pouf

Maxjenny

Luxury clothing brand owner and fashion designer Maxjenny is fascinated by color and often uses motifs from nature in her work. For the Lumi Pouf, she developed a specially designed fabric that was inspired by the Northern Lights. Maxjenny’s artistic approach makes the piece feel opulent and sculptural.

blue and pink pouf

Maxjenny

pink and lime green pouf

Maxjenny

light-skinned woman with long white hair wearing long black dress leaning on three poufs

Pia Wallén

Bridging the gap between interior design and fashion, Pia Wallén looked to the popular Cross Blanket pattern that’s her hallmark. The idea behind using the contemporary design for the Lumi Pouf is based on the new effects that break up the cross pattern like a kaleidoscope, strengthening the shape of the pouf. According to Swedish tradition, the cross symbol stands for hope, a fitting tribute to the Lumi Pouf and the entire Together project.

red pouf

Pia Wallén

pouf in green with white crosses

Pia Wallén

pouf in white with black crosses

Pia Wallén

light-skinned woman wearing jeans and plaid shawl sitting next to denim pouf

Remake Stockholm

The material Remake Stockholm chose for the Lumi Pouf came from gifts donated to the Stockholm City Mission. Remake Stockholm is the Stockholm City Mission’s fashion brand, and is run as a non-profit social enterprise with work integration. Using recycled fabric is a signature of the brand, as well as an element that makes everything they create unique.

denim pouf

Remake Stockholm

To learn more about the Lumi Pouf, visit mylhta.com.

Photography by Cornelia Wahlberg.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.