The Horn Armchair features traditional hand-woven fabrics. How do you ensure the integration of these artisanal techniques with modern design aesthetics?
When designing the Khana collection, we initially aimed to reinterpret kilim motifs reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Mesopotamia and Anatolia from a modern perspective. The HORN armchair is one of the key pieces in this special collection. The rich heritage of Anatolia has always been a subject of great interest to us.
However, we pondered how we could merge this heritage with our style. To achieve this goal, we developed pattern designs that blend traditional motifs with a contemporary understanding and created product designs in modern and unique forms. The design process advanced in three stages, integrating these elements.
Through our efforts, we ultimately achieved the desired outcome. Setting ourselves apart from other designs, we elevated quality using natural leathers and hand-woven fabrics, resulting in sustainable, high-quality, and long-lasting products. Our products stand out by showcasing aesthetics and bold presence in their surroundings.
How do you choose the materials for your products, especially considering the varied textures and natural properties of woods and fabrics?
Sometimes, we start with an unconventional material or technique when designing a product, envisioning the best products that can utilise this material effectively. Other times, when we discover a beautiful form, we research the best material that can reflect this form perfectly. As we send our products worldwide, ensuring their durability and longevity during intercontinental travels is crucial.
Furthermore, we have products in a more exclusive selection. Imagining that a product can be used lifelong in its space, we prioritise timeless and durable materials over fast-moving consumer goods.
Can you describe the special manufacturing technique used for the stone-textured lacquer coating on your cabinets and the challenges involved in this process?
Stone-textured lacquer coating is a specialised technique developed by Hermhaus through artisan craftsmanship. This coating is meticulously applied by our skilled artisans, akin to painting, on a piece-by-piece basis. While functionally similar to traditional lacquer applications, this technique allows us to achieve unlimited forms on MDF that are not possible with marble, enhancing both product lightness and aesthetic diversity.
Additionally, the coating offers the advantage of repaintability when customers desire to change the color of their products over time. While similar applications exist in the market, we are the first in the furniture sector to apply this technique in this manner, developed and executed in our workshop, imparting a unique touch to our products.
Given the sensitivity of high-gloss lacquer finishes, what measures do you take to educate your customers on the care and maintenance of these products?
High-gloss lacquer finishes require delicacy. We generally prefer delivering locally using our transportation for nearby locations. For international shipments, we employ special packaging and protective measures. The acrylic lacquer coating used in our products is of the highest durability, although it may require more careful handling compared to other types of finishes. We provide detailed instructions to our customers on how to clean and maintain their products.
Additionally, we offer service for addressing any potential issues like dulling or scratches over time. When shipping to distant countries, we prioritise informing customers about the associated risks and providing comprehensive information regarding shipping and maintenance processes.
The Bite Coffee Table's design includes overlapping pieces to create its signature form. How did you conceptualide and develop this innovative design?
The Bite Coffee Table presents itself with a notably expansive design. We needed to develop a product primarily for use in front of large sofas. Beyond serving merely as a table, we aimed for it to create different display areas with a geometric and dynamic form.
To avoid excessive emptiness in these large spaces, we designed it to form its shape on top. We created a dual-layered structure to ensure it offers not only a stylish standalone form but also display areas. The Bite Coffee Table stands out distinctly from our other tables, showcasing an original design.
What has been the most surprising or insightful feedback you’ve received from customers about your products, and how did it influence your work?
Our customers generally have a taste for design and provide sincere and pleasant feedback without hesitation, which makes us feel very fortunate. Throughout the day, we receive lovely comments expressing appreciation for the designs of our products.
Despite the higher prices of some of our items, some customers respond with understanding messages like "I'll wait and come pick it up" which we greatly appreciate.
Additionally, one of our customers had previously decorated their walls and space to match the colors of our furniture inside their cabinet, which was a motivating and heartwarming gesture that brought us a lot of joy.
What are the key qualities you look for in your manufacturing partners to maintain the standards of Hermhaus?
Ensuring quality standards is more important to us than anything else. In a market saturated with ready-made and fast-consuming products, we adopt an approach that focuses not only on aesthetics but on genuine quality. We are a team dedicated to producing durable and sustainable products.
Therefore, the workshops we collaborate with must meet specific quality standards. The quality of the frames we use, especially in upholstered furniture, is of critical importance to us. We have been collaborating with expert workshops that can provide the solutions we desire in terms of durability, longevity, and design for many years.
What new materials or techniques are you excited about exploring in your future collections?
We are currently working on aesthetic polish models that will be crafted by artisans in our R&D projects. At Hermhaus, we focus on unique designs such as work desks and supportive products that can be part of a Hermhaus home, specifically in a living room corner.
In our upcoming collection, we plan to offer a small selection of home offices, distinct from standard office furniture. Our goal is to introduce innovative products using sustainable materials and special polishing techniques.
