Naija Ilsøe Nielsen
Natural passion for design and aesthetics
Naija Ilsøe Nielsen is a young, talented furniture designer, that with the inspiration from elements in nature, pushes the boundaries of traditional design and incorporates new forms, textures, and materials into her designs. With designs deeply rooted in Japanese design principles and traditions, her goal is to create timeless designs that are not only aesthetically appealing but also combines beauty with functionality, thus allowing the products to have multiple purposes.
With a natural passion for design and aesthetics, Naija Ilsøe Nielsen has found a straightforward path, working with her natural intuition and sensibility as driving forces in her work process.
"Creating a calming and relaxing atmosphere through designs has always been a central driving force for me," says Naija.
Naija Ilsøe Nielsen holds a bachelor’s degree in design and business with a specialization in furniture design from VIA University, which she completed in 2023. During her studies, Naija was a intern at Muubs, where she demonstrated her ability to create minimalist designs with Muubs' design ethos. Through careful consideration of form, color choice, texture, and materials, each design achieved a harmonious radiance imbued with well-thought-out details.
"I aim to create harmony in all aspects of the design, which involves a strongly oriented focus on achieving balance and coherence," says Naija about her design process.
Based on Japanese traditions
Even though design has played a central part of Naija's life, she was first introduced to Japanese design traditions during her education. With eyes open and possibilities abound, Naija Ilsøe Nielsen explored Japanese principles. Today, they form the foundation of her design process and serve as the starting point for shaping her designs, as well as how these impact our daily lives.
"I have been deeply engaged in exploring and learning about many of these fascinating Japanese design concepts. The Japanese aesthetics, embracing minimalism and simplicity as well as the connection to nature, has had a profound impact on me," says Naija Ilsøe Nielsen.
A celebration for traditions from the sports centre
The design behind the Harlem series is created with inspiration of the classic coat rack from the locker rooms in sports halls and swimming pools, Naija experienced in her childhood. The Harlem coat rack offers a range of hanging options in each hook, combining functionality, aesthetics, and raw design.
The Harlem coat rack comes in two sizes. The large coat rack is designed to accommodate the whole family, with space for both large and small items, while the small coat rack is perfect for students or individuals living in limited spaces or study apartments.
Coffee table designed with inspiration from pebbles
The Ishi coffee table is designed with inspiration from pebbles, rounded by waves and glaciers found along riverbanks and coastlines. The table is designed with calm and tactile forms, and each leg is created in an individual and unique shape, inspired by the balancing sensations of pebbles.
"The organic shape of the coffee table is a deliberate choice to create a sense of unity and togetherness in the family room, ideal for cozy gatherings," says Naija Ilsøe Nielsen.
Inspired by the beautiful and natural limestone terraces
Pamu is a tribute to the scenic and beautiful landscape 'Pamukkale' in Turkey, characterized by beautiful and distinctive limestone terraces, shaped by water from hot springs that have been moving down the mountainside for thousands of years, creating unique, undulating forms.
"The inspiration and idea behind this design arose from fascination for the beauty of imperfection and the natural creations – and one must say, the landscape at 'Pamukkale' is a beautiful and unique example of that," says designer Naija Ilsøe Nielsen.
The series' different sizes can be combined, an idea inspired by Pamukkale's layered formations.
