A deeply nourished interest in traditional craftsmanship and visually striking constructions inspires Mia Cullin’s work with interior architecture work as well as with design objects in all kind of sizes. Clean, straightforward and often basic geometric shapes are combined with handicraft details.

‘We designers have to be responsible,’ says Mia Cullin, ‘we ought to challenge every new product we make in a world that abounds with things: Does it have character? Does it tell a story? Does it have the force to crave its own place among existing objects?’ The Orkester collection, from 2014, is right to the point: a bench inspired by traditional piano stools and their adjustable seats. The flat circular seats are attached with sturdy wooden screws to a piece of timber resting on four legs: choose whatever height suits tall or short, grown-up or child, a typological twist all made entirely in ash wood. Her latest design, Fay for the Finnish design company Adea, is a light armchair with a woven leather seat on a wooden frame, all inspired by belt and bags from the ‘70s. ’I always try to give my designs that little extra by adding a crafty detail, or by showing of joint which would normally be left hidden.’ Mia Cullin’s work shows an honesty and truthfulness that expresses her roots in a Nordic design culture, while at the same time aiming beyond. Her interior architecture excels with a restricted colour palette, a thorough attention to detail, and not the least these intricate woven patterns playing with light and shadows.

Mia Cullin studied at Konstfack, University College of Arts, Crafts and Design, as well as abroad at the Denmark Design School in Copenhagen and at Accademia di Moda e Design in Florence. She founded her design studio after having graduated from Konstfack in 1998. Her works span from interior design to furniture and smaller objects. Among her clients are Swedish companies such as Materia, Zero, Nola, Ikea, Gemla, and Blå Station. Mia is also working with Finnish companies such as Adea and Woodnotes.