What’s New: Veil Cabinets by Silje Nesdal
Lifestyle | Product Spotlight
What’s New: Veil Cabinets by Silje Nesdal
August 1, 2024
By: Paula Holtheuer, Cherie Er, and Jason Khoo
Every now and then, certain furniture pieces manage to go beyond functionality, to become physical embodiments of the essence of craftsmanship and aesthetic refinement. Silje Nesdal’s inaugural collaboration with Origin Made, the Veil Cabinets, stands as an example in this regard. The artful deployment of sensory details transforms what is usually a simple storage solution into an object of desire, showcasing a harmonious blend of Nesdal’s expertise in textiles and furniture design, with the rich cultural influences of her life experiences in Norway and Japan.
The Veil Cabinets are available in two distinctive forms: a tall, statuesque version and a lower, elongated option. These variations cater to different spatial needs while maintaining a unified design language. Natural linen sheets that serve as ‘doors’ are at the heart of these cabinets, a design element that pays homage to traditional Japanese Noren curtains. This reference to Nesdal's time in Japan imbues the cabinets with a sense of serenity and minimalist elegance.
Designer Silje Nesdal with the Veil Cabinet Tall
Skilled handcrafting is a cornerstone of the Veil Cabinets' design. The 100% raw linen ‘doors’ are carefully hand-sewn by skilled Portuguese embroiderers. This artisanal touch ensures that every stitch contributes to the overall texture and visual enjoyment of the Veil Cabinets. The juxtaposition of the soft, flowing linen against the sturdy ash wood structure crafted by master wood craftsman Carlos Barbosa creates a balanced aesthetic that is at once distinctive yet understated.
The linen ‘doors’ of the Veil Cabinets were deliberately sized to not fully enclose the cabinet shelves, revealing shadows and partial shapes. This subtle veiling allows for glimpses of the items stored within, maintaining a tasteful level of privacy – hiding away clutter; while encouraging curiosity – softly hinting at what lies behind. It is a clever design that speaks to Nesdal's ability to blend practicality with poetic beauty. For added functionality and configurability, the linen sheets are removable,and the internal shelves are adjustable to accommodate objects of different heights.
Transcending their visual and functional appeal, the Veil Cabinets also shape behavior in a profound way. The act of lifting the delicate linen sheets to access the items within encourages a slower, more intentional interaction with furniture. This ritualistic gesture focuses the user on being present, on appreciating the analogue and the human. In today’s fast-paced and highly-digitized world, the Veil Cabinets invite moments of mindfulness, where one can pause and engage with their surroundings in a more deliberate and considered manner.
This emphasis on mindful interaction ties into the broader concept of slow living that Origin Made encourages. As an antidote to the relentless pace of modern life, slow living advocates for a more intentional approach to everyday activities. The Veil Cabinets, with their ‘demand’ for gentle handling and thoughtful engagement, encapsulate this philosophy, grounding the user in the moment, transforming the simple act of retrieval or storage of an item into an experience that fosters a deeper connection with one’s surroundings.
Silje Nesdal’s design approach and Origin Made’s brand philosophy are evident in every aspect of the Veil Cabinets. From the thoughtful balance between form and function to the use of natural materials combined with the beauty of handcrafted elements, these cabinets reflect a deep commitment to quality and artistry. The subtle integration of cultural influences – of Scandinavian simplicity and Japanese elegance – gives the Veil Cabinets a timeless appeal that would easily find a place in any interior, becoming a cherished element of one’s living environment.