Interview about Wings Sideboard, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2025
The Wings sideboard blends Gothic and Art Deco influences with a design inspired by angelic wings. It features hand carved, copper coated wing details on dark toned wood, supported by tapered metal legs that create a light, floating effect. Balancing precision Cnc cutting with traditional craftsmanship, the piece incorporates a concealed hinge mechanism for seamless functionality, bringing together modern techniques and artisanal touches.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe design process for the Wings Sideboard began with a fascination for vertical elegance and ornamental rhythm found in both Gothic and Art Deco architecture. Gothic forms, with their soaring arches and spiritual symbolism, inspired the sense of aspiration and upward movement in the piece. Meanwhile, Art Deco contributed a sense of order, symmetry, and refined opulence. Rather than merging these styles literally, I focused on their shared essence: Graceful lines, layered geometry, and emotional depth. The wings on the front panels, for example, are sculpted to evoke both architectural structure and symbolic uplift.
Creating the copper-coated wing elements was a delicate balancing act. The forms needed to be precise enough to align perfectly with the overall structure, but also soft enough to preserve the handmade feel. We started with CNC-milled bases to define the shape, and then each piece was hand-finished and copper-coated using a brushed technique. Matching the two processes took time. Especially when working with organic curves. But it was worth it, because the final result carries both technical clarity and the tactile quality of something crafted by hand.
The idea of levitation was central to the design—how to make something substantial feel as though it’s floating. We achieved this by designing slender, tapered metal legs that angle slightly outward, distributing the weight without visually anchoring the piece too heavily. Internally, a steel substructure ensures stability while keeping the frame discreet. It was important to hide the strength, so what you see is elegance and lift, not bulk. This design lets the piece feel as though it’s hovering; light, but never fragile.
For the concealed hinge mechanism, we wanted to eliminate any visible hardware that might interrupt the flow of the surface. The challenge was to create a smooth, reliable movement without compromising the slim profile of the doors. After several prototypes, we developed a custom hinge integrated into the inner structure, allowing the doors to open in a quiet, gliding motion. It adds to the sense of mystery. Doors open as if by intention, not mechanism and reinforces the overall visual purity of the piece.
The angelic wing motif was never just an aesthetic choice. It carried emotional and symbolic meaning from the beginning. Wings are often seen as symbols of freedom, protection, and transcendence. By integrating this form into a functional object, we hoped to create something that resonates on a deeper level. It's not only a sideboard, but a presence in the room, a reminder of something uplifting. I believe this connection encourages people to view furniture not just as utility, but as part of their personal story.
The contrast between dark wood and copper was inspired by celestial imagery… Shadow and light, earth and sky. The dark surface creates a grounding effect, while the copper accents bring warmth and movement. This palette allowed us to emphasize the silhouette and surface relief, enhancing the sense of elevation. It also gave the piece a timeless quality. Something rooted in natural materials, but visually rich and dramatic.
We gave just as much thought to the interior as we did to the exterior. The fabric-lined compartments add a layer of softness and surprise when the piece is opened. We chose a neutral but tactile material that contrasts gently with the harder surfaces outside. Functionally, the compartments are designed for flexible storage, but visually, they offer a quiet counterpart to the expressive exterior. This contrast creates a holistic experience; structured outside, inviting inside.
In studying wing forms, I was fascinated by how movement is embedded in their structure. Even when still, they imply flight. We looked at angelic and mythological representations, as well as anatomical sketches, to understand the flow of lines and tension in curves. These observations helped shape the dynamic front panels of the piece, giving them a sense of motion that’s both directional and balanced. The goal was to make the cabinet feel like it’s caught in a quiet moment of unfolding, as if it could lift off at any second.
Wings Sideboard reaffirmed our belief that true luxury lies in the blend of precision and emotion. Digital tools allowed us to refine the complex forms and maintain tight tolerances, while artisanal techniques brought depth and texture. This hybrid process not only improved the final product but it expanded our creative thinking. I see this approach becoming more important in future furniture design, where technology supports, but doesn’t replace, the human touch. It’s a way of keeping design deeply connected to both innovation and craft.
Being recognized with an A’ Design Award for Wings Sideboard was a proud moment. It validated the emotional and technical ambition behind the project. It’s encouraged me to continue exploring forms that tell stories and carry symbolic weight, while still functioning beautifully. I see this award as motivation to keep bridging art, architecture, and furniture in ways that are both thoughtful and bold.
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