Interview about Flow Sideboard, winner of the A' Furniture Design Award 2025
Flow is a sideboard inspired by the 1930s Streamline style, combining fluid lines with modern aesthetics. Its design features curved wooden modules and custom metal components, finished in a matte lacquer with copper-toned accents. Unconventional, angled legs and specialized opening systems for drawers and cabinets create an aerodynamic yet practical form. The integration of high precision CNC techniques with traditional craftsmanship results in a contemporary piece that evokes retro-futuristic sensibilities while ensuring structural integrity.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsWith Flow Sideboard, I was drawn to the aerodynamic elegance of 1930s Streamline design—a style that celebrates movement, even in stillness. My intention wasn’t to replicate a vintage aesthetic, but to reinterpret its flowing language in a way that feels relevant today. I kept the form soft and continuous, removing visual breaks, while integrating modern storage solutions that suit contemporary living. This balance between nostalgic inspiration and functional clarity allowed the piece to feel both familiar and forward-looking.
The use of curved wood modules paired with copper-toned accents was a deliberate choice to evoke both warmth and movement. The wood grain enhances the soft contours, while the copper detailing reflects light in a way that reinforces the aerodynamic feel. I wanted materials that could express fluidity without compromising structure. These elements work together to create a gentle rhythm across the surface, almost like the sideboard is in motion. They also establish a tactile dialogue between organic and metallic textures.
Designing angled legs that appear light and dynamic, while still offering strong support, required close collaboration between design and engineering. The legs are not only tilted but also tapered, which meant we had to analyze load distribution carefully.
We approached this project by first defining what required absolute precision and where a human hand could bring emotional depth. CNC allowed us to shape the curved modules with exact tolerances, especially where multiple elements meet. But the final sanding, lacquer work, and copper detailing were all done by hand. This ensured each unit maintained individuality. By letting technology handle the repetition and craftsmanship bring soul, we achieved a result that feels both refined and expressive.
The fluid lines of the piece made us rethink how drawers and doors should open. Traditional handles or push-latches felt visually disruptive. So, we developed a recessed grip system that’s integrated into the form itself, following the curve of each module. It allows users to interact with the furniture naturally, without breaking its silhouette. This solution was both functional and poetic.
Flow Sideboard blends retro influences with futuristic clarity, and that creates a unique voice. I think there’s a growing desire in design to move away from rigid minimalism toward something more emotional and sculptural. This piece encourages that shift. It suggests that furniture can feel fast, soft, and personal, without losing its function.
We spent a lot of time refining the proportions to make sure the piece was visually balanced and functionally generous. The 225 cm width offers substantial storage, which is important for dining or living spaces, while the 70 cm height makes it approachable and ergonomic. The 50 cm depth allows for large objects without overwhelming the room. These measurements also helped maintain the long, low silhouette that defines streamline design.
I chose a soft matte lacquer for its ability to diffuse light and emphasize the contours of the form. It invites touch, avoids glare, and feels calm. The metallic accents were treated with a warm copper tone, not too polished, so they would gently contrast without overpowering the wood. This pairing of matte and metallic finishes was meant to create a layered, sensory experience. One that catches the eye but also rewards closer interaction.
At QZENS, we often talk about creating objects that live between sculpture and function. Flow Sideboard embodies that idea. It brings together clean geometry, expressive form, and thoughtful engineering. It’s not just about decoration or practicality. It’s about emotional resonance. This project pushes our vision forward by proving that design can be technically ambitious while still feeling human and warm. It’s a step toward more fluid, story-driven pieces in our collection.
Receiving the Iron A' Design Award was a meaningful recognition of the risks we took with Flow. What I think sets the design apart is how it integrates multiple layers: historical reference, engineering innovation, tactile beauty, into one coherent voice. It’s a piece that invites users to look twice, to engage with its form, and to discover new details over time. That’s the kind of experience I strive for in design, and Flow is a glimpse of where I hope to take furniture in the future.
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