Werkwaardig
Since 2016, Diederik Dam and Timo Keultjes, the Netherlands
An LED lamp held by a climber and carried to the summit, a knotted candle holder or a whale with its tail fluke serving as the backrest of a children's stool - the furniture and accessories from the Dutch label Werkwaardig always inspire with a charming extra dose of wit.
After all, the two founders Diederik Dam and Timo Keultjes, see themselves as a "creative movement fighting for more fun and against boring mass production in interior design." The design should not only be functional but also imbued with a special twist, often with a wink. The best example is the first and perhaps best-known product of the brand which they launched in 2016: "Sidepig", a side table shaped like an abstract pig with a chubby belly, a stubby trunk, and a cute curly tail (which also doubles as a handle).
At Werkwaardig, a combination of the Dutch words "Werk" (work) and "merkwaardig" (extraordinary), the two product designers not only create their designs but also collaborate with external designers. The prerequisite is that they share their philosophy of telling a story with each product and making unique designs accessible to everyone.
Reduced, easily recognisable shapes that evoke positive emotions when viewed, combined with the development of innovative, sustainable materials: With this refreshing blend, the duo aims to rejuvenate and propel Dutch design forward once again.
