Beyond the object: what we learned in Eindhoven
We hosted a series of design talks in Eindhoven together with Bogaerts, Raw Color and Daphna Laurens, with our Head of Product & Innovation, Linnéa Montano, joining the panel discussions.
Across the conversations, one question kept resurfacing: What if design is not about objects, but about behaviour, systems and experience?
But as the discussions unfolded, the focus shifted even further. Towards something more fundamental: our shared responsibility and ambitions as designers, brands and collaborators.
Not only in shaping spaces, but in shaping decisions. How we guide, challenge and support the people we work with and the impact those decisions have on both people and planet. Colour became a central thread throughout the conversations. Not just as a visual tool, but as a driver of emotion, behaviour and well-being.
Raw Color challenged the traditional view of colour as a surface decision. Instead, they spoke about colour as a material in itself. Something embedded in textiles, furniture and architecture, shaping how we move, feel and interact in a space.
Daphna Laurens expanded the perspective further, framing design as the relationship between object, material and space. Where meaning is created over time, not just at the point of installation.
At the same time, the discussions questioned some of our most established norms. Why do we so often default to neutral, monochrome environments in the name of timelessness? And why do we assume that these spaces are the ones we won’t grow tired of?
As one reflection highlighted: Why wouldn’t we get tired of grey? This also raises a more practical question for us as a brand. If we believe colour plays a fundamental role in how spaces are experienced, how do we make it easier for architects and designers to actually work with it?
Through our Designer Edition, we aim to open up that possibility. Offering Nomad Collection in 130 RAL colours, as well as fully custom solutions. Not as an aesthetic add-on, but as a way to support more intentional, expressive and context-driven environments.
Another perspective touched on how environments influence how we feel. While minimalist spaces of concrete and monochrome palettes are often perceived as calm, research suggests they can also increase stress levels and reduce well-being in certain contexts.
In contrast, nature — rich in variation, colour and texture — is where many of us find a sense of calm. Perhaps the environments we design should reflect that complexity, rather than reduce it.
Key reflections from the conversations
From object → responsibility
Design is not only about what we create, but about the decisions we enable and the impact they have.
From neutral → intentional use of colour
Colour is not decoration, but a tool to shape behaviour, emotion and well-being.
From safe → bold choices
What we perceive as “timeless” is often just familiar. It seems that generally speaking nowadays safe choices (read; grey) are considered to be timeless. Nevertheless, it seems that what we call timeless today, are often the bold choices made in the past.
From individual → collaborative thinking
The most meaningful ideas emerge when different perspectives meet and challenge each other.
What made this event particularly exciting for us was not only the content, but the format. Bringing together different studios, perspectives and industries opens up for a new kind of dialogue. One where we move beyond products and start discussing how spaces actually work, feel and evolve.
We don’t yet have all the answers. But conversations like these make one thing clear: Design is no longer about defining objects, but about shaping relationships. Between people, materials, decisions, and space.
If you’re interested in continuing that conversation, we’d be happy to explore it together.
Sources & further reading
- The hidden ways that architecture affects how you feel
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170605-the-psychology-behind-your-citys-design - Skyscrapers send stress to new heights
https://bond.edu.au/news/skyscrapers-send-stress-to-new-heights - Measuring perceived psychological stress in urban built environments
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9131010/
Photography: Max Kneefel
