Balancing on the Border Between Poetic and Timeless Aesthetics with Bonnibonne

Name:
Bonnibonne
Photography:
Bonnibonne & Lefvander
Words:
Caroline Meeusen

In 2017, high-school friends Emelie Ivarsson and Shalony van Stralendorff combined their passion and fascination for nature, gastronomy, and the presence of everyday aesthetics into their very own design studio, Bonnibonne. The fairly young studio is based in Norrland, Sweden, and aims to highlight some of Norrland’s cultural heritage. Together, Emelie, now Chief Operating Officer, and Shalony, Creative Leader, present traditional craft and ancient knowledge in a new and contemporary context. They make different interior accessories and everyday objects with a functional purpose while maintaining an elegant and timeless look. Balancing on the border between poetic and timeless aesthetics, they create beautiful products born out of everyday needs. Emelie and Shalony even published a book, Kontur, in which they continue the line of slow living and artistic configuration that is also present in their designs. The women of Bonnibonne talk about how they add value and Scandinavian heritage to everyday life.

VISUAL PLEASURE Magazine:
How did Bonnibonne come to be? Why did you decide to found a studio together?

Bonnibonne: We, Emelie Ivarsson and Shalony van Stralendorff, got to know each other in high school almost 20 years ago. We lived in different cities for about 10 years, until four years ago when we reunited in Sundsvall. After both having run individual companies in different industries, we were longing to start afresh. Three years ago, this led to the realization of Bonnibonne where we combined our skills into a lifestyle brand originating from our shared passion for form, gastronomy, crafts, and nature.

A strong memory we share from high school was when we got the opportunity to try to “run a company for a day.” We baked and sold bread. This experience was an eyeopener to each other’s similarities and differences, something that has strengthened the bond we share today. Assuming different responsibilities within the company came very naturally to us, yet we still like to compare notes on most matters.

What was the starting philosophy for the studio? What would it stand for?

The philosophy of Bonnibonne originates from our respect and connection to nature, from “slow-living,” as well as from our interest in design and cooking crafts. Our aim is to pass on the Scandinavian cultural heritage by translating it into a more modern expression and lifting it into new contexts. Our work is based on conceptualizing, as we believe it adds value and credibility.

How do we recognize the stunning Scandinavian style/craft in your designs?

We want to mediate a sense of fine quality where Scandinavian craft meets raw materials and timeless aesthetics. Our selection of material is always based on care for nature and the tactile experience of the product. Since we mainly work with locally-grown Swedish material our products naturally exhibit a Nordic imprint.

“Our aim is to pass on the Scandinavian cultural heritage by translating it into a more modern expression and lifting it into new contexts. ”

How do you combine and find a balance between ancient crafts and elements, and more modern aspects?

We use traditional crafting techniques and translate them into a more modern aesthetic. In the design process itself we therefore often find it necessary to cut back color and form or apply new materials. Bonnibonne’s products are designed with everyday essentials and interesting materials at heart or simply are born from inspirational encounters with people. Our creativity is certainly triggered by possible limitations.

Something we generally consider in our creative process is the earlier generations and their time aspect. Back then there was a greater tolerance for things taking their time. Our interpretation of this mindset has become the basis of our “hurrying slowly” in which we allow the handicraft to consume the time required for it to become presentable as durable and qualitative.

Why the choice for such a natural and earthy color palette?

We strive to work with colors that are consistent over time without being affected by trends. The color palette generally comes rather natural as we choose to work with materials closely related to nature. We regard the earthy palette that our products display as a good base for the possibility of matching them with selected accent colors onwards.

Can you tell me a bit more about the techniques and materials you work with?

We have just started building our assortment consisting of raw materials such as textile, clay, and wood. In a foreseeable future, we are planning to add glass and stone to the collection. We prefer working on a small scale, making sure the producers behind every single product are highlighted. Excellent quality and transparency are the pillars in the manufacturing process which is conducted locally. When designing new products, much revolves around the interplay between the material and the crafting technique. The final product aims to fulfill an obvious function while still being interesting.

At this particular moment, we are working on a wood turned collection where one of our producers, Björn Enqvist, gently turns every object by hand. It is an elaborate process where crafting skills and knowledge is required. Parallel to this project we are working on a unique ceramic collection with the ceramicist Emil Österholm who has been working clay for several years. He adopts a painstaking ancient firing process that demands chopping firewood and extensive hours of firing up the ceramic kiln. This method is known as wood firing—an atmosphere where ashes, oxygen, and fire interact giving rise to a unique touch in every single product.

“Our selection of material is always based on care for nature and the tactile experience of the product.”

“We want to mediate a sense of fine quality where Scandinavian craft meets raw materials and timeless aesthetics.”

How is the philosophy and style of Bonnibonne represented in your newest book Kontur?

There is a clear connection between the book, slow living, and artistic configuration. Shalony’s passion for photography, coffee, and form combined with a longing for the different seasons of nature, its raw materials, and the beauty of everyday life are the factors that constitute KONTUR. Photography has played a considerable role in outlining the aesthetics that run throughout the book. Shalony aims to convey a poetic, timeless, and sober atmosphere where light sets the mood. Basic knowledge as to how the forest can be used as a pantry is presented in the book as a new approach on how to refine raw material. Our anticipation is that lust and curiosity will be awakened in the reader for a more reclined, mindful, and grounded lifestyle.

Why the choice to publish a book?

We decided to collect and share Shalony’s thoughts and visual interpretation on slow living by capturing everyday moments and beauty based on her sense of aesthetics. We aim to inspire towards a more attentive lifestyle balanced with nature.

What are your future plans?

We are particularly excited about the launch of our first furniture series, to be introduced digitally during Stockholm’s design week in February. The collection “The Outline Series,” is a collaboration with the Japanese architect Fumihito Ohashi. All four oak pieces will be produced in Sweden.